NFL Notebook | Carolina releases QB David Carr

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — David Carr is out of work again.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft was released by Carolina on Wednesday, the same day the Panthers brought back Muhsin Muhammad for a second stint with the team.

Carr signed a two-year, $6 million deal last year after being released by Houston, the team that made him its first draft pick.

He had a 58.3 passer rating with just three touchdown passes and five interceptions after replacing the injured Jake Delhomme and was eventually replaced by 44-year-old Vinny Testaverde and then undrafted rookie Matt Moore.

Muhammad, who turns 35 in May, was the Panthers' second-round pick in 1996 and spent nine seasons with Carolina before being released in a salary-cap move. He signed with Chicago and the Panthers struggled to replace him, leaving Steve Smith to face constant double teams over the past few seasons.

The Bears released Muhammad after he had just 40 catches last season.

"I did talk to Steve, and he felt like he needs another complement on the other side of him," Muhammad said. "He kind of coerced me into coming back. He welcomed me back with open arms. ... We're excited about playing again with each other."

Chiefs to release Ty Law

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ty Law is 34, was a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams and has solid Hall of Fame credentials.

But even after being told by the Chiefs he would be released, Law isn't ready for his career to end.

"I'm by no means done playing football," the veteran cornerback said. "It's not that I have to play any more for financial reasons, but I still have the burning passion to play. Why would I retire?"

Notes

• Tampa Bay cut veteran defensive linemen Kevin Carter and Greg Spires, both of whom have Super Bowl rings.

• Linebacker Rob Morris and defensive tackle Anthony McFarland, both sidelined with injuries for most of last season, were released by Indianapolis.

• Tennessee re-signed wide receiver Justin Gage, who was due to become a free agent.

• Minnesota released quarterback Kelly Holcomb, clearing space to pursue another veteran backup for Tarvaris Jackson.

• Running back Anthony Thomas was one of four Buffalo players let go after rushing for just 89 yards on 36 carries last season.

• Baltimore terminated the contract of veteran running back Mike Anderson, freeing up his $1.8 million salary.

• Cleveland terminated 35-year-old defensive lineman Orpheus Roye's $3 million contract.

• Detroit signed free-agent safety Dwight Smith to a two-year contract.

• New Orleans and guard Jamar Nesbit agreed to a three-year contract, keeping the starter off the free-agent market.

• Nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga re-signed with San Francisco, agreeing to a five-year deal to remain at the center of the club's 3-4 defense.

• Offensive lineman Scott Mruczkowski signed a three-year contract to remain with San Diego.

• Myron Cope, color analyst on the Steelers' radio network from 1970 to 2004, died Wednesday in Pittsburgh at age 79. Cope had been treated for respiratory problems and heart failure in recent months.