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Giants agree to five-year deal with oft-injured WR Hilliard

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Ike Hilliard and the New York Giants have agreed to terms on a new contract.

Neil Schwartz, Hilliard's agent, confirmed the agreement Sunday, but would not discuss specifics.

However, a source close to the team, who requested anonymity, told The Associated Press that the receiver got a five-year, $12.5 million contract. The oft-injured Hilliard will get a $2.5 million signing bonus and will be paid an annual salary of $2.5 million.

The deal also contains incentives that can push the value higher, particularly if Hilliard stays healthy, the source said.

Hilliard, the Giants' first-round draft pick in 1997, is taking classes in Florida. He probably won't sign the deal until later this week.

Hilliard is the second veteran the Giants (10-6) retained in the last few days. Offensive tackle Luke Petitgout was signed late Thursday just hours before he would have become a free agent.

Hilliard elected to stay with an offensive team that made major strides last season and qualified for the playoffs. Hilliard wasn't around for the postseason. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the seventh game on a late hit by Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins.

The NFL fined Dawkins $50,000 for the hit that separated Hilliard's right shoulder and tore his labrum.

Hilliard finished the season with 27 catches for 386 yards and two touchdowns. The former Florida product has 259 catches for 3,585 yards and 21 touchdowns in 69 career games. He missed his rookie year with a serious neck injury. He was bothered much of the 2000 and 2001 seasons by a toe injury that required surgery.

Saints sign tackle Gandy to six-year contract

The 6-foot-5, 308-pound Gandy played with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, and started every game since he joined the team in 1999. He missed just one start with the St. Louis Rams, who drafted him in 1994 with the 15th overall pick.

"Whenever you get a chance to bring in a top notch player you do it, and getting Wayne in here will make us better," Saints head coach Jim Haslett said. "He brings a combination of athleticism, polished pass protection techniques and run-blocking strength."

The acquisition of Gandy, who also looked at the Steelers and Miami Dolphins, casts further doubt on lineman Kyle Turley's future in New Orleans.

Turley, who has one year left on his contract, indicated he would like to be traded after the season.

In December, he rejected a multiyear contract offer from the Saints that included an $8.5 million signing bonus.

General manager Mickey Loomis said he has received numerous inquiries from teams about Turley's availability.

With the re-signings of tackles Flozell Adams by the Dallas Cowboys and Luke Petitgout by the New York Giants, Gandy was widely considered the last top-tier offensive tackle available in free agency.

Ambrose agrees to contract with New Orleans

Ambrose, born and raised in New Orleans, leaves another NFC South team, the Atlanta Falcons, to join the Saints. He agreed to a four-year, $8 million contract with the Saints that includes a $1.5 million signing bonus.

Cut by the Falcons last month, Ambrose could have returned to Atlanta, which hoped to re-sign him for less money. Ambrose was due to make $4.575 million in 2003.

"You have to love Ashley's work ethic," Falcons head coach Dan Reeves said of the 11-year veteran. "He always gives you everything he's got. He's not the easiest kind of player to replace."

He started each of Atlanta's 50 games over the last three years and has missed only one game since the beginning of 1996.

Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said the deal could be finalized and signed Monday.

Bengals sign free-agent DL Powell

Powell played for new Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis last season when Lewis was Washington's defensive coordinator, with 31 tackles and three sacks in 14 games.

He will get a $500,000 signing bonus and about $1.7 million per year.

"Carl can play end or tackle. He has started in both spots, and we see him as a valuable addition to our defensive line," Lewis said. "He's a high-energy player who fits the tempo and style we're trying to establish."

Powell is expected to compete for a starting job at left defensive end.

The 6-foot-2, 272-pound Powell played in 16 games for Chicago in 2001 as a reserve. He was a member of the 2000 Ravens, though he did not play.

The Bengals also announced they acquired safety Brian Leigeb on waivers from Indianapolis, where he played in 15 games last season. Leigeb had 12 special teams tackles and nine tackles on defense.

 

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