TAMPA, Fla. — Derrick Brooks had no explanation for what just happened to him.

Brooks, one of the top players in Tampa Bay history, was cut by the Buccaneers yesterday in a purge of the team's veterans.

"Right now, like all of you guys, I'm just trying to get a feel for it all, trying to come to grips with it," the 11-time Pro Bowl selection said by telephone. "I don't even know what to think."

Brooks, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year when Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl after the 2002 season, was among five players cut, four of them older than 32-year-old Raheem Morris, the team's new head coach.

The others were wide receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, running back Warrick Dunn and linebacker Cato June, who at age 29, is the only player under 30 and the only one younger than Morris.

The releases save more than $10 million in salary cap space for a team that already is close to $50 million under the projected cap of $123 million. General manager Mark Dominik said the object of the cuts was less to save money than to get the team younger.

CHARGERS

OL FORNEY RE-SIGNS

Offensive lineman Kynan Forney bypassed free agency yesterday by re-signing with the San Diego Chargers.

Forney, who was inactive for every game last season, signed a two-year deal.

As a free agent a year ago, Forney signed a one-year deal with the Chargers. He is a nine-year veteran from the University of Hawai'i, who played seven seasons with Atlanta, where he started 88 of 95 games played. Forney mostly has played guard.

ELSEWHERE

Dolphins: Linebacker Channing Crowder has signed a multi-year contract to remain with Miami, a surprising move after negotiations appeared at a stalemate a few days ago. The deal was announced last night, but details were not released.

Giants: Less than two weeks after putting a franchise tag on him, New York signed halfback Brandon Jacobs to a four-year, $25 million contract yesterday. The deal includes $13 million in guarantees. Jacobs will earn $15 million over the first two years.

Jets: New York restructured Laveranues Coles' contract yesterday, allowing the veteran wide receiver to become an unrestricted free agent. Because of the compromise between the sides, the Jets are off the hook for the guaranteed $6 million Coles was due this season.

Panthers: Carolina began shedding veteran players to clear salary-cap space yesterday, releasing receiver D.J. Hackett, offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges and running back Nick Goings. The moves combine to save more than $4 million.

Rams: St. Louis released veteran quarterback Trent Green and wide receiver Drew Bennett yesterday. Green, 38, was in his second stint with the Rams. Bennett signed a six-year, $30 million deal two years ago after six seasons with Tennessee.