Kearse, Eagles Agree to Deal

Desperate for a pass rusher, the Philadelphia Eagles signed three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jevon Kearse to a $66-million, eight-year deal on Wednesday, the first day of the NFL’s free-agency period.

“Jevon is excited to agree to terms with the Eagles. He looks forward to getting a lot of sacks for them and helping them get over the hump,” Kearse’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said.

Kearse spent five years with the Tennessee Titans, establishing himself as one of the premier sack artists in the league. He had 9 1/2 sacks last season, two more than all of Philadelphia’s defensive ends combined.

Kearse will receive a $16-million signing bonus and $4 million in a roster bonus that he’ll get in the first two years of his deal. Rosenhaus said the deal makes Kearse the highest-paid defensive lineman in NFL history. The contract is contingent upon Kearse’s passing a physical in Philadelphia today.

*

The Washington Redskins agreed to terms with cornerback Shawn Springs, signed defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, re-signed offensive lineman Lennie Friedman and welcomed quarterback Mark Brunell and running back Clinton Portis.

The news came so fast and furious that Brunell’s introductory news conference was merely a sidelight. The trade that brought him from Jacksonville for a third-round draft pick was worked out last month, but it didn’t become official until Wednesday. Considered one of the top cornerbacks available in free agency, Springs will replace four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey. As expected, Bailey agreed to a seven-year, $63-million contract with the Denver Broncos.

*

The Oakland Raiders agreed to a $14-million, four-year contract with veteran defensive tackle Ted Washington.

Washington, a key member of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots last season, receives a $4-million signing bonus.

*

Tampa Bay’s Keyshawn Johnson reached agreement on a four-year, $20-million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, who are seeking the three-time Pro Bowl selection in a trade for Joey Galloway.

But the proposed swap of highly paid receivers may not go through if Galloway fails to restructure a seven-year, $42-million contract the salary cap-strapped Buccaneers want to reduce dramatically.

Galloway’s agent, Leigh Steinberg, said the speedy receiver is nowhere close to an agreement with the Buccaneers.

*

Left tackle Chad Clifton has agreed to a six-year, $32.4-million contract extension with the Green Bay Packers.... New Orleans signed veteran cornerback Fakhir Brown to a two-year contract and agreed to terms on a three-year contract with linebacker Derrick Rodgers.... Pittsburgh fullback Dan Kreider passed up free agency and signed a four-year contract that will pay him a little more than $4 million.... Detroit signed defensive end James Hall to a five-year deal and released safety Corey Harris.... Chicago found backups at quarterback and running back, agreeing to a four-year contract with Thomas Jones and two-year deal with Jonathan Quinn.... The New York Jets cut starting middle linebacker Marvin Jones.... Safety Jerome Woods has agreed to a six-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.