Jonathan Martin traded to 49ers

Jonathan Martin, the offensive tackle at the center of the Dolphins' bullying scandal, has been traded to the 49ers.

The Dolphins announced the deal last night on the first day of NFL free agency. Martin's move cross country brings him back to the Bay Area to be reunited with his former Stanford coach, Jim Harbaugh.

An investigation for the NFL determined last month that Dolphins guard Richie Incognito and two other offensive linemen engaged in persistent harassment of Martin, another offensive lineman and an assistant trainer.

Ware, Peppers released

Two accomplished pass rushers became available yesterday when DeMarcus Ware and Julius Peppers were released to create room under the salary cap.

The Bears cut ties with Peppers, who has 1181/2 sacks in 12 seasons. The Cowboys let nine-year veteran Ware and his 117 sacks go.

"A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your franchise, is extremely difficult," Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said.

Ware, who has made seven Pro Bowls, would have counted $16 million against the cap. He had a career-low six sacks last season, when he missed time with a thigh injury.

Peppers' release was no surprise because he struggled last year and his 2014 cap hit was more than $18 million.

Others released included Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley and 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers.

More moves

Former Bills safety Jairus Byrd agreed to terms with the Saints. Other safeties swapping clubs: Michael Jenkins, Saints to Eagles; Donte Whitner, 49ers to Browns; Antoine Bethea, Colts to 49ers; T.J. Ward, Browns to Broncos, and Mike Mitchell, Panthers to Steelers.

Citing sources, ESPN reported the Broncos have agreed with former Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib on a six-year, $57 million deal that includes $26 million guaranteed.

Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert and the Dolphins agreed to a five-year contract worth more than $45 million, a source said. Albert takes over the position played at the start of last season by Martin.

Left tackle Jared Veldheer and the Cardinals agreed to a five-year contract worth $35 million, with $17 million guaranteed. The Raiders replaced Veldheer by giving former Rams lineman Rodger Saffold a five-year deal.

The Browns reportedly struck a deal with former Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby. Former Chiefs kick returner-receiver Dexter McCluster agreed to terms with the Titans, and defensive end Arthur Jones left the Ravens for the Colts.

Among players staying put after they reached deals yesterday: Colts cornerback Vontae Davis; running backs Darren McFadden (Raiders) and Joique Bell (Lions); wide receivers Brandon Tate (Bengals) and Santana Moss (Redskins), and kickers Adam Vinatieri (Colts), Phil Dawson (49ers) and Dan Carpenter (Bills).