Wide receiver Josh Reed and defensive end Ryan Denney were also not offered contracts, making all three unrestricted free agents.
Buffalo had signed Owens last offseason after he was released by the Dallas Cowboys, but the Bills’ passing game did not get off the ground after injuries forced them to play with several different quarterbacks.
The Jacksonville Jaguars won a flip with the Denver Broncos for the 10th pick in April’s draft. Denver, which acquired the pick from Chicago in the Jay Cutler trade, will select 11th.
Tennessee won a flip for the 16th pick. San Francisco, which obtained the choice from Carolina, will choose 17th. Also, Atlanta gained the 19th pick after winning a flip with Houston, which will select 20th.
Earlier reports stated the two sides were in negotiations for a long-term deal, but should that not happen, Seymour will make $12,398,000 in 2010 under the franchise tag agreement, which is the average of the five highest- paid players at the position from 2009.
Seymour went to the Raiders from the Patriots last September in a trade he said was unexpected. He did not join Oakland for several days, but went on to start all 16 games for the team in 2009. He recorded 47 tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble.
Both are now under contract through 2013, with an option for 2014 for Whisenhunt.
“We couldn’t be more excited that both Rod and Ken will continue to lead the team for the foreseeable future and build upon the foundation that they helped to establish,” said Cardinals president Michael Bidwill.
Ford ran for 477 yards and six touchdowns on 91 carries last year for the Bulls and was named MVP of the International Bowl after rushing for 207 yards and a score in a 27-3 win over Northern Illinois.
“I am disappointed for Mike more than anything else,” said USF head coach Skip Holtz.
For the 2010 season, Reed will earn the 2009 average of the five highest-paid players at his position or 120 percent of his 2009 salary, whichever is greater.
The Steelers can still try to work out a long-term deal with Reed, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the club.
Financial terms of the deal, which will run through 2012, were not disclosed, but the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported it to be worth more than $21 million. The Steelers were considering a franchise designation for Hampton, who then would have made about $7 million for the upcoming season.
“We are pleased to know that Casey Hampton will be a member of our team for years to come,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Due to the designation, the 36-year-old Mare will earn a minimum of the average salary of the top five kickers in the league or get a 20 percent salary increase in 2010, whichever is greater.
Mare will be free to negotiate with any other team, but the Seahawks can match any offer or receive two first-round draft choices if they decide not to match the offer by another club.
On Tuesday, it was revealed Randy Hanson, was suing the team and Cable. Last October, the Napa County district attorney’s office decided not to file criminal charges against Cable for allegedly assaulting Hanson. Cable was accused of attacking Hanson at a meeting while the team was staying at a hotel during training camp.
Hanson was treated at a local hospital for a fractured jaw, although he elected not to say who assaulted him when questioned by authorities.
Under NFL rules regarding the franchise tag agreement, Pickett will earn the average of the five highest-paid players at his position from 2009 provided the two sides do not come to terms on a long-term deal beyond 2010.
“Ryan has been a good teammate and productive player for us on the field and also a good representative of the Packers in the community,” Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson said. “We look forward to having him be a part of our future.” The stout 340-pounder completed his fourth season in Green Bay and ninth in the league with 47 tackles plugging the middle of the Packers’ line as part of the NFL’s top-ranked run defense in 2009.