Dolphins trade WR Brandon Marshall to Bears

Brandon Marshall was reunited with quarterback Jay Cutler after a trade sent the mercurial wide receiver from the Dolphins to the Bears Tuesday, highlighting a busy first day of the NFL's free-agency signing period.

Minutes before the 4 p.m. start, Marshall was traded for a third-round pick this year and a third-round choice in 2013.

Marshall and Cutler played together in Denver before both were traded by former Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. The Bears had been linked to Chargers free- agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson, but chose to go with a more familiar face for their prized quarterback.

The Bears also signed Jason Campbell to back up Cutler.

Jackson agreed to a whopping five-year, $55.55-million deal with the Bucs that included $26 million in guaranteed money. Jackson will make $36 million in the first three years.

It is uncertain whether the move by Miami will serve as an enticement or a deterrent for free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning, who met with Dolphins officials Monday in Indianapolis. The Dolphins traded a major receiving threat, but Marshall also was beset by off-field problems in Miami and Denver.

Manning is set to visit with Titans officials. He already has met with the Broncos, Cardinals and Dolphins. Titans owner Bud Adams has made it a high priority to sign Manning, who played at Tennessee.

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One of Manning's favorite targets in Indianapolis, Pierre Garcon, has joined the Redskins. The team was hit with salary-cap sanctions Monday because of what the league said was inappropriate structuring of contracts in the 2010 season, which did not have a salary cap. But the NFL's decision to take away $16 million in cap space this year didn't stop the Redskins from spending big on Garcon, who signed a five-year, $42.5-million deal.

The Redskins also agreed to terms with former Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal and wide receiver Josh Morgan, who left the 49ers.

One receiver who never made it to the open market was former Hofstra star Marques Colston, who re-signed with the Saints a few hours before he would have been eligible to sign elsewhere. Colston agreed to a five-year, $40-million contract to stay with New Orleans.

Receiver Reggie Wayne reportedly agreed to a three-year deal to remain in Indianapolis. Another player who didn't leave his team was Seahawks defensive lineman Red Bryant, who signed a five-year deal.

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The best defensive player in free agency, former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams of the Texans, visited the Bills Tuesday night to meet with team officials. Bills CEO Russ Brandon had said the team was willing to spend big, and only Manning is likely to command a salary as high as Williams, a fine pass-rushing end.

Reports last night indicated the Rams have agreed to the framework of a five-year deal worth around $50 million with Titans free-agent cornerback Cortland Finnegan.

Players released include Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman, Texans tackle Eric Winston and backup quarterback Matt Leinart, and Chargers tackle Marcus McNeill.