NFL

Bears re-sign safety Houston-Carson to 1-year contractLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) The Chicago Bears have re-signed safety DeAndre Houston-Carson to a one-year contract.Houston-Carson has played primarily on special teams since the Bears drafted him out of William & Mary in the sixth round in 2016. He appeared in all...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL team owners vote to expand playoffs to 14 teamsBy BARRY WILNERNFL team owners voted Tuesday to expand the playoffs by one team in each conference, for a total of 14, next season as they continue to plan for the 2020 season to begin on time.During...

AP Sports WriterSeahawks release TE Ed Dickson, waive S Tedric ThompsonBy TIM BOOTHRENTON, Wash. (AP) The Seattle Seahawks cleared a chunk of salary cap space by waiving safety Tedric Thompson and releasing veteran tight end Ed Dickson on Tuesday.Both moves were expected after each player seemed to fall...

AP Sports WriterBengals release Dre Kirkpatrick in defensive overhaulBy JOE KAYCINCINNATI (AP) The Bengals released starting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick on Tuesday, another move to overhaul their secondary after a 2-14 season.Kirkpatrick was a first-round pick in 2012 and started 67 games in eight seasons. He missed 10 games...

AP Pro Football WriterJaguars' Ngakoue makes another trade plea on 25th birthdayBy MARK LONGDisgruntled Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue made another public plea to be traded, this one on his 25th birthday.Ngakoue said in a Twitter post Tuesday "why hold a man from taking care of his family....

AP Pro Football WriterAP sources: Jets, backup QB David Fales agree on 1-year dealBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.NEW YORK (AP) Two people with direct knowledge of the deal say the New York Jets and backup quarterback David Fales have agreed to terms on a one-year contract.The people spoke to...

AP Sports WriterBulaga disappointed many players didn't vote in CBA electionBy JOE REEDYNew Chargers tackle Bryan Bulaga voices his disappointment Tuesday over how many fellow players decided not to vote on the new labor agreement with the NFL.The CBA was approved by only a 60-vote margin (1,019 to 959)...

LA Rams re-sign defensive back Donte DeayonTHOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Rams re-signed defensive back Donte Deayon to a one-year contract Tuesday.Deayon appeared in three games last season for Los Angeles after he was signed from the practice squad to the active roster in November. He...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL team owners vote to expand playoffs to 14 teamsBy BARRY WILNERThe NFL is gearing up for a normal season and playoffs - with two additional wild-card teams in the Super Bowl chase.NFL team owners voted Tuesday to expand the playoffs by one team in each...

AP Pro Football WriterBroncos continue raiding Detroit Lions roster in free agencyBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colorado (AP) The Denver Broncos have finalized a three-year, $7 million deal with free agent punter Sam Martin, the third former Detroit Lions player signed by general manager John Elway this month.Martin joins former...

Packers keeping running back/kick returner Tyler ErvinGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) The Green Bay Packers are keeping running back/return specialist Tyler Ervin.Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst announced Monday that the team has re-signed Ervin, who played in four regular-season games and two playoff contests for Green Bay last season.The...

AP Sports WriterSlater says Pats' special teams ready to adjust to changesBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) Strong special teams play has been one of the staples of the Patriots under Bill Belichick.Few players know that more than longtime special teams captain Matt Slater, one of the most recognized leaders...