Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press Jerry Rice (80) was traded last season by Oakland; yesterday he was released by the Seattle Seahawks. Click photo for larger image.

Jerry Rice was released by the Seattle Seahawks yesterday, perhaps signaling an end to the career of the greatest receiver in NFL history.

The release was announced in a short statement from the team, which acquired Rice, 42, from Oakland in a trade last season.

Rice is the career leader in receptions with 1,549; total yards with 22,895; and receiving touchdowns with 197, all far ahead of the closest pursuer. He also leads in total touchdowns with 207, 32 more than Emmitt Smith, who announced his retirement earlier this month.

Patriots

New England released cornerback Ty Law. Law, a 10-year veteran with a part in three Super Bowl championships, was due to cost the Patriots $12.5 million against the salary cap this year, the final season of a seven-year, $51 million contact with the team. Law, 31, is tied for the franchise career record for interceptions with 36.

Browns

Cleveland has given disappointing defensive tackle Gerard Warren and troubled running back William Green permission to seek trades. With the team switching to a 3-4 defense next season under new coach Romeo Crennel, the underachieving Warren, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2001 draft, doesn't fit into Cleveland's plans.

Rams

Marshall Faulk, now resigned to a backup role with the Rams, has agreed to a pay cut in a restructured contract that will essentially guarantee he'll end his career in St. Louis. Faulk, an 11-year veteran who turns 32 today, just finished the third year of a seven-year contract. He would have made $6 million in salary and workout bonuses in 2005. Under the new four-year deal, Faulk gets a $2 million signing bonus this year, and will earn $2 million in both 2005 and 2006.

Panthers

Muhsin Muhammad was released by Carolina, after the Panthers were unable to come to terms with the All-Pro receiver. The Panthers had been trying to re-negotiate Muhammad's contract because his current deal would have counted more than $12 million against the salary cap in the coming season.

Saints

New Orleans running back Deuce McAllister has sued a Bourbon Street nightclub, claiming bouncers assaulted him while they were throwing his friends out a year ago. The nightclub has recently been accused of racism by several civil rights groups after the death of a 25-year-old black Georgia Southern student on New Year's Eve.

Vikings

Wide receiver Kelly Campbell was arrested on weapons and drug charges near the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Campbell, 24, is charged with possession of marijuana and theft by receiving stolen property involving a Smith & Wesson handgun.