League seeking $2M from Cowboys owner

The NFL is exploring options to get more than $2 million in reimbursement for legal fees from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones over his threat to derail Commissioner Roger Goodell’s contract extension and support of running back Ezekiel Elliott’s fight to avoid a sixgame suspension, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the matter hasn’t been addressed publicly.

The attempt at restitution is rooted in a 1997 resolution that states NFL owners can seek repayment for legal fees if a fellow owner is responsible for getting them involved in legal action.

Vikings: If Teddy Bridgewater’s career with the Vikings is to continue, the team will have to sign him to a new deal for the 2018 season. League sources told the Minneapolis Star Tribune the NFL Management Council has decided not to toll the quarterback’s 2017 contract into the new league year, resolving a potentially contentious issue after Bridgewater’s 2016 knee injury caused him to begin last season on the physically-unable-to-perform list. He is set to become a free agent March 14.

The Bridgewater decision moves the Vikings a step closer to widespread changes at the quarterback position. NFL Network reported the Vikings have elected not to use the franchise tag on Case Keenum, who is also set to become a free agent after throwing for 3,547 yards and 22 TDs while leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. Sam Bradford, who began last season as the starter before being injured, is also expected to hit free agency.

Lions: Detroit designated defensive end Ziggy Ansah as their franchise player. Ansah has 44 sacks in five years with Detroit, including 12 this past season.