Here is a summary of the latest news from the defensive side of the ball in the last week, as reported on NFL.com.

Peterson and Redding Swap Teams

The Detroit Lions acquired Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson from the Seattle Seahawks for defensive tackle Cory Redding and a 5th round 2009 draft pick.

Peterson is entering the 4th year of a 7-year deal worth $54 million, and became too expensive for a team with franchise-tag linebacker Leroy Hill set to earn $8.4 million guaranteed this year and linebacker Lofa Tatupu’s $42 million deal signed in 2008. The Seahawks asked Peterson to reduce his $6.5 million salary for 2009 and he refused.

Seattle's only Pro Bowler, Peterson was dealt following a five-sack, 83-tackle season. The San Francisco 49’ers drafted him #16 overall in 2000 out of Michigan State, and he has tallied 46 career sacks and eight interceptions.

Following a 0-16 2008 season, the Lions are addressing a glaring need at the linebacker position by taking on the contract of Peterson and parting ways with Cory Redding. The Lions gave Redding a seven-year contract worth nearly $50 million two years ago along with the franchise tag after he had a career-high eight-sack season.But the 2003 third-round pick out of Texas followed that performance with just 4 sacks between 2007-2008. Seattle expects him to fill a need in the middle as a big run stuffer.

Bucs Sign Crowell

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the signing of linebacker Angelo Crowell to a one-year contract worth nearly $3 million in base salary and guarantees, and could total $4.6 million with incentives.

Crowell spent the 2008 season on injured reserve following knee surgery, after a productive 2007 season in which the former team captain started all 16 games for the Buffalo Bills and recorded career-high 126 tackles, two sacks and one interception. From 2005 to 2007, Crowell started 41 games for Buffalo, recording 327 tackles, seven sacks and five interceptions.

Crowell should be cleared for full football activity by the time non-contact workouts begin after the draft in May or June, and is expected to compete at strong side linebacker for a defense that's being overhauled after the release of long-time starting linebacker Derrick Brooks along with Cato June. 

Saints Land Sharper

The New Orleans Saints agreed to undisclosed terms with veteran free-agent safety Darren Sharper.

The thirty-three-year old Sharper has been to four Pro Bowls during his 12-year NFL career. He has played for both the Packers and the Vikings, totaling 54 career interceptions, ranking him first among active players.

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