Cowboys cut Thornton, add LB Elliott

The Cowboys released defensive tackle Cedric Thornton, their most expensive free agent a year ago, and claimed Brian Price off waivers from Green Bay to replace him.

The Cowboys acquired linebacker Jayrone Elliott from the Packers on Sunday for a late-round pick in the 2018 draft. Dallas made room for Elliott by waiving linebacker Mark Nzeocha, a seventh-round selection in 2015.

Thornton had 18 tackles and 1½ sacks in one season with the Cowboys after signing a $17 million, four-year deal with $9 million guaranteed. He couldn’t beat out Terrell McClain in 2016, and worked behind free-agent pickup Stephen Paea while nursing a hamstring injury in training camp this year.

Jameill Showers made the practice squad for the third straight season. Defensive tackle Lewis Neal and lineman Dan Skipper were among the rookies to make the squad.

Bills release RB Williams

Running back Jonathan Williams, Buffalo’s 2016 fifth-round selection, was cut. Williams had 121 yards rushing and a touchdown in the preseason, and was projected to be LeSean McCoy’s backup.

The Bills also released receiver Philly Brown and linebacker Gerald Hodges and claimed former Lions tight end Khari Lee and linebacker Deon Lacey.

Odds and ends

The Chiefs are close to re-signing C.J. Spiller one day after releasing the veteran running back. … The Buccaneers traded safety J.J. Wilcox to the Steelers for a sixth-round draft pick in 2018 and a seventh-rounder in 2019. … The Panthers claimed quarterback Brad Kaaya off waivers from the Lions and signed Garrett Gilbert to the practice squad after cutting him Saturday. … The Jaguars cut Brandon Allen, leaving the team with two quarterbacks: starter Blake Bortles and backup Chad Henne.