JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded receiver Dennis Northcutt to the Detroit Lions for safety Gerald Alexander.

The deal was finalized yesterday after both players passed physicals.

Northcutt gives the Lions a veteran receiver opposite rising star Calvin Johnson.

Alexander, a second-round pick in 2007, gives Jacksonville depth in the secondary. He started 16 games as a rookie, but missed most of last year following a neck injury.

Northcutt, who has 364 receptions for 4,584 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career, has been projected to start this season. But Jacksonville's three rookie receivers were impressive enough during offseason drills that Northcutt became expendable.

CHIEFS

5TH-ROUND OT SIGNS

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed their fifth-round draft pick, offensive tackle Colin Brown. Terms were not disclosed.

Brown earned Big 12 honors as a junior and senior at Missouri, which finished both of those seasons ranked in the top 10 nationally in total offense.

The 6-foot-7, 335-pound lineman played in 43 games for the Tigers, starting 28. He played in three bowl wins and two Big 12 championship games.

GIANTS

4TH-ROUND RB SIGNS

The New York Giants have signed running back Andre Brown, their fourth-round selection from North Carolina State.

He is the sixth 2009 draft choice to sign with the Giants. Terms of the deal were not released.

The only unsigned draft picks are wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, the first-round selection from North Carolina, and second-round picks Clint Sintim and William Beatty.

Brown played in 44 games with 30 starts at N.C. State. He gained more than 2,500 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. He also caught 70 passes and had 341 yards on 17 kickoff returns.

PANTHERS

UNDRAFTED LBS CUT

The Carolina Panthers have waived undrafted rookie linebackers Mike Juergens (Wyoming) and Brit Miller (Illinois).

The moves yesterday create half the roster space needed for Carolina's four remaining unsigned draft picks.

The Panthers must still sign second-round picks Everette Brown and Sherrod Martin, third-round choice Corvey Irvin and fifth-rounder Duke Robinson.