NFL

AP Sports WriterBills fire GM Whaley, scouting staff 1 day after draftBy JOHN WAWROWORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) First Rex Ryan, now Doug Whaley.Bills owner Terry Pegula completed an offseason front-office purge by firing Whaley, his general manager, and the team's entire scouting staff on Sunday, a day after...

AP Sports WriterBowles: Still no front-runner to win Jets' QB competitionBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Picking a starting quarterback is no snap decision for Todd Bowles.The New York Jets coach has a journeyman veteran in Josh McCown and two inexperienced youngsters in Bryce Petty and Christian...

Falcons sign first-rounder McKinley, remaining 3 draft picksFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons have signed first-rounder Takk McKinley and three more draft picks - linebacker Duke Riley, running back Brian Hill and tight end Eric Saubert.The Falcons have signed all six draft picks before Friday's start of...

AP Pro Football WriterBroncos add a bunch of tough guys in the draftBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) John Elway and Vance Joseph used free agency to target toughness in the trenches. In the draft, Denver's new duo zeroed in on prospects with an attitude.''You want guys who love...

AP Pro Football WriterBroncos promote Joe Woods to defensive coordinatorBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) The ''No Fly Zone'' gets to keep its pilot.Broncos coach Vance Joseph on Tuesday promoted secondary coach Joe Woods to defensive coordinator, replacing Wade Phillips, who left for the Rams.Woods, 46, was in charge...

AP Pro Football WriterTitans win punt, pass, kick game to end minicamp earlyBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee coach Mike Mularkey made his Titans work hard to earn a pass from the final practice of their three-day minicamp and wrap up the offseason program a bit early.They...

AP Sports WriterPanthers RB Stewart concerned about Super Bowls, not carriesBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Panthers veteran running back Jonathan Stewart isn't concerned about losing carries to Christian McCaffrey, the team's first round draft pick.In Stewart's eyes, the more talent on the Carolina roster the better.''Who cares? We...

The Latest: Victims' kin glad Hernandez already serving lifeBOSTON (AP) The Latest on the Aaron Hernandez double murder trial (all times local):4:30 p.m.Prosecutors and relatives of the men killed in former NFL star Aaron Hernandez's double murder case say they're upset about his acquittal but take solace in...

AP Pro Football WriterHeads Up! New helmet getting tryout at NFL minicampsBy BARRY WILNERExcept when a big star doesn't show up or gets injured, it's rare that NFL minicamps make many headlines.That could change this month.NFL teams will be trying out a new helmet, the VICIS Zero 1 ,...

AP Sports WriterCardale Jones, once "star-struck" by Rivers, is newest BoltBy GREG BEACHAMCOSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) Cardale Jones is already adjusting splendidly to his first few days in Southern California. He's soaking in the summer sun at practice and asking fans on Twitter for the best sushi restaurants...

AP Sports WriterSaints' Kikaha eyes 'great story' in comeback from injuryBy BRETT MARTELMEATIRIE, La. (AP) Saints defensive end Hau'oli Kikaha often maintains the pleasant disposition of someone kicking back on the north shore of Oahu, even when fielding questions about his ability to bounce back from a third...

AP Sports WriterSeahawks GM downplays chances of Richard Sherman tradeBy TIM BOOTHRENTON, Wash. (AP) As has often been the case for the past month, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider had to address the latest Monday about star cornerback Richard Sherman and his future.From Schneider's position, nothing the...