49ers Sign Phillips to 2-Year Deal

The rap sheet on Lawrence Phillips is long and disturbing.

The San Francisco 49ers believe he has changed, and Phillips says he has no intention of blowing it again. The team also happens to have an urgent need at running back, and both the club and Phillips say he can fill it, and fill it well.

Those factors, taken together, produced a deal Monday as the 49ers signed Phillips, gambling that the former Nebraska star has turned his life around.

“We can benefit from having Lawrence Phillips on our football team and he can benefit from being a 49er,” Coach Steve Mariucci said. “If we can look each other in the eye and make a commitment to make this thing work, it can be a heck of a thing for all of us.”

Phillips signed a two-year deal worth $1.75 million, including a $425,000 signing bonus, ending more than a week of intense negotiations. The former Nebraska star could earn more through incentives.

At least some of Phillips’ money will be going to the league to pay a fine for violating the NFL’s violent crime policy. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, in a meeting with Phillips two weeks ago, cleared him to play but told him he would be subject to the fine.

“This is a great opportunity,” Phillips said. “I don’t intend to screw it up.”

He added that he believes he’s a risk worth taking.

“I would sign myself, yes,” said Phillips when asked to put himself in an NFL general manager’s shoes. “I don’t see this as a risk.”

To those who continue to believe he’ll only bring problems, Phillips said, “All you can do is try to prove them wrong.”

The 49ers also settled with their top draft pick. Defensive tackle Reggie McGrew, a former Florida star, signed a seven-year, $7.4-million contract. The deal included a $2.5-million signing bonus and will void after four years if McGrew meets certain playing-time clauses.

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Ryan Leaf had surgery to repair a tear in his throwing shoulder, and the San Diego Chargers say he will probably miss the entire season.

The second-year quarterback could be ready to play in three months if his rehabilitation goes well, but the Chargers aren’t inclined to keep a roster spot open for him that long.

Leaf, who dropped to third string by the start of training camp, is expected to be put on the injured reserve list before the season starts.

“We haven’t made the decision, but it’s likely we’ll go to IR,” General Manager Bobby Beathard said.

“It’s going to be a long time, and to carry a guy that long on the roster is unlikely,” Coach Mike Riley said.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing a rookie holdout for the first time in their five-year history and team officials say if it begins, it could be a long one.

Executive Vice President Michael Huyghue said that the Jaguars and first-round draft pick Fernando Bryant, a cornerback from Alabama, are no closer to agreeing on a deal than they were when negotiations began two months ago.