The family of former Steelers linebacker Marquis Cooper decided to discontinue their search for the 26-year-old man and two friends still missing in the Gulf of Mexico.

In a statement, Bruce Cooper said his family is beginning the healing process and needs time to be together and remember his son.

The football player was aboard a 21-foot fishing boat last Saturday when it capsized. Only former South Florida player Nick Schuyler was found alive. The Coast Guard called off its search Tuesday, but the Cooper family had remained optimistic, enlisting private pilots and charter boats to continue the search.

• Former Steelers safety Anthony Smith agreed to a contract with the Packers. Smith, a third-round draft pick in 2006, became an unrestricted free agent when the Steelers did not tender him a one-year contract.

• The Bengals released safety Dexter Jackson, an 11-year veteran who missed most of last season with injuries. Jackson played the past three seasons for the Bengals who also cut guard James Blair, cornerback Marcus Brown and defensive end Victor DeGrate. Cincinnati signed quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan.

• The Titans agreed to a contract with punter Craig Hentrich, who will return for his 16th NFL season this year.

• The Cowboys signed defensive end Igor Olshansky to a four-year deal. The unrestricted free agent played five seasons with the Chargers.