Barnett headed to Buffalo Bills
Linebacker Nick Barnett didn’t last long in free agency after agreeing to a three-year, $12 million contract with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Barnett had agreed to the contract earlier in the day, and the Bills announced the signing just after the start of their evening practice. A person familiar with the contract provided the Associated Press the monetary terms, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the team did not disclose the amount.
The deal came two days after Barnett was released by the Green Bay Packers. And it was reached hours after the eight-year veteran watched a Bills walkthrough at training camp in suburban Rochester. Wearing his 2011 Super Bowl ring, Barnett spent much of the session chatting with assistant coach Dave Wannstedt, who doubles as the team’s inside linebackers coach.
Jones back to Packers
Free agent wide receiver James Jones is returning to the Green Bay Packers.
Agent Frank Bauer confirmed that Jones has agreed to a three-year deal with the team.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Bauer says Jones is happy to be back with the Super Bowl champions.
Graham to Tennessee
The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a multiyear deal with tight end Daniel Graham, adding some blocking help.
Terms of the deal weren’t immediately available, but Graham had visited the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday before flying to Nashville to meet with the Titans.
Hightower traded
The Washington Redskins have acquired running back Tim Hightower from the Arizona Cardinals for defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday and an undisclosed draft pick.
The 25-year-old Hightower rushed for 1,733 yards and 23 touchdowns over three seasons with the Cardinals. He had 736 yards and five touchdowns last season, and he also lost four fumbles.
Ravens sign Leach
All-Pro fullback Vonta Leach signed a three-year, $11 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Houston Texans were hoping to re-sign the 6-foot, 255-pound Leach, who was the lead blocker for Arian Foster, the NFL’s leading rusher in 2010.
But the Ravens needed an escort for running back Ray Rice, especially since Baltimore expects to lose unrestricted free agent Le’Ron McClain.
General manager Ozzie Newsome, who negotiated the deal, said of Leach: “He’s a Raven-type player. He’s very physical and dedicated to the game. Our running game just got better.”
Falcons keep Blalock
The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms with left guard Justin Blalock on a six-year contract.
Blalock has started all 64 games that he’s played since Atlanta drafted him in the second round of 2007 out of Texas.
Lewis ready to report
Pro Bowl tight end Marcedes Lewis is ending his holdout with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Although he still doesn’t have a long-term contract, Lewis said on his Twitter page Sunday that he is returning to the team after a five-day holdout.
Lewis caught 58 passes for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns last season – all career highs. The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Lewis, who signed a one-year tender offer worth nearly $7.3 million.
Jets re-sign Brunell
Mark Brunell will be back as Mark Sanchez’s backup and mentor after the Jets re-signed the 40-year-old veteran to a one-year deal.
The Jets cut Brunell, due $1.25 million in base salary this year, on Friday but brought him back at a lesser salary.