NFL teams busy signing players

NFL teams, with the black cloud of the player lockout having passed, were busy signing players Monday to fill gaps as they prepare for the upcoming season. The New York Jets signed free-agent cornerback Antonio Cromartie to a four-year deal worth $32 million. Cromartie, 27, played for the Jets last season after being acquired from San Diego, recording 42 tackles and three interceptions in 15 games. Detroit signed linebacker Stephen Tulloch, 26, to a one-year contract. He spent five seasons with Tennessee, starting all 16 games last year, and has 457 career tackles in 80 games. Minnesota grabbed offensive tackle Charlie Johnson, 27, who spent five years with Indianapolis. He has started 54 of his 73 NFL games. Denver signed tight end Dante Rosario and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas. Rosario caught a career-high 32 passes for 264 yards for Carolina last season, while Thomas had 35 tackles for the Broncos last year. The Broncos also released wide receiver Marshall Williams. Tampa Bay re-signed linebacker Adam Hayward to a three-year contract for an undisclosed amount. Hayward has spent his four NFL seasons with the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers also signed undrafted free agent tight end Jose Cruz out of Syracuse and released long snapper Aaron Feld and running back Deonte' Jackson. ESPN reported the New York Giants have given defensive end Osi Umenyiora permission to explore a trade but want at least a first-round draft pick in return for the 29-year-old veteran, who still has two years left on his contract but is coming off recent hip surgery. Kansas City Chiefs signed free-agent linebacker Brandon Siler for an undisclosed amount. He has 124 career tackles in 58 regular-season games with San Diego. Cleveland re-signed defensive lineman Jayme Mitchell, acquired from Minnesota last year, and also acquired offensive lineman John Greco from St. Louis in exchange for an undisclosed pick in the 2012 draft.