Colts cut Freeney, Collie
Dwight Freeney and Austin Collie were not expected to be back with the Indianapolis Colts next season.
On Friday, the team made it official by issuing a statement saying it would not re-sign Freeney, the Colts’ career sacks leader, or Collie, a key player in their second Super Bowl run since moving to Indy. Both will now become unrestricted free agents.
“Sadly, Dwight and Horseshoe parting ways,” team owner Jim Irsay wrote on Twitter after the team confirmed the moves.
Goodell pay is $29 million: Commissioner Roger Goodell was paid $29.49 million by NFL owners in 2011, nearly triple his compensation from the previous year.
According to the league’s most recent tax return, most of Goodell’s pay comes in the form of a $22.3 million bonus. His base pay was $3.1 million. The NFL was scheduled to file the return Friday.
While the league declined comment on specifics, it must, by law, make the return available upon request.
In 2011, Goodell helped the league reach a new 10-year labor deal and work out lucrative TV contracts.
Green Bay releases Woodson: The Green Bay Packers have released veteran defensive back Charles Woodson.
General manager Ted Thompson announced the move Friday, saying the team would not have won the 2010 Super Bowl without Woodson and saying the “once-in-a-generation talent” was an ambassador for the organization off the field.
The 36-year-old Woodson has two years left on a five-year contract that was worth as much as $55 million. His agent, Carl Poston, says Woodson still wants to play for a Super Bowl contender.
Rams waive Young: Titus Young’s stay with the Rams was brief. The wide receiver has been placed on waivers after only a few days in St. Louis.
Coach Jeff Fisher said the Rams picked up Young before they had much time to do any background checks. He said Young was “not the best option” for the Rams.
Young was banished three times by the Lions last year because of his behavior, including once for punching teammate Louis Delmas. He recently lashed out at the team on Twitter.