John D. Johnson
FILE - Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (98) prepares for an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, in this Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, file photo. Days after adding free agent end Jadeveon Clowney, the Browns terminated defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson's contract after two seasons. Richardson's release is surprising. He's played well since joining the Browns before the 2019 season.(AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
Browns release veteran DT Richardson in salary-cap move

By Tom Withers 23 hrs ago

FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020 file photo, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs against Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. When he hit free agency, Malik Jackson's list of teams the defensive tackle would consider signing with was short and they all had to fit one requirement. Super Bowl contender. The Browns were a match. Jackson signed with Cleveland and said free agent Jadeveon Clowney might want to follow his lead.(AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Browns' Jackson: Clowney could 'hop on' Super Bowl contender

By Tom Withers Mar. 31, 2021 07:22 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2020, file photo, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (54) during the first half of an NFL football game in Seattle. Floyd is overjoyed to be back with the Rams after producing a career-high 10 ½ sacks for Los Angeles last season. He believes the Rams are a Super Bowl contender with a defense that was the best in the NFL last season. (AP Photo/Scott Eklund, File)
Floyd sets sights on All-Pro honors after staying with Rams

By Greg Beacham Mar. 25, 2021 06:11 PM EDT

FILE - Indianapolis Colts linebacker Anthony Walker (54) runs to the sidelines during an NFL football game against the New York Jets in Indianapolis, in this Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, file photo. Free agent linebacker Anthony Walker agreed to sign a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Cleveland, which has improved its secondary, pass rush and linebacking corps this week in free agency. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger, File)
Walker: Browns 'perfect fit' after leaving Colts

By Tom Withers Mar. 22, 2021 07:44 PM EDT

FILE - New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick catches a packet of papers after he tossed them in the air during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle, in this Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, file photo. Belichick never was one to spent wildly in free agency. Watching Tom Brady win another Super Bowl in another city sure changed that. The New England Patriots doled out $175 million in guarantees in the first 48 hours of free agency following a 7-9 stumble in 2020 that officially ended their two-decade dominance of the AFC. (AP Photo/John Froschauer, File)
Patriots, Bucs among those making biggest waves so far

By Arnie Stapleton Mar. 22, 2021 04:14 PM EDT

FILE - Indianapolis Colts linebacker Anthony Walker (54) runs to the sidelines during an NFL football game against the New York Jets in Indianapolis, in this Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, file photo. Free agent linebacker Anthony Walker agreed to sign a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Cleveland, which has improved its secondary, pass rush and linebacking corps this week in free agency. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger, File)
Browns continue defensive makeover, add Walker, Jackson

By Tom Withers Mar. 19, 2021 12:12 PM EDT

FILE - Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins celebrates after the team defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Cleveland, in this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, file photo. On Wednesday night, March 17, 2021, the Browns reached agreement with wide receiver Rashard Higgins on a one-year, $2.3 million deal. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
AP source: Browns agree to terms with former Rams CB Hill

By Tom Withers Mar. 18, 2021 02:30 PM EDT

FILE - In this Monday, Oct. 26, 2020 file photo, Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson III, right, breaks up a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Anthony Miller during the second half of an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif. The Cleveland Browns made their agreement with free agent John Johnson III official on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 adding the safety to a secondary that was ravaged by injuries in 2020 and lacked a seasoned leader.(AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo, File)
Browns bolster secondary, officially add safety Johnson

By Tom Withers Mar. 17, 2021 05:32 PM EDT

AP source: Rams sending veteran DT Michael Brockers to Lions

By Greg Beacham Mar. 17, 2021 12:51 AM EDT
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that the Los Angeles Rams are finalizing a trade sending veteran defensive...

FILE - Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley (98) works during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Atlanta, in this Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, file photo. Looking to bolster their pass rush to complement All-Pro Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns plan to sign free agent Takkarist McKinley, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
AP source: Browns to sign DE McKinley to help Garrett

By Tom Withers Mar. 16, 2021 03:56 PM EDT

Rams re-sign pass rusher Leonard Floyd after breakout year

By Greg Beacham Mar. 15, 2021 07:38 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pass rusher Leonard Floyd has agreed to a four-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Rams, slowing the team's losses in free agency. ...

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2021, file photo, Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson III runs during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif. As the market for top-tier edge rushers shrunk early in NFL free agency, the Cleveland Browns agreed to terms with Johnson, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)
AP source: Browns signing S Johnson, edge rushers elusive

By Tom Withers Mar. 15, 2021 05:13 PM EDT

FILE - San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) walks off the field following an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., in this Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, file photo. The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back cornerback Jason Verrett on a one-year deal. General manager John Lynch announced the deal on Monday, March 15, 2021, shortly after Verrett was allowed to begin talking to other teams about a potential deal. NFL Network reported the contract has a $5.5 million base value with the chance to make more. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
With Brady's largesse, Bucs keeping title gang together

By Barry Wilner Mar. 15, 2021 04:57 PM EDT

FILE - Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady leaves the field an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, in this Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, file photo. om Brady has agreed to a contract extension with the Buccaneers that provides the Super Bowl champions with much-needed salary cap relief and will help the seven-time NFL champion reach a goal of playing until he’s at least 45. Brady posted a picture of himself on Twitter, signing the extension Friday, March 12, 2021, with the message: “In pursuit of 8 ... LFG@ Buccaneers we’re keeping the band together.” (AP Photo/Brett Duke, File)
Nobody comes for free in NFL free agency that begins Monday

By Barry Wilner Mar. 13, 2021 01:20 PM EST

Rams face big defensive losses in free agency after QB trade

By The Associated Press Mar. 12, 2021 06:05 PM EST
LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-7) UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: S John Johnson, LB Leonard Floyd, C Austin Blythe, CB Troy Hill, DL Morgan Fox, WR Josh...

FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2020, file photo, Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris watches during the first half of the team's NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. Morris has begun work as the Los Angeles Rams’ new defensive coordinator with a plan to continue last season’s success with several new wrinkles. Morris plans to continue running a 3-4 defense with the players who finished No. 1 in the NFL in several defensive categories last season. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)
Morris sees opportunity in taking over Rams' No. 1 defense

By Greg Beacham Feb. 11, 2021 09:09 PM EST

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson walks off the field before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Houston. Star quarterback Deshaun Watson has requested a trade from the Houston Texans, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, because they weren’t authorized to discuss the request publicly. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
NFL carousel will spin soon, and not just for quarterbacks

By Barry Wilner Feb. 10, 2021 12:10 PM EST

FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2020, file photo, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris walks on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City. The Los Angeles Rams have hired Raheem Morris to be their new defensive coordinator, the team announced Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
Rams tab Morris to replace Staley as defensive coordinator

By Greg Beacham Jan. 21, 2021 03:53 PM EST

Los Angeles Rams' Leonard Floyd walks off the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Rams 32-18 to advance to the NFC championship game. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Staley's departure, free agent questions loom over LA Rams

By Greg Beacham Jan. 18, 2021 04:44 PM EST

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson walks off the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Rams 32-18 to advance to the NFC championship game. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Rams' defense struggles with injury hindering Donald

By Steve Megargee Jan. 16, 2021 09:59 PM EST