Raiders Lure Defensive Tackle From Cowboys
Russell Maryland wanted to remain a Dallas Cowboy. The salary cap wouldn’t let him.
With Dallas’ dollars either tied up in its superstars or earmarked to re-sign other players, Maryland agreed Wednesday to a six-year, $19 million contract with the Oakland Raiders.
Agent Leigh Steinberg said the deal, which includes a $4.3 million signing bonus, would be announced at a news conference today in Oakland. Maryland was flying to California late Wednesday.
“This is another case of the salary cap breaking up a happy marriage,” Steinberg said.
Maryland becomes the second defensive starter in as many days to leave the defending Super Bowl champions for the Raiders. He’ll be joined in Oakland by cornerback Larry Brown, the Super Bowl MVP.
As they did with Brown, the Raiders made an offer so overwhelming that Maryland didn’t bother visiting any of the other teams interested in him.
Seahawks sign Williams for $7.1 million
The Seahawks signed free-agent safety Darryl Williams to a four-year, $7.1 million contract.
Williams, who played last season for the Cincinnati Bengals, has a career total of 401 tackles, five interceptions, six fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles.
The acquisition of Williams was announced last week.
Coryatt offered $18 million
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Quentin Coryatt to an offer sheet worth $18 million for four years, the largest contract offer to a linebacker.
Coryatt will receive a $6 million signing bonus, the most given to a linebacker.
The Indianapolis Colts, who made Coryatt their transition player earlier this month, have a week to match before the deal would become final.
Hampton to visit 49ers
Rodney Hampton, the New York Giants’ all-time leading rusher, will visit with San Francisco 49ers officials Monday in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers, desperate to upgrade a weak running game, have been said to covet Hampton, 26, a free agent whom the Giants designated a “transition” player last Thursday.
Around the league
After being tendered a one-year offer of $361,000 by Pittsburgh, receiver Andre Hastings, who made 10 catches in the Super Bowl, may be offered a contract by the Detroit Lions. Hastings is a restricted free agent, and the Steelers have the right to match any offer.
Free-agent quarterback Erik Wilhelm signed a contract with Cincinnati, which is looking for a backup to Jeff Blake.
Quarterback Sean Salisbury signed a two-year contract worth about $1 million with the San Diego Chargers. He will back up Stan Humphries.
Tennessee has reached a critical milestone in its effort to get the Houston Oilers to move to Nashville, an executive with the football team told Houston television station KRIV.