James Finally Signs With Indianapolis

Running back Edgerrin James, the surprise first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, ended a 21-day holdout Thursday when he signed a seven-year contract valued at $49 million.

His agent, Leigh Steinberg, announced the signing and the financial terms of the contract. James joined the Colts for their afternoon practice at Terre Haute, Ind.

The former Miami star was drafted fourth in April, one pick ahead of Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. He missed 25 practices, a scrimmage and the Colts’ opening exhibition game.

The contract included a $9.5-million signing bonus and an additional $350,000 bonus for making the roster, Steinberg said.

James’ signing leaves three first-rounders unsigned. Heading the list is Cincinnati quarterback Akili Smith, the third overall selection.

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The Green Bay Packers have signed All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Freeman to a one-year, $3.5 million tender offer, the team said.

Freeman, reportedly seeking to become the game’s highest-paid receiver at more than $6 million annually, will report to training camp while his agent and the Packers work on a long-term contract.

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The Detroit Free Press reported that the Lions have begun the process of reclaiming the unearned portion of the $11-million signing bonus retired running back Sanders received when he signed a six-year contract in 1997. The Lions are seeking a $7.3-million repayment. The paper also reported Sanders was spotted at Detroit Metropolitan Airport shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday getting off a flight from Atlanta.

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Jamie Asher, the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting tight end, broke and dislocated his left ankle on the sixth play of a 10-7 exhibition loss to the visiting Baltimore Ravens and will be sidelined at least three months. The Ravens’ Matt Stover kicked a 30-yard field goal with no time on the clock to win the game. . . . Steve Young played long enough to throw for a touchdown and Jeff Garcia passed for two, strengthening his bid for the No. 2 job, as the 49ers beat the San Diego Chargers, 31-24, in an exhibition at San Francisco. Charger receiver Charlie Jones will be sidelined indefinitely after dislocating his left hip when he was tackled.

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Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Sinclair signed a five-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks. Terms of the new deal were not disclosed. . . . New York Giant Coach Jim Fassel left the team in Albany, N.Y., one day before the team’s exhibition opener, to be with his critically ill mother in Arizona. . . . The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld a decision dismissing a $100-million lawsuit claiming rights to the St. Louis Rams trademark.