[mmarra82]

Things are picking up as 26 players inked new contracts:

The top signings were:
Chris Chambers, WR - Chambers leaves Miami for Minnesota for 3 years, and $10.11 million. Chambers finished last season with 56 receptions for 726 yards and 4 touchdowns. Chambers will team up with Randy Moss and veteran quarterback Vinny Testaverde. This gives the Vikings another option in the passing game, something they did not have last season. Moss finished with 91 receptions last season, that was without another wideout and Culpepper missing for most of the season.

Chad Bratzke, DE - Bratzke leaves Indianapolis for Houston, Bratzke had an off season last year with the Colts, finishing with just 2 sacks. Bratzke will be paid $14.29 million over the next 4 seasons.

Drew Bennett, WR - Bennett heads to the Giants for the next three seasons for nearly $3 million. Bennett had 84 receptions the previous two seasons as a starter with the Titans. Bennett said the decision was an easy one, when the Giants re-signed Kerry Collins.

Derrick Deese, LT - The Texans continue to spend, adding a valuable left tackle in Deese, for 3 years, and $8.92 million. Deese a solid veteran, leaves the 49ers to protect the young quarterback, David Carr.

Jevon Kearse, DE - Kearse resigned with the Texans for 4 years, and $12.52 million. Kearse who played last season with the Texans for the minimum was rewarded the large deal after finishing last season with 11.5 sacks.

Kelly Gregg, DT - Signs with the Colts for 4 years, and $9.52 million. Gregg spent last season with the Cardinals where he was a solid contributor against the run, and rushing the passer.

Shawn Barber, OLB - Barber signed a huge deal with Detroit for 5 years, and $16.53 million. Barber spent the past few seasons with the Chiefs, and last season finished with 70 tackles.

Ross Hochstein, G - Hochstein signed a big deal with the Cardinals for $8.16 million over the next 4 seasons. Hochstein was a run mauler last season for the Browns. The Cards hope the signing will continue to develop their running game with back, Michael Shipp.

Other signings:
Hollis Thomas, DT - signed with Carolina, 3 years, $2.13 million from Philly.
Jonas Jennings, LT - signed with Seattle, 3 years, $5.04 million from St. Louis.
Antonio Bryant, WR - signed with Cleveland, 2 years, $1.23 million from Dallas.
Jay Bellamy, S - signed with Seattle, 3 years, $3.02 million from Kansas City.
Rob Morris, ILB - signed with Seattle, 3 years, $2.98 million from Baltimore.

There were other signings, primarily of one year deals, or two year deals at minimal money.