Niners: Dallas Has Edge
The Dallas Cowboys appear to be the front-runners in the race to sign Deion Sanders, and the San Francisco 49ers seem to agree.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reportedly is dangling a five-year offer that would include up to a $10 million signing bonus for Sanders, who helped San Francisco beat Dallas last season en route to its fifth Super Bowl.
Jones has said he would be shocked if Sanders didn’t sign with Dallas and 49ers president Carmen Policy conceded he regards the 49ers as underdogs to Dallas in the pursuit of Sanders.
“You’ve got to feel like you’re the underdog based upon not only the statements made by the other organization but the statements made by the head man of the other organization,” Policy said. “We are not obsessed with Dallas or with the opportunity to sign any particular player. We’re going to be governed by desire and reason. I’m not sure that’s the way the competition is conducting itself.”
Sanders is expected to decide his football future by Friday. Miami and Denver have also has been mentioned as possible destinations for last season’s NFL defensive player of the year.
Taylor sidelined
San Francisco wide receiver John Taylor suffered more than just a leg cramp Sunday in New Orleans. The 49ers said that Taylor has a sprained lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and a pulled right calf muscle.
Taylor will not play in Sunday’s home opener against Atlanta and joins top draft pick J.J. Stokes (hand) on the sidelines.
Lawsuit looms
The next step for the NFL in its escalating marketing battle with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could be a lawsuit, according to Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.
“What you are headed for is a substantial lawsuit,” Bowlen said. “It’s sad, but that is the direction that this thing is going. The league cannot stand passively by and watch Jerry pick at revenue sharing.
Cooke approaches deal
Despite loud opposition from a large majority of the hundreds in attendance, the Prince George’s County Council approved three controversial pieces of legislation designed to speed approval for a proposed 78,600-seat stadium in Landover, Md.
By identical votes of 7-2, the nine-member panel ignored complaints of special treatment for Cooke and approved a bill allowing the stadium to be built on the 299-acre site known as Wilson Farm.
Sawyer pleads no-contest
Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Corey Sawyer was placed on 18 months’ probation and agreed to pay $3,500 in fines and court costs on a no-contest plea to a perjury charge in Tallahassee, Fla.
Sawyer was charged with lying about his relationship with a sports agent who sent him cash while he was still playing for Florida State.
End zone
Jacksonville coach Tom Coughlin said Steve Beuerlein, who struggled in the Jaguars’ first game, will remain the team’s starting quarterback. … The Jaguars released former 1,000-yard rusher Reggie Cobb and claimed Vaughn Dunbar on waivers from New Orleans. … Giants rookie running back Tyrone Wheatley (ribs) and former University of Montana offensive tackle Scott Gragg (foot) will miss this week’s game with Kansas City, but might be ready by next week.