Steelers Sign Kordell Stewart Through 2000

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Kordell Stewart to a two-year contract extension, keeping him on the team through the 2000 season.

Stewart, who has also played wide receiver, is expected to be the starting quarterback.

Mike Tomczak, last year’s starter who became a free agent in February, re-signed with the Steelers as a backup for three years at $1.2 million.

“This just puts a stamp on it and gives me the chance to be here a few more years and have the opportunity to be the starter,” said Stewart, who became No. 2 QB at midseason.

Stewart is scheduled to make $360,000 in salary, but can more than double that with incentives as the starting quarterback. The new deal adds an unspecified signing bonus.

Redskins sign Mims

The Washington Redskins continue to rebuild their defense, signing San Diego Chargers veteran lineman Chris Mims to a one-year, $300,000 contract.

He will replace Sterling Palmer, released last week, at left defensive end. Mims, a former first-round draft pick, was released by the Chargers in April after the team signed Philadelphia defensive end William Fuller.

Mims, 26, battled weight problems while in San Diego and had off-the-field legal and financial troubles.

Greene misses Panthers camp

The Carolina Panthers concluded a voluntary minicamp Tuesday without 1996 NFL sack leader Kevin Greene, who is spending the off-season seeking a new contract and pursuing a pro wrestling career.

Greene was the only signed veteran who missed all nine practices, but attendance was not required and he will not be fined.

That could change today, however, when the defending NFC West champions begin a three-day camp at which attendance is mandatory. He could be fined $1,562 per day.

Plummer hears charges

Quarterback Jake Plummer was in court Tuesday in Phoenix to hear the charges against him in a felony sex-abuse case alleging he pawed four women during a bachelor party at a nightclub.

Judge Gregory Martin of Maricopa County Superior Court will decide at a June 27 preliminary hearing if there is sufficient evidence to take the case to trial.

Plummer was released on his own recognizance and allowed unrestricted travel, meaning he can attend the Arizona training camp in Flagstaff starting July 18.

Tampa Bay releases

Harper Tampa Bay cleared about $1 million under the salary cap Tuesday by releasing wide receiver Alvin Harper after two disappointing, injury-filled seasons.

Harper, who helped Dallas win two Super Bowls before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 1995, was entering the third season of a four-year, $10.66 million contract that was to pay him $1.95 million in 1997.

Harper is expected to sign a three-year, $3 million deal with Washington.

49ers sign Anderson

The San Francisco 49ers, seeking to replace departed Jeff Wilkins, signed veteran placekicker Gary Anderson to a one-year contract worth $275,000.

Anderson, 37, hit 25 of 29 field goals and all 40 point-after attempts with Philadelphia in 1996. He spent the first 13 of his 15 seasons in the NFL with Pittsburgh and ranks fourth on the NFL career list with 356 field goals.

He will compete with Jon Baker and free agent rookie Ryan Longwell for the job.