CLEVELAND — Free agent linebacker Willie McGinest signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns Wednesday, reuniting him with coach Romeo Crennel.

McGinest, cut by New England after 12 seasons in a salary cap move, will earn $12 million with the Browns, including $6 million in guarantees and bonuses. .

The 34-year-old linebacker spent seven seasons with Crennel in New England, including four with Crennel as defensive coordinator.

The Browns have been one of the most active teams this offseason, also signing center LeCharles Bentley, wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, offensive lineman Kevin Shaffer, punter Dave Zastudil and nose tackle Ted Washington.

NEW ORLEANS — Aaron Brooks was cut Wednesday, the same day the Saints introduced Drew Brees as their new starting quarterback.Brooks' stay in New Orleans was effectively over after he endured his worst season in 2005, throwing for 13 touchdowns and 17 interceptions before being benched with three games remaining in the season. New Orleans finished 3-13.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans agreed Wednesday to a six-year contract with free-agent safety Chris Hope, a former Pittsburgh Steeler.

TRENTON, N.J. — Wayne Gretzky's wife will be subpoenaed to testify when a grand jury looks at charges in the case involving a betting ring allegedly run an NHL assistant coach, New Jersey's attorney general said Wednesday.In her first major interview since being sworn in as attorney general six weeks ago, Zulima Farber said that Janet Jones would be called to testify about the high-stakes gambling ring as soon as a grand jury convenes.Gretzky and Jones have been linked to the ring allegedly run by Phoenix Coyotes assistant Rick Tocchet, a former NHL player and close friend of Coyotes coach Gretzky. Jones is alleged to have placed large bets through Tocchet.