Broncos cut Ward, bring back Osweiler

The Denver Broncos have broken up the “No Fly Zone,” releasing three-time Pro Bowl strong safety T.J.

Ward, but they brought back a familiar face: quarterback Brock Osweiler.

Osweiler, released by the Browns on Friday, is headed back to the Broncos on a one-year contract to serve as a backup with Paxton Lynch expected to miss five weeks. Osweiler went 5-2 in relief of an injured Peyton Manning during the Broncos' Super Bowl season two years ago before bolting to Houston for $70 million.

Broncos linebacker Shane Ray will be placed on injured reserve, according to multiple reports, joining 2017 draft picks Jake Butt and

Chad Kelly. Denver hopes to have all three back in 2017.

Pats trade Brissette

The Patriots traded third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett to Indianapolis for receiver Phillip Dorsett.

Dorsett, a first-round draft pick in 2015, had 33 catches for 528 yards and two touchdowns last season.

In separate deals, the Patriots sent undisclosed draft picks to Seattle for defensive end Cassius Marsh, and traded another draft pick to Detroit for cornerback Johnson Bademosi. The Colts activated Andrew Luck, still working his way back from shoulder surgery, from the physically unable to perform list.

Etc.

The Steelers traded receiver Sammie Coates and their 2019 seventh-round pick to the Browns for a sixth-round pick in next year's draft. Coates, 24, had 21 catches for 435 yards and two scores last season . ... San Francisco cut last season's leading, receiver Jeremy Kerley, and defensive lineman Quinton Dial. Kerley had 64 catches for 664 yards last season . ... Chicago released receiver Victor

Cruz, a Pro Bowler with the Giants, and placed defensive end Lamarr Houston and wide receiver Cam Meredith on IR . ... Miami signed safety T.J. McDonald to a four-year contract worth $24 million. McDonald started 43 games for the Rams from 2014 to 2016.