Ten-time Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen, released by the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday for salary cap reasons, reached an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers on a two-year contract Thursday night. Financial details were not immediately available and the deal is contingent on Allen passing a physical examination to be administered by the 49ers' medical staff. While the addition of the 34-year-old Allen is a bit counter to the revamping of the roster under second-year coach Mike Nolan, an initiative intended to address the franchise's long-time salary cap woes and to phase in more youth, the 12-year veteran should add experience and guidance to the line. And while there are some who insist that Allen's play has slipped the past few years, he remains a viable starter, and was chosen for this year's Pro Bowl game. The acquisition of Allen by the 49ers was somewhat surprising in that the 49ers weren't among the several teams thought to have an interest in one of the most celebrated linemen in league history. Miami, where former Dallas offensive line coach Hudson Houck works in the same capacity with the Dolphins, was felt by many league observers to be the front-runner for Allen's services. The Detroit Lions were also believed to be pursuing him and there were rumors the Oakland Raiders might attempt to sign him. During a career that likely will earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame someday, Allen has played at every offensive line position except center, and is one of just three linemen in history to be chosen for the Pro Bowl at multiple positions. That said, he has garnered most of his accolades at left guard.

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed on the parameters of a new contract with San Francisco 49ers free agent linebacker Julian Peterson. Peterson's agent, Kevin Poston, said Tuesday evening the contract is for $54 million over seven years and includes $18.5 million guaranteed. The deal is worth $10 million in the first year, $18.4 million in the second and $23.5 million in the third. The Seahawks had no comment. A spokesman with the 49ers, who had been hoping to keep Peterson, said the team has been informed a framework for a contract with Seattle is in place.

The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran cornerback Walt Harris on Wednesday, adding depth to a young secondary. Harris has played 10 NFL seasons with three teams, spending the last two years with the Washington Redskins after earlier stints in Chicago and Indianapolis. He started 12 games for the Redskins last season despite injuries, but was released Friday when they needed to get under the salary cap. "I'm definitely ready to come in and help," Harris said. "I've been a young guy before, and I know how I thought as a young guy. I was surrounded by a lot of veteran leadership, and that helped me out a whole lot. I just really want to return the favor."

The 49ers swapped the potential of wide receiver Brandon Lloyd for two draft choices from the Redskins, but they replaced him with one of the best receivers left on the free agent market. Antonio Bryant agreed to a four-year, $15 million deal with the 49ers that included a signing bonus in excess of $5 million. The irony of Bryant's signing is that the 49ers tried to sign his replacement in Cleveland, Joe Jurevicius. Jurevicius signed a four-year, $10 million deal with the Browns in order to return to his hometown. Bryant went to the 49ers to be their No. 1 receiver.

The San Francisco 49ers traded leading receiver Brandon Lloyd to Washington on Saturday for the Redskins' third-round pick this year and their fourth-round selection in 2007. Lloyd was a restricted free agent for the 49ers, who drafted him in the third round three years ago. He was San Francisco's top receiver last season, catching 48 passes for 733 yards and five touchdowns for the NFL's worst offense, but alienated teammates and clashed with Mike Nolan's new coaching staff.

A published report yesterday said the Redskins were interested in San Francisco receiver Brandon Lloyd. Lloyd, 24, had 48 catches and five touchdowns last season for the 49ers, but signing him will cost any team. The 49ers have tendered Lloyd, a restricted free agent, for $1.6 million, giving them the right to match any contract offer or receive a first-round draft choice as compensation. The Redskins don't have a first round pick this year. Lloyd's agent, Joby Branion, did not return a phone message yesterday.

Linebacker Derek Smith re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, passing on the possibility of free-agent riches to sign a three-year deal with the teams he has led in tackles for five straight seasons. Though not one of the NFL's best known linebackers, Smith has been one of the league's most productive for nearly a decade. He has been the 49ers' defensive leader since signing before the 2001 season as a free agent from Washington, where he was the Redskins' leading tackler in each of his four seasons.