Steelers release Porter

Pittsburgh – The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran linebacker Joey Porter on Thursday. The 29-year-old Porter, who was in the final year of his contract, had been the starting right outside linebacker since 2000, the year after he was drafted by the Steelers. Porter was to receive a $1 million bonus on March 6, and was due to earn $4 million in 2007.

Broncos to acquire Bly

Detroit – The Detroit Lions will trade cornerback Dre’ Bly to the Denver Broncos for running back Tatum Bell, offensive tackle George Foster and a fifth-round pick, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday. The trade can’t be finalized until today.

Cowboys cut Bledsoe

Irving, Texas – Quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who was benched during the season by Dallas, was released Thursday by the Cowboys in a move that had been expected.

Bledsoe, the first overall pick in the 1993 draft by New England, started 193 games in the NFL, including the first six in 2006 before he was replaced by Tony Romo, who then earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team. Bledsoe was due a $1 million roster bonus Friday and would have made $4.5 million next season.

Parcells to join ESPN

Bristol, Conn. – Bill Parcells is returning to ESPN, the network he left before signing on to coach the Dallas Cowboys. Parcells was unveiled as part of the cable network’s “Monday Night Countdown” crew that will precede the network’s game telecasts. He had been an analyst on ESPN’s Sunday pregame show in 2002.

Walls donates kidney

Dallas – Former Dallas Cowboys running back Ron Springs was recovering Thursday after receiving a kidney donated by former teammate Everson Walls. The transplant operation was performed Wednesday at Medical City Hospital in Dallas.

Chargers cut McCardell

San Diego – Receiver Keenan McCardell was released Thursday by the San Diego Chargers, who also got rid of linebacker Steve Foley and safety Terrence Kiel. Linebacker Donnie Edwards, who had a team-high 170 tackles, will be allowed to leave as an unrestricted free agent.

Saints, Horn part ways

New Orleans – The New Orleans Saints released four-time Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn on Thursday, saying Horn asked to be let go after the Saints asked him to take a pay cut. Horn had caught 523 passes for 7,622 yards and scored a team-record 50 touchdowns since coming to New Orleans as a free agent in 2000.