The Seahawks have signed safety Kevin Ellison to a new contract a week after claiming him off waivers. The team said Tuesday it had to claim the former Charger last week but then waive him and allow him to clear waivers before Seattle could rework a new deal. Ellison is entering his second season.

The Jets are close to a deal with second-round draft pick Vladimir Ducasse, according to a league source. Ducasse, a standout offensive tackle from Massachusetts, has agreed to the main structure of a contract.

The Rams have begun the task of signing their 11 picks from April's NFL Draft. By Monday, the Rams are expected to have deals in place for most of their choices, except for quarterback Sam Bradford and tackle Rodger Saffold, their first and second picks. No selections in the first two rounds have signed with any NFL team.

The Panthers have signed pass rushing specialist Eric Norwood, their fourth-pick in April's NFL Draft. Norwood tops South Carolina's all-time list with 29 sacks. Panthers coach John Fox has said he'll use Norwood at linebacker in passing situations and on special teams.

Oshiomogho Atogwe signed a multi-year deal with the Rams on Wednesday. Terms weren't disclosed, but Atogwe said he received a five-year contract, and a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that it's worth a maximum of $32 million. "This is where my work is still to be done," Atogwe said during a conference call with reporters. "My purpose of being in St. Louis was not completed, and coming back and being with my teammates meant a lot to me."

Marc Bulger reached an agreement on a one-year, $3.8 million deal Wednesday with the Baltimore Ravens, according to league sources. The deal also includes incentives that could dramtically boost Bulger's earnings if he plays.

Former USC running back Joe McKnight has signed with the Jets. McKnight is the second Jets draft pick to sign and made headlines for the wrong reasons during his first practice with the team. He got off to a lousy start in the initial minicamp, vomiting on the field and dropping several passes.

The Falcons signed third-round pick Mike Johnson to an undisclosed deal. Johnson, a guard, started 41 straight games for Alabama and set a school-rebound by appearing in 54 games. Atlanta has signed five of their seven picks.

Richard Seymour signed his $12.4 million exclusive franchise tag tender with the Oakland Raiders on Saturday. By placing the tag on Seymour in February, the Raiders guaranteed Seymour a salary for next season of at least $12.398 million, which was the average salary earned last year by the five highest-paid defensive ends in the league. Seymour, 31, was not allowed to negotiate with other teams so it was inevitable that he would return to the Raiders.

Ken Hamlin said Friday that he has reached agreement with the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year contract for the 2010 season. Hamlin was cut by the Cowboys in April. The safety will provide insurance behind Ed Reed.