Texans release WR Demaryius Thomas

HOUSTON >> The Houston Texans have released veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, whose 2018 season ended prematurely when he tore his left Achilles tendon.

Thomas played seven games for Houston last season, making 23 receptions for 275 yards and two touchdowns. He was acquired in October from Denver for a fourth-round draft pick this April. The Texans and Broncos also switched seventhround selections.

The injury occurred in Houston’s next-to-last game. He would have made $14 million in the upcoming season, the last of his contract signed with the Broncos.

For his nine pro seasons, Thomas has 688 catches for 9,330 yards with 62 touchdowns. He has made four Pro Bowls and won the 2015 NFL title with the Broncos.

Bills sign Long

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. >> The Buffalo Bills have begun addressing their offensive line needs by signing Spencer Long to a three-year contract.

The addition made on Tuesday comes a week after the New York Jets cut Long to free up nearly $6.5 million from next season’s salary cap.

The 28-year-old Long has

44 starts in 53 career games over five seasons. He spent his first four seasons in Washington, which selected him in the third round of the

2014 draft out of Nebraska.