Raiders Add Beef To Offensive Line By Acquiring Ex-Husky

The Oakland Raiders beefed up their offensive line Monday by trading an undisclosed draft choice next year for Atlanta Falcons tackle Lincoln Kennedy.

Kennedy agreed to a two-year contract, although the Raiders did not reveal the amount of the deal. The contract is expected to be finalized today.

Kennedy, the ninth pick overall in the 1993 draft, played for the University of Washington and was a member of the Huskies’ 1991 national championship team. With the Raiders, he rejoins former college teammates Billy Joe Hobert and Napolean Kaufman.

During three NFL seasons, the 6-foot-6, 350-pound Kennedy played in 48 games, including 22 starts.

Coach Jimmy Johnson did his best to shoot down the rumors that the Miami Dolphins are working on a trade for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, who has expressed interest in returning to South Florida.

“I have not talked to Michael Irvin and I have not talked to the Cowboys about any trade,” Johnson said. “There is no substance to any of these rumors.”

In an unrelated matter, a judge quashed the subpoena of a TV reporter in the drug trial of Irvin.

Irvin attorney Kevin Clancy had subpoenaed KXAS-TV reporter Marty Griffin, whose five-part investigative series aired last week, to make him a potential witness.

State District Judge Manny Alvarez quashed the subpoena, which would have included Griffin in a gag order concerning Irvin’s scheduled June 24 trial.

Three-time Pro Bowl punter Reggie Roby, whose signing a year ago was hailed as proof the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are committed to winning, was released in a cost-cutting move.

The New York Jets signed two free agents, running back Reggie Cobb and offensive lineman Harry Boatswain.