Free agent DE Alex Brown has decided to retire. Brown was a 16-game starter for the Saints in 2010, but never found a job last season after being released in camp. A 16-game starter seven times in nine years, Brown finishes his career with 45.5 sacks and 411 tackles compiled over 143 games.

The Lions worked out free agent DE Alex Brown on Tuesday. It's the first we've heard of Brown since an early October workout with the Raiders. The 32-year-old former Bears pass rusher has been out of the league since the Saints released him after training camp.

The Raiders worked out free agent DE Alex Brown this week. They also had Trevor Pryce in for a tryout, but signed neither. Brown, 32, has little pass-rush ability remaining, while Pryce is 36 years old. The Raiders were looking for reinforcements with Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder) not playing.

The Panthers are reportedly "sniffing around" free agent DE Alex Brown. This was expected. Brown played under then defensive coordinator Ron Rivera with the Bears, and the Panthers could use an experienced defensive end. Brown said last week that three teams were interested in his services.

Free agent DE Alex Brown told ESPN Radio in Chicago Wednesday that he's already heard from three teams interested in his services. One of them is the Bears, although it's unclear if the call was exploratory-only in nature. "I would love to go play in a 4-3," said Brown, 32. "There are a lot of teams out there that still run a 4-3 that could use a defensive end that still has a little bit left." Brown also mentioned the Panthers as a possible landing spot with old Bears DC Ron Rivera the head coach in Carolina.

Coach Sean Payton indicated the "door is not totally shut" on DE Alex Brown returning to New Orleans after he was released Tuesday. Brown will gauge his interest on the open market, placing a priority on signing with a contender. Bears coach Lovie Smith, a good friend of Brown's, says he's happy with his own players at defensive end. Panthers coach Ron Rivera also has ties to Brown, but Carolina doesn't fit the criteria of a contender. Brown would only return to NOLA at a reduced rate.