The Steelers lost out on their bid to land free agent offensive tackle Stockar McDougle, who signed a one-year contract yesterday with the Miami Dolphins.

McDougle departed the Steelers' offices yesterday morning after the team tried and failed to come to a contract agreement with him. He spent most of Monday visiting with the Steelers and team officials had hoped to sign him yesterday morning.

The Steelers coaches had planned to have McDougle compete with second-year player Max Starks for the starting right tackle job. McDougle, 28, started at right tackle for the Detroit Lions the past two seasons. He was their first-round draft choice in 2000.

Vikings
Minnesota signed free-agent wide receiver Travis Taylor, a former first-round draft pick who will compete for a starting role after Randy Moss' trade to the Oakland Raiders. Taylor, 26, spent his first five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and ranks first in team history with 204 receptions and second with 2,758 receiving yards.

Taylor should be the No. 3 receiver behind Nate Burleson and Marcus Robinson. The signing apparently ends any chance that Plaxico Burress will land in Minnesota. Burress was thought to be the most desirable receiver available in free agency but has not been able to land a job.

Buccaneers
Tampa Bay signed tight end Anthony Becht, who had spent his five-year career with the New York Jets. Becht, a first-round draft pick in 2000 out of West Virginia University, set career lows last season with 13 catches for 100 yards and one touchdown.

Jaguars
Jacksonville re-signed wide receiver Troy Edwards and running back Chris Fuamatu-Maafala. Both players had been unrestricted free agents. Edwards, a first-round draft pick by the Steelers in 1999, spent the last three years in Jacksonville. He was second on the team last season with 50 catches for 533 yards and one touchdown.

Browns
The Browns re-signed free agent linebacker Ben Taylor to a one-year contract. Taylor's three NFL seasons have been slowed by injuries. He started eight games in 2003, and began last season as Cleveland's starting weakside linebacker.

Texans
Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace wrapped up a two-day visit with the Houston, the first step of a process that could eventually lead to a trade with the St. Louis Rams. "We've had contact with the Rams and we brought the player in for a visit," Texans general manager Charley Casserly said. "That's all I'm going to say for now."

Patriots
New England re-signed offensive tackle Tom Ashworth, who started six games last season before suffering a season-ending back injury. Ashworth, 27, took over as a starter at right tackle during the fourth week of the 2003 season.

Giants

The New York Giants released defensive end Keith Washington, who started the first eight games last year before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Cardinals

Arizona signed free- agent linebacker Orlando Huff, a starter for the Seahawks last season, to a two-year contract.

Packers
Green Bay re-signed offensive lineman Grey Ruegamer and safety Todd Franz. The team cut Ruegamer earlier this month.