NFL Roundup: Smith to be dealt to Chiefs; Brady won't talk about deal
One NFL quarterback reportedly is headed for a new home while another is taking a financial hit to help his team's salary cap.
Alex Smith, he will soon be leaving the San Francisco Bay area and appears headed to America's Heartland as the new quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a report by Fox Sports.
The deal cannot be officially announced by either team or the league until the NFL's new year begins on March 12, but Jay Glazer of Fox Sports said the 49ers would deal Smith and their second round picks in the 2013 and 2014 NFL drafts to the Chiefs, but who the Chiefs would give up remains unknown.
Matt Cassel, who Smith would replace at KC, may find himself heading to Arizona, according to an ESPN report.
Meanwhile, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady doesn't want to talk about his restructured contract other than to say it's all about helping the team be successful.
Brady signed a three-year, $27 million deal this week that, according to reports, included a $30 million signing bonus and extends his contract through the 2017 season. The new deal gives $15 million of salary cap space to the Patriots for the next two seasons.
In an email to WEEI Radio in Boston, Brady said, "I don't want to talk about this on the radio or anywhere else for that matter. Athletes are always talking about money at a time when everyone else is struggling so badly to make it. We all make way more than our fair share. And I just think it reflects poorly on myself and my teammates."
---The NFL may face an investigation about interview practices of potential draftees.
The league is reviewing some of the questions players were asked at the NFL Scouting Combine last week in Indianapolis after Colorado tight end Nick Kasa said he was asked about his sexual orientation by several teams at the combine, prompting the NFL Players Association to ask for an investigation.
"I know that the NFL agrees that these types of questions violate the law, our CBA and player rights," NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith told USA Today. "I hope that they will seek out information as to what teams have engaged in this type of discrimination and we should then discuss appropriate discipline."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league will address the reports.
"Like all employers, our teams are expected to follow applicable federal, state and local employment laws," he said. "It is league policy to neither consider nor inquire about sexual orientation in the hiring process. In addition, there are specific protections in our collective bargaining agreement with the players that prohibit discrimination against any player, including on the basis of sexual orientation."
---The New York Jets were actively shopping cornerback Darrelle Revis during the NFL Scouting Combine last weekend in Indianapolis, according to a New York Daily News report. Jets general manager John Idzik and coach Rex Ryan have said they want Revis, who is recovering from a torn ACL, back next season but that they wouldn't rule out a deal that could improve the team. The Daily News said a decision on Revis is likely coming directly from owner Woody Johnson.
---Chicago Bears offensive tackle J'Marcus Webb is free on bond after being arrested on drug charges Sunday in Pulaski County, Ill. Webb was charged with possession of a controlled substance, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, KFVS-TV reported. He paid $500 of a $5,000 bond and was released Monday. A court date will be set for some time in March.
---The New York Giants have re-signed left tackle Will Beatty to a five-year, $38.75 million contract. The deal includes $12.5 million to sign and $19 million in guaranteed money, according to InsideFootball.com. Beatty, 27, stayed healthy last season after missing 14 games the previous two years. He proved to be a solid pass protector for quarterback Eli Manning, allowing three sacks and 22 hurries in 2012.
---The Jacksonville Jaguars released offensive tackle Guy Whimper, quarterback John Parker Wilson and defensive back Brandon King, the club announced Wednesday.
