"At 12:01, we were on the phones. It's exciting."

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First Day of FA wrap up

Eagles Nab Kearse, Raiders Get Washington

By BARRY WILNER

The first day of NFL free agency brought lots of movement on the defensive line.

Jevon Kearse moved from Tennessee to Philadelphia, Ted Washington went from New England to Oakland, and Cornelius Griffin left New York for Washington.

The Eagles made the biggest splash Wednesday when they agreed to a $66 million, eight-year deal with Kearse, who could spark a mediocre pass rush. But Kearse, the 1999 Defensive Rookie of the Year, has played in just 18 of 32 games the last two seasons, which made the Titans balk at paying him top dollar.

Not so for the Eagles, who knew very well that Kearse's 9 1/2 sacks in 2003 were more than all of Philadelphia's defensive ends combined.

"He looks forward to getting a lot of sacks for them and helping them get over the hump," said Kearse's agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

Rosenhaus said the deal makes Kearse the highest-paid defensive lineman in NFL history. Kearse will receive a $16 million signing bonus and $4 million in a roster bonus in the first two years of his deal.

Another NFC East team _ the Redskins _ was, as usual, very active. Even before free agency officially began, they signed DE Philips Daniels, who was cut by Chicago, making him available.

On Wednesday, they took on Griffin, who left the Giants after four seasons, the best of which was his rookie year of 2000, when the team won the NFC championship. The defensive tackle should solidify a run defense that ranked 25th in '03.

Then, Washington turned to the secondary, agreeing to terms with cornerback Shawn Springs, who should replace Champ Bailey. The Redskins also re-signed offensive lineman Lennie Friedman and welcomed quarterback Mark Brunell and running back Clinton Portis, who were acquired in previously arranged trades.

Portis comes from Denver in exchange for Bailey.

"One of the things I admire about Dan is he makes quick decisions," coach Joe Gibbs said of team owner Daniel Snyder. "At 12:01, we were on the phones. It's exciting. It's one of the biggest nights we'll have."

One of the biggest players in the NFL, the 6-foot-5, 375-pound Washington, believes he's the answer to Oakland's woes against the run. Fresh from a Super Bowl championship, Washington got a four-year, $14 million contract, with a $4 million signing bonus.

Oakland was last in the league in rushing defense.

"I can bring leadership, I can plug up the middle, and free up the linebackers to make plays," said Washington, who will turn 36 in April. "I am a big key to helping shut down the run. That's what they brought me in for. I really take it personal. Hopefully this year we can get that ranking up in the top five."

The Bears were the first team to do something once free agency opened at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. They agreed to terms with running back Thomas Jones, the seventh overall pick in the 2000 draft, but a flop in Arizona and a part-timer in Tampa.

Chicago also grabbed Jonathan Quinn, a career third-string quarterback who was in Kansas City last season, cut veteran linebacker Warrick Holdman and re-signed fullback Stanley Pritchett.

Elsewhere:

_ Receiver Keyshawn Johnson agreed to a four-year, $20 million contract with Dallas that includes a $4 million signing bonus and $2 million base salary for 2004. He could earn more with incentives.

But the Buccaneers first must work out a deal with Cowboys receiver Joey Galloway, and according to Galloway's agent, Leigh Steinberg, that is not close to happening.

Galloway earned $6.6 million in 2003. Steinberg said Tampa Bay's best offer has been about $1 million for one year.

Tampa Bay signed fullback Greg Comella and tight end Dave Moore. Released by Buffalo on Tuesday, Moore spent 10 seasons with the Bucs.

_ The trade of Philadelphia quarterback A.J. Feeley to Miami for a second-round draft choice in 2005 became official Wednesday.

_ The New York Jets released 11-year veteran Marvin Jones, the second linebacker let go in three days. On Monday, New York released Mo Lewis, who had been with the team for 13 seasons.

_ Green Bay agreed to a six-year, $32.6 million deal with left tackle Chad Clifton, saving the salary cap space he would have used up had he remained the team's franchise player. As a franchise player, Clifton would have cost $7 million under the cap. It now will be $2.5 million.

_ Safety Jerome Woods agreed to a six-year contract with Kansas City. Woods was a defensive leader for the Chiefs last season and made the Pro Bowl for the first time.

_ New England re-signed wide receiver J.J. Stokes, who joined the Patriots late last season after being released by Jacksonville. Stokes was the 10th overall pick by San Francisco in the 1995 draft.

_ Steelers fullback Dan Kreider passed up free agency and signed a four-year contract that will pay him a little more than $4 million. The 27-year-old Kreider received an $840,000 signing bonus and will earn $535,000 next season.

_ New Orleans signed veteran cornerback and special teams player Fakhir Brown to a two-year contract and agreed to terms on a three-year contract with linebacker Derrick Rodgers.

_ The Lions signed defensive end James Hall to a five-year deal and restructured the contract of Robert Porcher, a 12-year veteran and the team's career sacks leader with 91. Detroit also released safety Corey Harris.

_ The Texans reworked the contract of two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Gary Walker to make it more salary cap friendly. Then, they signed tackle Todd Wade away from the Dolphins for six years and $30 million.

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