December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) passes the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns have a new quarterback to challenge the incumbent Brandon Weeden for his job, as the team just signed Brian Hoyer to a 2-year contract.  The Arizona Cardinals cut Hoyer on Monday. Hoyer would have cost a team a second-round draft pick as a result of his tender if he was signed to an offer sheet during the period to sign restricted free agents, and was scheduled to make $2 million in 2013.

Hoyer previously spent three seasons as a backup to Tom Brady in New England, and was claimed on waivers by the Cardinals late last season. He finished last season with 330 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions, completing 30 of 53 pass attempts in two games.

Aug. 17, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker (55) Rolando McClain against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Rolando McClain announced his retirement yesterday, but the 23-year old did leave the door open for a potential return once he gets his life in order after recently being arrested for the third time in 16 months. Here is what McClain had to say in explaining why he decided to retire Wednesday:

Clearly, my decision to retire has raised some questions. Quite simply, I love football, but I have decided at this time it is in my best interest to focus on getting my personal life together. Beyond that, I’m not sure what the future holds for me, including football. This was entirely my decision, and the Ravens have been very supportive during this process. I am very grateful for the opportunity they gave me and wish them the best of luck in the future. God willing, maybe I’ll play for them one day.

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November 18, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed (20) in pass coverage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

The NFL just announced that Ravens safety Ed Reed’s one-game suspension has been overturned and been changed to a $50,000 fine. He will be ready to play this Sunday when the team heads to San Diego to face the Chargers, a team that bested them last season by a score of 31-7.

Former NFL assistant coach Ted Cottrell, who oversaw the appeals process, had this to say to Reed regarding the suspension:

I have determined that your actions were egregious and warrant significant discipline.  However, I do not believe that your actions were so egregious as to subject you to a one-game suspension without pay. P layer safety is the league’s primary concern in the formation of playing rules and all players are expected to adhere to those rules or face disciplinary action.  I hope in the future you will focus on ensuring that your play conforms to the rules.

Dec 11, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) is called for pass interference against New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) during the game at Met Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free agent receiver Plaxico Burress. The 35-year-old has been a free agent since last season when he recorded 45 catches for 612 yards and eight touchdowns for the Jets, who opted not to bring him back after his one season there. He originally spent five seasons (2000-04) in Pittsburgh, so there is familiarity there. The singing does show just how banged up the Steelers are, as they have already ruled out Jerricho Cotchery for Sunday’s AFC North game against the Cleveland Browns, as he recovers from a rib injury.

While Head Coach Mike Tomlin has not ruled out injured Pro Bowl receiver Antonio Brown for Sunday’s game against the Browns, his status is a bit concerning going forward, given the team felt they needed to take a chance on Burress, something 31 other NFL teams were unwilling to do. One has to wonder how bad Brown is hurt right now as he suffers through a high-ankle sprain which has caused him to miss the past two weeks.

With Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich suffering from injured ribs(what’s with the Steelers and rib injuries) , the team also opted to sign free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer, who was with the Patriots in the preseason, but was cut in favor of Ryan Mallet, and has attempted only 43 passes in his NFL career.

With all of the injuries the Steelers are suffering through, the Baltimore Raven are now poised to claim their second-straight AFC North crown, and Sunday night’s 13-10 victory over the Steelers was the Ravens’ 12th straight in the AFC North, which ties the Colts for the longest division win streak since the division realignment in 2002, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Hopefully, the Bengals can end that dominance in Week 17 in front of a packed Paul Brown Stadium

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