NFL

AP Pro Football WriterFree agency means finding right fit on field, in locker roomBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) NFL free agency isn't as simple as making a shopping list among available players and positions, then writing checks.No matter how much a team needs a top cornerback to...

Raiders sign 5th-round pick Johnny Townsend to rookie dealALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Raiders have signed fifth-round pick Johnny Townsend to a four-year contract.The team also announced deals Monday with undrafted free agent safety Dallin Leavitt and long snapper Drew Scott. Both players took part in this month's...

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler agreed with coach Marc Trestman's assertion that he needs to play better, and admitted "you can definitely feel the pressure" mounting at Halas Hall from the team's disappointing 3-6 start. "We have to get better, I have to get better," Cutler...

AP Sports WriterWith future uncertain, Eli Manning focusing on CowboysBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) For the second straight year, two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning is heading into an offseason with an uncertain future as New York Giants quarterback.The Giants (5-10) are going to miss the playoffs...

AP Sports WriterBrowns hire former 49ers exec Adofo-Mensah as assistant GMBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Browns have hired former 49ers executive Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as their new vice president of football operations - a top assistant to first-year general manager Andrew Berry.Adofo-Mensah will join a new staff in...

AP Sports WriterSteelers defense turns up pressure by turning back the clockBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Joe Haden understands how it looks. Spend an afternoon keeping the NFL's leading wide receiver in check and you're bound to get all the credit.Yet the veteran Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback understands he didn't...

Redskins exercise 2020 option on RB Adrian PetersonASHBURN, Va. (AP) The Washington Redskins exercised Adrian Peterson's 2020 option Wednesday, keeping the veteran running back in the fold for another season.Peterson returns to Washington for a third season and first under new coach Ron Rivera. It'll be his 14th...

AP Sports WriterSoaring Ravens can't afford letdown against lowly JaguarsBy DAVID GINSBURGThe Baltimore Ravens left Cleveland on Monday night riding a wave of emotion following a thrilling victory that greatly enhanced their playoff hopes.The Ravens would love to savor the memory of Lamar Jackson coming off the bench to...

AP Sports WriterFinally healthy, Steelers rookies playing catch-upBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Juju Smith-Schuster felt a twinge in his left leg and limped off the Heinz Field turf, making a halting beeline for Pittsburgh Steelers trainer John Norwig. It's become all-too familiar routine for the rookie wide receiver, one...

AP Sports WriterChad Kelly may be getting final NFL chance in IndianapolisBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Chad Kelly insists a few months away from football helped put life in perspective.He read the Bible while living in his parents' basement. He recommitted himself to the game. And now he believes...

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Rams say defensive end Robert Quinn is in stable condition after checking himself into a hospital with an illness that's unrelated to football. The team didn't provide any other details Monday, but said coach Jeff Fisher will give an update during his weekly...

Town objects to NY Jets' plan for training center helipadFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The New York Jets' plan to build a helicopter landing pad at their New Jersey training facility has drawn objections from some who question the need since an airport is just a couple of miles...