Seau Gets $27.1-Million Deal

San Diego Charger linebacker Junior Seau signed a six-year, $27.1-million contract extension Tuesday that makes him one of the NFL’s highest paid at his position.

The deal includes a $6-million signing bonus.

Seau’s deal averages a little more than $4.5 million a year. Earlier this year, Kansas City’s Derrick Thomas signed a seven-year deal that averages about $4.25 million. Chad Brown signed a free-agent deal with Seattle that averages $4 million.

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Defensive lineman Greg Townsend, who rejoined the Oakland Raiders after being out of football for two seasons, has been waived.

One of the NFL’s top pass rushers over a 13-year career, Townsend had only one tackle in five games this season.

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Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist thinks the Oilers bungled their relocation from Houston by not changing their name.

“They absolutely botched it,” Sundquist said. “I don’t know if it’s a [public relations] disaster, but I think it is clear they have not done a good job.”

His comments surprised the Oilers.

Coach Jeff Fisher gave Sundquist a game ball from their first regular-season game in Tennessee for his part in their relocation from Houston.

“We regret that the governor holds that view, and we certainly acknowledge that we have a lot of work to do in the future,” said Don MacLachlan, Oiler executive vice president for ticketing, broadcasting and marketing.

The Oilers drew 30,171 on opening day and only 17,737 for their second home game Sept. 21 against Baltimore.