NFL: Ex-Texan Carr visits Carolina

Free agent David Carr traveled to North Carolina on Tuesday to visit with a Panthers team in need of a backup quarterback.

Carr, the No. 1 overall pick by expansion Houston in the 2002 draft, was released by the Texans last month. His agent, Mike Sullivan, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Carolina general manager Marty Hurney does not comment on free-agent visits.

The Panthers are looking for a backup behind Jake Delhomme after releasing Chris Weinke last month. The Panthers have also shown interest in former Miami quarterback Joey Harrington.

The Panthers, who have been quiet during the free-agency period, are about $9 million under the salary cap.

Dolphins deal Mare

Olindo Mare was traded by the Miami Dolphins to the New Orleans Saints, ending the kicker’s weeks of waiting for a change of scenery.

The Dolphins are getting the Saints’ sixth-round pick, No. 199 overall, in this month’s draft.

Moving Mare seemed inevitable when the Dolphins signed former New York Giants kicker Jay Feely as a free agent earlier this off-season. But Mare remained on Miami’s roster for weeks, with the team unwilling to immediately cut him and unable to work out a deal with another team until now.

Jones talks with commissioner

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and league officials met with Adam “Pacman” Jones in New York as the Tennessee Titans cornerback attempted to avoid a long suspension following a series of arrests.

Goodell and his staff also met with Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry and members of the NFL Players Association executive board as he prepared a tougher policy on NFL players who violate the law.

Goodell has said he will announce his decision on suspensions or other disciplinary action before the draft on April 28 and perhaps in the next 10 days.