Quarterback Drew Brees signed a one-year contract that more than quadruples his pay from last year, when he came off the scrap heap to lead the San Diego Chargers to the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons.

The Chargers put the "franchise" tag on Brees, meaning he'll get $8,078,000 next year, or the average of the NFL's five highest-paid quarterbacks in 2004.

Brees returned from a vacation in Australia late Thursday night and signed the deal as soon as he could yesterday.

"I was ready and eager to get the thing official," said Brees, who made $1,560,000 in base pay last year.

Giants

New York, content in the past to sign second-level free agents, made its second major move in two days by signing offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie to beef up a woeful offensive line. McKenzie, the New York Jets' right tackle for the past three seasons, was considered one of the top two offensive tackles on the market.

His signing will allow David Diehl, who played the position last year, to move to his natural guard position and bolster a unit that was a major reason for the Giants' 10-22 record the past two seasons.

Eagles

NFC champion Philadelphia re-signed Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, a key player in the 13-3 Eagles' run to the Super Bowl. Trotter, who spent two years with the Redskins, returned to the team he had left in a bitter contract dispute after the 2001 season and earned his third Pro Bowl trip despite starting just seven games.

Bills

Buffalo replaced the departed Drew Bledsoe by signing quarterback Kelly Holcomb. Holcomb, who spent last season backing up Jeff Garcia in Cleveland, will play behind sophomore J.P. Losman. The Bills released Bledsoe last week and he quickly signed with the Cowboys. Holcomb made four appearances in 2004, including two starts. He finished 59 of 87 for 737 yards and seven touchdowns, with five interceptions.

Bears

Quarterback Kurt Warner was in Chicago talking to the Bears. This former Super Bowl MVP is visiting with three teams -- Detroit and Arizona are the others. He started the first nine games for the Giants last season after winning two MVP awards with the Rams.

Elsewhere

Cleveland signed punter Kyle Richardson, who was with Cincinnati last season. ... Tampa Bay re-signed veteran free agent tight end Dave Moore.