Giants’ Kanell Gets Big Raise

Danny Kanell of the New York Giants is no longer the lowest-paid starting quarterback in the NFL. Kanell, who was to make the league minimum of $216,000 in the final year of his original three-year contract, signed a new contract reportedly worth $10 million.

The quarterback will receive a hefty signing bonus in addition to his $216,000 salary this year. He also got a two-year extension, keeping him under contract through 2000.

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Erik Kramer, who sat out most of the week because of a sprained left big toe, was back running the Chicago Bears offense Thursday. Unless the toe swells or Kramer is in agonizing pain overnight, he’ll start Sunday against Jacksonville in the season opener. . . . Dorsey Levens’ five-year, $25 million contract is a done deal. “It’s one less thing to worry about,” the Green Bay Packers’ Pro Bowl halfback said. “I’ve got enough things to worry about with just getting in football shape and having a refresher course on the plays and whatnot.” . . . A federal appeals court ruled against the city of St. Louis and its $130-million lawsuit against the NFL. The court upheld a previous decision in favor of the NFL. St. Louis officials had claimed the league conspired against the city, forcing St. Louis to pay an inflated price when the Rams moved to the city in 1995.