Seahawks cut Babineaux; Jones practices
The Seattle Seahawks have released veteran safety Jordan Babineaux, fullback Owen Schmitt and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson.
They were replaced on the roster Monday by defensive end Raheem Brock, running back Michael Robinson and defensive tackle Junior Siavii.
Seattle also hired Pat Ruel as the offensive line coach. Ruel served in the same capacity at Southern California under head coach Pete Carroll the last five years.
Babineaux signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted rookie in 2004 and appeared in 83 games at cornerback and safety, making 319 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and eight interceptions. He started at safety in all 16 games last season, finishing with a career-high 105 tackles.
Still around was running back Julius Jones, rumored to be cut during the weekend, only to be at practice on Monday and undeterred by the talk of losing his job in Seattle. General manager John Schneider said he made it a point to apologize to Jones after the reports surfaced.
Housh headed to Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens upgraded their receiving corps again by agreeing to terms with T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
To make room for Houshmandzadeh, the Ravens traded wide receiver Mark Clayton to the St. Louis Rams for an undisclosed draft pick.
Houshmandzaheh, a 10-year veteran, was cut by Seattle last week. He signed with the Seahawks as a free agent before the 2009 season and had a team-high 79 catches for 911 yards and three touchdowns.
Leinart agrees with Texans
Quarterback Matt Leinart has agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Texans, according to agent Tom Condon.
Leinart was cut by Arizona on Saturday. Condon confirmed in a phone interview with the Associated Press that Leinart had reached a deal with the Texans.
Local watch
Lineman Levi Horn (Rogers High), who was waived by the Chicago Bears during the weekend, has been added to their practice squad. …. Tight end Nathan Overbay (EWU) has been signed to the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad.
Around the league
Cornerback Darrelle Revis has signed his four-year deal with the New York Jets, officially marking his return to the team after a long holdout. He is expected to play in the season opener on Monday. … Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced quarterback Dennis Dixon will be starting in place for suspended Ben Roethlisberger. … Quarterback Donovan McNabb is once again practicing with the Washington Redskins after being sidelined two weeks with a sprained left ankle. … Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is back at practice after dealing with a knee injury the past two weeks.
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan says the team will re-sign veteran fullback Tony Richardson. … The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have claimed rookie running back LeGarrette Blount off waivers. … The San Francisco 49ers have waived third-string quarterback Nate Davis. … The Carolina Panthers have signed eight players to the practice squad, including former baseball star Dale Murphy’s son, guard Shawn Murphy.