DeMarcus Ware announced his retirement after 12 NFL seasons on Monday.
The 34-year-old linebacker posted a letter on Twitter addressed to his former teammates, coaches and fans preceded by the caption “It’s time.”
“After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to accept the unknown and retire from my NFL career,” Ware wrote, later adding that he had unspecific offers from teams on the table in free agency.
“Tempting opportunities still present themselves for me to play and I feel better than I have in years. However, long term health and quality of life outweigh the spark and passion to play that I once had.”
Ware spent his first nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and the last four with the Denver Broncos. The nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro ranks eighth on the NFL’s all-time sacks list with 138 1/2.
His career-high 20 sacks with Dallas in 2008 are the fifth-most recorded in a single season in NFL history. Ware is the team’s all-time sacks leader with 117.
–Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell underwent surgery Monday to repair the groin injury that forced him out of the AFC Championship Game.
Bell posted a photo Monday morning on his Snapchat account from a hospital bed before the surgery.
NFL Network reported the surgery repairs a “core muscle” injury and requires about a six-week timetable.
–Quarterback Nick Foles is returning to the Philadelphia Eagles after agreeing to a two-year deal on Monday.
The Kansas City Chiefs declined Foles’ option last week, making him a free agent. Foles, the Eagles’ third-round pick in 2012, played three seasons in Philadelphia and one for the then-St. Louis Rams before joining the Chiefs in 2016.
The deal is worth a reported $11 million with $7 million guaranteed for Foles’ reunion with head coach Doug Pederson. Pederson was quarterbacks coach during Foles’ first stint in Philadelphia.
–The Indianapolis Colts signed unrestricted free agent Barkevious Mingo to a one-year contract on Monday.
The former New England Patriots linebacker agreed to the deal worth $2.5 million at the start of free agency last week and the signing became official Monday.
“Barkevious is a versatile linebacker who creates competition for our defense and special teams,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement. “He’s an athletic player who will fit in nicely with the culture we’re establishing here. We’re excited to see what he can bring to the table.”
–The Arizona Cardinals re-signed running back Andre Ellington to a one-year contract Monday.
The 5-foot-9, 199-pound Ellington played in 53 games (15 starts) in his first four seasons with the Cardinals after he was selected in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
Multiple injuries hampered the 28-year-old Ellington during his career, although he owns 1,697 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 398 attempts (4.3 yards per carry average) while adding 999 receiving yards and three TDs on 112 receptions.
–The Carolina Panthers re-signed offensive lineman Chris Scott to a one-year contract on Monday.
The 6-foot-4, 340-pound Scott played in 12 games last season, including three starts at right guard.