No salary cap doesn’t lead to wild spending spree on first day of free agency

No spending spree yet in free agency

NEW YORK — With the salary cap gone the way of the drop kick, NFL teams began the free agency period Friday with lots of moves.

The only thing missing was the megadeal, although the Chicago Bears appeared to be closing in on one with defensive end Julius Peppers.

Otherwise, it was business as usual on a busy day generally lacking in drama, but involving several key players.

Linebacker Gary Brackett, the leader of the Indianapolis defense, re-signed with the Colts. All-Pro fullback Leonard Weaver re-signed with Philadelphia for three years.

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, a former All-Pro who struggled in coverage last season, was traded to the New York Jets by San Diego.

Detroit, coming off two wins in the last two seasons, upgraded its defense by trading with Cleveland for tackle Corey Williams and agreeing to a four-year deal with end Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Carolina waived longtime starting quarterback Jake Delhomme — in teary fashion.

A year after the Panthers gave Delhomme a lucrative contract extension, the only quarterback to lead them to the Super Bowl was released to make way for new starter Matt Moore. A career-high 18 interceptions in 2009 and 23 in his final 12 games did in Delhomme.

“Six of my seven years playing here have been outstanding. It’s been a great run,” Delhomme said in between sniffles. “I’m leaving with no animosity whatsoever.”

Nor do the Panthers have any bitterness.

“It’s really hard to describe how hard this was,” a red-faced general manager Marty Hurney said. “It’s hard not to get emotional when you talk about it because he epitomizes everything we want. He’s been an excellent player for us.”

Coach John Fox twice welled up with tears in explaining the decision, which came despite the fact Carolina still owes Delhomme more than $12.5 million in guaranteed money.

“He’s done some great things for this team. Two (NFC) championship games, a Super Bowl, all those comeback victories,” Fox said. “I’m not sure I’ve had any more respect for an NFL football player than Jake Delhomme.”

Brackett wasn’t going anywhere, nor did he want to. The defensive captain signed a five-year deal hours after he officially became an unrestricted free agent. Brackett’s new deal is likely to keep the 29-year-old in a Colts uniform the rest of his career.

“Obviously, this is a great place to play and when you get a chance to stay a Colt for life, you usually jump at it,” Brackett said. “That’s why I wanted to do everything within my power to make this my home.”

Weaver certainly found a home in Philadelphia after playing four years for Seattle. Weaver had a career-high 323 yards rushing, 140 yards receiving and four touchdowns in his first season with the Eagles.

Vanden Bosch was made to feel right at home by Lions coach Jim Schwartz, who previously worked with the defensive end in Tennessee as the Titans’ coordinator. Schwartz waited outside Vanden Bosch’s Nashville home when free agency began at midnight, and in a few hours they had struck a deal.

A nine-year veteran, Vanden Bosch spent the past five seasons with the Titans, getting all of his 43½ career sacks.

Cromartie should become a starter opposite All-Pro Darelle Revis in the Jets’ secondary. New York gave up a conditional draft pick for a former All-Pro who has had off-field issues.

But Jets coach Rex Ryan is known for getting production from such players.

Also Friday:

—Atlanta said it will keep backup quarterback Chris Redman with a contract extension. Redman joined the Falcons in 2007 and went 0-2 as a starter last year filling in for 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan. Redman is 4-8 in his career.

—Denver agreed to terms with two veterans, offensive lineman Russ Hochstein and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. Hochstein played in 15 games, starting 10, in his first season with the Broncos after being acquired from New England in a trade last August.

Lloyd played in two games for Denver in 2009, including a start in the regular season finale.

—Washington, a team expected to make a big splash in the uncapped free agency waters, did little. The Redskins re-signed defensive lineman Phillip Daniels, versatile backup DL Lorenzo Alexander, who could be moved to linebacker, and offensive lineman Mike Williams.

—Carolina, in addition to releasing Delhomme, also released defensive tackles Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu and linebackers Na’il Diggs and Landon Johnson in the start of a youth movement.

—New England re-signed linebacker Tully Banta-Cain to a three-year deal. Banta-Cain had a career-high 10 sacks and 60 total tackles last season while starting 10 games for the AFC East champions.

—The Jets also released running back Thomas Jones and defensive back Donald Strickland. They announced earlier in the week they would let Jones go despite his setting career highs by rushing for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns and helping New York to the AFC championship game. Jones was due a $3 million roster bonus and a $2.8 base salary.