After five years of chasing quarterbacks, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney will be paid like one.

Freeney agreed yesterday to a six-year, $72 million contract with the Colts that makes him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. The deal includes a $30 million signing bonus, second in Colts history only to the $34.5 million owner Jim Irsay gave quarterback Peyton Manning as part of his seven-year, $98 million contract in 2003.

"I just appreciate Mr. Irsay and Bill Polian," said Freeney's agent, Gary Wichard. "That's the history of this franchise: When they value a player and want to keep him, they make the commitment.

"That's why they're walking around with world champions' rings."

With the clock ticking toward a Monday deadline that would have forced Freeney to settle for a one-year $9.43 million tender as the team's exclusive franchise player or sit out the season, Polian, the Colts president, and Wichard got the deal done.

"I feel great about this because no one usually gets paid for the impact they have on the team," Freeney told ESPN.com. "To have a contract that pays me among the top players in the league and not just for being a defensive player means a lot."

Polian was not available for comment, but the team issued a statement confirming the parties had reached agreement in principle.

The contract gives Freeney long-term security and rewards him for his disruptive play as the team's defensive cornerstone. In the five seasons since the club selected him 11th in the 2002 draft, Freeney has accumulated a team-record 56 1/2 sacks and forced 27 fumbles. Even last season, when he had only 5 1/2 sacks, he was a force. He was credited with a team-high 33 "quarterback pressures."

The deal also benefits the club by reducing Freeney's impact on the 2007 salary cap from $9.43 million to about $5.7 million. That's $3.7 million for the Colts to use retaining or acquiring other players. The cap for the upcoming season is $109 million.

LIONS

PROSECUTOR SAYS NO TO CHARGES AGAINST ROGERS

Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers won't face criminal charges following a review of an exotic dancer's claims that he inappropriately touched her.

A woman who dances at a club on Detroit's west side made the complaint last month against the 6-foot-4, 345-pound Lions standout. Police had asked prosecutors to approve a criminal sexual conduct warrant, but the Wayne County prosecutor's office declined.

"After an extensive investigation we have determined there is insufficient evidence to file any charges," Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy said in a statement.

Also, the Lions signed quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, linebacker Johnny Baldwin and cornerback Ramzee Robinson, the last player selected in the NFL draft.

The team also released quarterback Phil Horvath.

JAGUARS

BARNES GETS SIX MONTHS PROBATION FOR DUI

Jacksonville offensive tackle Khalif Barnes has been sentenced to six months probation after pleading no contest to a drunken driving charge.

Barnes, 25, pleaded no contest last week. Duval County (Fla.) Judge James Ruth on Wednesday also sentenced him to pay $650 in fines and court costs, perform 50 hours of community service, attend a drunken driving class and have his driver's license suspended for six months.

Barnes apologized for calling the police officer a racist during his Nov. 10 arrest. Barnes was caught on police video calling Officer D. E. Cullen a "KKK devil who hates all colored people" and accusing him of targeting Jaguars players.

"The stress of the situation led me to say things which I do not believe. I want you to know that was out of character for me," Barnes said in a letter to Cullen. "You were just trying to do your job that night, and I am sorry for the things I said to you. I know you have a hard job."

RAMS

CORNERBACK BROWN SUSPENDED FOR DRUGS

Cornerback Fakhir Brown was suspended yesterday for the first four games next season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The league didn't reveal the specific nature of the violation. Brown's agent, Ted Marchibroda, didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Brown's suspension will begin Aug. 31 and he can return to the active roster on Oct. 1, following the Rams' game Sept. 30 against the Dallas Cowboys. He is allowed to participate in preseason games and practice.

Brown, 29, started 14 games for the Rams last season. He tied for the team high with three interceptions and had one sack. He missed two games with an ankle injury. He signed a five-year deal as a free agent with the Rams in 2006 after spending his first four NFL seasons with New Orleans.

RAIDERS

O-LINEMAN HENDERSON, TEAM AGREE TO DEAL

Oakland signed offensive lineman Mario Henderson to a contract yesterday, making him the team's fourth draft pick to sign a deal.

Henderson, a third-rounder taken with the 91st overall pick in the April draft, started all 13 games at offensive tackle in his final season at Florida State.

The Raiders had previously signed three of their 11 picks: fourth-rounder John Bowie, fifth-rounder Jay Richardson, and sixth-rounder Oren O'Neal.

The Raiders also waived running back Curtis Brown.