The Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady agree on a four-year contract extension. [Links]

The New Orleans Saints -- the top offense in the league last year -- had just enough in Thursday's opener against the Minnesota Vikings to take a 14-9 lead after three quarters. [Links]

Kevin Mawae, president of the NFL Players Association, is retiring from the NFL after 16 seasons and eight Pro Bowls.  [Links]

RVING, Texas -- Starting right tackle Marc Colombo and starting left guard Kyle Kosier will miss the Dallas Cowboys' regular-season opener against the Washington Redskins on Sunday night. [Links]

The Bills placed linebacker Kawika Mitchell on injured reserve on Friday, two days after the seven-year veteran hurt his foot in practice.  [Links]

The Dallas Cowboys and Pro Bowl wide receiver Miles Austin have agreed to a six-year contract extension. [Links]

The head of the NFL Players Association says the union would like to see a labor agreement with the league by November. [Links]

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis said he's not worried about Mark Sanchez or Darrelle Revis in their matchup with the Jets. [Links]

Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom said on his Twitter account that he has tested positive for a banned substance and he faces a suspension. [Links]

The Green Bay Packers signed cornerback Charles Woodson to a contract extension through the 2014 season on Thursday, a deal that will likely allow the 2009 AP Defensive Player of the Year to retire as a Packer. [Links]

Michael Crabtree's sore neck is much better, he insists he's ready to play after missing the entire preseason and the spat last week with teammate Vernon Davis is long since done. [Links]

That breakout season so many have predicted for Beanie Wells might be on hold for a week. [Links]

Running back Michael Bush was held out of practice Thursday but the Oakland Raiders remain optimistic he can play in this weekend's season-opener at Tennessee. [Links]

Injury-prone center Jake Grove has been released by the Miami Dolphins, meaning Joe Berger will start in the opener Sunday at Buffalo. [Links]

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers say their season opener Sunday against the Cleveland Browns will be blacked out locally. [Links]