CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears and quarterback Jay Cutler have agreed on a two-year contract extension that runs through the 2013 season.
A person familiar with the negotiations said the deal includes approximately $20 million guaranteed and roughly $30 million in new money. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the terms were not released.
Acquired in a blockbuster trade from Denver in the offseason, the Pro Bowl quarterback has completed 110 of 172 passes with 1,201 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading Chicago to a 3-2 record. With a 64.0 completion rate and 240.2 yards passing per game, he is on pace to set club single-season records.
Panthers waive Burton; open roster spot for Tyler
CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers have waived defensive tackle Antwon Burton, creating a roster spot for newly acquired defensive tackle Tank Tyler.
The Panthers sent their 2010 fifth-round pick to Kansas City late Monday for Tyler, who is expected to split time with Hollis Thomas at nose tackle.
Burton was let go Tuesday a month after Carolina signed him to create depth. He played sparingly with Carolina.
Tomlin: Steelers kicker Reed will play Sunday
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says kicker Jeff Reed will play in Sunday's home game against the Minnesota Vikings despite a recent brush with the law.
Reed is charged with simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness for allegedly scuffling with Pittsburgh police outside a bar near Heinz Field in the hours after Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns.
Police: McNair mistress knew gun seller for weeks
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Ex-NFL quarterback Steve McNair's mistress exchanged messages for weeks with the man who sold her the gun she used to kill McNair and herself, police said Tuesday.
The findings came a day after investigators released 50 text messages between McNair and Sahel Kazemi they say supports their conclusion of a murder-suicide because she was desperate over money and feared their relationship was ending.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said Kazemi also was in contact weeks before the July 4 killings with Adrian Gilliam, who pleaded guilty to gun charges for selling the weapon to her.
Chargers game-day worker dies after fall at stadium
SAN DIEGO -- A member of the San Diego Chargers' game-day staff died 12 hours after falling out of the press box before the Denver Broncos played the San Diego Chargers on Monday night.
Walt Daniels, 66, died at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sharp Memorial Hospital, the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office said.
Daniels appeared to sustain a head injury after falling about 25 to 30 feet out of a booth that was to be used by Broncos assistant coaches and landing on the loge level. He was administered CPR before being taken to the hospital.
Workers later cleaned up a puddle of blood.
The accident happened about three hours before kickoff and delayed the opening of the gates by about 40 minutes.
"The San Diego Chargers' family is greatly saddened by the loss of Walt Daniels," the team said in a statement. "Walt loved the team and loved working in the press box on game days for more than 20 years. Our prayers are with his family and friends during this most difficult time."
