Brandt nominated for HOF as contributor

Milwaukee native Gil Brandt and Pat Bowlen have been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as contributors to the game.

Currently a consultant to the NFL and one of the key figures in the staging of the draft, Brandt was one of the key contributors to the building of the Dallas Cowboys. As vice president of player personnel from 1960-’89, Brandt helped Dallas grow into one of the most powerful and popular sports franchises in America. Among the Cowboys’ innovations were extensive use of computers and deeply scouting the historically black colleges for talent.

“This is, without question, one of the greatest things that have happened in my life,” Brandt said Thursday.

Bowlen, the longtime owner of the Denver Broncos, is the only owner in NFL history with 300 overall victories during his first 30 seasons.

Lions trade for Harold: The Detroit Lions bolstered their depth at linebacker by acquiring Eli Harold in a trade with San Francisco.

Detroit gave the 49ers a draft pick, which was not disclosed, in exchange for Harold. The Lions made room for him by waiving defensive lineman JoJo Wicker.

Detroit lost Steve Longa, a backup linebacker and key player on special teams, last week with a seasonending knee injury.

Raiders add CB: The Oakland Raiders have signed free agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

The Raiders cut 2017 secondround pick Obi Melifonwu to make room.

Rodgers-Cromartie made the Pro Bowl in 2009 and ’15.