Newsmakers
Traded The San Francisco 49ers acquired wide receiver Anquan Boldin from the Ravens for a sixth-round draft pick Monday. Boldin, a star in Baltimore’s run to the Super Bowl title last season, must pass a physical to complete the deal. When the Ravens announced the trade, it prompted a disappointed response from quarterback Joe Flacco.
Tendered The New York Giants are allowing Victor Cruz to enter restricted free agency, placing a first-round tender on the wide receiver. Team owner John Mara said the Giants will risk having Cruz agree to a contract with another club. New York has the right to match any offer. If the Giants allow him to leave, they will get a first-round draft choice as compensation. The tender is worth $2.879 million for 2013 for Cruz, who has not made half of that in his three pro seasons. But Cruz believes he can earn more on the open market.
Injured Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving could miss the next month – and maybe the rest of this season – with a sprained left shoulder, the latest injury to sideline the All-Star guard. Irving, who has dealt with several injuries during his brief NBA career, sprained his shoulder Sunday night in a loss to Toronto. He collided with Raptors rookie forward Jonas Valanciunas while trying to drive the baseline. Irving stayed in the game, but was taken out after he was unable to raise his left arm shooting free throws.
• Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel will have surgery on his injured left knee today, a move that could offer a hint about his future with the Wildcats. Famed orthopedic surgeon James Andrews will perform the operation in Gulf Breeze, Fla., to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Scott Mair of University of Kentucky Sports Medicine will observe and coordinate Noel’s rehabilitation, which is expected to take six to eight months.
Released The Arizona Cardinals released running back Beanie Wells after four injury-plagued seasons. Wells eclipsed 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in 2011, but was limited to eight games last season due to a turf toe injury. He ran for 234 yards and eight touchdowns.
• The Denver Broncos released talented but troubled linebacker D.J. Williams, who was suspended for nine games last season and lost his starting job to Wesley Woodyard. Williams was a first-round draft pick in 2004 out of the University of Miami. He played all of the linebacker positions for the Broncos and was the team’s leading tackler during most of his nine seasons in Denver.
Signed The New York Jets signed quarterback David Garrard to back up Mark Sanchez. Garrard, who has not played in the NFL since 2010, started 76 games in nine seasons with Jacksonville.