Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington has agreed to an eight-year, $80 million contract extension with the Washington Redskins, his agent said Friday.
Carl Poston said the deal includes $26.5 million in bonuses, most of which becomes available immediately. Under Arrington’s current contract, he would have earned just under $10 million for the next three seasons.
The Redskins were eager to sign Arrington to a long-term contract that would accommodate the team’s salary-cap constraints. The deal replaces the last years of his current contract and defers some of those costs to later years.
“We’re happy he’ll be wearing burgundy and gold for a very long time,” Redskins owner Daniel Snyder said.
Arrington declined a $50 million, seven-year contract extension earlier this month.
Arrington was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl last week. He has career highs this season with 112 tackles, seven forced fumbles and 13 quarterback pressures. He also has six sacks.
Vanderjagt aims at history
While the Colts are one win away from clinching the AFC South championship, kicker Mike Vanderjagt is just one kick away from tying the NFL record for consecutive field goals.
Vanderjagt has made 39 straight field-goal attempts dating to last year, one shy of the NFL record set by Gary Anderson in 1997-98, when he played for San Francisco and Minnesota.
“Records are nice to break,” Vanderjagt said. “If it happens, that would be great. But if I set those records and we lost the game, it really wouldn’t mean anything to me.”
TEAM, SYNOPSIS
Green Bay Packers
A grieving Brett Favre returned to practice Friday and his focus was squarely on football. “Obviously, he had some catching up to do,” coach Mike Sherman said. “But he’s been doing this for quite a long time. So, he probably had less catching up to do than most.”
Tennessee Titans
QB Steve McNair didn’t practice due to right calf, left ankle injuries. “His symptoms are better than they were last Friday,” coach Jeff Fisher said. McNair threw 2 TDs last Sunday in a win over Houston.
Miami Dolphins
RB Ricky Williams (shoulder) will play Sunday against the Jets. “I just love football and it’s my last chance to play for a long time,” he said. “Playing in pain is something I’ve done my whole career.”
Buffalo Bills
Pro Bowl G Ruben Brown excused from team’s finale Saturday for unspecified reasons. Coach Gregg Williams said Brown was “not playing for personal reasons,” adding he hadn’t been suspended.
Baltimore Ravens
LB Peter Boulware (knee) limited for 3rd straight day in practice. “He’s worked through it all week, but I think he’s feeling a little bit better,” coach Brian Billick said. LB Ed Hartwell (chest) should start.
Minnesota Vikings
Sunday’s game at Arizona no gimmee: Vikes have lost to the Giants, Chargers and Raiders (combined 11-34); Cardinals beat Packers, 49ers and Bengals at home; Vikes have lost 14 of last 15 outdoors.
Dallas Cowboys
Michael Bates, 5-time Pro Bowler on special teams, signed. He had 27.1-yard average on kick returns for Jets but broke his wrist after 8 weeks and was released last week. He has 5 career TD returns.
