NFL category, Page 169

CLEVELAND — The Browns exercised the fifth-year option on quarterback Baker Mayfield’s rookie contract on Friday, an expected move after his strong 2020 season. The team did the same with top cornerback Denzel Ward’s contract. Mayfield had 30 touchdown passes last season and led the Browns to their first playoff...

Police in Ohio arrested Steelers cornerback Justin Layne on Friday morning for alleged traffic and firearms violations, court records show. Ohio court records show Layne, 23, was charged Friday by Willoughby police with driving with a suspended license, speeding, and transporting a loaded firearm, which is a fourth-degree felony. Records...

There’s a common thread linking most of the Football Championship Subdivision players who expect to hear their name called in the NFL draft. They didn’t participate in their schools’ pandemic-delayed spring season. “Ultimately, it just comes down to athletes taking care of their bodies,” North Dakota State offensive tackle Dillon...

LOS ANGELES — Rich Eisen had wingtips, but clearly no wings. The NFL Network host’s first 40-yard dash came during a lull at the 2005 scouting combine, in the old RCA Dome in Indianapolis, and on a lark. “Terrell Davis was sitting next to me, part of our crew,” Eisen...

CHALMETTE, La. — A sheriff’s office in Louisiana has issued an arrest warrant for Seattle Seahawks defensive end Aldon Smith. St. Bernard Parish sheriff’s deputies responding to a call for medical assistance in Meraux on Saturday evening found a man who said he had been assaulted by an acquaintance outside...

Alex Smith retired Monday after making an improbable comeback from a gruesome broken leg, saying he’s ready to leave the NFL but believing he’s still able to play quarterback. Smith made the announcement on Instagram a few weeks shy of his 37th birthday, hoping to enjoy more time with his...

TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady is recovering from offseason knee surgery and expects to be ready for June minicamp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Speaking at a fundraiser for Bucs coach Bruce Arians’ foundation, the 43-year-old quarterback joked that he didn’t know “if I can go this week.” He then...

An attorney for Pittsburgh native and NFL defensive standout Aaron Donald says the L.A. Rams player helped save the man accusing him of assault from further injury, contradicting claims from this week Donald beat up the man in a South Side melee. Attorney Casey White said there’s no dispute Devincent...

CLEVELAND — Free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, who will pair him with All-Pro Myles Garrett to chase quarterbacks and maybe get them deeper in the playoffs. Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in 2014, hasn’t always played up to...

TAMPA, Fla. — Running back Giovani Bernard agreed to a one-year contract with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Tuesday because the move, adding yet another offensive playmaker for Tom Brady,...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated resulting in serious physical injury after a crash that left a 5-year-old girl critically injured. The Jackson County prosecutor’s office said Reid’s blood alcohol content shortly after the Feb. 4 crash...

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns remain in active pursuit of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, a person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press on Monday. The free agent visited the team last month and could do so again. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity...

The NFL and its players’ union have an array of health programs designed to help players in their life after football. According to his agent, Phillip Adams did not avail himself of those opportunities. Adams, a journeyman player, spent six seasons in the league. Authorities say he fatally shot five...

HOUSTON — A judge on Friday ordered that the name of one of the 22 women who have filed lawsuits accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment must be made public. Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, has asked that all the women, who have sued under the...

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Former NFL player Phillip Adams fatally shot five people, including a prominent doctor, his wife and their two grandchildren before killing himself early Thursday. York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson told a news conference that investigators had not yet determined a motive for Wednesday’s mass shooting. “There’s...

Nike suspended its endorsement contract with Deshaun Watson amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment against the Houston Texans quarterback. “We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson,” Nike said in a statement released Wednesday. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation.” Watson has...