Chicago wins race to sign DE Peppers

Julius Peppers joined the Chicago Bears in the biggest move by a team that showed its intent on contending again after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.

The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end and top free agent prize agreed Friday to a six-year deal worth potentially $91.5 million.

Agent Carl Carey said a record $42 million is guaranteed, with Peppers earning $20 million in the first year. The deal includes incentives for sacks, making the Pro Bowl and winning Defensive Player of the Year.

"It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living, but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a rich tradition like the Bears," Peppers said.

Besides Peppers, the Bears lured running back Chester Taylor from NFC North champion Minnesota with a four-year contract and blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from San Diego with a five-year deal. Taylor's contract is worth $12.5 million with $7 million guaranteed, The Associated Press reported.

BROWNS: Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs has a new three-year contract. Financial terms were not immediately known.

COLTS: Linebacker Gary Brackett signed a five-year deal. He will reportedly get $33 million, including a $12 million signing bonus.

DOLPHINS: The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports former Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby has agreed to a five-year, $43 million contract.

EAGLES: Agreed to a three-year contract with All-Pro fullback Leonard Weaver. It reportedly is worth $11 million, including $6.5 million guaranteed.

Also, the Eagles released linebacker Will Witherspoon.

FALCONS: The AP reported Atlanta has agreed to terms with free-agent cornerback Dunta Robinson (Texans). Also, Atlanta plans to sign quarterback Chris Redman to a contract extension.

JETS: Acquired cornerback Antonio Cromartie from the Chargers on Thursday night, reportedly for a conditional third-round draft pick in 2011 that could become a second-rounder based on his production. New York also released running back Thomas Jones.

LIONS: Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (Titans) agreed to a four-year deal reportedly worth $26 million, with $10 million due in the first year.

PANTHERS: Released quarterback Jake Delhomme despite still owing him more than $12.5 million in guaranteed money.

RAVENS: Bolstered their receiving corps by obtaining Anquan Boldin from the Cardinals for a third- and fourth-round pick in the 2010 draft. Boldin received a new four-year, $28 million deal with Baltimore in which $10 million is guaranteed.

Roethlisberger accused of sexual assault in Georgia

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. - Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is being investigated in an allegation of sexual assault at a Georgia nightclub, police said Friday.

Officers said the alleged assault occurred early Friday morning in Milledgeville, about 85 miles southeast of Atlanta. The player owns a home nearby. The two-time Super Bowl champion and some of his friends were seen visiting local restaurants and bars Thursday night.

"He's been identified as being at the scene and there are allegations naming him as the perpetrator," Deputy Chief Richard Malone said.