Biakabutuka Deal Reportedly Done

Running back Tim Biakabutuka has agreed to a seven-year deal with the Carolina Panthers worth more than $12 million, two broadcast stations reported.

Biakabutuka, drafted eighth out of Michigan, is expected to complete the deal today in Charlotte, N.C., according to radio station WFNZ in Charlotte. Television station KRIV in Houston also reported a deal was reached with an agreement worth $12.7 million that includes a $5.1-million signing bonus.

The contract also includes increases in his base salary that could increase the value of the deal to $23 million, according to the TV station. WFNZ valued the deal at $12.5 million.

Neither the Panthers nor Biakabutuka’s agent would confirm the deal.

*

Dallas defensive end Charles Haley missed another practice, causing Coach Barry Switzer to say the defensive end is one of his top concerns.

Haley, who had off-season back surgery, is in Dallas getting treatment.

“It’s going to be week-to-week with Haley,” Switzer said. “He’ll miss a football game. There’s no question about it, and I worry about [Tony] Tolbert.”

Tolbert has complained of pain and swelling in his knees after off-season surgery, but he continues to practice.

*

The competition between Washington’s third-year quarterbacks Heath Shuler and Gus Frerotte hinges on only a few series in less than half an exhibition game. The time and place: tonight at RFK Stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Shuler will start the game, followed by Frerotte in the second quarter.

Coach Norv Turner will name his starter Sunday or Monday.

Cincinnati starting center Darrick Brilz will undergo surgery today to replace a pin in his right foot and will be out for four to six weeks. Brilz had surgery May 7 to repair a broken foot, and it started bothering him again after he twisted it July 24.

*

The Buffalo Bills waived veteran running back Yonel Jourdain. . . . The NFL received an unspecified amount to settle lawsuits against more than 60 establishments, mostly in the Buffalo, N.Y., area and Canada, that allegedly showed games subject to local blackouts.