quick hits
NFC
Olsen signs extension with Panthers
• CAROLINA: The Panthers signed tight end Greg Olsen to a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2018 season. The deal is worth $22.5 million overall and includes a $12 million signing bonus, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus. Olsen went to his first Pro Bowl in 2014 after catching 84 passes for 1.008 yards, both new franchise records for a tight end.
• SAN FRANCISCO: The 49ers signed defensive tackle Darnell Dockett to a two-year contract. Dockett was a three-time Pro Bowl selection for Arizona but sat out all of 2014 because of a knee injury. ... The 49ers also
signed wide receiver Jerome Simpson to a two-year deal. Simpson was released by the Vikings last September.
• ARIZONA: Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer restructured his contract to help with the team's salary cap status with the aim of making a good team better come the free agency period. Arizona was 6-0 with Palmer as the starter in 2014 before he went down with the season-ending knee injury.
AFC
• CINCINNATI: The Bengals agreed to a three-year deal with Rey Maualuga, keeping one of their top linebackers from leaving as a free agent.
• OAKLAND: The Raiders released defensive end LaMarr Woodley. Woodley was paid more than $4.8 million last season when he had no sacks in six games before being sidelined by a season-ending biceps injury.
