Clements to Niners, Steinbach to Browns, A. Thomas to Patriots

Three of the best players available in free agency picked teams tonight as cornerback Nate Clements agreed to a record-setting contract with the San Francisco 49ers, guard Eric Steinbach picked the Cleveland Browns and linebacker Adalius Thomas chose the New England Patriots.

Clements agreed to what an NFL source said was an eight-year, $80 million deal with the 49ers that included $22 million in guaranteed money. It's the heftiest contract in league history for a defensive player and it confirmed the predictions in recent weeks that teams, given abundant salary cap space by the sport's labor agreement completed last year, were prepared to throw around cash in free agency.

Clements, Thomas and Steinbach widely were regarded as three of the four best players available in free agency along with San Diego Chargers guard Kris Dielman.

Steinbach, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, agreed to a seven-year, $49.5 million deal with the Browns. The contract includes $17 million in guaranteed money.

Thomas picked the Patriots over the 49ers, according to a source. He leaves the Baltimore Ravens, who opted against using their franchise player tag last month to retain Thomas.

By Mark Maske |  March 3, 2007; 12:54 PM ET  | Category:  49ers , Browns , Patriots
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