Times wires
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
NEW ORLEANS — For flamboyant tight end Jeremy Shockey, the party is over — at least in New Orleans.
Shockey was released Tuesday by the Saints, who appear ready to move on with promising Jimmy Graham, a 2010 third-round draft choice.
Shockey, 30, was no stranger to the Big Easy social scene. He also played a role as the Saints ignited one of the city's biggest parties when his fourth-quarter touchdown helped them beat the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.
The nine-year veteran, who starred in college at Miami, had one season and $4.2 million in base salary left on his contract.
Last season the former Giant had 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games.
A note was posted on Shockey's Twitter page: "Always will remember my time in New Orleans. … Onto the next chapter, the Deep Unknown."
PONDER CHANGE: Former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder, who initially said he would not throw at this month's pre-draft scouting combine, will throw there after all, profootballtalk.com reported.
LABOR TALKS: The players' union told agents that their meeting Thursday in Indianapolis would be postponed because of mediation between the union and owners. Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith and members of their bargaining teams talked for about eight hours Tuesday, the fifth day they met with federal mediator George Cohen. Several players joined Smith in the talks.
PODOLAK ACCIDENT: The daughter of Ed Podolak said the former Chiefs running back was in stable condition at a hospital in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he was hit by a car while crossing a street. Laura Podolak said in a statement that he was having "minor" surgeries.
BRONCOS: The team signed 10-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey to a four-year deal believed to be worth between $40 million and $44 million.
BROWNS: The team put the franchise tag on kicker Phil Dawson.
PANTHERS: The team put the non-exclusive franchise tag on two-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil. General manager Marty Hurney chose to restrict him rather than running back DeAngelo Williams and defensive end Charles Johnson.
TITANS: Four coaches were added: Dave Ragone (wide receivers), Art Valero (assistant offensive line), Chet Parlavecchio (assistant special teams) and Arthur Smith (defensive quality control assistant). New coach Mike Munchak did not retain Marty Galbraith (special teams assistant) or Tim Hauck (assistant secondary coach).