The Patriots have released safety John Lynch and wide receiver Chad Jackson, according to NFL.com. New England signed Lynch a little more than two weeks ago, and Bill Belichick has left open the possibilty of adding him to the roster later in the season. "It goes without saying but John is an all-time great safety, one of the league's classiest professionals and his elite play speaks for itself," Belichick said. "As has been the case in other situations, I would not rule anything out down the road." Lynch, a nine-time Pro Bowler, has been released twice this year. "I have no regrets about my time thus far with the Patriots," Lynch said. "The immense respect that I've long held for the organization has been only heightened over the past couple of weeks. I am going to keep all options open and look forward with excitement to see what the future brings."

Jets' Coach Eric Mangini says that backup quarterback Kellen Clemens is not on the trading block, according to New York Daily News. "First of all, I don't really guarantee," Mangini said of not trading Clemens. "That's not the business I'm in, but I fully, fully, fully anticipate Kellen being on the roster on opening day - unless something earth-shattering happens."

Quarterback Joey Harrington was among the final cuts by the Falcons on Saturday, according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The team decided to keep D.J. Shockley as their No. 3 quarterback behind rookie Matt Ryan and backup Chris Redman. Harrington, the third overall pick in the 2002 draft and a starter for 10 games last season, was the odd man out in an open quarterback competition.

The Buccaneers released quarterback Chris Simms on Saturday and he couldn't be happier, according to New York Times. He had asked for his release early in the summer and said the team was holding him hostage, after he skipped a minicamp and off-season workouts in protest. Simms is expected to be picked up quickly.

The Cardinals have named Kurt Warner their starting quarterback heading into the 2008 season, according to Arizona Republic. "There was a lot of opinions, from all different sources," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "I know our staff, and I know I didn't buy into it. There was a process that started a long time ago, a lot of information to be evaluated, and it really wasn't one thing more than another. To the credit of both of the quarterbacks, it was close." Predictably, Matt Leinart wasn't thrilled with the decision. "He's upset," Whisenhunt said. "And that's what you want to see. I saw the competitiveness of Matt come out. And I have no doubts that when it's his turn this year to play, that he'll respond in the same way."

The Dolphins have signed running back Ricky Williams to a one-year contract extension, a source close to the veteran told ESPN.com. The source told ESPN on Saturday that there was no signing bonus, but Williams' salary increases over this year's base of $730,000. The deal will keep Williams in Miami through the 2009 season.

Hurricane Gustav has forced the Saints to leave New Orleans to prepare for their season opener against Tampa Bay in Indianapolis, according to Associated Press. The Saints will practice at the Colts' new Lucas Oil Stadium. The team's season-opener against the Buccaneers is scheduled for the Louisiana Superdome, and the Saints plan to be there for it unless damage from Gustav dictates otherwise.

Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt insists that he has yet to make a decision regarding which quarterback will start for the team to open the season, according to NFL.com. "We've got some tape to look at," Whisenhunt said. "We've got to go back and evaluate all the information that we've compiled over the last six months. ... It's going to be a tough decision." Both Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner entered the preseason knowing full well that they'd be battled for the starting role. "We knew there was going to be a competition," Warner said. "We knew there were going to be a lot of things involved and that it was going to have to play itself out."

The Eagles cut eight players on Saturday, including running back Ryan Moats, according to Philly Blurbs. The Eagles also released wide receiver Bam Childress, cornerbacks Therrian Fontenot and Nick Graham, wide receiver Jamal Jones, safety Marcus Paschal, offensive lineman Stefan Rodgers, and linebacker Pago Togafau.

The Bengals have terminated the contract of running back Rudi Johnson, according to ESPN.com's John Clayton. Peter Schaffer, Johnson's agent, confirmed that the Bengals notified him that his client will no longer be with the team. Johnson was in the fourth year of a five-year, $20.7 million contract. Chris Perry is now the team's starting running back.