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The Sports Xchange
    Bills replenish defensive line by signing Austin Johnson and DeShawn Williams to 1-year deals
    By JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer | 
    3/27/24

    Bills replenish defensive line by signing Austin Johnson and DeShawn Williams to 1-year deals By JOHN WAWROW AP Sports Writer The Associated Press ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.

    ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills replenished their depleted defensive line needs by signing tackles Austin Johnson and DeShawn Williams to one-year contracts on Thursday.

    The 29-year-old Johnson has eight seasons of NFL experience, including the past two with the Los Angeles Chargers where he started all 17 games last season. He’s listed at 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 draft.

    Overall, Johnson has two forced fumbles, eight sacks and 17 tackles for a loss in 116 games, including 55 starts, which included a two-year stint with the New York Giants.

    The 31-year-old Williams spent last season getting 10 starts in 16 games with Carolina in an NFL career that’s taken a circuitous route since being signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

    After appearing in four games with the Bengals in 2016, Williams spent the next three years as a practice squad player with Denver, Miami and Indianapolis — plus a failed bid to play in the CFL once its 2020 season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic — before resuming his NFL career with the Broncos in 2020. Overall, he has nine sacks, 11 tackles for losses and an interception in 66 games, including 44 starts.

    The two begin shoring up a defensive front that lost regulars Linval Joseph, Tim Settle and Poona Ford to free agency, and with Jordan Phillips contemplating retirement.

    Both are expected to fill backup roles behind Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones, who is being reunited with Johnson after the two played at Penn State.

    Speaking at the NFL owners meetings this week, general manager Brandon Beane re-emphasized the priority he places on his offensive and defensive fronts even it means cutting into the team’s limited salary cap space.

    “We’re going to always look there. And if we’re going to stretch ourselves financially, that’s the spot I’m always going to do it,” Beane said. “I’m not going to ever hold back if it’s something that I think can get us over the top.”

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

    The LA Rams are signing former Bills CB Tre'Davious White, continuing their secondary overhaul
    By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer | 
    3/26/24

    The LA Rams are signing former Bills CB Tre'Davious White, continuing their secondary overhaul By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer The Associated Press LOS ANGELES

    LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White is joining the Los Angeles Rams.

    White agreed to terms on a one-year, $8.5 million contract Tuesday with the Rams, who are thoroughly revamping a secondary that was likely their defense's weak spot last season. White's deal could be worth up to $10 million, ESPN reported.

    White spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills, who released him earlier this month. White was an AP All-Pro in 2019 and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in Buffalo, but he played in only 10 combined games in the past two seasons due to injury.

    After tearing a knee ligament in November 2021 and not returning until November 2022, White tore his Achilles tendon in Week 4 last season and didn't play again in 2023.

    White is the third major addition to the Rams' secondary in free agency. Los Angeles also signed safety Kamren Curl from Washington and re-signed Darious Williams , who spent the past two seasons with Jacksonville after winning the Super Bowl as a starting cornerback for the Rams.

    Los Angeles hasn't signed a defensive lineman in free agency despite the loss of Aaron Donald, who retired earlier this month. The Rams did re-sign backup lineman Larrell Murchison for a defense that will be led by new defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

    White had been a starter for the Bills since his rookie season after they drafted him out of LSU in the first round in 2017. He started all 82 games during his seven seasons in Buffalo, recording 18 interceptions and recovering five fumbles.

    The Rams were less aggressive in bolstering their secondary a year ago despite trading Jalen Ramsey and losing starting safeties Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott in free agency, along with starting nickel back Troy Hill.

    Los Angeles eventually signed veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in late summer and added safety John Johnson in training camp, and both ended up being key contributors to the Rams' 10-7 season with a playoff berth. Witherspoon and Johnson haven't yet re-signed with Los Angeles.

    The Rams gave 21 combined starts last season to late-round draftee cornerbacks Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant, but neither young player excelled. Both will likely return to depth roles behind White and Williams.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

    The Denver Broncos are signing former Lions receiver Josh Reynolds to a 2-year deal, AP source says
    By ARNIE STAPLETON, AP Pro Football Writer | 
    3/26/24

    The Denver Broncos are signing former Lions receiver Josh Reynolds to a 2-year deal, AP source says By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press ENGLEWOOD, Colo.

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are signing former Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds to a two-year, $14 million free agent contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

    The person spoke anonymously to divulge the deal, which the Broncos didn't immediately announce.

    Reynolds' signing continues a makeover of the Broncos' offense that included trading away former first-round pick Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland for a pair of mid-round draft selections.

    Reynolds, who caught 40 passes for 608 yards and five touchdowns last season for the Lions, joins a receiving corps that features Marvin Mims Jr., Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick, who has missed each of the last two seasons with injuries.

    Reynolds, 29, has 19 career touchdown receptions across seven NFL seasons with the Rams, Titans and Lions. He joined the league as a fourth-round draft pick by the Rams out of Texas A&M in 2017.

    The Broncos lost center Lloyd Cushenberry in free agency to the Titans, leaving Alex Forsyth and Luke Wattenberg to battle it out this summer as his replacement, and Denver also is in the quarterback market with increasing expectations they'll move up from the 12th overall pick in the NFL draft next month to grab one of the top QB prospects.

    “It’s hard to predict what the cost is and yet, I certainly wouldn’t say that it’s unrealistic,” said Broncos coach Sean Payton, who decided to move on from Russell Wilson after a tumultuous 2023 season together.

    Reynolds' departure from Detroit comes as a mild surprise. At the league's annual owners meetings in Orlando, Florida, this week, Lions general manager Brad Holmes indicated he hoped to re-sign Reynolds.

    “He’s one that was part of the original plans” in free agency, Holmes said then. “Still having dialogue, we’ll just kind of see where that goes. But that’s really the only one that’s still out there that we had originally planned so far.”

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

    Carolina Panthers agree to terms with Jadeveon Clowney to bolster pass rush
    By STEVE REED, AP Sports Writer | 
    3/26/24

    Carolina Panthers agree to terms with Jadeveon Clowney to bolster pass rush By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C.

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have bolstered their pass rush, agreeing to terms on Wednesday with veteran free agent Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft.

    Clowney agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract worth up to $24 million with incentives, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team did not release contract details.

    This will be a homecoming for Clowney, who grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, about 20 minutes from where the Panthers play their home games.

    The 31-year-old Clowney is coming off a strong season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, where he had 9 1/2 sacks and will play outside linebacker in Carolina’s 3-4 defensive scheme. Clowney spent his first five years with the Houston Texans, and has moved around quite a bit since with stops in Seattle, Tennessee, and Cleveland and Baltimore. He has 52 1/2 sacks during his career.

    Clowney helps offset the loss of outside linebacker Brian Burns, who was traded to the New York Giants earlier this offseason. Carolina managed a league-low 27 sacks last season.

    Clowney is expected to be paired opposite pass rusher D.J. Wonnum, who signed earlier this offseason from the Minnesota Vikings. The Panthers have also added free agent pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson.

    The Panthers also announced they’ve re-signed safety Sam Franklin, who led the team in special teams tackles the past two seasons.

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    AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

    Giants hire James Ferentz as assistant offensive line coach
    3/25/24

    Giants hire James Ferentz as assistant offensive line coach The Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.

    EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants have hired recently retired James Ferentz as an assistant offensive line coach.

    Ferentz, 34, retired last month as an NFL player after an eight-year career with the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. He will help new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who was his line coach with the Patriots in 2020-21.

    Ferentz finished college at Iowa in 2013 and spent a year out of football before being signed by the Houston Texans in the 2014 offseason. He spent that season on the Texans’ practice squad.

    After being waived by Houston in September 2015, the son of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz went to the Broncos. He appeared in 14 games for a Denver team that won Super Bowl 50 in Peyton Manning’s final season.

    Ferentz played two years in Denver before being signed by the Patriots, where he played six seasons and was on New England's Super Bowl-winning team in the 2018 season.

    New York, which was 6-11 last season, has nine new coaches for 2024, including defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

    Lions President says DB Cameron Sutton was at team building when news of warrant surfaced
    3/25/24

    Lions President says DB Cameron Sutton was at team building when news of warrant surfaced The Associated Press DETROIT

    DETROIT (AP) — Cameron Sutton was in the Detroit Lions' Allen Park training facility when the team learned of a domestic violence warrant issued for the defensive back in Florida.

    Lions President Rod Wood told WJBK-TV Fox 2 on Monday that team staffers spoke to the 29-year-old Sutton, 29, at the time and advised him to turn himself into authorities.

    “We learned about the warrant at the same time everybody else did on social media,” Wood told the station. “We were able to speak to Cam because he was actually in our building. We found him. He was down with our strength staff. He kind of showed up unexpectedly to work out.”

    The Lions released Sutton on March 21 after news of the warrant surfaced.

    The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, which includes Tampa, has asked for help in finding Sutton, a seven-year pro who just finished his first season with the Lions and helped them reach the NFC championship game for the first time in 32 years.

    The warrant is for domestic battery by strangulation, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Sutton may be driving a Jeep Grand Wagoneer with a Florida license plate, the sheriff’s office has said.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

    Steelers bolster return game by signing Cordarrelle Patterson to a 2-year deal, AP source says
    By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer | 
    3/25/24

    Steelers bolster return game by signing Cordarrelle Patterson to a 2-year deal, AP source says By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer The Associated Press PITTSBURGH

    PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing veteran running back/kickoff return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson to a two-year deal.

    The contract carries a total value of $6 million a source with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.

    The versatile 33-year-old Patterson spent the past three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. A four-time All-Pro, Patterson gives the Steelers a veteran to help them adjust to the league's new kickoff rules designed to produce more returns.

    Patterson has nine kickoff returns for a touchdown in his 11-year career with Minnesota, Oakland, New England, Chicago and Atlanta. Patterson has led the league in kickoff return average three times and has seven kickoff returns of 100 yards or more.

    Patterson has filled a variety of roles throughout his career. He was a wide receiver and kick returner while playing for the Vikings, Raiders and Patriots. He was used more out of the backfield during stays in Chicago and Atlanta. Patterson ran for more than 600 yards in 2021 and 2022 but saw his role with the Falcons diminish last season behind rookie Bijan Robinson.

    The Steelers have had trouble finding a difference-maker in their return game for years. Pittsburgh's longest kickoff return last season was just 37 yards and it averaged 23.5 yards per return while splitting the job between a handful of players.

    The deal reunites Patterson with former Falcons coach Arthur Smith, who is now Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator. It's unlikely the Steelers would use Patterson in the running game. Pittsburgh has one of the best one-two punches in the NFL in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

    NFL owners don't vote on Tom Brady's bid to buy a minority share of the Raiders
    By MARK ANDERSON, AP Sports Writer | 
    3/25/24

    NFL owners don't vote on Tom Brady's bid to buy a minority share of the Raiders By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer The Associated Press

    NFL owners didn't vote Tuesday on Tom Brady's bid to purchase a stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, putting into question how long the transaction will take or if it will even occur at all.

    Commissioner Roger Goodell, however, said at the league meetings in Orlando, Florida, that the process is moving forward.

    “I wouldn’t say it’s a delay,” Goodell said. “We go through a thorough process. ... I think it’s making progress.”

    Owners have concerns about Raiders owner Mark Davis offering Brady a discounted price because that would potentially lower the franchise value.

    “The number just has to be a reasonable number for purchase price from Tom, is the only thing," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said at the league meetings in October. "If reasonable value says … that 10% should be $525 million, you can’t pay $175 million.”

    Brady's deal to become Fox's leading game-day analyst also complicates matters.

    Brady, who quarterbacked the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to one championship, went through a much more streamlined process to become a WNBA part owner.

    WNBA owners approved his bid to buy a minority share of the Las Vegas Aces on Oct. 2. That occurred just a little more than six months after applying for the purchase of the two-time defending champions, who like the Raiders are owned by Davis.

    Brady began the process last May to acquire a stake in the Raiders.

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    AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

    Titans finalizing deal with Chiefs to acquire cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, AP source says
    By TERESA M. WALKER, AP Pro Football Writer | 
    3/22/24

    Titans finalizing deal with Chiefs to acquire cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, AP source says By TERESA M. WALKER AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press

    The Tennessee Titans are finalizing a deal to acquire cornerback L'Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs for a pair of draft picks, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday night.

    The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal still requires Sneed to pass a physical and a new contract for the cornerback who the Chiefs placed the $19.8 million non-exclusive franchise tag on earlier this month.

    Kansas City was unable to come to terms on a long-term deal, leading to this trade. Under terms of the deal, Tennessee would send its third-round pick in the 2025 draft and also flip seventh-round selections with the Chiefs in the draft next month.

    The 27-year-old Sneed has developed into one of the top cornerbacks in the league since being drafted in the fourth round in 2020. He was a key part of a defense that helped Kansas City win back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

    Sneed often followed top receivers all over the field and excelled at holding them in check. He allowed a passer of just 55.9 on throws when he was in coverage in the regular season, according to Pro Football Focus, ranking fifth best among cornerbacks.

    He didn’t allow a single TD pass until the playoffs against Buffalo and only Davante Adams of the Raiders had more than two catches in a game when Sneed was in coverage.

    Sneed had two interceptions and 14 passes defensed in 16 games last season, giving him 10 interceptions and 40 passes defensed in his four-year career.

    The Titans signed Cincinnati cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to a three-year deal for $36 million with $23 million guaranteed to help kick off free agency.

    New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson needs help with Caleb Farley, the team's 22nd overall pick in 2021 who has been limited to just 12 games in his career because of injuries. The Titans ranked 18th in pass defense, giving up 227.4 yards per game. But they were last in interception rate with only six all of 2023.

    Tennessee competes in an AFC South filled with young, talented quarterbacks from C.J. Stroud in Houston, Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville and Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis.

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    AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

    Browns are re-signing kicker Cade York, AP source says. The former draft pick was cut last season
    By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer | 
    3/22/24

    Browns are re-signing kicker Cade York, AP source says. The former draft pick was cut last season By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer The Associated Press

    The Browns are giving unpredictable, unreliable kicker Cade York another chance.

    Cleveland is re-signing York, a fourth-round draft pick in 2022 whose struggles led to him being cut before last season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Saturday.

    York's return on a futures contract was first reported by Cleveland.com.

    He'll be with the team during the offseason — the Browns usually carry extra kickers in training camp — and could end up competing with Dustin Hopkins, according to the person who spoke to The Associated on condition of anonymity because York has not signed his deal.

    York, who began his NFL career with a 58-yard field goal in the final seconds to win the opener at Carolina in 2022, was released last summer following a dreadful preseason. His departure was followed by the Browns trading for Hopkins, who was sensational for Cleveland and a big part of its playoff run.

    Hopkins went 33 of 36 on field-goal tries and made all eight attempts beyond 50 yards. He was out for the playoffs after injuring his hamstring while trying to catch a kickoff returner in a Dec. 24 game at Houston.

    York was the highest kicker drafted in six years when the Browns selected him out of LSU two years ago. He made 24 of 32 field goals as a rookie and was 35 of 37 on extra points.

    But things began to go astray for him last summer when he missed four kicks in exhibition games, and the Browns, who had high expectations of making a Super Bowl run, decided to let York go.

    After Cleveland released him, York was signed to Tennessee's practice squad. He also spent time with the New York Giants but didn't kick in a regular-season game.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

    Recent articles
    Bills replenish defensive line by signing Austin Johnson and DeShawn Williams to 1-year deals
    The LA Rams are signing former Bills CB Tre'Davious White, continuing their secondary overhaul
    The Denver Broncos are signing former Lions receiver Josh Reynolds to a 2-year deal, AP source says
    Carolina Panthers agree to terms with Jadeveon Clowney to bolster pass rush
    Giants hire James Ferentz as assistant offensive line coach
    Lions President says DB Cameron Sutton was at team building when news of warrant surfaced
    Steelers bolster return game by signing Cordarrelle Patterson to a 2-year deal, AP source says
    NFL owners don't vote on Tom Brady's bid to buy a minority share of the Raiders
    Titans finalizing deal with Chiefs to acquire cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, AP source says
    Browns are re-signing kicker Cade York, AP source says. The former draft pick was cut last season
    Packers re-sign LB Eric Wilson in boost to their special-teams units
    Chargers GM Joe Hortiz acknowledges tough salary cap decisions had to be made
    Buffalo Bills shore up interior offensive line depth by signing Will Clapp to 1-year contract
    Lions release Cameron Sutton as search for defensive back continues on domestic violence warrant
    Vikings agree to terms with 8th-year veteran CB Shaquill Griffin, who joins his 5th team
    The Titans are keeping veteran kicker Nick Folk after franchise-record season
    Detroit Lions defensive back Cameron Sutton sought in Florida domestic violence warrant
    Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort says team will listen to all offers for No. 4 overall pick
    Caleb Williams holds pro day workout in front of prominent Chicago Bears contingent
    Bills sign safety Mike Edwards to a 1-year contract, adding potential starter to revamped secondary

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