Cardinals continue signing spree

Arizona picks up defensive end Okeafor for latest offseason acquisition; Lions land dandy duo

? Arizona Cardinals coach Dennis Green dipped into the free agent market for the third time in five days, signing defensive end Chike Okeafor to go with quarterback Kurt Warner and offensive tackle Oliver Ross.

“I’ve been a big believer since the day I got here that Arizona has all the ingredients to attract the top NFL free agents, and our three signees are a great indication of that,” said Green, in his second year with Arizona.

Okeafor provides a strong upgrade at his position. He had a career-high 81/2 sacks for Seattle last season after recording eight the previous season.

He also had two sacks and four tackles in the Seahawks’ 27-20 loss to St. Louis in an NFC wild-card game Jan. 8.

Okeafor, who also visited Denver, said during his visit to Arizona’s headquarters on Saturday that it was obvious Green is serious about shaking the Cardinals’ doormat image.

“From playing against them and watching on film, there is some heart there,” he said.

The Cardinals also re-signed running back Troy Hambrick to a two-year contract.

Detroit signed two players on Monday, landing hard-hitting safety Kenoy Kennedy and tight end Marcus Pollard.

Kennedy, who spent his entire five-year career with Denver, was about to board a flight to Miami to continue his free-agent tour, but had second thoughts and returned to the Lions’ practice facility to sign a contract while the team was introducing Pollard.

“They were calling my name and saying that I had to get on the plane or I was going to get left behind,” Kennedy said. “I told them to go ahead and leave me. I decided I wanted to be a Lion.”

Pollard caught six of Peyton Manning’s record 49 touchdown passes last season with Indianapolis.

“Until a couple weeks ago, we didn’t even expect that Marcus would be available, so we feel very good about adding him to the roster,” team president Matt Millen said. “He brings experience, an understanding of how to win, and some great hands.”

Record-setting running back Rudi Johnson signed a one-year contract to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnson, who set a team mark last season with 1,454 yards rushing, will get $6.3 million.

The Dolphins signed two-time Pro Bowl player Kevin Carter to a five-year deal.

The Dolphins also cut wide receiver David Boston, who failed his physical.

Cornerback Samari Rolle agreed to a six-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens. Rolle was a 2000 Pro Bowl selection with the Tennessee Titans.

The Bears signed another Tennessee cap cut, right tackle Fred Miller. The 32-year-old veteran, who hasn’t missed a start since 1998, agreed to a five-year deal.

The Patriots re-signed fullback Patrick Pass, an unrestricted free agent.

Cornerback Willie Williams re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for another two years.

The Redskins agreed to terms with Mike Sellers, a standout on special teams, where he made 29 tackles last season. He also is the backup to starting H-back Chris Cooley.