Jay Cutler Lifestyle

The New Orleans Saints released defensive tackle Brian Young, the team announced. Young spent the past five seasons with the Saints. "This was a very difficult decision to make," General Manager Mickey Loomis said in a written statement posted on the club's website. "Brian is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met and I have as much respect for him as any player I have ever been associated with. We will miss his passion for the game. "He has been a key contributor to our defense for a number of years and has also brought a lot to our organization as a high character individual. He has not received as much recognition and credit as he deserves for what he has brought to our team and this community. He will always be welcome in our building."

Tailback Darren Sproles signed a one-year, $6.621 million contract with the San Diego Chargers, the club announced on its website. That's the deal that the team tendered to him when it designated Sproles as its franchise player in February. The Chargers later agreed to a reworked contract with tailback LaDainian Tomlinson to keep him with the team, a move that likely will keep Sproles in a backup role.

The Arizona Cardinals released tailback Edgerrin James today, three days after selecting running back Chris (Beanie) Wells in the first round of the NFL draft. James had an inconsistent season with the Cardinals in which he lost the team's starting tailback job at one point to Tim Hightower, then regained it during the playoffs. The Cardinals also released cornerback Rod Hood and defensive end Travis LaBoy. The club announced the moves on its website. "It's never easy to release veteran players who have contributed to the team's success and these three individuals certainly fall into that category," Cardinals Coach Ken Whisenhunt said in a written statement posted on the club's website. "But like every decision we make, it simply comes down to what is in the best interest of our football team and what gives us the best chance for success. "We're grateful to all three of them for

The Steelers-Bengals game on Sept. 27 has been moved from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., the Steelers announced on their website. The game is to be featured as part of a CBS doubleheader, according to the Steelers' website. A Titans-Jets game the same day previously was moved from 4:15 to 1 p.m. after the Jets complained to the league about being scheduled to play home games on consecutive Sundays that conflicted with Jewish holidays.

For two days, I waited for Jay Cutler to call for our arranged interview. I was hoping to speak to him before last week's media session at pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co. in Indianapolis.

Cornerback Sheldon Brown is at odds with the Philadelphia Eagles over his contract but reportedly plans to report to the team's mandatory minicamp this weekend. "I have to prepare to play the season, no matter where I'm playing," Brown said, according to the Associated Press. "This is where the season starts." Brown has complained publicly about his contract and has asked to be traded. He also has said that other Eagles players are unhappy about their contracts, and he has been publicly crititcal of team president Joe Banner's handling of his negotiations. The Eagles have indicated they don't plan to honor Brown's trade request. However, they traded for New England Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs during draft weekend, perhaps increasing the chances that they could withstand losing Brown. The club also has indicated that it will not rework Brown's deal, which has four seasons remaining on it.

Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner has pleaded not guilty to the charges he's facing in Cleveland. Whitner was charged with aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in relation to an incident at a nightclub earlier this month. He made a court appearance today and left without commenting to reporters, according to the Associated Press. A preliminary hearing is to be scheduled.

UPDATED (8:49 p.m.)... The Pittsburgh Steelers denied reports by several media outlets that they'd released linebacker Larry Foote. A written statement by a team spokesman posted on the club's website said: "Contrary to published reports, Larry Foote is still a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Any stories indicating that Larry has been released by the team are inaccurate." It appears possible that the Steelers might be attempting to get something in return for Foote in a trade. The earlier reports indicated that the Steelers are expected to pencil in Lawrence Timmons as the starter at the position. Foote has been a starter for the past four seasons but the move reportedly would save the team valuable salary cap space.

It has been clear for a couple years now that the NFL draft is headed for prime time. That's why the league implemented the speed-up rules that resulted in a 3-1/2-hour first round last year and a 3-hour, 23-minute first round Saturday. Now a first round in prime time perhaps could come as soon as next year's draft. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told the Dallas Morning News that there are discussions under way about the possibility of staging the first round of next year's draft on a Thursday night, with the second and third rounds on Friday night and rounds four through seven on Saturday. "We're more confident now, with the timing of the first round, that it can fit a 3-1/2-hour window," Goodell told the Morning News. "We think it can be very appealing from a fan's standpoint and an audience standpoint. "We'll talk to our teams about

Jason Campbell sat on a patio with a distant view of the Potomac River, preparing to host the charity golf tournament that bears his name. Choosing his words carefully, he reflected on the sequence of events that nearly led him to ask for a trade from the Washington Redskins.