The defense that topped the NFL last season got another multimillionaire Wednesday when defensive end Aaron Smith signed a five-year, $25-million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Smith, who had eight sacks last season, signed a few hours before the Steelers officially opened camp in Latrobe, Pa. His new deal is comparable to a $22.5 million deal signed by linebacker Joey Porter, a $23 million deal signed by all-Pro linebacker Jason Gildon, and a $25.25 million contract signed by cornerback Chad Scott.

The Steelers have locked up every key player on their defense for at least the next five seasons, except safety Lee Flowers, who may be allowed to become a free agent after the 2002 season.

Giants

Kerry Collins agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep him in New York through the 2004 season. Collins, who would have become a free agent after this season, will earn $15.4 million during the next three seasons. The deal will create enough salary cap room to enable the Giants to re-sign backup quarterback Jason Garrett.

Jaguars

Jacksonville signed second-round draft pick Mike Pearson to a four-year contract, less than 24 hours before the team reports to training camp. Pearson, who left the University of Florida a year early, is expected to compete for the job left open when the Jaguars lost left tackle Tony Boselli to Houston in the expansion draft.

Broncos

Denver is making progress in signing draft picks Ashley Lelie and Clinton Portis, but is having problems negotiating with free-agent kicker Jason Elam.

The Broncos and Elam’s agent Jack Reale have had no discussions about a long-term contract extension since February, when the team designated Elam its franchise player, with a $1.465 million contract tender offer.

The sides are prohibited from discussing a long-term extension until the one-year franchise tender is signed.

It was unclear whether Elam, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, would sign the franchise tender before players reported to training camp Thursday.

Saints

Cornerback Keyuo Craver, a fourth-round draft pick, agreed to terms on a three-year contract. The team also announced that cornerback Kevin Mathis failed a physical and was released.

Eagles

Philadelphia signed cornerback Lito Sheppard, its first-round draft pick, and also was talking to veteran wide receiver Antonio Freeman. The Eagles had no comment on talks with Freeman, one of the stars of the Green Bay team that won the 1997 Super Bowl. But his agent, Joel Segal, said talks were continuing.

Panthers

Carolina will open training camp without the services of Patrick Jeffers, who the Panthers hoped would be this year’s starting wide receiver.

Jeffers, who has caught only 14 passes the past two seasons and who underwent five knee operations in the last two years, is not expected to pass the team’s physical exam on Friday when players report to training camp, head coach John Fox said.

Jeffers had his latest knee operation in April and has not returned to practice since.