Report: Cleveland unloads Osweiler
Saints say WR Snead to sit out 3 games because of DUI
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns finally gave up on their futile attempt to trade Brock Osweiler, cutting the veteran quarterback Friday in a flurry of roster moves, a person familiar with the decisions confirmed to the Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal.
The team also released veteran guard John Greco, defensive tackle Xavier Cooper and kicker Cody Parkey, choosing rookie seventh-round draft pick Zane Gonzalez as the winner of its kicking job, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the organization is still finalizing its roster decisions.
The Browns announced 18 moves involving lesser-known names earlier Friday, reducing their roster from 83 players to 65. The exit of Osweiler, Greco, Cooper and Parkey puts the count at 61. All NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. EDT today.
The Browns traded for Osweiler on March 9, but they executed the deal because they wanted the Houston Texans’ 2018 second-round pick. Osweiler was a throw-in and nowhere close to the focus of the trade from the Browns’ perspective.
SAINTS: In Metairie, La., team officials say receiver Willie Snead has been suspended for the first three games this season because of an offseason traffic violation for driving under the influence
of alcohol.
Coach Sean Payton said general manager Mickey Loomis spoke with league officials Friday about the suspension for Snead, who last season was among New Orleans’ receiving leaders with 984 yards and three touchdowns.
A DUI represents a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Snead has 141 catches for 1,879 yards and seven TDs in his two NFL seasons out of Ball State.
STEELERS: Martavis Bryant’s long journey back to the NFL is over. So is Le’Veon Bell’s extended vacation.
Two of the most dynamic components of Pittsburgh’s high-powered offense are good to go as the season opener approaches.
The NFL on Friday granted Bryant permission to play when the Steelers travel to Cleveland on Sept. 10, nearly 18 months after he was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
The Steelers placed the franchise tag on Bell in February. The two-time Pro Bowl running back responded by skipping Pittsburgh’s offseason program and stayed away during camp after failing to reach agreement on a longterm deal.
BEARS: Chicago will release former Giants WR Victor Cruz, The Record and NorthJersey.com learned Friday, which brings about an abrupt end to what Cruz hoped would be a second act in his NFL career. Cruz, 30, signed in the spring.
LIONS: Detroit removed DE Ziggy Ansah and tackle Corey Robinson from the physically-unable-to-perform list. The team also announced it has released RB Matt Asiata, a ex-Viking.
49ERS: San Francisco released quarterback Matt Barkley, clearing the way for rookie C.J. Beathard to open the season as the backup to Brian Hoyer.
JERSEY CEREMONY: Derek Carr will take a short break from preparations for the start of the season for the Oakland Raiders to receive an honor he said he’s dreamed about for years.
Carr will go back to Fresno State tonight to see his No. 4 jersey retired in a ceremony at halftime of the Bulldogs’ season opener against Incarnate Ward.