NFL

Former Dolphins OLB Joey Porter has been reinstated to the Dolphins’ offseason roster. “The release of Joey Porter was determined to be an invalid termination,” the club said in a statement. “Therefore at this time, Porter reverts back to the Miami Dolphins roster.” It was determined that Porter’s release would violate the existing salary cap and he will likely be cut on March 5. The Dolphins will conduct business as if Porter is not part of the team until the start of the free agency period.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: Citing sources on both sides, Scout.com’s Adam Caplan reports that the Eagles have not discussed a contract extension with Kevin Kolb. Kolb is entering the last season on his rookie contract, but in 2011 would be a restricted free agent under the current CBA rules.

The Eagles would likely feel some urgency to lock up Kolb should they trade Donovan McNabb this offseason, but no extension is likely before then. We’d put Kolb’s chances of being the Eagles’ 2010 starter at slightly less than 50:50.

Philadelphia: According to ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, the Philadelphia Eagles have “so far” told teams that both Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb are unavailable for trade. Most likely, the Eagles are playing hard to get in order to maintain bargaining position in trade talks.

No NFL player can be dealt before March 5 anyway, so there’s no good reason for the Eagles to show their hand. Scout.com’s Adam Caplan “hears” this is the first year Andy Reid is willing to listen to trade offers for McNabb, but the cost is “at least” a first-round pick. McNabb is far more likely to be traded than Kolb.

Cincinnati: Bengals signed WR Matt Jones to a one-year contract. The Cincinnati Bengals Enquirer reports that the deal is worth roughly $700K. Jones, 26, is a good upside signing with minimal risk at this price. While he isn’t even a lock to make the team, the Bengals may have plucked their 2010 starting flanker off the February waiver wire.

Laveranues Coles becomes a serious candidate for release. Andre Caldwell will likely remain in the slot, while Jones and Jerome Simpson battle for snaps outside. The move won’t preclude Cincinnati from using another pick on a wideout, though.

Arizona: The Arizona Republic confirms that the Arizona Cardinals have opened contract extension negotiations with head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Beat reporter Kent Somers says talks are in their “preliminary stages” only. Whisenhunt is currently one of the league’s lowest paid coaches. He’s led the Cardinals to back-to-back NFC West division titles and a 4-2 record in the postseason. His overall regular season record is a sound 27-21.