Former University of Hawai'i defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers yesterday.

Sopoaga, who played two seasons for UH (2002-03), agreed to a five-year deal worth $20 million, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Sopoaga, a fourth-round draft pick in 2004, had a breakthrough season in 2007, making a career-high 58 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks.

PANTHERS

QB CARR RELEASED

Carolina cut ties with disappointing quarterback David Carr yesterday and brought back an old favorite, receiver Muhsin Muhammad.

Carr was released a year after he signed a $6 million, two-year deal with the Panthers following a five-year stint as a starter in Houston. But Carr struggled so much when he took over for the injured Jake Delhomme last season that he was eventually demoted to third string.

Carr leaves Carolina as Muhammad prepares for his second stint with the franchise, a week after he was released by the Chicago Bears. Agent Joel Segal said Muhammad signed a two-year deal, but declined to reveal financial figures.

Muhammad was the Panthers' second-round pick in 1996 and spent nine seasons with Carolina before being released in a salary-cap move.

ELSEWHERE

Buccaneers: Tampa Bay cut two veteran defensive linemen, Kevin Carter and Greg Spires. Carter has 100 1/2 sacks in his 13-season career, which includes six years with the Rams, four with Tennessee, two with Miami and last season with the Bucs. Spires started 87 of the 89 games he played in his six seasons in Tampa Bay.

Colts: Linebacker Rob Morris and defensive tackle Anthony McFarland, both sidelined with injuries for most of last season, were released by Indianapolis.

Titans: Tennessee re-signed wide receiver Justin Gage. He led the team with 750 yards receiving last season and tied for the lead with 55 catches.

Vikings: Minnesota released quarterback Kelly Holcomb, clearing space to pursue another veteran backup for Tarvaris Jackson. Holcomb was 42 for 83 for 515 yards, two touchdowns and one interception last season.

Bills: Running back Anthony Thomas was one of four Buffalo players let go after rushing for just 89 yards on 36 carries last season. The Bills also terminated the contracts of linebacker Coy Wire and cornerback Jerametrius Butler and waived guard Aaron Merz.

Ravens: Baltimore terminated the contract of veteran running back Mike Anderson, freeing up his $1.8 million salary.

Browns: Cleveland terminated 35-year-old defensive lineman Orpheus Roye's contract. Roye made five starts last season, his 12th in the NFL.

Lions: Detroit signed free agent safety Dwight Smith to a two-year contract. Smith played for the Buccaneers from 2001-2004.