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 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.

The Steelers brought back veteran wide receiver Plaxico Burress on Tuesday to provide depth at a position decimated by injuries.

Burress impressed head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert during a brief workout early Tuesday even though he hasn't played since the end of the 2011 season as a member of the Jets.

"I'm very excited to be back in the black and gold where it all started. It's a great situation for me to be in. I just want to go in, fill my role and do well," Burress said on "NFL Live."

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.

The Bears signed QB Josh McCown and waived TE Brody Eldridge on Tuesday.

McCown has started 33 of 50 games played in nine NFL seasons with the Cardinals (2002-05), Lions (2006), Raiders (2007), Panthers (2008-09) and Bears (2011) after entering the league as a third round selection (81^st overall) by Arizona in the 2002 Draft. 

In three games (two starts) for the Bears last season, McCown completed 35 of 55 (63.6 percent) passes for 414 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions, including 470 total yards (402 passing and 68 rushing) in his two starts.