Carter signs with Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins signed two-time Pro Bowl lineman Kevin Carter to a $30 million, five-year deal yesterday, adding their second free agent defensive end, and cut David Boston after the receiver failed his physical.

A 10-year veteran, Carter spent the past four years with Tennessee but was released by the Titans in a salary-cap move in February. The former University of Florida star will make $16 million in the first three years of his deal with the Dolphins.

"Kevin did not want to leave the Titans," said his agent, Harold C. Lewis. "When we couldn't figure out any way to keep him there, the only place he wanted to play was for the Miami Dolphins."

The Dolphins, who are expected to have all four defensive line starters back, also signed defensive end Vonnie Holliday Saturday. Carter could move to tackle, where he spent part of last season while leading a young Titans line.

The 6-foot-5-inch, 290-pound Carter never has missed a game, totaling 598 tackles, 86 sacks, 9 fumble recoveries, and 16 forced fumbles. He earned Pro Bowl trips in 1999 and 2002 and was a part of the Rams' Super Bowl championship team after the 1999 season.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to add someone of Kevin's caliber to our defense," said Dolphins coach Nick Saban. "Kevin has been a quality player who has contributed to winning teams in both St. Louis and Tennessee."

Boston was signed before the 2004 season but missed the entire year with a knee injury. In December, he was suspended by the NFL four games for testing positive for steroids. Boston has denied using steroids.

Okeafor to Cardinals
It was a busy day for signings around the league. The Arizona Cardinals inked defensive end Chike Okeafor to a five-year, $25 million contract, their third big free agent addition in five days. Okeafor follows offensive tackle Oliver Ross, who signed Friday, and quarterback Kurt Warner, who agreed to a deal Sunday. Okeafor was Seattle's left defensive end last season and had a career-high 8 1/2 sacks after recording eight the previous season. "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 Cardinals coach Dennis Green. Arizona also re-signed running back Troy Hambrick to a two-year contract after he ran for 283 yards and one touchdown a year ago . . . Running back Rudi Johnson signed a one-year contract to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals, for whom he set a team mark last season with 1,454 rushing yards. Johnson, the Bengals' franchise player, will make $6.3 million one season after he broke Corey Dillon's team mark of 1,435 rushing yards . . . Safety Kenoy Kennedy, who has been fined or suspended four times for illegal hits in his five-year career, left the Denver Broncos to sign with the Detroit Lions . . . Cornerback Samari Rolle, a salary-cap casualty of the Titans, agreed to a six-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens . . . Another Tennessee cap cut, right tackle Fred Miller, joined the Chicago Bears . . . Cornerback Willie Williams, a 13-year veteran, re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for two more years . . . The Washington Redskins agreed to terms with Mike Sellers, a standout on special teams, where he made 29 tackles last season . . . The Atlanta Falcons signed safety Rich Coady, who started five games with the Rams last season . . . Placekicker Jay Feely, replaced by Todd Peterson after four years with the Falcons, signed with the New York Giants . . . General manager A.J. Smith was given a three-year extension, running through 2009, as a reward for helping transform the San Diego Chargers from doormat to playoff team.