Bears, Pro Bowl CB Johnson agree to 4-year, $76M extension

CHICAGO — The Bears and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson agreed Thursday to a four-year, $76 million contract that guarantees him $54.4 million.

Two people familiar with the situation confirmed the financial terms of the deal, which was first reported by the NFL Network. The people spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the terms were not announced.

“We’re extremely excited to be able to keep Jaylon here for the next four years,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. “He’s an integral part of our defense and his leadership will help our team continue to ascend.”

The move comes two days after the Bears placed the franchise tag on Johnson. He would have been due $19.8 million in 2024 had he not agreed to the extension prior to the July 15 deadline.

Dolphins fill need at TE with Jonnu Smith on 2-year deal

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins and tight end Jonnu Smith agreed to terms Thursday on a two-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations, giving the Dolphins a pass-catching threat that they lacked at tight end last season.

The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.

Smith, 28, visited the Dolphins on Tuesday, a week after the Atlanta Falcons released him in a cost-cutting move. He set career highs with 50 receptions for 582 yards for Atlanta in 2023. He also had three touchdown catches.

Saints S Mathieu reworks contract through 2025

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu agreed to a new two-year contract on Thursday that runs through the 2025 season.

The 31-year-old Mathieu, a 11-year veteran out of LSU and a New Orleans native, previously was under contract through 2024. His reworked deal, reportedly worth about $13 million, gives him one additional year in a tradeoff that lowers his annual salary, thereby providing the Saints with a measure of salary cap relief.

“I like the situation I’m in. I’ve come along in the system. For me, that’s exciting,” Mathieu said. “Where I’m at in my life today, I love being in New Orlans, love being around family, loving being in the community.

Broncos releasing star S Simmons in cost-saving move

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Justin Simmons became one of the top free agents on the market

Thursday when the Denver Broncos released their star safety in a cost-cutting move.

Simmons is the first veteran to pay the price for the enormous dead cap charges the Broncos are facing when they release quarterback Russell Wilson next week.

A second-team All-Pro in four of his last five seasons, Simmons intercepted multiple passes in each of his eight years in Denver.

Simmons was set to earn $14.5 million this upcoming season, the final year of the fouryear, $61 million deal he signed in 2021.

Steelers release veteran S Neal after failed physical

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers released safety Keanu Neal on Thursday after he failed a physical with the team.

Neal played in nine games for the Steelers in 2023, eight of them starts. He suffered a rib injury in a win over Green Bay on Nov. 12 when he was hit at the end of a 32-yard interception return in the fourth quarter.

The 28-year-old Neal signed a two-year, $4.25 million deal with the Steelers last March. He had 50 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception with Pittsburgh.

RG Dotson to re-sign with Rams

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Right guard Kevin Dotson agreed to terms on a three-year contract to stay with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday.

The deal is expected to be worth $48 million for Dotson.