Walker’s agent claims Denver deal ready
Javon Walker is set to sign a five-year extension worth more than $40 million with the Denver Broncos, who acquired the wide receiver in a draft-day deal.
“We do have a deal in place,” Walker’s agent, Kennard McGuire, wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press Tuesday.
“I can’t give you details,” McGuire added, other than to confirm the extension was worth between $40 million and $42 million.
The Broncos have a policy of not discussing financial terms of contracts.
Walker, who is still recovering from a major knee injury he sustained in last year’s season opener, is expected to sign the pact today. The extension will take him through 2011.
Walker, 27, is due to make $1.15 million next season and a $1 million roster bonus, part of the five-year, $7.485 million rookie contract that he signed in Green Bay as a first-round draft pick out of Florida State in 2002.
Walker began seeking a bigger paycheck more than a year ago after he made the Pro Bowl following the 2004 season, when he caught 89 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Pneumonia killed ex-NFL player
Former NFL lineman Travis Claridge had an intoxicating level of a painkiller in his system and an enlarged heart when he died accidentally in February, the Las Vegas coroner’s office said.
Claridge played for Southern California and the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League last year.
The 27-year-old player died of acute pneumonia, Clark County coroner’s office spokeswoman Samantha Charles said. She added that drug intoxication and Claridge’s heart condition were “significant” factors in his death.
Toronto could test Williams
Ricky Williams may have to take a drug test if the running back wants to play for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
The NFL suspended Williams for a year last month for his fourth violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. Since the suspension, his agent, Leigh Steinberg, has indicated that Williams is seriously interested in the CFL.
The CFL has no formal drug testing policy, but Toronto president Keith Pelley said the team could conduct its own tests if the Miami Dolphins allow Williams to play for the Argonauts.
Around the league
Cleveland running back Reuben Droughns has been acquitted of drunken driving. The 10-person jury in Medina (Ohio) Municipal Court deliberated for 35 minutes before deciding Droughns was not impaired when he was pulled him over Nov. 1. … Mississippi receiver Mike Espy, son of former Agriculture Secretary Michael Espy, was among seven undrafted free agents who signed with Washington.