[ NFL ISLANDERS ]
Former Kahuku High standout Chris Naeole has agreed to a multiyear contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, CBS Sports- line reported yesterday. Naeole signs with
Jags for 7 yearsFrom staff and wire reports
According to the Internet site, Naeole's new contract includes an $800,000 signing bonus. It's a seven-year deal with a clause that could void the contract after three seasons. The new deal for the former New Orleans Saints lineman is worth a little less than $1 million a season, a bargain considering how much money the Saints shelled out.
New Orleans made Naeole the 10th pick overall in 1997, signing him to a hefty signing bonus. Naeole restructured his contract last year for New Orleans to help with salary cap issues. This time around, the Saints, who are strapped financially, decided not to match the Jaguars' offer.
The Saints have parted ways with star left tackle Willie Roaf, defensive end Joe Johnson, defensive tackle LaRoi Glover and running back Ricky Williams.
Eagles "unfranchise" Trotter: The Philadelphia Eagles withdrew the franchise tag on Jeremiah Trotter, allowing the Pro Bowl linebacker to become an unrestricted free agent.
Under the franchise tag, Trotter would have been forced to accept a one-year contract believed to be worth about $5.5 million, based on an average of the league's five highest-paid linebackers.
Trotter, voted by his teammates as the defensive MVP on a team that nearly went to the Super Bowl, wasn't pleased and made it clear that he would rather be traded.
"After reviewing Jeremiah's situation, I felt that it was in the best interest of Jeremiah and the team that we withdraw the franchise tag, letting him become a free agent to explore other options where he'll be happier," coach Andy Reid said.
Steelers sign Farrior, lose Holmes: Linebacker James Farrior, who led the New York Jets in tackles last season, agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a three-year contract to replace Earl Holmes, who is heading to Cleveland.
Farrior, 27, started every game for the New York Jets last season -- the first time he's done that in his career. Holmes led the Steelers in tackles last season.
Seahawks sign Evans: Free-agent cornerback Doug Evans agreed to a three-year deal with Seattle. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Evans, 31, is expected to challenge Ken Lucas for the starting spot opposite Shawn Springs. Veteran Willie Williams, a starter last season, will move into the role of nickel back.
While playing for the Carolina Panthers last season, Evans had eight interceptions, the third-highest total in the NFC. He was released on Feb. 22 in a salary cap-related move.
