Chargers land prized cornerback Harris from Broncos
The Los Angeles Chargers had an active start on the first day of the new league year despite missing out on Tom Brady.
The Chargers upgraded their offensive line with the trade for right guard Trai Turner from Carolina and agreeing to a three-year deal with right tackle Bryan Bulaga.
On defense, they agreed Wednesday to a contract with Chris Harris Jr., who was considered one of the top cornerbacks available, as well as adding a run stopper in defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
The addition of Harris Jr. is one of the more surprising considering the secondary wasn’t thought to be a point of emphasis. Harris Jr. has spent the past nine seasons with AFC West rival Denver and made four Pro Bowl appearances.
PATRIOTS SHED SALARIES AFTER LOSS OF QB >> A day after Tom Brady announced he was leaving New England, the Patriots spent the first day of free agency in costcutting mode.
Finding a new quarterback will be the top priority for coach Bill Belichick as he begins the task of reconstructing his roster in the post-Brady era. But other departures have left him with holes to plug on defense.
On Wednesday, safety Duron Harmon was traded to the Lions, defensive tackle Danny Shelton also landed in Detroit on a two-year, $8 million deal, and offensive lineman Ted Karras agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Dolphins. Linebacker Elandon Roberts is also expected to sign with the Dolphins.
TITANS TRADE DL JURRELL TO BRONCOS A SURPRISE >> The Titans kept their starting offense together with only one exception before the start of free agency. The defense will look very different.
The Titans traded five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jurrell Casey to the Denver Broncos for a seventh-round draft pick,sources said. That came a day after the Titans agreed to terms with defensive end Vic Beasley Jr. on a one-year deal to boost their outside pass rush.
Trading away Casey was the biggest surprise. He was a six-time team captain and the longest-tenured player drafted by Tennessee.
PANTHERS’ REID RELEASED >> The Panthers have released safety Eric Reid just 13 months after giving him a three-year contract extension. Reid announced the move on Twitter, saying he enjoyed his time with Carolina and that he’s looking forward to furthering his career in another city. The Panthers later confirmed that Reid has been released. The 28-yearold former 49ers player started 29 games over the past two seasons for the Panthers and had 201 tackles, five sacks and one interception.
AROUND THE LEAGUE >> Bills GM Brandon Beane made a series of moves highlighted by the acquisition of receiver Stefon Diggs in a trade with Minnesota for four draft picks, including the first-round selection this year.
• The Cardinals agreed to 3-year contracts with DL Jordan Phillips and LB Devon Kennard.
• The Seahawks agreed to a deal with pass-rusher Bruce Irvin. Irvin will be a boost to Seattle’s pass rush that needed attention. He had a career-high 8½ sacks and 16 QB hits last season in just 13 games during his one year with Carolina. Both those totals would have led Seattle.
• Left tackle Andrew Whitworth agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Rams. The team also agreed to a one-year contract worth $10 million with pass-rushing linebacker Leonard Floyd.
• The Falcons agreed to sign former Rams outside linebacker Dante Fowler to a three-year, $48 million deal