Offensive lineman Cooper Carlisle changed his mind after agreeing to a deal with the Baltimore Ravens, and instead decided to stay with the Denver Broncos.
The guard, a backup most of last season who will have a chance to start in 2005, signed a two-year deal yesterday.
On Tuesday, Carlisle agreed in principle to a two-year contract worth $2 million with the Ravens. The 6-foot-5, 295-pound blocker was slated to be the primary backup to right tackle Orlando Brown and guards Edwin Mulitalo and Keydrick Vincent.
Jets Trade Cowart
The New York Jets traded middle linebacker Sam Cowart to the Minnesota Vikings for a seventh-round pick in this year's draft.
Cowart's playing time diminished in 2004 after a knee injury knocked him out for an extended period and rookie Jonathan Vilma emerged as a standout player. After the season, Cowart asked for a trade when it became clear he wouldn't have much of a role with the Jets.
Steelers Restructure Deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers restructured the contract of left tackle Marvel Smith to free up $2.55 million in salary cap space.
Smith will be paid the minimum-wage base salary of $540,000 in 2005 instead of the $3.95 million in salary he had been due. The remaining $3.4 million was paid to Smith this week as a signing bonus.
Adams, Eagles Agree
Linebacker Keith Adams agreed to a one-year contract with the Eagles following a season in which his career-high 54 tackles helped Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl. Adams also is a key player on special teams whose value rose after he played well as a starter filling in for Mark Simoneau in the playoffs.
