Thursday, March 27, 2008

McFarland fails physical, Steelers withdraw offer

McFarland fails physical, Steelers withdraw offer
The Pittsburgh Steelers appeared set to sign free-agent defensive lineman Anthony McFarland on Tuesday night. But after working him out Wednesday morning, they withdrew their offer according to the Beaver County Times.

A Steelers spokesman said late Wednesday afternoon that no deal has been struck with McFarland.

Apparently, McFarland flunked his physical. A 10-year veteran with 85 career starts, McFarland missed last season with a knee injury. McFarland played for Tampa Bay and Indianapolis.



Trufant, Seahawks agree, shed franchise tag for '08
Marcus Trufant and the Seahawks have agreed to a multiyear deal that will keep the Pro Bowl cornerback under contract with Seattle beyond 2008. A team spokesman said a news conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon was to announce Trufant's new deal. The Seahawks had designated Trufant as their franchise player for this year and were mandated to offer him a one-year tender worth a guaranteed $9,465,000, the average of the top five salaries for cornerbacks in the league.

Dorsey answers health questions at Pro Day
It wasn't the dominant workout some anticipated, but LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey remains in consideration for the No. 1 overall pick after the Tigers' Pro Day on Wednesday. He participated in the full workout, and LSU team doctors tried to quell concerns regarding and old injury and a reported recent surgery.

Panthers sign veteran guard Toniu Fonoti
The Carolina Panthers have signed free-agent guard Toniu Fonoti, a former second-round draft choice who has been in and out of the league in recent seasons because of weight problems.

The Panthers hope Fonoti (6-foot-4, 350 pounds) can compete for playing time at guard.

San Diego selected him in the 2002 draft. He started 14 games for the Chargers as a rookie, then spent the next season on injured reserve. In 2004, he started 16 games. Sports Illustrated named him first team All-Pro. After another injury and with his weight reportedly up to about 390 pounds, the Chargers traded him to Minnesota in 2005. He didn't last with the Vikings. Atlanta signed him last March, but released him during training camp.