Miami Dolphins: Three-year veteran Arturo Freeman, who will be forced to compete with newcomer Sammy Knight for the starting strong safety job, re-signed with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday. The team's full-time starter in 2002, Freeman signed a one-year contract for $605,000. That is the amount of the restricted free agent qualifying offer that Miami made to Freeman in February to retain a right of first refusal.

Several teams, notably the New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins, demonstrated some interest in the former Boston College star as a restricted free agent this offseason, but a neither team ever made a firm proposal on an offer sheet.

Freeman, 26, was a fifth-round choice in the 2000 draft.

The Dolphins signed Knight, a former Pro Bowl performer who voided his contract with the New Orleans Saints in February to become a free agent, because they want to increase the number of big plays at the strong safety spot. Knight leads all NFL strong safeties in big plays over the past three seasons.

In his 16 starts in 2002, Freeman registered 96 tackles, third-most on the team, and had 1 1/2 sacks. But he did not have an interception and was credited with four passes defensed, seven fewer than in 2001, when he primarily played as a "nickel" defender. If Freeman does not sign an extension, he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring.

--Len Pasquarelli

New Orleans Saints: The New Orleans Saints on Wednesday signed director of player personnel Rick Mueller to a new three-year contract. Mueller had worked the past five weeks without a contract, but noted recently he was confident a new deal was forthcoming.

"Rick has been a tremendous asset to our club and getting him under contract has been a priority," said general manager Mickey Loomis. "He has been a big part of acquiring the talent we have assembled on this team and has proven to be a top-notch evaluator in both the NFL draft and in free agency."

Mueller is entering his fourth season with the Saints.

--Len Pasquarelli

Pittsburgh Steelers: Already forced to scramble their offensive line during the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt at least a temporary setback on Wednesday, when starting right guard Kendall Simmons underwent surgery on his left elbow.

The surgery is expected to sideline the second-year veteran for six weeks and, while he should be recovered in time for the start of training camp, Simmons might not be able to participate in two-a-day drills at the outset. The team's first-round draft choice in 2002, Simmons, 24, started 14 games at right guard, and performed well enough to be selected as the Steelers' rookie of the year.

Doctors discovered the elbow problem during an MRI exam last weekend. The tests also revealed a shoulder injury that eventually will require surgery. That surgery, though, isn't likely to take place until next offseason.

Losing the former Auburn standout for the balance of the spring could slow the process of developing chemistry on a Pittsburgh blocking unit already shuffled by the departure of left tackle Wayne Gandy, to New Orleans, in free agency. Former starting right tackle Marvel Smith will move to the left side and Oliver Ross and Todd Fordham will vie for his previous spot.

A second-round pick in 2000, Smith has very limited playing time on the left side. The Steelers are confident the new-look line will succeed but may still seek to add some depth in the late stages of free agency.

--Len Pasquarelli

Cincinnati Bengals: Just one day after his release by the San Diego Chargers, three-year veteran safety Rogers Beckett was claimed on waivers Wednesday by the Cincinnati Bengals, ESPN.com has learned. Beckett, 26, was subject to 10-day waivers, which are in effect this time of year. But the 10-day waiting period is now mute, since the Bengals are the top franchise in the claiming order, and no team can trump them for Beckett's rights.

It is now just a formality for the Bengals to be awarded Beckett in the claiming system.

The move is further indication of how rookie head coach Marvin Lewis is using all of the available means to bolster his roster. In the revamped Cincinnati secondary, fourth-year pro Mark Roman is currently working as the starting free safety but Beckett likely will be afforded an opportunity to compete for the No. 1 job.

By claiming Beckett on waivers, the Bengals assume his existing contract, meaning that the former second-round draft choice will have a base salary of $525,000.

Beckett was the 43rd player chosen overall in 2000. In three seasons, he appeared in 48 games and started 29 of them, and posted 167 tackles, two interceptions, nine passes defensed and one sack. He started all 16 games in 2001, and the first 10 contests in '02, then lost his starting job to journeyman Keith Lyle for the balance of the campaign.

He finished the '02 season with 34 tackles, no interceptions, and two passes defensed.

--Len Pasquarelli

Arizona Cardinals: The Arizona Cardinals have reached agreement with fifth-round draft choice Kenny King, a defensive end from the University of Alabama, on a three-year contract.

The contract includes rookie minimum base salaries of $225,000 (2003), $305,000 (2004) and $380,000 (2005). The signing bonus was not immediately available, but is likely in the $125,000-$130,000 range. King is the third of the Cardinals' seven choices to reach contract terms, joining offensive tackle Reggie Wells and linebacker Tony Gilbert, both sixth-round picks.

King, 22, started 41 games in four seasons for the Crimson Tide and posted 190 tackles, 11 ½ sacks and 77 quarterback pressures. He also had five forced fumbles, two recoveries and an interception. He was the 141st player chosen overall in the 2003 draft.

--Len Pasquarelli

Carolina Panthers: Hoping that he might help offset the loss of veteran Kevin Dyson to a likely season-ending left Achilles injury suffered last week, the Carolina Panthers have signed wide receiver Francis St. Paul to a one-year, minimum-salary contract.

St. Paul was a sixth-round draft choice of the St. Louis Rams in 2001, has spent most of the past two years on NFL practice squads, and has yet to play in a regular-season game. The former Northern Arizona star has good speed, a commodity the Panthers lack now with the loss of Dyson, who signed a one-year, $1 million contract earlier this spring.

Panthers officials have contacted the representatives for some free agent wide receivers - like Antonio Freeman, J.J. Stokes and Orande Gadsden - but have not brought in any of them for visits. Panthers officials may wait to see if any other veterans receivers become available before training camp.

--Len Pasquarelli