Business year begins with cuts, paydays

remains with the Panthers for $5 million, with $2.5 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the situation said. The person spoke to the Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the team does not release financial terms of contracts.

“I am fired up to have him back,” Panthers coach

said. “It was amazing to have him as part of what we are trying to build and I think he can help us get to the next level.”

Cleveland, meanwhile, did nothing more than listen to one of its greatest players, OT announce his retirement. The Browns save his $10.3 million salary for 2018 and a $3 million bonus but lose their best player and leader in the expansion era, a 10-time Pro Bowler. “This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” he said. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.” Elsewhere in the NFL:

Five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle

officially was released after the trades to acquire defensive end and send to the Cleveland Browns were formalized. Miami also released tight end which had been expected, but decided to keep right tackle which guarantees him $9.34 million in 2018.

San Francisco agreed to a four-year contract with RB

and a five-year deal with OL McKinnon replaces departing starter

New York agreed with OT

late of the Patriots, to become its starter on the left side. Solder, 29, will get a four-year contract worth about $62 million. The Giants can move 2015 firstround draft pick

to the right side as they rebuild a line that has struggled for years. Tennessee kept

and DE with new contracts after making a splash in free agency by getting Butler for $60 million over five years ($30 million guaranteed) and also taking RB

from the Pats. In adding DE

from Washington, the Bills get a needed pass rusher, albeit a player coming off a major injury. Murphy had 15 sacks in 47 games, including nine in 2016, then sat out last season after tearing two ligaments in his left knee in a preseason game. RG

The Falcons addressed a need by signing OG who started 16 games for San Francisco last season, to a three-year deal.

New York signed LB toa three-year contract worth $22.5 million. Williamson spent his first four NFL seasons with Tennessee and led the Titans in tackles in two of those years.

In need of quarterbacks, Minnesota was reported to be in negotiation with Denver to acquire Olympia High alum