Cards sign Bradford to 2-year deal
The Arizona Cardinals have addressed their dire need at quarterback, signing Sam Bradford yesterday.
Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft, is known for his strong and accurate arm but he has struggled with injuries.
After being named NFL offensive rookie of the year in 2010, Bradford tore his left ACL in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He was traded to Philadelphia in 2015.
Bradford signed with Minnesota in 2016 and missed most of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
He has appeared in 80 games — all as a starter — for the St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia and Minnesota.
Bradford acknowledged his difficult history with injuries but said he feels fine now as he prepares to start under new coach Steve Wilks.
“There has been, definitely, some dark times,” Bradford said at his introductory news conference. “You fight through that process and every time you turn that corner and you’re able to get yourself back on the field. I feel like I’ve come back mentally tougher and mentally stronger than I was the time before.”
The Cardinals called Bradford’s deal a two-year contract, although the second is a club option. He can earn up to $20 million next season, with $15 million guaranteed.
Jets add CB Johnson
The Jets have locked down their shutdown cornerback.
Former Rams star Trumaine Johnson signed a five-year, $72.5 million contract, boosting New York’s improved secondary.
The 28-year-old Johnson, arguably the top free agent at his position, spent his first six seasons with the Rams and had 18 interceptions while establishing himself as one of the best cover cornerbacks in the NFL.
His signing gives Todd Bowles’ defense an unquestioned No. 1 cornerback, and he’ll certainly be paid like one of the league’s best. The deal, which Pro Football Talk first reported included $34 million guaranteed at signing, makes Johnson’s contract one of the biggest in franchise history.
Pack makes Fuller offer
The Green Bay Packers have signed Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller to an offer sheet, a person familiar with the situation said.
Fuller is the Bears’ transition player, and the tag gives Chicago five days to match the offer . ...
The Packers also officially announced the signing of free agent Jimmy Graham, the 6-foot-7 tight end who gives Aaron Rodgers a big target over the middle. Graham has 556 catches and 69 touchdown receptions in eight NFL seasons . . . .
The Minnesota Vikings signed defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. The 13th overall pick out of Missouri in 2013 by the Jets, Richardson had one sack and 27 tackles last season for Seattle.
Crabtree joins Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens’ unyielding effort to land a big-play receiver finally paid off when nine-year veteran Michael Crabtree signed a three-year contract.
Hours after disclosing the Ravens voided the contract of receiver Ryan Grant following a failed physical, general manager Ozzie Newsome landed Crabtree, who played the past three seasons with the Oakland Raiders . . . .
Vontaze Burfict is appealing a four-game suspension from the NFL for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances, the third straight season the Cincinnati Bengals linebacker is facing punishment from the league . . . .
The Raiders added some needed help at cornerback, agreeing to contracts with free agents Rashaan Melvin and Shareece Wright.