Garcia, Moss rewarded with big contracts

By The Associated Press

Jeff Garcia has come a long way, and the San Francisco 49ers handsomely rewarded his progress.

Garcia, who went from undrafted CFL star to last season's Pro Bowl, signed a six-year, $36 million contract to be the 49ers' quarterback.

"This will give you a great picture of our confidence in Jeff as our leader for a long time," general manager Terry Donahue said.

In just his second NFL season, and first as a full-time starter, the 31-year-old Garcia passed for 31 TDs and a team-record 4,278 yards.

"Jeff has come so far in really so short a time, but we all feel he's the guy to lead this team," coach Steve Mariucci said. "He unquestionably deserves this contract."

The deal was a surprising move by the 49ers, who have been unable to make any large signings in recent years because of their severe salary cap restrictions. But Donahue said Garcia's standout season and long-term potential justified a long-term contract.

In other 49ers' quarterback news, Giovanni Carmazzi will miss the season because of a right shoulder injury.

Carmazzi didn't play during his rookie season after the 49ers selected him in the third round of the 2000 draft out of Hofstra. He played for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe in the spring, but was ineffective as his shoulder problems worsened.

Carmazzi, a long shot to make the roster, has a torn labrum and is expected to have surgery Aug. 8. He won't be ready for football until February.

The 49ers also agreed to terms with linebacker Jamie Winborn, a second-round pick, and tailback Kevan Barlow, a third-rounder, on three-year contracts.

Vikings

Minnesota also was involved in a big contract deal Wednesday, agreeing with Randy Moss, the NFL's top receiver, on an eight-year, $75 million contract that includes an $18 million signing bonus.

Moss became the league's third highest-paid active player in total package value behind Drew Bledsoe and Brett Favre, and the highest-paid non-quarterback.

The 24-year-old Moss is considered the game's most dangerous receiver. He has 226 receptions for 4,163 yards and 43 touchdowns in three seasons, the best marks ever in three years for any wide receiver.

He was seeking around $100 million with a bonus of $18 million to $20 million.

"It was important for him to be recognized not only as the best wide receiver in the game, but as one of the best players in the league," his agent, Dante DiTrapano said.

Seahawks

The Seahawks got one first-round pick signed, and looked to be close to a deal with another.

Steve Hutchinson, a guard from Michigan selected No. 17, signed with Seattle. The Seahawks were reportedly close to working out a contract with receiver Koren Robinson, chosen with the ninth pick.

Alvin Keels, Robinson's agent, told ESPN the former North Carolina State player will sign a six-year, $10.1 million contract Thursday.

The Seahawks also signed quarterback Josh Booty, the former Florida Marlins player who left baseball to play football at Louisiana State.

Packers

Defensive end Jamal Reynolds, Green Bay's first-round draft choice, signed a five-year contract. Reynolds, the No. 10 pick from Florida State, won the Lombardi Award as the nation's top college lineman.

"I believe Jamal Reynolds will be able to increase our ability to rush the passer - he brings an awful lot to that area," Packers coach and general manager Mike Sherman said. "In my mind, I've matched him against all the left tackles in this league, and I think he can perform well."

Colts

Indianapolis signed two draft picks, defensive backs Cory Bird and Idrees Bashir, and said it expected to announce the signing of first-round choice Reggie Wayne on Thursday.

Bashir was a second-round pick, and Bird was chosen in the third round.

The Colts also came to terms with tight end Marcus Pollard on a one-year contract worth $2.107 million. Pollard's agent, Glenn Schwartzman, wants to keep him with the Colts much longer.

"I think the talks are serious, but they're in the early stages," Schwartzman said. "It's really the first time we've been able to talk since February."

If Pollard had signed a long-term deal before July 15, the Colts would have had to keep the franchise tag on him for the length of the contract. Now, if Pollard signs a multiyear pact, the Colts can retain the label next season.

Dolphins

First-round pick Jamar Fletcher, a cornerback from Wisconsin, signed a five-year contract one day after the start of camp.

"We're glad that we were able to get this contract finalized with Jamar," Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said. "As with any rookie, I felt it was important for him to get into training camp as early as possible."

Fletcher, the 26th overall pick, led the Big Ten in interceptions three times before leaving after his junior year. He had 21 interceptions and 130 tackles in college and was an All-American last season.

Bills

Buffalo agreed to terms with its two second-round draft picks, defensive end Aaron Schobel and running back Travis Henry.

Linebacker Corey Moore, shot in the leg seven weeks ago, was placed on the physically unable to perform list. Moore and new coach Gregg Williams said they were both satisfied after an exchange of words when Moore failed to show up for a minicamp.

Henry will receive a four-year, $2.29 million deal that includes a $980,000 signing bonus. Schobel, selected 46th overall, 12 spots ahead of Henry, was expected to get a similar deal with a slightly larger signing bonus.

Of the 12 players drafted by the Bills, only the first-round pick, Ohio State cornerback Nate Clements, remains unsigned.

Cowboys

Rookie defensive tackle Willie Blade dislocated a bone in his wrist and will be out 6-to-8 weeks. Blade will return to Dallas to visit a hand specialist. Surgery will be scheduled following that evaluation.

It's a tough blow because coaches were hoping the third-round pick could join Dimitrius Underwood in a rotation behind starters Brandon Noble and Michael Myers.

Jets

New York signed its second- and third-round picks, running back Lamont Jordan and offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie.

Jordan holds Maryland's career rushing record with 4,147 yards. McKenzie, 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, played at Penn State.

The team also signed free-agent kicker Derek Schorjs, who was cut by Cleveland. He also has been in Cincinnati's camp.