Football
Len Pasquarelli 17y

Charles Rogers likely to try to resurrect career in CFL

Unable to find an NFL team willing to take a chance on him, former first-round wide receiver Charles Rogers is likely to sign soon with a CFL team in an effort to resurrect his once promising football career.

The second player selected overall in the 2003 draft, Rogers was released last year by the Detroit Lions after three seasons marked by injuries, inconsistency and a suspension for a repeat violation of the league's substance abuse policy. He worked out for a few franchises last season but was not offered a contract.

Agent Jason Fletcher said that three CFL teams have demonstrated interest in his client and that, with no viable NFL opportunities right now, Rogers will likely sign a contract soon that will get him back onto the field.

"He wants to play again and it's the best opportunity for him to show he can play again," Fletcher said of the CFL scenario.

The CFL is nearing the midway point of its 18-game schedule, but it is not unusual for Canadian franchises to add players at this juncture of the season.

Rogers, 26, signed a contract with a maximum value of $54.6 million in 2003 and the Lions paid the former Michigan State star $16.19 million over three seasons in total bonuses and base salaries. For that investment, Detroit realized very little return, as Rogers appeared in only 15 games, with 36 receptions for 440 yards and four touchdowns.

Early in his rookie campaign, Rogers suffered a broken collarbone that ended his season after just five games. He then suffered a same injury on the third play of the 2004 season and spent the final 15 games on injured reserve. Rogers was suspended for four games in 2005, and played in only nine games that season, and later admitted during an interview on the NFL Network that he had tested positive for marijuana.

The Lions have filed a grievance against Rogers, seeking to recover $10.18 million of the $14.4 million he was paid in roster and option bonuses. Originally scheduled to be heard in May, the grievance was postponed.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

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