NFL roundup: 49ers cut Akers; Eagles to cut Asomugha?

The San Francisco 49ers parted ways with a six-time Pro Bowl player Wednesday, and they might not be interested in acquiring in a four-time Pro Bowl performer.

Veteran kicker David Akers was released by San Francisco on the same day reports indicated that the 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons might not pursue New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.

San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke said of Akers, "He is a true professional who represented himself and this organization with class. We wish him, and his family, all the best."

In two seasons with the 49ers, Akers compiled 297 points -- the most in the NFL during that span. He made 73 of 94 field-goal attempts and all 78 PATs.

Akers' release comes as no surprise. He struggled in 2012, connecting on only 29 of 42 field goal attempts. The 49ers brought in Billy Cundiff toward the end of the year when Akers was dealing with a pelvic injury. Akers, 38, also had a $3 million salary.

Akers regained his job in time for the team's Super Bowl run.

As for Revis, the 49ers and Falcons downplayed any interest in acquiring the shut-down corner.

NFL Network reported that the 49ers have denied discussing Revis' availability with the Jets. However, a New York Daily News story indicated that San Francisco and Atlanta were pursuing Revis, who missed most of last season after suffering a knee injury.

Several media outlets also minimized the Falcons' potential interest in a deal for Revis.

The Daily News reported that the Jets are in a hurry to part with Revis.

"He's gone," a source told the Daily News. "This is happening. They're moving him. They can't keep him. They're rebuilding. They're starting fresh."

The Colts, Buccaneers and Chiefs are among other teams mentioned as having interest in Revis.

--The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to release veteran cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, SportsRadio WIP reported.

The Eagles denied any move was imminent, and it's possible the two sides could agree to a restructured contract before March 12, when all teams must be in compliance with the $123 million salary cap.

The Eagles signed Asomugha, 31, to a four-year, $60 million free-agent deal before the 2011 season, but the two-time All-Pro's production the past two seasons hasn't met expectations.

Asomugha's base salary would be $15 million next season should the Eagles decide to keep the former Oakland Raiders stalwart on the roster. If he's released, the Eagles would owe him $4 million, even if he plays for another team next season.

--New England wide receiver Wes Welker plans to test the free agent market next week and has no plans to re-sign with the Patriots before then.

ESPN reported that the Patriots and Welker aren't close to reaching a deal prior to March 12, the first day for unrestricted free agents to officially sign with other teams.

The Patriots chose not to place a franchise tag on Welker by the Monday deadline as they did last year. That would have entitled Welker, 31, to a 20 percent raise from the $9.5 million he made in 2012 to $11.4 million in 2013.

The steady Welker led the Patriots with 118 catches last year, becoming the first player in NFL history with five 110-catch seasons. In his six seasons with New England, Welker has averaged 112 catches per year.

--Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher underwent surgery Wednesday morning on his left ankle and has scheduled elbow surgery for later this month.

Fletcher, 37, shrugged off retirement talk after 15 NFL years and said he plans to return next season.

"Surgery is the first step towards prepping for next season," Fletcher told CBS DC.

Fletcher led the Redskins with 139 tackles last season and had five interceptions and three sacks from his middle linebacker spot.

In front office news, the Redskins named former San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith as a senior executive.

Smith was fired after the 2012 season by the Chargers. He spent 14 seasons with the Chargers as assistant general manager and director of pro personnel (2001-02) and executive vice president and general manager (2003-12). His 95 wins as GM are a Chargers record.

Under Smith's guidance, the Chargers won five AFC West titles and 95 regular-season games, the fifth-most victories in the the AFC during his run as general manager.

--The Buffalo Bills announced they tendered a qualifying offer to tight end Dorin Dickerson.

The 24-year-old Dickerson appeared in 11 games with Buffalo in 2012, catching nine passes for 117 yards.

The 6-foot-1, 226-pound Dickerson played just 97 snaps last year. But his role could expand with fullback Corey McIntyre prepared to test the free-agent market and tight end Scott Chandler still recovering from an ACL injury.

Meanwhile, veteran linebacker Bryan Scott tweeted that he has re-signed with the Buffalo Bills.

By signing a one-year contract with the Bills, Scott passed up an opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent next week and test the open market.

Scott, 31, finished the 2012 season with 66 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

--Linebacker DeAndre Levy reached agreement on a new three-year contract with the Detroit Lions, according to multiple reports.

Terms of the deal were not available. Levy, 25, was set to become an unrestricted free agent next week.

A four-year starter, Levy was the Lions' third-leading tackler last season with 83. He played middle linebacker his first two years in Detroit and then moved to the outside.

--The Denver Broncos are asking pass-rushing specialist Elvis Dumervil to restructure his contract, according to multiple reports.

Dumervil is due to receive $12 million next season and the Broncos want to renegotiate because their payroll includes quarterback's Peyton Manning $20 million salary and defensive back Champ Bailey's 10 million salary.

If Dumervil and the Broncos fail to reach a deal at a more manageable cap figure, Denver might release him and seek the likes of Dwight Freeney in the free-agent market, NFL.com reported.

--NFL commissioner Roger Goodell continues his express his strong desire to turn football into a safer sport.

Speaking Wednesday at the University of North Carolina, Goodell said the game's overall health and survival depends upon adapting to rules and equipment that reduce injuries.

"There is a national conversation taking place about football," Goodell said, according to ProFootballTalk.com. "We welcome it ... looking at changes to the game not as something to be feared but as something we need to do as if the future of the game relies on it. Because it does. The risk of injury in football is well known, but throughout history, football has evolved and become safer and better."

--Quarterback Vince Young told NFL Network that he recently wrote to Jeff Fisher, his former head coach, and apologized for the manner in which he conducted himself during their joint time with the Tennessee Titans. Fisher is now head coach of the St. Louis Rams, while Young is looking for work after being cut by the Bills before the start of last season.

Young, 29, never got another job in 2012. He will work out for scouts March 26 during the pro day at the University of Texas, his alma mater.