NFL briefs: Cardinals trade for QB Kolb

Philadelphia — Kevin Kolb is a No. 1 quarterback again.

The Philadelphia Eagles traded Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick in 2012.

Kolb began last season as the heir-apparent to Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia, but he went down with a concussion in the opener, losing his job to Michael Vick in the process. The Cardinals have been looking for an answer at quarterback since Kurt Warner retired following the 2009 season.

“Ultimately Kevin was the guy that we had the highest grade on, that we felt was the best fit for what we’re trying to get accomplished as far as a fit with our offense, where he was age-wise, what he had done in the league,” Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “That was our target.”

The deal was highly anticipated for several months during the NFL lockout. It finally became official Thursday afternoon.

Kolb, who turns 27 next month, will sign a five-year contract for just under $64 million that includes $21 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

Titans cut QB Young

Nashville, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans released Vince Young on Thursday, finally cutting ties with the quarterback they made the No. 3 pick overall in the 2006 draft.

The move comes nearly eight months after owner Bud Adams said the team would trade or release Young.

Young is 30-18 in five seasons, including a playoff loss, but just 13-14 against teams finishing a season at .500 or better. He’s battled questions over his work ethic, leadership and injuries.

Tennessee took quarterback Jake Locker in the first round of April’s draft.

Bears trade TE Olsen

Chicago — The Chicago Bears traded tight end Greg Olsen to the Carolina Panthers for an undisclosed 2012 draft pick.

The trade announced Thursday night by the Bears is part of a major overhaul at the position for Chicago. It is also another big move by the Panthers.

Gabbert inks for $12 mil.

Jacksonville, Fla. — Having already fallen behind because of the NFL lockout, Blaine Gabbert couldn’t afford a lengthy holdout.

The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t want one, either.

So Gabbert and the Jaguars completed a four-year contract worth $12 million Thursday night, getting the 10th overall pick in April’s draft out of Missouri and the franchise’s quarterback of the future into training camp for the second practice session.

Smith signs with Bills

Buffalo, N.Y. — Brad Smith’s coming to Buffalo, and the wildcat can’t be far behind after the multitalented offensive player agreed to a four-year contract worth about $15 million with the Bills.

Smith’s versatility as a receiver, rusher and ability to take snaps out of the quarterback spot in wildcat formations complements Bills coach Chan Gailey’s wide-open offensive philosophy. A four-year NFL player out of Missouri, Smith also has vast special teams experience as a punt-returner and on coverage units.

Babin returns to Philly

Philadelphia — Jason Babin was so thankful to Jim Washburn for reviving his career that he followed him to Philadelphia.

The Eagles reached agreement on a five-year, $28 million contract with Babin, a Pro Bowl defensive end who had a breakout season under defensive line coach Washburn in Tennessee last year.

Babin played for the Eagles in 2009, and recorded 2.5 sacks in 12 games. He signed with the Titans in free agency and had a career-best 12.5 sacks while earning his first trip to Hawaii. Washburn joined the Eagles in January, replacing Rory Segrest as the defensive line coach.

Session inks with Jags

Indianapolis — Colts linebacker Clint Session has agreed to a new five-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars worth slightly more than $29 million.

Agent Harold Lewis says the deal for his client includes $11.5 million in guaranteed money and that the Colts did not make a strong push to keep Session. Free agents cannot officially sign contracts until today.

Joseph, Texans agree

Houston — The Houston Texans agreed to terms with cornerback Johnathan Joseph, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

A second person with knowledge of Joseph’s deal said it was for five years and worth $48.75 million.