DeMarcus Ware signs three-year, $30M deal with Broncos

Well, that didn't take long.

Pass-rushing specialist DeMarcus Ware got a three-year, $30-million contract from the Broncos yesterday, less than 24 hours after the Cowboys released him.

Ware's first team visit resulted in a deal that includes $20 million in guaranteed money.

"It's a perfect fit for me," Ware, 31, said at a news conference. "Their mentality is a 'now' mentality. Not looking forward to next season or the season after that. The time is now."

He'll pair with linebacker Von Miller to give AFC champion Denver a pair of quarterback chasers. Broncos executive John Elway has been busy upgrading the defense during the first two days of the NFL's free-agency period, adding cornerback Aqib Talib from the Patriots and safety T.J. Ward on Tuesday.

Ware had 117 sacks and went to seven Pro Bowls in nine seasons with the Cowboys. He had a career-low six sacks last season, when he missed time with a thigh injury, then had offseason elbow surgery.

The Cowboys made another move to clear cap space, jettisoning receiver Miles Austin, as expected, saving about $5.5 million. Austin's release is effective June 1.

The Super Bowl champion Seahawks lost two more players. Wide receiver Golden Tate left to play alongside All-Pro Calvin Johnson with the Lions, and the Seahawks released defensive end Chris Clemons. Clemons was due to make $7.5 million in base salary next season. He is the fourth member of Seattle's defense to be released or sign with another club as a free agent.

Tate receives a five-year deal worth $31 million with $13.25 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.

The move with Clemons was not unexpected as he became the third Seahawk to be released because of a huge salary-cap number. Seattle let go of wide receiver Sidney Rice and defensive end Red Bryant last week.

Tampa Bay added a quarterback by agreeing to a two-year contract with Josh McCown, who started five games last season for the Bears in place of an injured Jay Cutler. The Browns cut quarterbacks Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell.

Carolina receiver Steve Smith's agent, Derrick Fox, told The Associated Press that Smith "is not going to play for the Panthers next year." Fox said he expected Smith, 34, to get cut, although Carolina was trying to trade him.

Three significant players decided to stay put. Returner-receiver Jacoby Jones agreed to a four-year contract to remain with the Ravens. Running back Pierre Thomas agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Saints. Defensive tackle Randy Starks signed a two-year, $12-million deal to stay with Miami.

Cornerback Corey Graham's agent said on Twitter that the player agreed to a four-year contract with the Bills, leaving the Ravens. Cornerback Eric Wright re-signed with the 49ers. Tight end David Johnson joined the Chargers from the Steelers, who re-signed safety Will Allen.

Offensive lineman Rodger Saffold failed a physical one day after agreeing to a $42.5 million, five-year deal with the Raiders. ESPN reported that Saffold would return to the Rams to sign a five-year contract.