The Chicago Bears were the big spenders as NFL teams entered the free-agency period unconstrained by a salary cap, signing top prize Julius Peppers.
The rest of the league was more thrifty on Friday, with lots of moves involving some big names, but no other blockbuster deals.
“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.
The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end agreed to a six-year deal potentially worth US$91.5 million. Agent Carl Carey said a record US$42 million is guaranteed, with Peppers earning US$20 million in the first year.
Chicago also added running back Chester Taylor from Minnesota and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from San Diego.
Bears general manager Jerry Angelo and coach Lovie Smith know they need to improve after missing the playoffs the past three years. Then again, a big move didn’t work out for them before last season, when they landed quarterback Jay Cutler and finished with a 7-9 win-loss record.
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 last year and 23 in his final 12 games did for Delhomme.
Coach John Fox twice welled up with tears when explaining the decision, which came despite the fact Carolina still owe Delhomme more than US$12.5 million in guaranteed money.
“He’s done some great things for this team. Two [NFC] championship games, a Super Bowl, all those comeback victories,” Fox said.
In other moves, linebacker Gary Brackett, the leader of the Indianapolis defense, re-signed with the Colts, while fullback Leonard Weaver re-signed with Philadelphia for three years.
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who struggled last season for San Diego, was traded to the New York Jets. Receiver Anquan Boldin was traded from Arizona to Baltimore.
Detroit, coming off two wins in the past two seasons, upgraded their defense by trading with Cleveland for tackle Corey Williams and agreeing to a four-year deal with end Kyle Vanden Bosch.
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