The Chicago Bears were the biggest spenders Friday, agreeing with Peppers on a six-year deal worth potentially $91.5 million. Agent Carl Carey said a record $42 million is guaranteed, with Peppers earning $20 million in the first year.
"It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living," Pepper said, "but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a rich tradition like the Bears."
The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end joined Chicago in the biggest move by a team that showed it's fixated on contending again after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.
The Bears also added running back Chester Taylor from Minnesota and blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from San Diego.
"You always shoot for the stars, and hopefully if you don't get there you're going to wind up high anyhow," general manager Jerry Angelo said.
The New York Giants also got in on the action, making Pro Bowler Antrel Rolle the richest safety in the league in the waning hours of the opening day of the first offseason without a salary cap since 1993.
Rolle signed a five-year, $37 million contract that has $15 million in guaranteed money.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus tweeted the announcement late Friday, offering his personal congratulations to Rolle on becoming "the highest paid safety in NFL history!" The Giants formally announced the deal around 11:30 p.m.
"I'm ecstatic," the 27-year-old Rolle said. "Words can't really express how I feel now. I had five great years with the Cardinals organization. But I felt it was time for a change."
Miami and Atlanta were also active, with the Dolphins agreeing to terms with Rolle's former Arizona teammate, linebacker Karlos Dansby, and the Falcons and cornerback Dunta Robinson also coming to terms.
Dansby agreed to a $43 million, five-year deal, a person familiar with the negotiations said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins didn't announce an agreement. The contract includes $22 million guaranteed and will pay Dansby $27 million over the next three years.
The deal was part of a big one-day shake-up in the Dolphins' defense. Miami terminated the contracts of disgruntled outside linebacker Joey Porter, inside linebacker Akin Ayodele and free safety Gibril Wilson.
Robinson and the Falcons agreed to terms on a six-year deal, a person familiar with the negotiations said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no contract had been signed. Financial terms of the agreement were not immediately available.
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, a former All-Pro who struggled in coverage last season for San Diego, was traded to the New York Jets. Receiver Anquan Boldin was traded from the Arizona Cardinals to the Baltimore Ravens.
