The Associated Press

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Kerry Collins signed with the Oakland Raiders on Monday, ending his monthlong search for a team and raising questions about the future of 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon. The deal is for three years and about $12 million.

Collins, a nine-year NFL veteran, was released by the Giants on April 28, four days after they acquired Eli Manning, the No. 1 pick in the draft. Collins is the kind of quarterback Raiders owner Al Davis has always coveted - big and strong-armed.

The 31-year-old Collins led the Giants to a Super Bowl appearance in 2001, and that was certainly an appealing factor for the Raiders. Oakland's fall to 4-12 last season was the worst collapse by a team that played in the Super Bowl the previous season.

Collins threw for 3,110 yards with 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions last season. He started 67 straight games for New York until spraining an ankle and missing the last three games in 2003.

CLEVELAND: Dennis Northcutt has learned to watch his words and to always read the fine print.

Two months after saying he would never again play for the Browns, Northcutt returned to the team Monday after signing a new, three-year $9 million contract.

His new deal will pay him a $750,000 salary next season and includes a $2.25 million signing bonus. He is also due a $2 million roster bonus next March 15. If the Browns choose not to pay it, Northcutt would be a free agent.

INDIANAPOLIS: Colts president Bill Polian said Monday the team was still collecting information before making an official statement on cornerback Joseph Jefferson's drunken driving arrest.

Jefferson, 24, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Franklin City Court to two charges of driving while intoxicated and a charge of driving while suspended.

BALTIMORE: Ravens quarterback Anthony Wright will be sidelined until October after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder Monday. Wright, the backup for Kyle Boller, had a torn labrum repaired.

CLARETT RULING: Maurice Clarett lost yet another court decision in his attempt to play in the NFL next season.

An appeals court said Monday that federal labor policy allows NFL teams to set rules for when players can enter the league. The decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was consistent with the appeals court's refusal last month to permit the former Ohio State running back into the NFL draft.