By Barry Wilner
The Associated Press

Arizona's once-dynamic pitch and catch tandem of Jake Plummer to David Boston has been torn apart by free agency.

Plummer, the Cardinals' quarterback for the past six seasons, agreed Wednesday to a seven-year, $40 million deal with the Denver Broncos. Boston, his favorite target, headed west to San Diego for a seven-year deal worth more than $6 million a year for the first four seasons.

"When it came down to it, the opportunity to work with (Broncos head coach) Mike Shanahan was the determinant factor," Plummer said. "And also a franchise that has won Super Bowls and is on that same course to do it again, I believe.

"From what they've told me, what they believe I can add to this team, there's no reason we shouldn't be making a push very soon."

After a mediocre 2002 season, the Cardinals were expected to let Plummer leave. Now the Broncos, who gave incumbent Brian Griese permission to seek a trade, have their new quarterback.

At 28, with 82 NFL starts, Plummer could blossom under the offensive-minded Shanahan. In 1998, Plummer led the Cardinals to their first playoff victory since 1947.

The Broncos also added defensive tackle Daryl Gardener, who started 15 games last year for Washington and had 71 tackles and four sacks. Gardener is expected to replace Chester McGlockton, who was released by the Broncos.

San Diego's young passer, Drew Brees, should be smiling at the prospect of throwing to Boston, the top wide receiver available in free agency. The 6-foot-2, 236-pound Boston, whose father, Byron, is an NFL official, caught 98 passes two years ago for Arizona, which drafted him in the first round in 1999. He led the league with 1,598 yards receiving and was voted to the All-Pro team.

Last year, slowed by a knee injury, Boston had 32 catches. He also pleaded no contest to driving under the influence of drugs.

"This situation seemed to have all the intangibles for me," Boston said. "They're trying to win and that's what I'm trying to do."

He's expected to sign the deal Monday.

"I told our offensive staff, 'This is an outstanding player, don't mess it up,' " coach Marty Schottenheimer said. "We're delighted to have him."

Also quite happy with a transaction Wednesday was Packers coach Mike Sherman.

Defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt signed a six-year, $25 million contract with the Packers, who were able to remove the transition designation they assigned to him Feb. 20.

"I think that Cletidus Hunt is at just the tip of the iceberg in regard to what he's capable of doing," Sherman said. "I think he can be a dominant player in this league."

The Carolina Panthers signed former New Orleans backup QB Jake Delhomme and re-signed 37-year-old Rodney Peete, last year's starter, to a three-year deal. Then they cut running back Lamar Smith.

Delhomme, 28, threw just 86 passes during his five years in New Orleans. Carolina believes he could be a late-blossoming quarterback.

"He's a good young quarterback and he's very accurate," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "He seems to bring some veteran leadership skills and some intangibles. He just hasn't had much of a chance yet. But when he's played, we've liked what we've seen."

Smith started 11 games for the Panthers and led the team with 737 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. But he was arrested Nov. 28 on charges of driving while impaired, speeding and reckless driving. The team placed him on paid leave the next day.

Tight end Jim Kleinsasser, designated the Vikings' franchise player, agreed to a one-year deal worth roughly $3 million. Coach Mike Tice said the team is still working on a long-term deal for Kleinsasser.

Seattle re-signed wide receiver Bobby Engram. Engram had 50 receptions for 619 yards last season, more than half for first downs. He's expected to receive a four-year contract worth $6 million, including $2 million next season.

Jacksonville re-signed wideout Kevin Lockett and also signed second-year offensive lineman Jay Humphrey.

New England re-signed free agent defensive lineman Rick Lyle and safety Je'Rod Cherry. Detroit re-signed defensive tackle Jared DeVries to a three-year contract, but lost linebacker Clint Kriewaldt to Pittsburgh, which is looking to upgrade its special teams.

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