It is the point in the NFL's yearly schedule where there is not a lot going on. The league's mandatory NFL mini-camps are still about two weeks away and training camp is slightly less than two months away. However, this does not mean that nothing is happening around the league. The Cleveland Browns gave one of their linebackers a contract extension. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions signed a veteran running back and the New Orleans Saints announced a retirement.
Browns give out contract extension
The Cleveland Browns gave starting outside linebacker Christian Kirksey a four-year, $38 million contract extension following the best season of his career.
During his first two seasons in the league, the third-round pick from Iowa played in all 16 games but only made 13 starts. He played well in that time amassing 134 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Last season, Kirksey won the starting job and started every game. He led the team with 143 tackles and added 2.5 sacks. With the extension the Browns have now committed a total of $272 million in contracts this offseason.
Lions sign veteran running back
The Detroit Lions signed veteran running back Matt Asiata to a one-year deal, after not adding a running back in the draft or free agency. Asiata is a six-year veteran, who has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings. For his career, he has played in 74 games and started 16.
He has a total of 1,259 rushing yards, 722 receiving yards, and 19 career touchdowns. To make room for the veteran, the Lions released starting fullback Michael Burton. Burton became expendable since Jim Bob Cooter's offensive does not use the fullback position that much.
Saints announce a retirement
The New Orleans Saints signed wide receiver Lance Moore to a one-day deal, so that he could retire with the team he spent most of his career with.
An undrafted receiver out of Toldeo, Moore was cut by the Cleveland Browns before spending 2005 on the Saints practice squad. He then spent the next eight seasons with the team before spending his last two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions. Moore did not play in the NFL last season.
Lance Moore finished his career with 389 receptions for 4,816 yards and 44 touchdowns.
He was also part of the Saints team that won Super Bowl XLIV and he was a favorite target of quarterback Drew Brees. Moore retires being fifth all-time in receptions and receiving touchdowns, while being seventh all-time in receiving yards.
