Four ex-Warriors to sign free-agent deals

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former University of Hawai'i wide receiver Jeremiah Cockheran, cornerback Kelvin Millhouse and defensive end Kevin Jackson yesterday agreed to join National Football League teams as free agents.

In addition, safety Hyrum Peters signed a two-year contract with the Grey Cup champion Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League.

Cockheran turned down offers from the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs to accept a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

"The Bengals are the best fit for me," Cockheran said. "They're an up-and-coming team."

Cockheran, who will receive a signing bonus, will report to the Bengals on Friday.

Millhouse, who also received offers from the Giants and Chiefs, chose the Miami Dolphins because of their history of developing undrafted free agents.

As part of his three-year contract, Millhouse will receive a signing bonus "in the five figures." In the case of all NFL contracts, only the signing bonus is guaranteed.

Millhouse ran 40 yards in an average wind-aided time of 4.36 seconds at a "Pro Day" combine in Carson, Calif., last month. Expressing disappointment in not being selected in the seven-round draft, Millhouse said the Dolphins' offer "was the best opportunity for me."

Last season, Jackson was the top backup to rush end Travis LaBoy, the Tennessee Titans' second-round pick. But Jackson played well enough against Southern California and Houston to earn a free-agent contract from the Green Bay Packers.

"I'm happy about how this turned out," said Jackson, who has the option of a two- or three-year deal. In addition, the Packers will give him a signing bonus. He reports to mini-camp this week.

Peters, who was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference first team the past two years, will be reunited with former UH linebacker Robert Grant.

"It's the best thing for me," Peters said. "I'll still be playing football."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.