NFL-National Football League roundup
April 25 (The Sports Xchange) - Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez is not concerned about Tim Tebow being in camp, downplaying the former Heisman Trophy winner's recent addition to the roster. Sanchez said he has been told Tebow was signed as another quarterback to give the receivers some work because Sam Bradford is still not 100 percent. "He's obviously a great guy, he works hard. And we needed another guy to throw while Sam's still recovering," Sanchez told CSNPhilly.com on Friday after taking batting practice with the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. "So that's the reason (for the signing), at least as explained to me. We're excited about the upcoming year and I think we have a great group." The Eagles signed Tebow on Monday to a one-year contract. He has not played in the NFL since being cut in 2013 by the New England Patriots. He spent last year as a television analyst for the SEC Network. Tebow and Sanchez were teammates with the New York Jets in 2012. - - - Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, discussing why there has not been a contract extension for head coach Chuck Pagano, said "it's not a Super Bowl-or-bust season." Pagano, who is entering the final year of his contract, released a statement last month to downplay his job security with the team because of his lame-duck status. Pagano signed a four-year contract in 2012. He missed most of his first season while battling leukemia. Bruce Arians took over, earned Coach of the Year honors and was hired by the Arizona Cardinals. Irsay, speaking Friday night at the Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala, gave his coach a huge vote of confidence. "These things are ongoing a lot of times behind the scenes," Irsay told the Indianapolis Star. "We're working on contracts, whether it's management, coaches, players. We had discussions and it doesn't mean that they won't continue. It's not a Super Bowl-or-bust season or anything like that." - - - The Carolina Panthers officially exercised the fifth-year option on linebacker Luke Kuechly's rookie contract. Kuechly is now under contract through the 2016 season, the team announced Saturday. Kuechly, the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, has led the league in tackles in two of his three seasons. Kuechly was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in the past two seasons. Kuechly had an NFL-best 153 tackles last season, along with three sacks, and has totaled 473 tackles through his first three seasons -- 44 more than any other NFL player over the same time frame. - - - LSU cornerback Jalen Collins had "multiple failed" drug tests while in college, according to a report by NFL Network's Albert Breer. Collins is the No. 64-rated prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft class by NFLDraftScout.com, but is graded as a potential late first round pick by some scouts. He started just 10 career games in LSU's talented secondary and is seen as a raw prospect with a high ceiling. He has excellent size at 6-feet-1 and 203 pounds and excels in man coverage. However, his lack of experience and reported failed tests at LSU could weigh down his draft stock. - - - Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is donating $3 million to the University of Tennessee's football program and his scholarship endowment. Manning, a five-time Most Valuable Player who is entering his 18th NFL season, and his wife, Ashley, made the announcement Friday in Knoxville, Tenn. Manning played for Tennessee from 1994-97. (Editing by Gene Cherry)
