The New Orleans Saints had a breakthrough Tuesday night in negotiations with first-round draft pick Sedrick Ellis that allowed them to reach agreement on a five-year deal that could max out at $49 million, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the deal but would not reveal financial terms for the linebacker out of Southern California. "It's about time," said Loomis. "It took a little longer than it should have."

The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with return specialist Devin Hester on a four-year contract extension on Sunday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Hester?s new contract runs through the 2013 season. The Bears have now extended the contracts of nine players this year. The two-time Pro Bowler stands just two kick return touchdowns shy from tying the all-time NFL career record of 13 set by Brian Mitchell (14 seasons, 1070 returns). In two seasons, Hester has 89 punt returns for 1,251 yards, seven touchdowns and a 14.1 average - highest in NFL history. On 63 kickoff returns Hester has 1,462 yards, four touchdowns and a 23.2 average. He has also recorded a 108-yard missed field goal return touchdown (tying a then-NFL record for longest play in league history) and a 92-yard kickoff return score on the opening play of Super Bowl XLI.

The Carolina Panthers signed running back Jonathan Stewart to a five-year deal that includes $10.8 million in guaranteed money, putting all their draft picks under contract early Saturday before the team's first training camp practice. Stewart came to terms on the deal that could be worth up to $20 million hours after fellow first-round pick Jeff Otah signed his contact late Friday. Both players were on the field for the team's opening practice Saturday morning.

Glenn Dorsey has agreed to a five-year, $51 million contract with Kansas City, FOXSports.com has learned. Further details weren't immediately available. Dorsey was the fifth overall selection in April's NFL draft after a standout career at Louisiana State University. He may have been taken earlier were it not for health concerns. St. Louis coach Scott Linehan has said one of the reasons the Rams chose defensive end Chris Long instead of Dorsey with the No. 2 pick was because of the latter's leg injuries at LSU.

The New England Patriots have signed veteran running back LaMont Jordan a day after he was released by the Oakland Raiders. The Patriots did not disclose the terms of the deal with the 29-year-old Jordan, which was announced Saturday. The Raiders released Jordan on Friday after being unable to trade him.

The Titans and Albert Haynesworth have agreed to a reworked tender that will result in the All-Pro defensive tackle reporting to training camp. After weeks of negotiations, Haynesworth will sign his one-year tender as the team?s franchise player. As part of the deal he could become an unrestricted free agent next season, if he reaches certain incentives in the contract.

The Denver Broncos on Friday signed first-round draft pick Ryan Clady, who is projected to start at left tackle. The deal is believed to be worth $20 million over six years and was completed in time for the Boise State star to join the team's first workout.

Vernon Gholston's holdout lasted one day and two practices. The New York Jets signed the No. 6 overall pick to a multi-year deal Friday, in time for the defensive end to be on the field with his teammates for the start of practice on the second day of training camp. "Vernon is in the building," Coach Eric Mangini said. "He signed; he'll practice, so that process ? which was long ? is through, and now he can move forward and we can get him on the field and really start the intense teaching."

The Indianapolis Colts have added depth to their quarterback position by signing Quinn Gray. The former Jacksonville Jaguars backup signed a one-year contract with the Colts on Wednesday, according to his agent.

Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha reported to training camp Wednesday and signed his $9.8 million franchise tender, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter. Asomugha will be a full participant during the team's first day of training camp on Thursday.