Browns sign QB Griffin III

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

The Cleveland Browns added some much needed depth to their QB position on Thursday by signing former Washington Redskins quarter back Robert Griffin III.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to join the Dawg Pound and help build something here in Cleveland," Griffin said. "Coach Hue and Pep, I had a great meeting with them. I really believe in what they preach and how they can help not only me as a player but this team win games and that's what we're all about.

"I'm just excited to come in and compete. Nothing's ever been given to me in my life, so I just want to go out and compete with the guys and grow with this team.

The 2016 season will be Griffin's fifth season coming out of Baylor.

Colts sign CB Patrick Robinson

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

The Indianapolis Colts added depth to their corner back position on Thursday by agreeing to terms with former Chargers and Saints veteran CB Patrick Robinson.

"We've been interested in Patrick since early in free agency and we're glad it finally came together," Colts GM Ryan Grigson said in a team release. 

"We have some strong ties on our coaching staff with him so that familiarity is always a plus. He is a versatile, experienced and steady corner that gives us immediate help opposite Vontae. He was a fit on a number of levels in regards to overall skill, but also adds some strong intangibles. We're happy with this addition to our team."

Eagles And WR Randle Agree To One-Year Deal

Statement from the Eagles website.

On Wednesday evening, the Eagles made another addition to the wide receiver corps, agreeing to terms with former New York Giant Rueben Randle on a one-year contract.

Rueben is the second wide receiver signed by the Eagles since the start of free agency, as the team picked up Chris Givens as well.

Randle, a second-round pick out of LSU in 2012, has never missed a game in his four seasons, and started all 16 games for the Giants in 2016, catching a career-best eight touchdowns. Over his first four years, Randle has totaled 188 catches for 2,644 yards and 20 touchdowns. His best season, statistically, came in 2014 when he caught 71 passes for 938 yards. With the Giants, Randle has worked both outside and in the slot.

A standout receiver at LSU, Randle played in 40 games for the Tigers with 25 starts and finished his college career with 97 catches for 1,634 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a junior in 2011, he was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference by the league's coaches and second-team All-SEC by the Associated Press after setting career highs in receptions (53), receiving yards (917) and receiving touchdowns (eight).

Like Givens, Randle brings some experience to a very young Eagles receiving corps, joining the likes of Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholorand Josh Huff. It will be up to Doug Pederson and the rest of the coaching staff to see how the pieces all fit together at the wide receiver position.

NFL owners approve of new rules

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

On Wednesday, all NFL team owners agreed on two important new rules.

The first big rule is that two unsportsmanlike conducts will automatically cause a player's ejection from that game.

The other rule is that touch backs will now be brought back to t he 25-yard line.

Sean Payton agrees to five-year extension with the New Orleans Saints

Statement from the Saints website.

New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton has agreed to a five-year extension with the team, he told reporters at the NFC coaches breakfast during the NFL annual meeting in Boca Raton, Florida.

Payton said he had the contract in his briefcase and had been discussing it with ownership, GM Mickey Loomis and Team President Dennis Lauscha since the end of the regular season. 

Payton has been with the Saints since 2006 and has the highest winning percentage among the 16 head coaches in Saints history, and he is now tied for first in club record books in wins (93).

Alfred Morris signs two-year deal with Cowboys

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

Former Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris on Tuesday opted to sign a two-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys after visiting the team on Monday afternoon.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The Cowboys still have Darren McFadden under contract for one year, and the team also re-signed Lance Dunbar to a one-year deal at the end of last week.

Even with those two signed up, the Cowboys will still definitely get a pro-bowl-caliber player out of Morris.

Ravens CB Tray Walker passes away

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

Baltimore Ravens CB Tray Walker passed away on Friday due to injuries sustained in a motorbike accident earlier in the week.

He was 23.

The 100 Yards and the UNB! Network sends it's most warm and heartfelt prayers to Walker's teammates, friends, and family.

Colts to retire Manning's number, build statue

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

Jim Irsay of the Indianapolis Colts announced on Friday a massive undertaking that the team with do to honor retired quarterback Peyton Manning.

Irsay said that the Colts will retire Manning's No. 18, and will build a statue of Manning outside Lucas Oil Stadium, the team's home stadium.

Texans sign safety Antonio Allen

Statement from the Texans website.

The Houston Texans signed unrestricted free agent S Antonio Allen. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Allen spent the last four seasons (2012-15) with the New York Jets where he totaled 106 tackles (78 solo), 13 passes defensed, one interception returned for a touchdown, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 38 career games played (18 starts). He missed the 2015 season after suffering an Achilles injury during training camp. In 2013, Allen started nine games at safety, recorded two blocked punts on special teams and scored two touchdowns, returning one on a punt block and the other on an interception. Allen was originally selected by the Jets in the seventh round (242nd overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of South Carolina.

Browns reportedly signing S Rahim Moore

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

Ian Rappaport of the NFL has reported that the Cleveland Browns are going to sign former Houston Texans safety Rahim Moore.

Moore appeared in seven games for the Texans in 2015, where he recorded 16 tackles, on interception and two pass defenses.

Moore, 26, signed a three-year, $12 million contract that included a $3 million signing bonus with the Texans back in March of 2015. He was set to make a base salary of $2.85 million in 2016 when he was released by the tean.

Moore's releasing freed up $2,068,750 in available cap space for Houston.

Bills sign free agent TE Jim Dray

Statement from the Bills website.

It didn't take long for the Bills and free agent tight end Jim Dray to find common ground. Buffalo signed the blocking tight end to a contract the same day he made his visit to One Bills Drive on Wednesday.

Dray, 29, spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns serving mainly as a blocking tight end. At 6-5 and 255 pounds that's expected to be his role in Buffalo in Greg Roman's run-oriented attack.

The seven-year veteran is familiar with Buffalo's offensive coordinator, as Roman was Dray's tight ends coach at Stanford during his senior season in Palo Alto in 2009.

Dray has 56 career receptions in 87 games with three touchdowns. The tight end has made starts in 33 of his last 48 games. He spent the first four years of his career with Arizona after the Cardinals made him a seventh-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft.

With Dray's signing Buffalo now has six tight ends on the roster.

Ravens release S Hill

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

The Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday released safety Will Hill from the team's roster.

Browns release two players on Wednesday

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

The Cleveland Browns released two players on Wednesday.

Those players were WR Dwayne Bowe and LB Karlos Dansby.

Jets agree to terms with DT Steve McLendon

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

The New York Jets on Wednesday reached a deal with DT Steve McLendon on a 3 year deal.

The deal is worth up to $12 million with $4 million guaranteed.

Patriots acquire G Jonathan Cooper and a 2016 second-round draft pick in a trade with Arizona for DE Chandler Jones

Statement from the Patriots website.

Patriots DE Chandler Jones and Arizona Cardinals G
Jonathan Cooper. AP Photos.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that they acquired G Jonathan Cooper and a 2016 second-round draft pick (61st overall) in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for DE Chandler Jones.

Cooper, 26, is a veteran of three NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. The 6-foot-2, 312-pounder originally joined Arizona as a first-round draft pick (seventh overall) out of North Carolina in the 2013 NFL Draft. After missing his entire rookie season in 2013 due to injury, Cooper appeared in 10 games with two starts at left guard in 2014. Last season, Cooper played in 14 games with nine starts at right guard. He played as a reserve in both of the Arizona postseason games. Cooper started a school record of 48 games for North Carolina and was a three-time All-ACC selection and earned All-America honors as a senior.

Jones, 26, is a veteran of four seasons with New England after joining the team as a first-round draft pick (21st overall) out of Syracuse in the 2012 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder, played in 55 games with 52 starts and accumulated 217 total tackles, 36 sacks, one interception, nine passes defensed, 10 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He played in nine postseason games with eight starts and added 18 total tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.

Patriots re-sign DB Nate Ebner

Statement from the Patriots' website.

Nate Ebner

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots announced that they have re-signed DB Nate Ebner, who was an unrestricted free agent. Terms of the contract were not announced.

Ebner, 27, is a veteran of four seasons with the Patriots after originally joining the team as a sixth-round draft pick (197th overall) out of Ohio State in the 2012 NFL Draft. The 6-foot, 220-pounder, has played in 57 regular-season games primarily on special teams and has registered double-digit special teams tackles every year. Overall, he has accumulated 50 special teams tackles, including 11 special teams tackles in 15 games played last season.

Matt Forte holds media conference call

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

Newly acquired New York Jets running back Matt Forte held a media conference call on Monday.

Forte said that he had interest from other teams but the Jets had the strongest interest, and that he felt that it would be a good fit.

"Me and Brandon [Marshall], we hold each other accountable. Even when we're not on the same team, because we're friends off the field," Forte said in the conference call.

Forte also said, "They see me as an every-down back, that's what we talked about. We left it at that."

Analysis: Alex Mack signing with Falcons

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report
f

Alex Mack

Alex Mack is undoubtedly one of the best centers in the NFL today. He recently signed with the Atlanta Falcons on March 9.

Here's some analysis from sources that are not our own on Mack:

Analysis #1: You'd have to be living in a pretty secret world to not be aware that Alex Mack would be opting out of his contract. Mack, who is just 30, is one of the top centers in the NFL and has plenty left in the tank. He signed a 5-year, $42 million offer sheet two offseasons ago, so he should receive a similar sort of contract this spring. (Walter Football)

Analysis #2: The 30-year-old Mack struggled for parts of last season, but he's operated as one of the league's top centers from Day One. The money will be steep for a player of his age, but Mack has an excellent chance to finish out his deal as a reliable anchor along Atlanta's O-line.

The Browns, meanwhile, are watching another key player walk out the door. (NFL)

Broncos complete trade to acquire Mark Sanchez from Eagles

Statement from the Broncos website.

Mark Sanchez

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos completed a trade on Friday acquiring eighth-year NFL veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sanchez has played the last two seasons with the Eagles, compiling 10 starts in 13 appearances. He completed 64.25 percent of his 400 passing attempts with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Prior to signing with the Eagles during the 2014 offseason, Sanchez was a first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Jets, with whom he spent the first five years of his career. He started in all 62 games he played for New York, posting 12,092 passing yards (3,023 yards per season) with 68 total touchdowns and 69 interceptions.

Sanchez also has playoff experience from his time with the Jets, helping lead them to two wins in the 2009 AFC Playoffs before falling to the Colts in the AFC Championship Game. He and the Jets returned to the AFC Championship Game a year later after New York defeated the Colts and Patriots on the road before falling to the Steelers.

In the playoffs, Sanchez completed 60.5 percent of his passing attempts for 1,155 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions with a 4-2 record.

Browns waive QB Johnny Manziel

Statement from the Browns website.

The Cleveland Browns on Friday waived quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Manziel, whom the Browns selected with the 22nd pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, appeared in 14 games with eight starts over two seasons. The Texas A&M product completed 147 of 258 passes for 1,675 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. He added 259 rushing yards and one score. Last season, Manziel started six games, appearing in nine total, and threw for 1,500 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions, while adding 230 rushing yards.

With Manziel's departure, the Browns have three quarterbacks on their roster heading into offseason workouts, which kick off next month. The group includes veteranJosh McCown, Austin Davis and Connor Shaw.

Report: Kapernick wants to play for Browns

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

Colin Kapernick wants to play for the Browns, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

According to Schefter, Kapernick respects Browns head coach Hue Jackson.

Jets sign RB Matt Forte

Statement from the Jets website.

The Jets got their 2016 free agency underway with the signing of veteran RB Matt Forte. A versatile performer for eight seasons with the Bears, Forte will join former Bears teammateBrandon Marshall in New York.

The 6'2", 218-pound Forte has reached the 1,000-yard rush mark on five occasions including three of the past four seasons. A receiving threat out of the backfield, Forte established an NFL single-season record for receptions by a running back with 102 in 2014. He can be flexed around the field and Forte has proven to be durable while missing only eight games since being drafted out of Tulane in 2008. Forte earned Pro Bowl selections in 2011 and '13 and he ranks second on the Bears rushing list with 8,602 yards. His 487 receptions also rank second in team annals.

Despite missing three games last season with a knee injury, Forte still combined to amass 1,287 total yards. Forte had 45 rushing touchdowns and 19 receiving scores with the Bears, ranking third on Chicago's all-time list with 64 total touchdowns. Since entering the NFL in 2008, Forte ranks first among all NFL players in yards from scrimmage (12,718).

In Forte, the Jets have just added one of the most productive backs in football.

Jets, Broncos, and Browns each showing interest in Kapernick

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

The Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns are showing interest in San Francisco 49ers Free-Agent quarter back Colin Kapernick, per ESPN.

The Jets may be showing interest because they are nowhere near a deal with signing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who basically almost earned the team a playoff spot in the 2015 season with his stellar play.

The Broncos are in a deep hole when it comes to their quarterback position with the retirement of Peyton Manning and the Houston Texans' acquisition of quarterback Brock Osweiler.

The Browns are expected to cut quarterback Johnny Manziel and will most likely use their high 2016 draft picks to draft a new quarterback.

All NFL Transactions from first day of free-agency

From ESPN.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016
	Signed QB Drew Stanton.
	Agreed to terms with C Alex Mack on a five-year contract. Released NT Paul Soliai.
	Agreed to terms with TE Benjamin Watson on a two-year contract.
	Re-signed DE Charles Johnson to a one-year contract and FB Mike Tolbert to a two-year contract.
	Agreed to terms with LB Danny Trevathan on a four-year contract and OT Bobby Massie on a three-year contract. Re-signed CB Tracy Porter to a three-year contract and RB Jacquizz Rodgers and OT Nick Becton to one-year contracts.
	Agreed to terms with LB Rolando McClain on a one-year contract.
	Agreed to terms with OT Donald Stephenson on a three-year contract.
	Re-signed DT Haloti Ngata.
	Agreed to terms with QB Brock Osweiler on a four-year contract.
	QB Matt Hasselbeck announced his retirement. Released WR Andre Johnson.
	Re-signed TE Marcedes Lewis.
	Signed LB Jonathan Massaquoi. Agreed to terms with OL Mitchell Schwartz on a five-year contract.
	Re-signed C Tim Barnes and S Cody Davis to two-year contracts.
	Signed DE Mario Williams to a two-year contract and S Isa Abdul-Quddus to a three-year contract. Removed the transition tag on DE Olivier Vernon, making him a free agent. Released CB Brent Grimes. Signed T Sam Young to a one-year contract.
	Re-signed DT Kendrick Ellis and OT Mike Harris.
	Signed LB Ramon Humber. Released LB Dane Fletcher.
	Signed TE Coby Fleener to a five-year contract.
	Re-signed DE Jason Pierre-Paul to a one-year contract. Agreed to terms with DE Olivier Vernon, CB Janoris Jenkins and DT Damon Harrison on five-year contracts.
	Released TE Jeff Cumberland and WR Jeremy Kerley.
	Agreed to terms with LB Bruce Irvin on a four-year contract.
	Traded CB Byron Maxwell, LB Kiko Alonso and their 2016 first-round (No. 13) draft pick to Miami for their 2016 first-round (No. 8) draft pick. Traded RB DeMarco Murray and a 2016 fourth-round draft pick to Tennessee for a 2016 fourth-round draft pick. Agreed to terms with OL Brandon Brooks and S Rodney McLeod on five-year contracts and QB Chase Daniel. Agreed to terms with CB Ron Brooks and T Donald Stephenson on three-year contracts.
	Agreed to terms with G Ramon Foster on a three-year contract.
	Re-signed QB Kellen Clemens to a one-year contract. Agreed to terms with TE Antonio Gates on a two-year contract, NT Brandon Mebane and S Dwight Lowery on three-year contracts, and WR-KR Travis Benjamin on a four-year contract.
	Agreed to terms with CB Jeremy Lane.
	Re-signed RB Doug Martin to a five-year contract.
	Re-signed QB Colt McCoy, S Duke Ihenacho, LB Mason Foster and DL Kedric Golston.

Raiders sign Sean Smith

Former Miami Dolphins corner back Sean Smith and and the Oakland Raiders reached agreement on 4-year, $40 million deal on Thursday.

Saints release Brandon Browner

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

The New Orleans Saints on Thursday officially released CB Brandon Browner.

The Saints used the post June 1 designation on him to save salary-cap space.

Giants sign Oliver Vernon

The Giants on Wednesday signed Olivier Vernon for 5 years, $85 million, $52.5 million guaranteed.

Vernon was originally placed under a franchise tag with the Miami Dolphins this offseason, but it's very clear that that was taken away from him.

Rumors had been circulating that the Dolphins may have taken the tag away from Vernon, which they obviously did.

Dolphins release Brent Grimes

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

The Miami Dolphins have released corner back Brent Grimes after three-seasons with the team.

Forte to sign with Jets; Osweiler signs with Texans

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

On Monday, Brock Osweiler signed a 4-year, $72 million contract with the Houston Texans.

The Jets are going to sign former Bears running back Matt Forte.

Charles Johnson Returns On One-Year Deal

Statement from the Panthers website.

CHARLOTTE – For six days, Charles Johnson was a defensive end without a team.

After nine seasons with the Panthers, he had been released. He fielded offers from several teams and visited the Giants and Buccaneers.

"It was awkward, weird, new. It was an experience," Johnson said. "The whole time everyone is like, 'Are you leaving? Are you not leaving?'

"I was just sitting back observing everybody and getting some entertainment out of it."

All along, Johnson knew there was a strong possibility he would return to Carolina, the team that drafted him in the third round in 2007.

"I talked with (general manager) Dave Gettleman and Coach Rivera about what I wanted to do, and I already had my mind made up," He said. "But I had to see the other situations for myself and go through the process."

In that process, he almost became a Giant. They made a compelling offer, and Johnson was impressed with what he called a "first-class organization."

But a conversation with New York general manager Jerry Reese flipped a switch for Johnson. He asked Reese if he would leave his post in New York if another club offered more money.

"He started as an intern and now he’s the GM for the Giants. He saw everything that happened – championships and all that. He said he wouldn’t trade that for the world," Johnson said. "When he said that, I just thought to myself, ‘I’ve been here the longest. And all I’ve asked for is an opportunity. So how can I turn away from my team and the family that’s in Charlotte – how can I turn away?’

"That overweighed everything. I wanted to be happy, and I literally couldn’t imagine signing with them. This place raised me."

So Johnson came back. He signed a team-friendly one-year contract with the Panthers, reportedly accepting half of what he could have earned elsewhere.

"It was hard, but at least they can’t call me ‘Big Money’ anymore," Johnson said with a laugh. "They have to retire that. I’m ‘Small Money’ now."

Gettleman met Johnson with a big hug after he put pen to paper. The two of them shared a few laughs.

"In these situations, you always want to be in a win-win – he wins and we win," Gettleman said. "It was important that we give Charles that opportunity. At the end of the day, when you sign a contract, you want to walk away happy. You just saw the smile on his face."

Johnson, who ranks second in team history with 63.5 sacks, knows what it means to be happy in the NFL. He signed an extremely lucrative contract in 2011, making him one of the highest paid defensive linemen in the league.

But Johnson hadn’t experienced much team success at that point. In fact, Carolina was coming off a 2-14 season before he signed that deal in 2011.

"I’ve seen it at its worst. I’ve been here when it’s at its worst," Johnson said.

And he battled to change it. The Panthers have won three consecutive NFC South titles and are coming off the second Super Bowl appearance in team history.

That’s tough to walk away from when you have worked tirelessly to help lay that foundation for success.

"Once you put all that energy into it, I feel like I would have been wasting all that work had I gone somewhere else for some dollars," Johnson said. "I’d rather be happy doing what I’m doing around people that I know, and I’m comfortable with."

Yes, Johnson is comfortable in Carolina, but he feels he has a lot to prove.

He missed seven games with a hamstring injury last season and posted just one sack, the lowest output since his rookie year.

For Johnson and the Panthers, there is unfinished business to tend to in 2016.

"I didn’t want to leave Carolina with that type of season that I had," Johnson said. "I want to prove myself, really. My ego is telling me that I have to prove myself to my teammates. I want to be at that high level that I’ve played at. I’m definitely coming out with some vengeance next year."

Drew Stanton Gets New Deal With Cardinals

Statement from the Cardinals website.

Drew Stanton

Drew Stanton is staying with the Cardinals.

The quarterback, set to reach free agency Wednesday, agreed to a new two-year contract Tuesday. He will remain the backup to Carson Palmer. The 31-year-old, who will be headed into his 10th season, appeared in five games last season, completing 11-of-25 passes for 104 yards.

But last season Palmer was healthy and missed only one play due to injury all season – he left the field after dislocating his finger in Philadelphia – so Stanton’s work was limited to mop-up duty during blowouts. The season before, however, Stanton’s play helped the Cardinals maneuver through Palmer’s injured shoulder, allowing the Cardinals to win 11 games despite myriad quarterback issues.

Last week, Stanton said he wasn’t sure about his future. Staying with the Cardinals meant the reality of remaining a backup, and he could have sought out a team where a starting job might have been easier to obtain.

Yet Stanton also understood the advantage of staying with a coach in Bruce Arians who Stanton has worked with for four straight seasons, and also with a team that has a chance to be successful. Arians had repeatedly said bringing Stanton back was a priority.

Vikings Release Mike Wallace, Waive Austin Wentworth

Statement from the Vikings website.

On Tuesday the Vikings announced that the club has released WR Mike Wallace and waived T Austin Wentworth.

Wallace was acquired via trade from the Miami Dolphins last March and in his only season as a Viking caught 39 passes for 473 yards and a pair of touchdowns.


Wentworth signed with the Vikings as a college free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft. He appeared in 7 games for the Vikings during the 2014 season.

Mario Williams signs with Dolphins

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

Mario Williams

Mario Williams has signed a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday.

Giants sign Jason Pierre Paul

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

Jason Pierre-Paul is returning to the New York Giants on a one-year deal for up to $10.5 million.

On Instagram, Pierre-Paul thanked organizations that reached out to him, especially the Cardinals.

I would like to thank each and every organization that reached out to my agent during this process especially the Arizona Cardinals . It was hard to decide, but me and my family decided that it's best for me to stay in New York, just being in the NFL is a privilege and I am honored. I am truly blessed to be in this position I am in today, thank you! Now with that said I have some unfinished business to take care of in New York!!! Giants FANS! Let's get to work for the 2016 season because your boy is back and I am not going anywhere! #90PowerCircle #90IsBack

A photo posted by Jason Pierre-Paul (@iamjasonpierrepaul) on Mar 8, 2016 at 11:10am PST

Statement from Calvin Johnson

Statement from Calvin Johnson on his retirement. From the Lions' website.

“Let me begin by apologizing for making this announcement via a statement and not in person. While I truly respect the significance of this, those who know me best will understand and not be surprised that I choose not to have a press conference for this announcement. 

“After much prayer, thought and discussion with loved ones, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Lions and pro football. I have played my last game of football.

“Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision. As I stated, I, along with those closest to me, have put a lot of time, deliberation and prayer into this decision and I truly am at peace with it. 

“I also want you to know that I have the utmost respect and admiration for the game of football. It has provided so much for me and my family and I will be forever grateful to the game.

“With the reality of my decision, I realize there are a lot of people I would like to thank. I must start with my family – thank you for all your love and support.

“I also want to especially thank Mrs. Ford and the Ford Family for all their support over the years. They are tremendous owners and I loved playing for them. I would also like to recognize Mr. Ford, who I was honored to know and play for before he passed away.

“While it would be hard to name them all, I would also like to thank all of my teammates past and present.

“I also want to thank all of my coaches who I played for, in particular Coach Caldwell for his support, wisdom and guidance over the past two seasons. I loved playing for Coach Caldwell. 

“There are so many other people I would like to recognize and thank for what they have done for me throughout my career, but rather than risk forgetting someone, I will simply say “thanks” to everyone.

“And finally, to the fans of Detroit and Michigan. I so appreciated your passionate support over the years and truly enjoyed playing for you. I loved playing in Detroit and will forever be a Lion. My biggest regret is that I wasn’t able to help give our fans a championship. But I do believe the future of the Lions is bright and with the leadership from people like Rod Wood and Bob Quinn, who I have gotten to know over the past few months, I am confident that our fans will soon be rewarded with the championship you deserve. 

“From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for everything.”

Dwayne Allen Signs Contract Extension

Statement from the Colts website.

INDIANAPOLIS – The unique versatility of Dwayne Allen has him back in Colts’ blue for another four seasons.

On Monday night, the Colts inked Allen to a four-year extension.

“From Jim Irsay and his family on down we are very pleased to announce the re-signing of Dwayne Allen,” General Manager Ryan Grigson said in a team release.

“Besides the broad skill set and overall talent level he brings, Dwayne’s tenacity and physicality has always been what has set him apart from the beginning. His genuine love for the people of this community, its fans and for the game of football is what makes him special.”

Ok I see you @Dallen83!! Proud of you boy...GO EAT BOY!!! #Brotherhood

— Jerrell Freeman (@JerrellFreeman) March 8, 2016

Allen had already expressed a desire to return to Indianapolis, despite a trying 2015 season (16 catches in 29 targets).

When healthy, Allen brings a rare ability for offenses to incorporate his blocking prowess and pass catching capabilities.

In past stops for new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, tight ends have been a staple of his offenses.

Chud will now have the services of the 265-pound Allen, who has caught 13 touchdowns in 43 career games.

Last week, Allen joined 1070 The Fan to express his hope (and belief) that a deal would get done with the Colts.

"It’s in my gut that I’m here (next season),” Allen said.

With Allen now in the fold, the Colts are down to 11 unrestricted free agents on the team’s roster. 

Fellow tight end Coby Fleener is one of those names.

As far as bringing back Fleener back in 2016, Grigson previously said on 1070 The Fan that re-signing both tight ends would be “tough” for a team dealing with tighter cap room this offseason.

The new league year officially gets underway on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. EST.

#Fourmoreyears #COLTSTRONG pic.twitter.com/u5KpDwUmQ9

— Dwayne Allen (@Dallen83) March 8, 2016

Dolphins to acquire LB Kiko Alonso, CB Byron Maxwell

By James Walker of ESPN.com.

Kiko Alonso missed significant time with the Eagles last
season but will move on to the Dolphins this season.
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Miami Dolphins made the first big trade of 2016, acquiring defensive starters Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell from the Philadelphia Eagles, a league source tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The Eagles will get draft compensation, and the trade will go through later this week after the NFL's new league year begins.

Both linebacker Alonso and cornerback Maxwell were additions made by former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, who was fired this offseason. Philadelphia hired Doug Pederson to replace Kelly, and Pederson moved on from the two players.

Maxwell was the Eagles' big free-agent signing last season but struggled in his role as No. 1 cornerback. He agreed to a six-year, $63 million contract, and but was inconsistent in coverage and recorded just two interceptions and 64 tackles.

Alonso battled through injuries and had a career-low 43 tackles and one interception in 11 games last season. He is a former second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills.

The Dolphins were ranked 25th in total defense last season and struggled against both the run and pass.