Source: Dolphins agree to acquire Rams’ Quinn

MIAMI » The Miami Dolphins can’t wait to improve their pass rush.

Miami agreed to acquire Rams edge rusher Robert Quinn for a mid-round draft pick, a person familiar with the deal said Friday. The person confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because under NFL rules, no 2018 trades can be completed until March 14.

Quinn has 62½ career sacks, including 8½ last year, when he started 14 games. He spent his first six NFL seasons with the Rams at end but played outside linebacker last season.

Quinn is expected to bolster a Dolphins pass rush that was disappointing in 2017. They had 30 sacks, tied for sixth fewest, and ranked fifth worst in opposing passer rating, which helped explain their 6-10 record.

Quinn, the 14th pick of the 2011 draft, made the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014. He struggled with injuries in 2015, eventually having season-ending back surgery, and a concussion limited him to nine games in 2016. He’s due a base salary of $10 million this year and is under contract through 2019.

Falcons clear cap space by releasing defensive end Shelby

ATLANTA » The Falcons have released defensive end Derrick Shelby, saving the team $3.25 million against the salary cap.

The move helps to clear payroll room as the Falcons hope to reach a new deal with quarterback Matt Ryan, who can be a free agent after the 2018 season.

Shelby, who signed a four-year, $18 million deal in 2016, with $7.5 million guaranteed, was set to earn $4.5 million in each of the next two seasons.

NCAA proposal: Kickoff fair catch inside 25 to be touchback

The team receiving a kickoff would be allowed to make a fair catch between its goal line and 25-yard line and have it result in a touchback under an NCAA Football Rules Committee proposal.

NCAA secretary-rules editor Steve Shaw said the proposal is a counter to emerging strategy in which the kickoff team tries to execute a high, short kick to pin the receiving team deep in its territory. The opportunity for a fair catch and touchback should reduce high-impact collisions and risk of injury, he said Friday.

The proposal will be sent to conferences for feedback before being considered by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel on April 13. If approved by the panel, the change would go into effect for the 2018 season.