Workout issue leads to release of Jason Taylor

WASHINGTON — After a year of "Dancing with the Stars" on ABC and struggling with the Washington team, Jason Taylor wanted some family time.

He got his wish.

The former league defensive player of the year's disappointing turn in the nation's capital came to an end Monday when he was cut by Washington for declining to commit to the team's offseason workout program.

Washington wanted to add a workout clause to Taylor's hefty contract, but the 34-year-old defensive end said no. The clause would have required Taylor to take part in 25 days of offseason workouts.

"He wanted to spend the offseason with his family," said Taylor's agent, Gary Wichard. "He just kind of chose family over going up there."

The flap is reminiscent of last year, when Taylor clashed with the Miami Dolphins for competing in "Dancing with the Stars" rather than working out with the team in the offseason. Taylor finished second to Kristi Yamaguchi on the reality-television show, then was shipped by the Dolphins to Washington.

That meant Taylor spent virtually the entire year apart from his wife and children in Florida.

The six-time Pro Bowl performer had been considered a possible salary-cap cut in Washington because of the value of his contract, which would have paid him about $8.5 million this season. Washington was willing to give him the full salary if he had agreed to the workout clause.

QB Warner visits 49ers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Quarterback Kurt Warner is being courted by an eager division rival of the Arizona Cardinals.

The San Francisco 49ers sent a private jet for the two-time most valuable player, who traveled from Phoenix to the 49ers' Silicon Valley training complex. He underwent a physical exam and had a meeting with their top officials.

Warner, 37, led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl last season, but became a free agent when he didn't re-sign with the team. Arizona has offered a two-year, $20 million contract to Warner, but he is reportedly seeking a deal worth at least $14 million per season.

For the right offer, the former St. Louis Rams standout might be willing to leave Arizona, his home for the past four seasons.

"It's still up in the air," 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said while leaving the complex. "We're very excited he's willing to come visit us and possibly be a 49er."

Notes

• The 49ers re-signed fullback Moran Norris, 30, to a three-year contract, welcoming back the burly blocker after releasing him last summer.

• The New England Patriots signed tight end Chris Baker, 29, who played seven seasons with the New York Jets. Baker has 145 career receptions for 1,505 yards and 12 touchdowns.

• The Denver Broncos signed linebacker Andra Davis, 30, who was second in tackles for the Cleveland Browns last season.

• Defensive end Vonnie Holliday, 33, has been released after four seasons with Miami.

• The Detroit Lions signed ex-49ers receiver Bryant Johnson, 27, to a three-year contract, adding the former first-round draft pick to complement rising star Calvin Johnson, 23.

• Denver receiver Brandon Marshall, 24, faces a possible suspension even though a disorderly-conduct charge stemming from a fight with his fiancée was dismissed in an Atlanta court.

Municipal Judge Clinton Deveaux dismissed the case after Marshall and Michi Leshase Nogami-Campbell, who were both charged with disorderly conduct, refused to testify against each other.

The Pro Bowl receiver might still be disciplined for repeated violations of the league's personal-conduct code, which gives commissioner Roger Goodell the authority to punish players.

• A North Carolina woman convicted of fatally shooting former Carolina running back Fred Lane is scheduled to be released from prison today.

Deidra Lane, 33, served about six years for voluntary manslaughter in the 2000 death of her estranged husband.