By Barry Wilner
The Associated Press

No team dived into the NFL free agency pool quicker or deeper than the Washington Redskins.

Three days into the signing period, the Redskins have added two starting guards, two defensive linemen, a kicker and a backup quarterback. Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has been known as a big spender, and he's reinforced that reputation this weekend.

Headed to Washington are guards Randy Thomas, late of the Jets, and Dave Fiore (49ers); DT Brandon Noble (Cowboys) and DE Regan Upshaw (Raiders); kicker John Hall (Jets); and QB Rob Johnson (Buccaneers).

Washington also acquired running back Trung Canidate in a trade with St. Louis on Friday.

Thomas got the biggest deal, worth $28 million for seven years, with a $7 million signing bonus.

"That's what I like about that guy - he set the table," Thomas said.

He's set it nicely for coach Steve Spurrier, who went 7-9 in his first season as an NFL coach. And Spurrier has warned there might be more action in Washington.

Another NFC East team had a successful Sunday as the New York Giants agreed to terms with wide receiver Ike Hilliard. A source close to the team, who requested anonymity, said the receiver got a five-year, $12.5 million contract. The oft-injured Hilliard will get a $2.5 million signing bonus and will be paid an annual salary of $2.5 million.

Hilliard, who drew some interest from - surprise - the Redskins, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the seventh game on a late hit by Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins.

St. Louis re-signed seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Aeneas Williams, cut last week by the Rams, to a two-year deal.

"There's no better role model and leader for a young secondary than Aeneas," said Jay Zygmunt, the Rams' president of football operations. "This obviously was one of our big goals. We're really excited."

The Rams avoided paying a $3.5 million roster bonus to the 35-year-old Williams, who missed much of the 2002 season with ankle and leg injuries.

Wayne Gandy, considered by many the best left tackle available, signed a six-year contract with New Orleans. By getting Gandy, who started every game since he joined the Steelers in 1999, the Saints cast further doubt on tackle Kyle Turley's future with the team.

"Whenever you get a chance to bring in a top-notch player you do it, and getting Wayne in here will make us better," Saints coach Jim Haslett said. "He brings a combination of athleticism, polished pass protection techniques and run-blocking strength."

Cornerback Ashley Ambrose, born and raised in New Orleans, left another NFC South team, the Atlanta Falcons, to join the Saints. He agreed to a four-year, $8 million contract that includes a $1.5 million signing bonus.

Also Sunday, Cincinnati signed defensive lineman Carl Powell signed a two-year deal. Powell played for new Bengals coach Marvin Lewis last season when Lewis was Washington's defensive coordinator, with 31 tackles and three sacks in 14 games.

On Saturday, Miami re-signed fullback Rob Konrad for four years and $4 million.

"Being a northeastern guy, part of me loves it up there and would sometimes like to play football up there," said Konrad, who played at Syracuse. "But this organization has been fantastic. I feel like we really have a chance to do something here."

Detroit signed cornerback Dre' Bly of the Rams to a five-year deal.

"We planned on being active and swift," Lions coach Steve Mariucci said. "In looking for the best corner available, certainly Dre' Bly fits that description. He was our No. 1 targeted guy in free agency."

Tight end Desmond Clark signed a six-year deal with the Chicago Bears. Clark played for the Dolphins last year.

The Bears also re-signed tight end John Davis and fullback Stanley Pritchett to one-year deals.

Offensive lineman Zach Wiegert left Jacksonville for the Houston Texans. The eight-year veteran hopefully will provide better pass protection for David Carr, who was sacked a league-record 76 times last season.

Houston also claimed linebacker Patrick Chukwurah off waivers from Minnesota.

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