Barber III hangs them up

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Bears running back Marion Barber said he plans to retire.

The 28-year-old Barber spent his first six NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before signing with the Bears in 2011. He was a backup to Forte last season and then saw extensive duty when Forte sprained his knee in early December.

Barber had six touchdowns and 422 yards rushing last season, but will be remembered for two gaffes in a costly loss at Denver when he ran out of bounds as the Bears were trying to kill the clock, and then fumbled in overtime.

A fourth round pick of the Cowboys in 2005 out of Minnesota, the hard-running Barber gained 4,780 yards rushing on 1,156 carries with 53 touchdowns in his career.

Barber, who had little to say to reporters during his only year in Chicago, told Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com: “I want to thank everyone who gave me the opportunity to play, and I’m very thankful to have had the chance to suit up for two of the NFL’s most storied organizations.”

C Saturday agrees to 2-year deal with Packers

MILWAUKEE — The Green Bay Packers made a rare reach into unrestricted free agency to find a new anchor for their offensive line, agreeing to a two-year deal with veteran free agent center Jeff Saturday on Friday.

Saturday’s agent, Ralph Cindrich, confirmed the deal Friday afternoon. ESPN reported the deal earlier Friday.

The 36-year-old Saturday has started 188 regular season games in 13 NFL seasons.

Broncos ink Porter

DENVER — The defensive back who once helped deny Peyton Manning his second Super Bowl title now wants to help the veteran quarterback hoist another trophy.

Tracy Porter picked off a Manning pass in the Super Bowl two years ago and raced 74 yards for a touchdown, sealing the win for the New Orleans Saints.

That solidified Porter’s legacy as a playmaker.

Tags: sports, nfl, football