Bears Put Money Where Mouth Is, Sign Cox Away From Dolphins

Bryan Cox, a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker known for his emotional outbursts during a five-year career with the Miami Dolphins, has agreed to a four-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

A source close to the negotiations said the contract is worth $13.2 million, with a $5 million bonus.

“It’s a done deal. I’m officially a Chicago Bear now,” Cox told WFOR-TV in Miami during the Chicago Bulls game he attended with Bears coach Dave Wannstedt.

Cox was an unrestricted free agent, so Chicago owes no compensation.

It also appears likely the Bears will match Jacksonville’s four-year, $12 million offer to defensive end Alonzo Spellman. “My expectation all along is they would match,” said Spellman’s agent, Leigh Steinberg.

Asked if the Bears had, during negotiations, indicated whether they will match the offer as part of a commitment to improve, Cox smiled and answered: “I know. I know.”

Asked if Chicago had enough money to keep Spellman, Wannstedt answered: “Yeah. We’re not going to comment on the Alonzo thing right now. This is just one way we felt we could better our football team.”

Part of the Bears’ decision on Spellman will be based on Thursday’s announcement of the new salary cap.

Panthers sign Davis

The Carolina Panthers signed not only the cornerback they drooled over, but also the tight end they wanted and the center they trusted.

Former San Francisco cornerback Eric Davis will be introduced as the newest Panther today. He turned an already fine day into a truly memorable one for the Panthers by deciding to accept Carolina’s offer of $2.6 million to $2.8 million per season.

Carolina had signed former New Orleans tight end Wesley Walls Tuesday and had agreed to re-sign starting center Curtis Whitley.

Oakland raids Dallas

Cornerback Larry Brown cashed in his Super Bowl MVP trophy by signing a five-year, $12.5 million contract with the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders also were working late Tuesday to consummate a contract with Cowboys defensive lineman Russell Maryland.

The fact the Cowboys will have Deion Sanders for a complete season in 1996 cushions the impact of losing Brown, whose contract is worth more than cornerback Kevin Smith’s with the Cowboys. Brown’s contract includes a $3.5 million signing bonus, according to a person close to the negotiations.

The Raiders signed Brown to replace Albert Lewis, now a safety.

Oakland made Maryland a priority because he possesses a work ethic that could overcome a defense that has seemingly quit the past two years.

Jets court O’Donnell

From the way Neil O’Donnell is talking, he’s practically a member of the New York Jets already.

The free-agent quarterback who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the AFC championship last season visited the Jets. He spoke with coach Rich Kotite and his staff, which includes Ron Erhardt, who spent the last four seasons as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator. O’Donnell even lunched with Jets owner Leon Hess.

“I’m excited,” O’Donnell said. “If we can get it going here and win some games, it could be a great place to win, because there is not a better city than New York.

“I know the Jets want me to come here to New York and I am very interested in being here,” added O’Donnell, a native of Madison, N.J. “I always wanted at some time in my career to come home and play, whether with the Jets or Giants. I feel very comfortable here.”

O’Donnell has confidence in Erhardt, who joined the Jets just days after being released by the Steelers.

“When I heard Ron was offered the job, my interest really came up a lot about coming to New York,” O’Donnell said.

“We had a great thing going in Pittsburgh the past four years. … But this is what you work for, unrestricted free agency.”

Around the league

Six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Lomas Brown will visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, his agent said.

The Atlanta Falcons reached agreement with three players, including starting center Roman Fortin, who signed a four-year contract.

Former Washington Redskins coach Richie Petitbon has turned down an offer to join the Baltimore franchise as defensive coordinator.

Baltimore player personnel director Michael Lombardi resigned.

Quarterback Sean Salisbury met with the San Diego Chargers and could have a two-year contract worked out by today, his agent said.

If he agrees to a deal, Salisbury would replace Gale Gilbert as backup to Stan Humphries.

In a victory for the NFL, U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin rejected the motion to dismiss by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and ruled a suit by NFL Properties can proceed. No trial date was set.

The NFL has sued the Cowboys for more than $300 million, saying the club had broken its agreements regarding club trademarks and logos.