The Falcons made T Bob Whitfield the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL and took steps to ensure the return of QB Jeff George. Whitfield signed a five-year contract reported to be worth about $15.5 million. With Whitfield's signing, the team decided to forfeit the franchise-player option and named George a "transitional player." That gives the Falcons an opportunity to match any competing offer as long as they pay an average of the top 10 salaries at the position or give George a 20 percent raise, whichever is greater.

BROWNS UPDATE: The NFL commitment to provide Cleveland with a replacement for the Browns by 1999 gives the city leeway to delay the new team's arrival until 2001 for construction of a domed stadium. Mayor Michael R. White said he would consider delaying the arrival of a new team until 2000 or 2001 to permit construction of a domed stadium attached to a convention center as a tourist draw.

WOODSON ENRICHED: The Cowboys made Darren Woodson the highest paid safety in NFL history by signing him to a six-year deal worth $18 million with a $5.4 million signing bonus. To find the money, Dallas restructured the contracts of numerous players.

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MOVES: Hall of Famer "Mean" Joe Greene was hired as the Cardinals' defensive line coach. Greene was defensive line coach of the Dolphins for the past four seasons. . . . The Chargers re-signed veteran DT Shawn Lee to a four-year contract. . . . The Bills signed PK Steve Christie to a five-year contract. The Bills also designated T John Fina as their franchise player. . . . The Oilers released DT Ray Childress, WR Haywood Jeffires, RB Todd McNair, QB Will Furrer, DE Kenny Davidson and DL Craig Veasey.

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