The San Francisco 49ers restructured the contracts of Vernon Davis, Carlos Rogers and Ray McDonald in order to fit NaVorro Bowman's $7.5 million signing bonus under the cap, according to a source.

Bowman, whose original four-year deal averaged $623,062 annually through 2013, signed a five-year extension this week through 2018 that averages $8.911 million annually.

Because of his signing bonus, Bowman's 2012 cap figure immediately rose from $717,887 to $2.217 million, the source said.

Davis provided the biggest cap relief for the 49ers. Davis' 2012 cap figure went from a little over $8 million to $6.8 million. The 49ers awarded Davis a $1.48 million signing bonus and had his remaining $25,000 per game active roster bonuses for the final five regular season games designated as an OATSB item (other amount treated as signing bonus).

The Oakland Raiders will release Rolando McClain by the end of Thursday.

McClain was the eighth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

McClain was kicked out of practice on Wednesday. 

McClain has dealt with injuries and an assault arrest in 2011.

The San Francisco 49ers auditioned Billy Cundiff and Nate Kaeding on Tuesday.

David Akers has struggled with his consistency this season.

Kaeding is the most-accurate kicker in NFL history.

NaVorro Bowman and the San Francisco 49ers have agreed upon a new contract.

Bowman's deal is worth as much $45.25 million with $25.5 million guaranteed.

Bowman and Patrick Willis comprise the best inside linebacker tandem in the NFL.

"NaVorro epitomizes what we look for in a 49er," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. "We are excited that the All Pro tandem of Willis and Bowman will be together in red and gold for years to come."

The Philadelphia Eagles will keep Andy Reid as head coach through at least Sunday's game against the Cowboys, according to a source.

The Eagles have lost seven consecutive games and Reid isn't expected to return in 2013.

The Denver Broncos have signed Jacob Hester.

Willis McGahee's injury has created a void at running back.

Hester spent his first four seasons with the Chargers.

Veteran Alex Smith is supportive of Colin Kaepernick's success, even if he takes Smith's job as starting QB for the 49ers.

Smith plans to fight for his job when healthy, and he had yet to be medically cleared as of Wednesday. Yet head coach Jim Harbaugh said that once Smith is available, the starting QB for the team could change week to week, and even during the course of a game.

Harbaugh gave no indication when he would select his No. 1 for Sunday's game against the Saints in New Orleans.

Ed Reed is pleased that his one-game suspension for his hit on the Steelers' Emmanuel Sanderson last Sunday was overturned on appeal, but the Ravens' safety isn't happy that he still has to pay a $50K fine.

"It really needs to be discussed for a fine to come down like that so harshly for that hit," Reed said, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed quarterback Brian Hoyer.

The Steelers will start third-stringer Charlie Batch in Week 12 due to injuries to Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich.

Plaxico Burress will meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers and take a physical.

The Steelers need help at wide receiver and Burress played with the franchise from 2000 until 2004.

Burress played last season with the Jets.