Contracts | featured news

The NFL restricted free-agent market is active once again. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has signed an offer sheet with the New England Patriots, his agent Jordan Woy confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers have reached agreement on a new contract that could exceed $202 million, according to sources. Verlander's deal, which would make him the highest-paid pitcher in the game, is for seven years and worth $180 million, sources said. A vesting option for an eighth year could push the deal to $202 million.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed captain Ryan Getzlaf to an eight-year contract.

Allen Craig, coming off a breakout season with the St. Louis Cardinals, agreed Friday to a $31 million, five-year contract that could be worth $43 million over six seasons....

Tom Brady took a huge step today to ensure he'll retire a Patriot, agreeing to a three-year contract extension that will keep him under center for New England through the 2017 season, when he will be 40 years old.

Outfielder Josh Hamilton and the Los Angeles Angels have finalized their $125 million, five-year contract.

Kevin Youkilis and the Yankees have finalized their $12 million, one-year contract, giving New York a third baseman for the first half of next season while Alex Rodriguez recovers from hip surgery....

The New York Mets, saddled by bad contracts, poor performance and financial woes in recent years, apparently never wavered in identifying David Wright as the player to help lead them out of this dark period. Early Friday, that notion became official when the club finalized a $138 million contract extension with their third baseman and all-time hits leader that will keep him in Flushing for the next eight years.

There was no glitch. No last-minute curveball. No monkey wrench in the gears. The Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning have agreed to terms on a five-year, $96 million contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Peyton Manning, a free agent quarterback, has chosen to play for Denver next season, and the two sides are negotiating a contract, a person briefed on the decision said.