NFL notebook: Carr finds home as Carolina backup
A month after he was released by the Houston Texans, David Carr agreed Friday to a two-year deal to play for the Carolina Panthers.
Carr, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, will serve as Jake Delhomme’s backup.
Carr was a five-year starter for the expansion Texans. He completed a career-high 68.3 percent of his passes last season, but was released by the Texans after they obtained Matt Schaub in a trade from Atlanta and anointed him as their starting quarterback.
The Panthers believe Carr’s troubles stemmed from Houston’s poor offensive line, and tried to sign him during his visit with the team early in the week. Carr left without a contract and visited Seattle, while Carolina brought in former Miami quarterback Joey Harrington for a visit, before Carr finally signed.
Williams wants to return
Ricky Williams, the former NFL star who played in Canada last year after being suspended for a year for substance abuse, has applied for reinstatement.
Williams’ agent, Leigh Steinberg, said the running back, who will turn 30 in May, had sent a letter asking that he be allowed to return to the Miami Dolphins. He will be eligible after April 27, when he will have been suspended for a year. The Dolphins have not commented because Williams is not yet eligible for reinstatement.
Culpepper not ready
Miami Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper said he won’t fully participate in the team’s first minicamp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., next weekend as his 17-month rehabilitation from a major knee injury continues.
“Everything takes time,” Culpepper said. “I’m working hard right now to be there when the season starts or when training camp starts.”
Council created
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has established a six-member council of veteran players to advise him on a variety of issues, including player conduct.
The group includes Troy Vincent, a free agent, along with safety Donovin Darius of Jacksonville; fullback Tony Richardson of Minnesota; center Jeff Saturday of Indianapolis; linebacker Takeo Spikes of Philadelphia and wide receiver James Thrash of Washington.