NFL Free Agency Capsules: Bears sign Peppers; Rolle becomes richest safety
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NEW YORK — Julius Peppers found a new home and a big payday as the NFL's free agency period opened with a few teams doling out some serious dough.
The Chicago Bears were the biggest spenders Friday, agreeing with Peppers on a six-year deal worth potentially $91.5 million. Agent Carl Carey said a record $42 million is guaranteed, with Peppers earning $20 million in the first year.
"It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living," Pepper said, "but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a rich tradition like the Bears."
The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end joined Chicago in the biggest move by a team that showed it's fixated on contending again after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.
The Bears also added running back Chester Taylor from Minnesota and blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from San Diego.
"You always shoot for the stars, and hopefully if you don't get there you're going to wind up high anyhow," general manager Jerry Angelo said.
The New York Giants also got in on the action, making Pro Bowler Antrel Rolle the richest safety in the league in the waning hours of the opening day of the first offseason without a salary cap since 1993.
Rolle signed a five-year, $37 million contract that has $15 million in guaranteed money.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus tweeted the announcement late Friday, offering his personal congratulations to Rolle on becoming "the highest paid safety in NFL history!" The Giants formally announced the deal around 11:30 p.m.
"I'm ecstatic," the 27-year-old Rolle said. "Words can't really express how I feel now. I had five great years with the Cardinals organization. But I felt it was time for a change."
Miami and Atlanta were also active, with the Dolphins agreeing to terms with Rolle's former Arizona teammate, linebacker Karlos Dansby, and the Falcons and cornerback Dunta Robinson also coming to terms.
Dansby agreed to a $43 million, five-year deal, a person familiar with the negotiations said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins didn't announce an agreement. The contract includes $22 million guaranteed and will pay Dansby $27 million over the next three years.
The deal was part of a big one-day shake-up in the Dolphins' defense. Miami terminated the contracts of disgruntled outside linebacker Joey Porter, inside linebacker Akin Ayodele and free safety Gibril Wilson.
Robinson and the Falcons agreed to terms on a six-year deal, a person familiar with the negotiations said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no contract had been signed. Financial terms of the agreement were not immediately available.
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, a former All-Pro who struggled in coverage last season for San Diego, was traded to the New York Jets. Receiver Anquan Boldin was traded from the Arizona Cardinals to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Cleveland Browns restructured the final three years of the six-year deal Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs signed in 2006.
In other moves Friday, linebacker Gary Brackett, the leader of the Indianapolis defense, re-signed with the Colts; All-Pro fullback Leonard Weaver re-signed with Philadelphia for three years; Oakland re-signed free agent offensive lineman Khalif Barnes to a one-year contract; and Detroit, coming off two wins in the past two seasons, upgraded its defense by trading with Cleveland for tackle Corey Williams and agreeing to a four-year deal with end Kyle Vanden Bosch.
Carolina waived longtime starting quarterback Jake Delhomme — in teary fashion.
A year after the Panthers gave Delhomme a lucrative contract extension, the only quarterback to lead them to the Super Bowl was released to make way for new starter Matt Moore. A career-high 18 interceptions in 2009 and 23 in his final 12 games did in Delhomme.
Cromartie should become a starter opposite All-Pro Darrelle Revis in the Jets' secondary. New York gave up a conditional draft pick for a former All-Pro who has had off-field issues.
"I think this is going to work out for me and the Jets organization," Cromartie said. "I'm not going to let them down in any way."
The Cardinals received a third- and fourth-round pick in the 2010 draft for the 29-year-old Boldin. He caught 84 passes for 1,024 yards and two touchdowns last season and gives quarterback Joe Flacco a much-needed deep threat.
Boldin received a new four-year, $28 million deal with Baltimore in which $10 million is guaranteed.
Cribbs has a new three-year contract after two seasons of threats, broken promises and back-and-forth negotiations. The agreement includes $7.5 million in guaranteed money. Cribbs is the NFL's career leader with eight kickoff returns for touchdowns.
"It's been a long road," Cribbs said. "It worked out. We reached a good compromise. I'm happy to wear this uniform proudly, as I've been saying the whole time."
Bears win Julius Peppers sweepstakes
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Anxious all week, Julius Peppers was finally getting some sleep at home in Charlotte when he found out just how serious the Chicago Bears were about acquiring him.
The free agent signing period had just begun and his agent called to tell him coach Lovie Smith was in town. Soon, Peppers was meeting him at an executive airport.
Now, he's being fitted for a Bears uniform.
Peppers joined Chicago in the biggest move by a team that showed it's fixated on contending again after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.
The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end and top free agent prize agreed Friday to a six-year deal worth potentially $91.5 million.
Agent Carl Carey said a record $42 million is guaranteed, with Peppers earning $20 million in the first year and $40.5 million over the first three. The deal includes incentives for sacks, making the Pro Bowl and winning Defensive Player of the Year.
"It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living, but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a rich tradition like the Bears," Peppers said.
Besides Peppers, the Bears lured running back Chester Taylor from NFC North champion Minnesota with a four-year contract and blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from San Diego with a five-year deal. Taylor's contract is worth $12.5 million with $7 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiation. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.
By landing one of the league's top pass rushers and a running back who could challenge incumbent Matt Forte, Chicago showed just how serious it is about contending in the NFC after missing the playoffs the past three years.
"You always shoot for the stars, and hopefully if you don't get there you're going to wind up high anyhow," general manager Jerry Angelo said.
Angelo and coach Lovie Smith are operating on a win-or-else mandate from above after a 7-9 season that left many in Chicago calling for sweeping changes.
A coaching staff shake-up that left the Bears with new offensive and defensive coordinators in Mike Martz and Rod Marinelli was just a start.
"I think you have to have days like this where you improve the ballclub," Smith said. "I think everyone would say that the players we added will help us have better days ahead."
The signings on Friday do not guarantee a turnaround, as Bears fans learned last season after the trade with Denver for quarterback Jay Cutler. Even so, the team did address some big needs, particularly on the defensive line.
The 6-foot-7 Peppers brings uncanny athletic ability but questionable consistency, along with the 81 sacks he collected in eight seasons with Carolina — 10½ last year. In Chicago, he'll get to play alongside Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Tommie Harris and give a much-needed boost to a defense that ranked 17th overall and tied for 13th in sacks with 35. And maybe, he'll shoot down a reputation for taking plays off, one that he feels is unwarranted.
"Sometimes, you're on the field, you get tired," he said. "If I'm not playing as hard on play 66 as I was on play number 1, then ... come on."
Peppers had been looking to get out of Carolina the past few years, and he basically got his wish when the Panthers decided not to place the restrictive franchise tag on their career sacks leader for a second consecutive year at a cost of at least $20.1 million.
That decision ended two rocky years of negotiations between the Panthers and Peppers, who played at North Carolina and was drafted second overall by Carolina in 2002.
Peppers acknowledged in a radio interview last month that he turned down a contract offer after the 2007 season that would have made him the NFL's highest-paid defensive player. A year later, the Panthers ignored his public pleas to be allowed to leave in free agency and slapped him with the franchise tag and a one-year, $16.7 million tender.
Peppers eventually softened his stance and began negotiating on a long-term contract. They couldn't agree, and he wound up earning $18.2 million in 2009, including a $1.5 million bonus for making the Pro Bowl.
"I was fine coming back again," said Peppers, who grew up in North Carolina. "At that point, I saw myself being there. I saw myself signing a long-term deal with them. After the season was over, I was still thinking I was going to be there, but at that point, we didn't hear anything from them."
The Bears wasted little time making their move when the signing period began at midnight Friday, and the meeting with Smith in the wee hours apparently went a long way toward luring Peppers. It also helped that Panthers teammates Muhsin Muhummad, Dante Wesley and Chris Harris had good things to say about him.
"It felt right," he said. "It felt good, so that's when I made the decision to come."
He's not coming alone.
Taylor, who backed up All-Pro Adrian Peterson in Minnesota, will challenge for time in Chicago's backfield after Forte went from rushing for 929 yards after finishing with 1,238 as a rookie in 2008.
Taylor had 42 catches for 389 yards and 94 carries for 338 yards as a valuable third-down player for the Vikings. He rushed for 1,214 yards in 14 games in 2006 before Peterson arrived and reduced his role, something that "bothered me in the back of my mind."
-- Andrew Seligman
Giants sign Cards S Antrel Rolle for $37 million
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants have made Pro Bowler Antrel Rolle the richest safety in the NFL.
In the waning hours of the opening day of free agency, Rolle signed a five-year, $37 million contract that has $15 million in guaranteed money.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus tweeted the announcement late Friday, offering his personal congratulations to Rolle on becoming "the highest paid safety in NFL history!" The Giants formally announced the deal around 11:30 p.m.
"I'm ecstatic," the 27-year-old Rolle said. "Words can't really express how I feel now. I had five great years with the Cardinals organization. But I felt it was time for a change. The Giants are a first-class organization all the way. There are great opportunities for me, and I am excited to be working with the players I'll be working with. I think the sky's going to be the limit as to what we can do."
The signing fills a major need for the Giants, who lost Kenny Phillips to a serious knee injury early last season.
Phillips is expected back this season and having the two Miami products deep in the secondary should help a defense that struggled last year.
"Antrel is a young, ascending veteran player, and he is an outstanding person who will bring leadership, versatility and more big play ability to our secondary," general manager Jerry Reese said.
Rolle, who was recently released by the Cardinals, had four interceptions last season. The one that impressed the Giants the most came in late October when he stepped in front of Steve Smith to intercept an Eli Manning pass around the Cardinals 21-yard line with 68 seconds to play to nail down a 24-17 win.
New York had driven from its own 1-yard line in the final three minutes in an attempt to tie the game in which Rolle also had eight tackles.
Rolle has played in 68 regular season games with 59 starts. His career totals include 337 tackles (296 solo), 12 interceptions, 36 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. He has returned four interceptions for touchdowns, including three in 2007.
This past season, Rolle started all 15 games in which he played and was credited with 72 tackles (61 solo).
Arizona, which also lost linebacker Karlos Dansby to Miami late Friday, released Rolle on Thursday because it wanted to avoid paying him the $4 million roster bonus and the $8 million salary he was due.
However, the battle for Rolle came down to the Giants and Cardinals, and Rolle chose New York after visiting with the team most of Friday.
"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity, and I feel truly blessed," Rolle said. "They have the confidence I can come in and be the player that they expect me to be, and I will live up to everything they expect and go beyond."
Rolle was Arizona's first-round pick, the eighth selection overall, out of Miami in 2005. He began his pro career as a cornerback but had most of his success after being switched to safety in 2008.
In four seasons at the University of Miami, Rolle had 183 tackles and five interceptions.
-- Tom Canavan
Cribbs gets new 3-year deal from Browns
BEREA, Ohio — Josh Cribbs found another kind of pay dirt.
Like some of his long, winding touchdown returns, the Pro Bowler finally navigated his way to a new three-year contract on Friday from the Cleveland Browns, ending two seasons of threats, broken promises and back-and-forth negotiations.
With little choice but to reward their most popular player, the Browns paid Cribbs.
"I'm excited," Cribbs said, sitting alongside new team president Mike Holmgren at a hastily arranged news conference. "It's been a long road. It worked out. We reached a good compromise. I'm happy to wear this uniform proudly, as I've been saying the whole time."
The Browns restructured the final three years of the six-year, $6.67 million deal Cribbs signed in 2006. He will receive $7.5 million in guaranteed money, and if he reaches incentives, the 26-year-old could make as much as $20 million, according to reports.
Cribbs had said earlier this week that he would make a "major" announcement at an auto show near the Browns training facility. But just 45 minutes before Cribbs' appearance, the Browns sent out an advisory saying they would be holding a press conference.
As a black sedan waited outside team headquarters to whisk him away, Cribbs, who at one point said he may have played his last game for the Browns, expressed relief that his contract was no longer an issue.
"I knew I wanted to be here," he said. "I feel like it was a necessary road that was traveled."
Holmgren acknowledged that it was unorthodox to renegotiate a contract with three years left.
"To ask with three years left is unusual," he said. "But in Josh's case, they had a good point. He had, in my opinion, outperformed his contract to a certain extent the more I studied it. I could say, 'No, we're not going to do it.' But that would be kind of silly. He had certainly earned the right to have a discussion at the very least. Then once we dove into it, someone's got to make the call, so I made the call."
Cribbs is the NFL's career leader with eight kickoff returns for touchdowns. Last season, he returned three kickoffs and one punt for a TD and became the first player in league history to amass 1,000 kickoff return years in each of his first five seasons.
Holmgren, who took over in January, inherited a sticky situation with Cribbs.
An undrafted free agent, Cribbs and his agents maintained that Cleveland's previous management teams had assured them they would rework the player's contract. Cribbs had threatened to hold out in training camp and then again for the regular season, but he showed up and continued to play.
All along, Cribbs was seeking a deal comparable to the four-year, $40 million one Devin Hester signed with the Bears in 2008. That package included $15 million guaranteed.
As this past season dragged on, Browns fans sided with Cribbs and some of them started a "Pay the Man" campaign. After the season ended and Cribbs was still without a new contract, he expressed his disgust by saying he may be done in Cleveland and cleaned out his locker to show his displeasure.
However, Holmgren stepped in and was able to patch up any differences Cribbs and his representatives had with the club's front office, which has been completely overhauled.
Browns coach Eric Mangini said during the recent NFL scouting combine that he may expand Cribbs' role in Cleveland's offense next season. Cribbs played some wide receiver and lined up in the shotgun. Mangini even said he is not opposed to Cribbs playing some defense.
Cribbs isn't the first Browns player to say promises were not fulfilled by the club's front office. Holmgren can appreciate their frustration but can't fix every situation.
"We'll get to each case as best we can, be as fair as we can, but we are going to maintain certain principles when we deal with these things," he said. "I trust we'll be here for a while, so how we do things will eventually be figured out and maybe we can head off some of these things at the pass. All I can say is, 'I'm sorry' if these promises were made. I will hold to my promises."
NOTES: Holmgren said the Browns are looking for a quarterback in free agency but would not get into any specifics. ... The Browns have scheduled a visit with New Orleans linebacker Scott Fujita, an unrestricted free agent.
-- Tom Withers
Colts re-sign linebacker Brackett
INDIANAPOLIS — Linebacker Gary Brackett wanted to finish his NFL career where it all started: Indianapolis. He's getting his wish.
The defensive captain signed a five-year deal hours after he officially became an unrestricted agent. Brackett's new deal is likely to keep the 29-year-old in a Colts uniform the rest of his career.
"Obviously, this is a great place to play and when you get a chance to stay a Colt for life, you usually jump at it," Brackett said during a news conference at the team's complex. "That's why I wanted to do everything within my power to make this my home."
Brackett will reportedly get $33 million, including a $12 million signing bonus, which would easily make him the Colts' highest-paid linebacker in a decade.
The defending AFC champions have rarely rewarded linebackers with big contracts. Since the end of the 2002 season, the Colts have allowed Mike Peterson, Marcus Washington, Cato June and David Thornton — all starters — to leave as unrestricted free agents.
Another starter, Tyjuan Hagler, could be moving on soon, too. The four-year veteran, who finished last season on the injured reserve list with a ruptured biceps, was not offered a contract tender. He becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team and the Colts will not receive compensation. Hagler's agent, Mitch Frankel, confirmed the decision Friday, just before the Colts announced Brackett's signing.
But Brackett was the lucky one.
"Throughout the whole process it was very clear to us in our conversations with Gary and his representatives that Gary's real intent and his true hope was to stay as a Colt," general manager Chris Polian said. "Both parties were able to work toward that end and get that done, and we're very thankful to Gary and his desire to be a Colt."
The two sides worked earnestly over the past week to reach a deal. Indy decided not to use its franchise or transition on tags on Brackett, the Colts' defensive signal-caller, because those numbers were deemed too expensive.
Brackett's agent, Brian Mackler, and the Colts continued to discuss terms over the next week and negotiations continued as the midnight deadline loomed Thursday.
With 2½ hours to go, Mackler wrote that the Colts were still working on a contract. Shortly after midnight, Mackler wrote again there was nothing new to report. A few hours later, the deal was done.
"I actually was up, took a couple of calls," Brackett said. "I knew deep down where I wanted to be and I knew we were close to getting something done; it took a little bit after that (midnight) to secure a deal, but we got something done and we're both happy."
Brackett's signing marked the end of a wild 24-hour period for the Colts, who scrambled to make decisions about what deals — if any — to offer their long list of restricted free agents.
They made second-round tenders to safety Melvin Bullitt and left tackle Charlie Johnson and a first-round tender to two-time Pro Bowl safety Antoine Bethea.
Indy also declined to offer tenders to Hagler, defensive back Marlin Jackson, a former first-round pick; cornerback Tim Jennings; safety Aaron Francisco; and offensive lineman Dan Federkeil. Those players can now sign with other teams and the Colts would not receive compensation.
Versatile defensive lineman Raheem Brock also wrote on his Twitter account he had played his final game with the Colts, telling fans: "It's been real Indy," Brock wrote.
Brock's agent, Kevin Pompey, could not confirm the Colts had made a move with Brock and Polian did not take questions about it.
The Colts also released backup quarterback Jim Sorgi on Friday. Sorgi's agent, Matt Brei, said the move was a surprise because the team had given Sorgi no indication it was making a move. That leaves Curtis Painter and Drew Willy, both rookies last season, as the only quarterbacks behind Peyton Manning.
Willy was on Indy's practice squad last season and the team announced Friday that it had re-signed Willy.
Aside from extending Manning's contract, Brackett was the team's No. 1 offseason priority.
He started the past five seasons, making more than 100 tackles in all five seasons. He has 674 career tackles, 11 interceptions, five forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles.
Brackett made the team as an undrafted rookie out of Rutgers in 2003 and has emerged as a fan favorite, as much for his ability to overcome adversity and his work in the community as his play on the field — something that made Brackett even more eager to stay in Indy.
"How you're viewed outside of this building, nationally, in the community, that to me is doing it the right way. That means a lot to me," he said. "Guys really take that personal, what we mean, what impact we have in our community, and guys are doing a great job. It means a lot to me to be a part of something I think is going to be long-lasting."
-- Michael Marot
Redskins don't make usual free agency splash
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Redskins fans woke up to a new routine on the first day of free agency. There was no dramatic overnight deal with a marquee name, the biggest indicator yet of a change of philosophy now that Mike Shanahan is in charge.
Instead of courting, say, Julius Peppers with an over-the-top offer, the Redskins pragmatically sought to solve their biggest problem Friday by courting veteran offensive linemen. The team also re-signed defensive lineman Phillip Daniels, versatile backup Lorenzo Alexander and offensive lineman Mike Williams.
By this time a year ago, the Redskins had lured Albert Haynesworth with an offer so large even he couldn't believe it, wrapping up a $100 million contract by 3:45 a.m. Such fast, aggressive deals had become the norm under owner Dan Snyder.
But Snyder yielded the reins to the new brain trust of coach Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen after last year's 4-12 record.
Needing help at both tackle positions, the Redskins targeted Tony Pashos, who has played seven seasons with Baltimore, Jacksonville and San Francisco. Pashos played in only five games with the 49ers last year before breaking his left shoulder blade, but he could still represent an upgrade over Stephon Heyer at right tackle.
With six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels retiring due to a neck injury, the Redskins invited 10-year veteran Chad Clifton for a visit, but Clifton reportedly re-signed with the Green Bay Packers late Friday.
The Redskins also need linebackers suited for their switch to a 3-4 defense. Larry Foote, who led the Detroit Lions in tackles last year despite missing two games with a foot injury, said he will visit the Redskins on Monday.
Daniels, who turned 37 on Thursday, was spared in the purge of veterans on the eve of free agency when the Redskins cut 10 players, including seven who are 30 or older. He made a successful return last season after missing all of 2008 with a knee injury and was rewarded with a two-year contract.
Alexander, who has played offensive line, defensive line and special teams, got a three-year deal and will learn yet another new position, working at linebacker in the 3-4 scheme.
Williams, a former No. 4 overall pick by the Buffalo Bills, made a comeback last season after three years away from the game. He made five starts at guard, three at tackle and could be in the running for the starting right guard position following the release of Randy Thomas on Thursday.
-- Joseph White
Vikings don't have glaring needs, but RB is a must
MINNEAPOLIS — Chester Taylor joined one of Minnesota's division rivals Friday, leaving the Vikings to find a replacement for their valuable, versatile backup running back.
It was an unquestionable, though unsurprising, loss on the first day of the NFL's open market for the two-time defending NFC North champions.
Taylor and the Chicago Bears agreed Friday to a four-year contract worth $12.5 million with $7 million guaranteed Chicago, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity before the deal was announced.
Minnesota's strategy for avenging the NFC championship loss to the New Orleans Saints now must include a replacement for Taylor, who led all NFL running backs in third-down receptions each of the last two seasons. The Vikings did gain some leverage, however, from Taylor's departure.
Because of rules governing the final year of the collective bargaining agreement, the four teams that advanced to the conference championship games were prohibited from signing a free agent unless one of theirs signed with another club first — in addition to facing salary parameters on those signings.
The Vikings weren't going to be very active in free agency this year, anyway. Since coach Brad Childress and vice president for player personnel Rick Spielman were hired in 2006, they've been remarkably productive, signing several starters and some Pro Bowlers. With so many top players already under long-term contracts, the Vikings don't have glaring holes to fill.
"Chester was a very productive member of our 2006 free agency class," Childress said in a statement posted on the team's Web site. "We're appreciative of his contributions on the field. He played a number of different important roles as a starter, backup and third-down specialist. Chester is a great competitor, teammate and professional. I'm happy for him and wish him all the best."
Quarterback, of course, is still an unsettled position in light of Brett Favre's insistence on Thursday's "Tonight Show" that he won't announce his status for the 2010 season any time soon. The Vikings are willing to wait, though, and have maintained confidence in Tarvaris Jackson and/or Sage Rosenfels as a backup plan. An addition would likely come from the April draft.
They're also in need of some help in the secondary, where starters Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin are recovering from injuries and nickel back Benny Sapp is an unrestricted free agent.
Taylor, Sapp, backup offensive lineman Artis Hicks, backup defensive lineman Jimmy Kennedy and backup wide receiver Greg Lewis were this year's unrestricted free agents. The Vikings said they'd try to bring all of them back, but Taylor got a deal that was too good for them to match.
"He knows how we feel about him, but I'm never going to begrudge anybody an opportunity to make money," Childress said last week at the NFL scouting combine.
Taylor had 42 catches for 389 yards and 94 carries for 338 yards as a valuable third-down player for the Vikings. He rushed for 1,214 yards in 14 games in 2006, before Adrian Peterson arrived and took on the bulk of the work in the backfield.
"Chester will be missed. Great part of the team," wide receiver Bernard Berrian said on Twitter, adding that he is happy for Taylor because "he's where he wants to be."
Taylor left the Baltimore Ravens four years ago to sign a $14.1 million contract with the Vikings that included $5.6 million in guaranteed money.
His departure could prompt the Vikings to pursue a discarded veteran like LaDainian Tomlinson or Brian Westbrook. Former standouts Larry Johnson and Willie Parker are among the notable names on the unrestricted free agent list. Albert Young is an internal option, behind the All-Pro Peterson.
"We stick to the same philosophy we've always have, and regardless of position if there's a guy out there that can help us then we do it," Spielman said at the combine last week. "If we can fill from within than we do that as well."
The Vikings also had seven restricted free agents.
They decided not to tender a qualifying offer to backup cornerback Karl Paymah. They gave fullback Naufahu Tahi the lowest possible tender, put a fifth-round tender on backup safety Eric Frampton, a third-round tender on Jackson, a third-round tender on backup offensive lineman Ryan Cook, a second-round tender on backup defensive tackle Fred Evans, and a first-round tender on defensive end Ray Edwards that will pay him $2.521 million.
For about $600,000 more, the Vikings could have put the highest (first and third round) tender on Edwards, who could entice another team to sign him to an offer sheet that Minnesota would then have the right to match. If he leaves, the Vikings would get a first-round draft pick as compensation, which could scare suitors off.
"I imagine there will be some interest in a 25-year-old dominant pass rusher just entering his prime," said Doug Hendrickson, Edwards's agent. "If you're a team looking for a defensive end, would you take a chance in the draft or look at proven player?"
-- Dave Campbell
Lions get former Husker DE Vanden Bosch
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Corey Williams is back at his favorite position, back in his favorite division and might get a chance to achieve one of his career goals.
The veteran defensive tackle was traded from Cleveland to Detroit on Friday in a deal that also involved a pair of late-round draft picks.
"I'm happy to be playing in the NFC North, because this is where I started," said Williams, who began his career with Green Bay and last season chafed in Cleveland's 3-4 defensive alignment. "The best part is that I'll be playing defensive tackle in a 4-3 again. That's the system where I can best show my ability."
The Lions, one of the worst teams in the NFL, added another new face to the defensive line, agreeing to a four-year deal with Nebraska defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch after coach Jim Schwartz waited outside Vanden Bosch's Nashville, Tenn., home when free agency began at midnight.
That deal reportedly is $26 million with $10 million due in the first year for the 31-year-old defensive end. Agent Tony Agnone did not return messages left by The Associated Press and the Lions declined comment, though Schwartz confirmed the signing to CNNSI.com.
A nine-year veteran, Vanden Bosch spent the past five seasons with the Titans, getting all of his 43 1/2 career sacks. The Lions, who have lost an NFL-record 30 games the past two seasons and haven't had a winning record in a decade, are counting on him and Williams to revive the team's moribund pass rush.
"Kyle's got a lot left in the tank," Williams said. "He's a high-motor guy, and that's exactly what this team needs to get things going again."
For Williams, Detroit sent a fifth-round pick in April's draft to the Browns in exchange for the tackle and a seventh-round choice, leaving the Browns with 11 picks this year — including nine in the first five rounds.
Williams was drafted by Green Bay in 2004 and played his first four seasons with the Packers before being traded to Cleveland for a second-round pick in 2008. Williams made 18 starts in two seasons for Cleveland, but wasn't happy in coach Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense last year.
"I never felt comfortable at end — I like it a lot more inside," he said. "Everything happens a lot quicker at tackle — it is less about thinking and more about reacting."
Lions general manager Martin Mayhew called Williams a great addition.
"He's a great pass rusher, and that's an area we really struggled in last season," he said.
The move back into the NFC North has Williams hoping that Brett Favre will stay with the Minnesota Vikings for at least one more season.
"I've never had a chance to sack Brett," Williams said of his former teammate. "He's a great quarterback, and I've always wanted a shot at him."
Media reports also had the Lions agreeing to terms with Seattle wide receiver Nate Burleson, but the team would not comment, and his agent, Ken Sarnoff, did not return a message left by the AP seeking details.
The Lions also released veterans Phillip Buchanon and Grady Jackson, signed before last season. Jackson, a defensive lineman, became expendable when the Lions acquired Williams and the team is expected to pick either Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy or Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh with the second pick in April's draft.
Buchanon failed to hold a starting job last season, and his departure along with Will James and Anthony Henry means the team has no starting cornerbacks on the roster.
Denver's Brandon Marshall to visit Seattle
SEATTLE — Despite a potentially huge price to acquire his services, the Seattle Seahawks are going to take their shot at impressing Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
The star Broncos receiver, and restricted free agent, will visit with the Seahawks on Saturday, a team spokesman said on Friday night. ESPN.com first reported Marshall's visit.
The cost to get Marshall out of Denver could be significant. Denver slapped a first-round tender on Marshall earlier this week, meaning Seattle would have to surrender the No. 6 pick in April's draft as compensation to the Broncos if the two teams cannot work out a trade.
The reward for Seattle could be the big play receiver the Seahawks need even if he comes with past problems. Marshall has caught more than 100 passes in three straight seasons.
Marshall, who began and ended last season in coach Josh McDaniels' dog house but in between caught 101 passes and 10 touchdowns, received a first-round qualifying offer from the Broncos on Wednesday — which would make it easier to facilitate a trade.
Marshall, who turns 26 this month, would get a 14.7 percent raise next season to $2.521 million if he's still in Denver.
The source of his discontent last summer was twofold: he was angry with the team's medical staff for misdiagnosing a hip injury that required surgery, and he wasn't happy with his contract.
A fourth-round draft pick in 2006, Marshall said he should be compensated like other elite wide receivers.
He set an NFL record by catching 21 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Indianapolis, but just a few weeks later he showed up 20 minutes late for treatment on a pulled hamstring and was benched for the season finale.
If he comes to Seattle, Marshall would be reunited with offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, who worked as an offensive assistant with the Broncos until last season when he went to Southern California to becomes the offensive coordinator for Pete Carroll. Now the duo are with the Seahawks, along with Seattle quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch, who coached receivers in Denver until last season.
And receiver is quickly becoming a need for the Seahawks. They saw Nate Burleson leave for Detroit in the first hours of free agency and haven't made a decision on underperforming Deion Branch, whom the team spent a first-round pick to acquire in a trade from New England at the start of the 2006 season.
If Branch does not return, Seattle would have only one wide receiver — T.J. Houshmandzadeh — on its roster that caught more than 15 passes last season.
-- Tim Booth
Broncos agree with Arrington
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos are bringing back J.J. Arrington, agreeing to a deal with the tailback who sat out last season with a right knee injury.
Denver also agreed to terms with defensive lineman Justin Bannan and cornerback Nathan Jones on Friday.
Arrington originally signed a four-year contract last March with Denver that was worth about $10 million, but the team waived him two months later when he failed a physical due to the balky knee.
The 27-year-old Arrington figures to be a third-down specialist for the Broncos, a role he played for Arizona in 2008 when the Cardinals advanced to the Super Bowl.
He will compete for carries with Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.
The Broncos also agreed to terms Friday with two veterans who played for them last year: offensive lineman Russ Hochstein and receiver Brandon Lloyd.
Hochstein is a 10th-year pro who played in 15 games, starting 10 of them, in his first season with the Broncos last year after being acquired from New England in a trade Aug. 25.
Lloyd is an eighth-year pro who played in two games for Denver last season, including a start in the regular season finale, when Brandon Marshall was held out for being late to a therapy session for a hamstring injury.
Bannan, 30, arrives in Denver after playing the last four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Before that, the 6-foot-3, 310-pound lineman spent four seasons in Buffalo. Bannan was a standout player down the road at the University of Colorado.
"Justin will fit into our scheme very well, and having played his college ball at Colorado, he's thrilled to return to this state as a Bronco," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said.
Jones, 27, adds versatility to the Broncos' secondary with his ability to play outside corner, the nickel spot and fill in at safety.
With the Miami Dolphins last season, Jones had two interceptions, broke up 10 passes and forced two fumbles. He also had 19 tackles on special teams, tying for 10th in the league.
"He makes plays on defense and has been a core contributor on special teams," Broncos general manager Brian Xanders said.
AP Source: LB Dansby agrees to terms with Dolphins
MIAMI — On the first day of free agency, linebacker Karlos Dansby flew to South Florida and decided to stay.
Dansby agreed to a $43 million, five-year deal with the Miami Dolphins on Friday, a person familiar with the negotiations said.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins didn't announce an agreement. The contract includes $22 million guaranteed and will pay Dansby $27 million over the next three years.
The deal was part of a big one-day shakeup in the Dolphins' defense. Miami terminated the contracts of disgruntled outside linebacker Joey Porter, inside linebacker Akin Ayodele and free safety Gibril Wilson.
One of the big prizes on this year's market, Dansby has started since his rookie season in 2004 with Arizona. He made one of the most memorable plays in this year's playoffs, returning Aaron Rodgers' fumble 17 yards for a touchdown to give the Cardinals a 51-45 overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers.
As Friday's moves made clear, the Bill Parcells regime is eager to improve a defense that last year gave up a franchise-record 140 points in the fourth quarter, most in the NFL. In the final three games, desperate to stay in the playoff race, the Dolphins fell behind 24-6, 27-0 and 27-10.
Miami fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni in January and replaced him with Mike Nolan.
Porter, a four-time Pro Bowler chosen in January to the NFL's All-Decade team, was released last month but reverted to the Miami roster because of a salary cap technicality. He had campaigned to be released while complaining about his reduced role last season and his relationship with coach Tony Sparano.
Wilson was a flop in his only season with the Dolphins. He received $8 million guaranteed when he signed a year ago.
Ayodele was a two-year starter at inside linebacker, but Dansby offers more big-play ability. The former Cardinals star has 25½ career sacks, 10 interceptions, 12 fumbles forced and nine fumbles recovered. Dansby can stop the run, rush the quarterback and drop into coverage, and in Miami he'll play in the same 3-4 scheme the Cardinals use.
-- Steven Wine
Raiders sign Barnes to 1-year deal
ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders re-signed free agent offensive lineman Khalif Barnes to a one-year contract on Friday.
The Raiders did not tender a contract offer to Barnes before the start of free agency, making him an unrestricted free agent. But the team confirmed he is coming back for a second season.
Barnes signed a one-year deal last year to come to Oakland after four years in Jacksonville. He was expected to compete for a starting left tackle spot with Mario Henderson, but broke his left ankle in training camp. He appeared in just six games last season, appearing mostly on the right side of the line.
Henderson allowed an NFL-worst 10½ sacks last season. Last year's starting right tackle Cornell Green is an unrestricted free agent. Green committed 12 penalties and allowed 6½ sacks in 12 games.
The Raiders also announced the hiring of Kevin Ross as a defensive backs coach. Ross had spent five seasons as an assistant with the Minnesota Vikings and the San Diego Chargers.
"We are incredibly excited to add Kevin to our coaching staff," coach Tom Cable said. "He had a long and successful playing career and earned the respect of every team he joined along the way and we are fortunate to have him here."
Ross played defensive back for 14 seasons with Kansas City, Atlanta and San Diego. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and recorded 38 career interceptions.
The Raiders previously had hired Clancy Pendergast for the position to replace the retired Willie Brown. But Pendergast left after less than two weeks to take over as defensive coordinator at California.
-- Josh Dubow
Quarterback Carr visiting 49ers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Free agent quarterback David Carr arrived in the Bay Area on Friday to visit with the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers said Carr was in town and would meet with the club Friday night and again Saturday.
While coach Mike Singletary has repeatedly said 2005 No. 1 pick Alex Smith is his starter going forward, Singletary didn't rule out signing an experienced quarterback who could push Smith and challenge for playing time. Carr, an eight-year NFL veteran, was the top draft pick in 2002 out of Fresno State. He spent the past two seasons as a backup to Eli Manning with the New York Giants.
"I feel very good about saying that Alex Smith is our starter going into the next football season," Singletary said during last week's NFL Combine in Indianapolis. "The thing for me is I'm always going to use words like probably, and all those other things, because I like competition. I like guys knowing that they're always going to compete."
The 30-year-old Carr was the Houston Texans' starter from 2002-06.
If he joins the team, that likely would signal the end of backup Shaun Hill's tenure with the Niners. Hill is headed into the final year of his contract.
Smith took over for Hill at halftime Oct. 25 at Houston and started the rest of the way for San Francisco, which finished 8-8 and ended a franchise-worst stretch of six straight losing seasons. The 49ers also drafted QB Nate Davis in the fifth round last year out of Ball State.
Carr, who last started a game in 2007 for the Carolina Panthers, has completed 1,346 passes for 14,366 yards and 65 touchdowns in his career.
-- Janie McCauley
AP source: Falcons agree to terms with CB Robinson
ATLANTA — A person familiar with the negotiations said the Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms on a six-year deal Friday with free-agent cornerback Dunta Robinson, who had 13 interceptions in the last six seasons with Houston.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no contract had been signed. Financial terms of the agreement were not immediately available.
Robinson is from Athens, Ga., about an hour from Atlanta. He visited the team Friday.
Robinson was the 10th overall draft pick in 2004. He had six interceptions as a rookie.
The Falcons ranked 28th in the league in pass defense last season. The team re-signed cornerback Brian Williams on Thursday.
-- Charles Odum
LB Foote to visit Redskins and Cardinals next week
DETROIT — Free agent linebacker Larry Foote says he has visits scheduled next week with the Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals.
Foote told The Associated Press on Friday night both teams are good fits for him, playing 3-4 defenses with coaches he is familiar with from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Foote says he will meet Monday with the Redskins and Wednesday with the Cardinals.
He led the Detroit Lions with 99 tackles last year despite missing two games with a foot injury.
The native of Detroit and former Michigan star signed a one-year deal with the Lions last year and had 70 solo tackles, his highest total since 2005.
Foote started every game for the Steelers from 2004-2008, helping them win two Super Bowls after they drafted him in 2002.
-- Larry Lage
Patriots sign LB Banta-Cain
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots re-signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Tully Banta-Cain on Friday, the first day of free agency, keeping their top pass rusher in the fold for another three years.
"I had some calls from my agent last night that we were going to try to get it done," Banta-Cain said in a conference call with reporters. "I was hopeful it would get done and it did. I'm happy about that."
Banta-Cain played for the Patriots' last two Super Bowl teams in 2004 and '05, before going to San Francisco as an unrestricted free agent in 2007. After two seasons, the 49ers released him and he re-signed with New England.
Last year, he had a career-high 10 sacks and 60 total tackles while starting 10 games.
"I was honored to have the opportunity to come back," he said. "Not many people get the opportunity to come back to where they started. I really wanted to make the most of the season. Despite the way things turned out for the team, I was able to have a significant role.
"It was a great experience to come back. Now I'm really looking forward to my future here."
Free agent OG Wade Smith visits Buffalo Bills
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Veteran offensive guard Wade Smith is visiting with the Buffalo Bills to gauge his chances of signing with the team in free agency.
Smith arrived in Buffalo on Friday, and is scheduled to meet with Bills officials through Saturday, the team announced. He's an eight-year NFL veteran, who spent the past two seasons with Kansas City.
Selected in the third round of the 2003 draft by Miami, Smith played four seasons with the Dolphins. He also spent two years playing for the Jets. He has 34 starts in 74 career games.
Smith is familiar with new Bills head coach Chan Gailey, who was previously the Chiefs offensive coordinator.
The Bills have several needs on their offensive line as the NFL's free agency period opened Friday.
Eagles, Weaver agree to 3-year deal
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a three-year contract with All-Pro fullback Leonard Weaver.
Weaver's deal was announced Friday, the first day of the NFL's free agency period. It reportedly is worth $11 million, including $6.5 million guaranteed.
Weaver had a career-high 323 yards rushing, 140 yards receiving and four touchdowns in his first season with the Eagles. He spent his first four years with Seattle.
The Eagles released star running back Brian Westbrook last week, leaving Weaver as the lone veteran in the backfield.
Eagles release LB Will Witherspoon
PHILADELPHIA— The Philadelphia Eagles have released linebacker Will Witherspoon.
The 29-year-old Witherspoon was acquired from St. Louis in a trade last October. He was scheduled to earn $5 million this season. The move was announced Friday.
Witherspoon played 12 games for the Eagles, recording 56 tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble.
Injuries forced Philadelphia to try numerous linebacker combinations last season, and Witherspoon started in the middle and at the weakside spot.
Atlanta re-signs No. 2 QB Redman
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons plan to sign backup quarterback Chris Redman to a contract extension.
Terms of the deal, which Redman is expected to sign soon, were not released Friday.
Redman first joined the Falcons in 2007, and went 0-2 as a starter last year filling in for former NFL offensive rookie of the year Matt Ryan. Redman is 4-8 in his career.
A third-round pick for Baltimore in 2000, Redman has completed 56.7 percent of 466 career passes for 2,971 yards, with 21 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 79.3 quarterback rating.
Chargers agree to terms with Wilson, Boone
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms with tight end Kris Wilson and defensive end Alfonso Boone.
Both received two-year contracts.
Wilson just completed his second season with the Chargers, catching four passes for 28 yards, with one touchdown. Boone joined the Chargers last year and started four of 13 games played.
Packers release Giordano, Montgomery
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers have released safety Matt Giordano and defensive end Michael Montgomery.
Giordano, who was cut by Indianapolis last September after four seasons with the Colts, was signed by the Packers a few weeks later to provide depth in the wake of injuries. He appeared in five games.
Montgomery, a sixth-round selection in the 2005 draft, appeared in 56 games over the course of five seasons with Green Bay. He started eight games in 2008.
