SANTA CLARA, Calif. [bar] The San Francisco 49ers signed defensive end Justin Smith on Saturday in a move they hope will bolster their pass rush.
Smith, the No. 4 overall pick by Cincinnati in 2001, had 43 sacks in seven seasons with the Bengals and was one of the top pass rushers available on the free agent market this season. His deal is reportedly for six years and is worth $45 million, including $20 million in guarantees.
The Niners were tied for 21st in the NFL last season with 31 sacks. Bryant Young, who led the team with 6 sacks, retired after the season.
BRONCOS
Pro Bowl Safety Lynch will remain in Denver
DENVER [bar] Pro Bowl safety John Lynch will remain with the Denver Broncos for a fifth season, passing on a chance to retire or test free agency.
Lynch reached a one-year deal after meeting with owner Pat Bowlen and coach Mike Shanahan.
Lynch, who will turn 37 next season, finished last season with 62 tackles and one sack in 13 games. He also made his ninth Pro Bowl appearance and his fourth straight while a member of the Broncos.
BROWNS
Cleveland gets DT Rogers in trade with Lions
ALLEN PARK, Mich. [bar] The Detroit Lions traded defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to the Cleveland Browns for cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick in the April draft.
The Lions announced the deal Saturday, one day after a trade fell through that would have shipped Rogers to the Cincinnati Bengals for third- and fifth-round picks.
The Browns also agreed with veteran receiver Donte' Stallworth on a seven-year contract.
VIKINGS
Receiver Berrian agrees to six-year contract
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. [bar] The Minnesota Vikings reached an agreement on a six-year contract with wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who had a career year with the Chicago Bears last season.
Berrian had a career-high 71 catches for 951 yards and five touchdowns for Chicago in his fourth season in the NFL.
Minnesota also finalized its deal with fullback Thomas Tapeh.
JETS
Pro Bowl guard Faneca agrees to 5-year deal
NEW YORK [bar] The Jets and Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca have agreed to terms on a five-year, $40 million contract, making the former Pittsburgh player the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.
Agent Rick Smith said that Faneca, 31, planned to fly to New York today, take a physical and officially sign the deal Monday. After making nearly $4.4 million in salary and bonuses last season, Faneca got a deal that Smith said includes $21 million in guarantees.
Faneca chose New York over San Francisco and St. Louis.
IN OTHER NEWS
The Philadelphia Eagles signed defensive end Chris Clemons, who had eight sacks in a reserve role with Oakland last season, to a five-year contract.
The Miami Dolphins signed linebacker Reggie Torbor, linebacker Charlie Anderson, defensive tackle Randy Starks and guard Justin Smiley.
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed cornerback Drayton Florence, who spent the past five seasons with the San Diego Chargers.
The New Orleans Saints re-signed wide receiver Devery Henderson and terminated linebacker Brian Simmons' contract.
The Carolina Panthers agreed to terms with free-agent cornerback and kick returner Ricardo Colclough on a two-year, $4 million deal.
The St. Louis Rams signed kicker Josh Brown, who scored a career-high 127 points last season for the Seattle Seahawks, to a five-year, $14.2 million contract.
The Buffalo Bills acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcus Stroud from Jacksonville for an undisclosed number of draft picks.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed tight end John Gilmore and defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson.
The Atlanta Falcons signed defensive backs Erik Coleman and Von Hutchins.
The Houston Texans signed former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves.
