The Carolina Panthers have found a potential boost for the NFL's worst offense by coming to terms with four-time Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey on a one-year deal, a person with knowledge of the decision said Thursday.
The 30-year-old Shockey, who was released by New Orleans last week, had also received interest from the Miami Dolphins.
"Looks like I'm signing with Carolina. Time for the Next chapter," Shockey wrote on his Facebook page. "This is a great opportunity for me, and I am excited to play football. Lets hope we all have the chance to play this season."
Panthers coach Ron Rivera put an emphasis on acquiring a pass-catching tight end immediately after he was hired in January to replace John Fox following Carolina's 2-14 season.
The flamboyant Shockey could be that guy, although he has been slowed by injuries the past few seasons.
Packers re-sign Hawk. A.J. Hawk's absence from the Green Bay Packers didn't last long. Hawk's agent, Mike McCartney, said that the linebacker signed a five-year deal with the Packers just one day after he was released in a cost-cutting move.
"He's thrilled to be back with his Super Bowl-winning teammates and a first-class organization," McCartney said in an e-mail to the Associated Press.
Hawk, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, was scheduled to earn $10 million in 2011. When the Packers released him Wednesday, they did so with the hope that they could bring him back at a reduced salary.
Packers general manager Ted Thompson said the business side of the game drove the decision to release Hawk and he was hopeful Hawk would return. Hawk was free to negotiate with other teams after his release, but focused on the Packers.
Ex-Lion sentenced in sex case. Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Tommie Boyd was sentenced to 2-15 years in prison for his guilty plea to a second-degree sexual conduct charge involving a then-14-year-old girl.
Boyd, 39, entered his plea in January in exchange for authorities dropping several other charges. Police said he grabbed the girl's buttocks with both hands.
The Detroit News reported that Macomb County (Mich.) Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski told Boyd he is "probably a parent's worst nightmare." Boyd also has to register as a sex offender and be fitted with a tether for the rest of his life, when released.
Defense attorney Randy Secontine says his client is "extremely remorseful."
Giants moves. The New York Giants signed return specialists Domenik Hixon and Darius Reynaud to contract extensions.
Hixon set Giants single-season records in 2009 with 57 kickoff returns for 1,291 yards, a 22.6-yard average. He also led the team with a 15.1-yard average on 17 punt returns, including a 79-yard touchdown. Hixon ranks seventh in Giants history with 1,692 kickoff return yards and ninth with 498 punt return yards.
Without him last season, the Giants finished 31st in the NFL in both punt returns (a 6.1-yard average) and kickoff returns (19.0).
The Giants also announced that nine other players were tendered offers. Defensive linemen Mathias Kiwanuka, Barry Cofield, and Dave Tollefson; receiver Steve Smith; halfback Ahmad Bradshaw; tight end Kevin Boss; and offensive lineman Kevin Boothe were tendered one-year contracts as restricted free agents. The Giants have also tendered one-year contracts to tight end-fullback Bear Pascoe and offensive lineman Jamon Meredith as exclusive-rights players.
Notable. The Oakland Raiders let offensive lineman Robert Gallery leave as a free agent after seven years with the team. Raiders senior executive John Herrera said that the decision was made because of the vast difference in what the two sides thought Gallery should be paid. "Gallery wanted about $8 million a year, and that was way too much money. We're being real honest about it. We were in the $2.5 million range," Herrera said. . . . Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels has agreed to a new contract with the Houston Texans. The Houston Chronicle reported that the deal was for four years, and it was worth about $22 million. . . . New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said running back Pierre Thomas has agreed to a four-year contract with the club. The terms were not released. . . . Free agent safety O.J. Atogwe has signed a five-year, $26 million contract with the Washington Redskins.
