Saints coach Payton has virus

Saints coach Sean Payton told ESPN on Thursday that he tested positive for the coronavirus.

Payton, 56, is the first employee of either an NFL team or the league to make such a diagnosis public. He said he took the test Monday after he began to feel ill a day earlier but also said he has not been admitted to a hospital and does not have a fever or cough.

Rams release RB Gurley, LB Matthews

The Rams released running back Todd Gurley and linebacker Clay Matthews because of salary-cap concerns.

The Rams will save about $10 million in releasing Gurley, who signed a four-year, $60 million contract with $45 million guaranteed in June 2018. He would count $20.15 million toward their salary cap. Matthews’ release creates $3.75 million in cap space.

Broncos waive QB Flacco

The Broncos are waiving former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco with a failed physical designation. Flacco went 2-6 as the Broncos’ starter last year before a neck injury ended his season. He eventually was replaced by rookie Drew Lock, who went 4-1 down the stretch and was named the incumbent for 2020.

Lions trade CB Slay to Eagles

The Lions traded star cornerback Darius Slay to the Eagles for a third-round pick (No. 85 overall) and a fifth-round pick (No. 166). After the deal, the Eagles gave Slay a three-year, $50 million extension that includes $30 million guaranteed, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

This and that

With teams unable to oversee physicals due to the coronavirus outbreak, they have added provisions in player contracts stating that failed physicals will result in forfeited signingbonus money, league sources told ESPN.

♦ The Bengals agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with former Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander.