NFL NEWS AND NOTES

The Newark Star-Ledger reports that the Jets and free-agent DE David Bowens have agreed to a three-year deal. The seventh-year veteran will provide depth -- and possibly start -- for the Jets along their defensive line.....


The Providence Journal reports that with Patriots RB Laurence Maroney having shoulder surgery this offseason, the club may be looking into finding another rusher to help Maroney carry the load. Maroney's mother insisted in the Boston Globe that her son was OK and Patriots GM Scott Pioli told Sirius NFL Radio Tuesday that Maroney will be fine. Maroney underwent shoulder surgery that revealed "fairly significant damage," and such an injury explains his lack of production in December and January (four games with single-digit carries). Maroney also suffered torn rib cartilage and a minor knee sprain during his rookie year.....

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall appeared in court Tuesday after being arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and domestic violence. He appeared before a judge and was released on personal recognizance. Marshall was arrested Monday night after a woman told authorities she and Marshall, whom she identified as her boyfriend, had argued earlier in the day, Heyden said. The woman reported that her boyfriend blocked her taxi with his vehicle as she tried to leave his home. The woman had no injuries. "We are aware of the situation involving Brandon Marshall," the Broncos said in a statement. "The organization takes matters of this type very seriously, and we will continue to gather information before offering further comment."....

The Texans re-signed running back Chris Taylor and quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt. Taylor, an undrafted free agent, spent much of last season on the practice squad before being activated in December. He played in the final four games, rushing for 123 yards on 28 carries. Van Pelt was originally signed in November when backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels was placed on injured reserve. Van Pelt, who was a rookie with the Denver Broncos in 2005, did not play last season.....

According to numerous sources, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said Tuesday morning at the NFL's owner's meetings that Raiders WR Randy Moss is going to stay with the club. "I think he'll be on our team this year," Kiffin said, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "I do." Moss' name has been linked to several teams in a trade, but nothing has materialized.....

The Eagles acquired Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb from the Bills on Monday night for defensive tackle Darwin Walker and a conditional draft pick in 2008. A nine-year NFL veteran, Spikes was slow recovering last year from a right Achilles' tendon tear he suffered in Week 3 of the 2005 season. Spikes, a former first-round pick, could be a big upgrade at linebacker for the Eagles, who have struggled at that spot the past few seasons. "Takeo Spikes is a proven playmaker in the National Football League," Eagles GM Tom Heckert said. "He has the ability to play all three linebacking positions and were happy to add him to our defense.".....


Bengals receiver Chris Henry, already facing possible NFL punishment for problems with the law, has been cited by Cincinnati police on three traffic charges including driving with a suspended license. Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan released a statement Tuesday from the team that said, "While the incident involved a minor traffic matter, the club is frustrated that the issue arose at all. ... Chris's overall future with our team can be determined only after this and other pending matters are resolved by the NFL.".....

According to multiple reports, the Giants have signed LB Kawika Mitchell to a one-year deal. Mitchell will compete for a starting spot at one of the two outside LB spots in 2007.