Star CB Johnson takes $72.5 million deal from Jets
The New York Jets have signed cornerback Trumaine Johnson to a fiveyear, $72.5 million contract.
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 was made official by the Jets on Friday. It gives Todd Bowles’ defense an unquestioned No. 1 cornerback.
The deal, which Pro Football Talk first reported, included $34 million guaranteed at signing and makes Johnson’s contract one of the biggest in franchise history.
Johnson will team up at cornerback with Morris Claiborne, who was the Jets’ top player at the position last season.
Burfict faces another suspension: Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is appealing a four-game suspension from the NFL for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances, the third straight season that he’s facing punishment from the league.
Burfict was suspended for the first three games of the 2016 season in response to his hit on Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown during the playoffs and his history of egregious conduct. He got another three-game suspension to start last season after his egregious hit on Kansas City running back Anthony Sherman during a preseason game.
Bradford joins Cardinals: The Arizona Cardinals have addressed their dire need at quarterback, signing Sam Bradford.
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.
Before agreeing with Bradford, the Cardinals had no QBs on their roster after the retirement of Carson Palmer and the departure of free agents Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert.
Vikings sign Richardson: The Minnesota Vikings have signed defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to bolster what was already one of the NFL’s top defenses.
Richardson, the 13th overall pick out of Missouri in 2013 by the Jets, had one sack and 27 tackles last season for Seattle. He spent his first four seasons with New York, which traded him last summer to the Seahawks for wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and a draft pick.
He also had off-field issues in recent seasons. The 27-year-old Richardson served a four-game suspension in 2015 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He also was suspended for the 2016 season opener for an arrest in Missouri for driving at high speeds and resisting arrest.