Peterson, Vikings agree to new deal

Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings agreed Tuesday to restructure the final three years of his contract, giving the six-time Pro Bowl running back $20 million in guaranteed money.

The Vikings announced the agreement four days before players will report to training camp, clearing away any lingering haze that surrounded their relationship with Peterson. Initially not interested in returning to the team after his reinstatement by the NFL, Peterson softened his stance in the spring and took part in several off-season practices with the Vikings last month.

Peterson will be the highest-paid running back in the league.

Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota signed with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, becoming the last of the NFL’s first-round draft picks to finalize his deal. Terms were not immediately available.

The former Oregon quarterback is expected to start immediately, and the No. 2 overall pick is on track to open the season Sept. 13 at Tampa Bay against Jameis Winston — the No. 1 overall selection in the draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs waived defensive back Justin Cox, who was being held on suspicion of domestic assault, burglary and trespassing for an incident that occurred Monday in Starkville, Miss. Cox was being held on $40,433 bond. The case was still under investigation.

Two people familiar with the negotiations said free-agent center Kendrick Perkins has agreed to a oneyear contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he is expected to back up starter Omer Asik.

The 6-foot-10 Perkins has spent 12 seasons in the NBA.

Free-agent forward Richard Jefferson agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press.

Jantel Lavender had 19 points and 11 rebounds, Nneka Ogwumike scored 17 and the Sparks beat the Phoenix Mercury, 70-65, at Staples Center to end a five-game skid. Los Angeles (3-12) beat Phoenix (9-7) for the first time in 10 meetings. DeWanna Bonner scored 15 points and Brittney Griner had 13 for Phoenix.

Also, the Sparks announced forward Candace Parker will rejoin the team after the All-Star break this weekend. Parker will play her first game at the Minnesota Lynx on July 29.

Top-seeded Venus Williams lost in the first round of the Istanbul Cup in a 6-4, 7-6 (4) upset by Ukrainian qualifier Kateryna Bondarenko.