Deal Sets Bills Record

Ted Washington became the highestpaid player in Buffalo Bills history when he signed a five-year contract worth $27.3 million.

The deal, which included a $6.5 million signing bonus, came days after haggling over whether the team’s nose tackle was a franchise player or a transition free agent. His contract exceeds a six-year, $28.2 million agreement given to defensive end Bruce Smith last year in both average salary and bonus money.

“I’m going to go out and perform for these guys,” the 360-pound Washington said at Orchard Park, N.Y. “They’re going to get their money’s worth.”

The Denver Broncos signed free-agent defensive end Marvin Washington.

Washington, a nine-year veteran out of the University of Idaho, played last season with San Francisco.