Cedric Benson of the Cincinnati Bengals has agreed to a one-year, $3-million contract. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets after a whirlwind 48 hours that saw him meet with teams from coast to coast.
It's a fully guaranteed $3.017-million deal, according to ESPN. Burress met with the Giants on Friday before traveling to Pittsburgh for a Saturday morning breakfast with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. He said the 49ers and Rams were also interested.
The Jets, who aren't attempting to re-sign free agent Braylon Edwards and lost Brad Smith to the Buffalo Bills, were seeking a starting receiver opposite Santonio Holmes. Holmes signed a five-year, $50-million contract last week.
"I just look at all the pieces to the puzzle that are already in place," Burress said. "Putting myself into this equation, being able to play besides Santonio Holmes, LaDainian Tomlinson, Mark Sanchez, I just feel it's a great new opportunity for me. I just want to come here and help these guys win."
The 34-year-old Burress was released June 6 after serving nearly two years in prison on a gun charge following an incident in which he shot himself in the leg at a Manhattan nightclub.
"I feel I'm in great shape. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised at my conditioning," Burress said. "There were a lot of different things I'd been doing in South Florida to get back to where I want to be, get back to playing at a high level real soon. I expect a little rust to be there, but all those things will come together with hard work and the different things we have going on over here."
--Defensive end Osi Umenyiora met with Giants general manager Jerry Reese and reported to training camp, although he did not practice. Umenyiora filed a sworn affidavit as part of the players' antitrust lawsuit claiming the Giants broke a promise to him to renegotiate his contract in a specific time frame (2008-09).
--Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth passed his conditioning test and practiced with the Patriots.
--Running back Cedric Benson agreed to a one-year, $3-million deal with the Bengals that could be worth up to $5-million with incentives. Following the move, the Bengals were expected to cancel a planned visit from Giants free agent running back Ahmad Bradshaw. The Bengals also signed former 49ers cornerback Nate Clements to a two-year, $10-million contract.
--The Redskins acquired running back Tim Hightower from the Arizona Cardinals for defensive end Vonnie Holliday and an undisclosed draft pick. He joins a backfield that includes Ryan Torain, Keiland Williams, James Davis and rookies Roy Helu, Evan Royster and Shaun Draughn.
--Center Chris Chris Spencer signed a two-year deal with the Bears, signaling the end of Olin Kreutz's tenure with the Bears.
--Middle linebacker Nick Barnett agreed to a three-year, $12-million deal with Buffalo that includes $6-million in guaranteed money. Barnett, who also received interest from Detroit and Washington, was released by Green Bay last week. The Bills needed an inside linebacker after losing Paul Posluszny to Jacksonville in free agency.
--Tight end Todd Heap agreed to a two-year deal with the Cardinals. Heap, 31, was released by the Ravens last week.
--Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu was released by the Seahawks after the sides were unable to agree on a restructured contract. Tatupu, 28, was scheduled to earn more than $4-million in 2011. Middle linebacker David Hawthorne is expected to take over the starting job.
--Fullback Vonta Leach signed a three-year, $11-million deal with the Ravens.
--Offensive guard Deuce Lutui failed his physical with the Bengals for being overweight and decided to re-sign with Arizona.