Quick Hitters Patriots add WR Smithschuster with 3-year deal

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Patriots made their first big pickup of free agency Wednesday, adding free agent wide receiver Juju smith-schuster.

a person with knowledge of the deal said it is for three years and could be worth as much as $33 million. They spoke to the associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it hasn’t been announced.

End of an era: Cowboys release 2-time rushing champ Elliott

The dallas cowboys released running back Ezekiel Elliott on Wednesday, ending a seven-season run for a two-time rushing champion who never regained the form of his dominant early years.

Elliott will be designated a postjune 1 cut, according to a person who spoke to The associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team didn’t reveal details of the decision. The move will save dallas about $11 million under the salary cap this season.

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the decision was mutual to let the 27-year-old Elliott pursue another team in free agency and give the cowboys more financial flexibility in building a roster.

NASCAR issues largest team fine in history against Hendrick

CHARLOTTE, N.c. — Nascar levied the largest combined fine on one team in series history Wednesday, hammering hendrick Motorsports for modifying air-deflecting pieces last weekend at Phoenix raceway.

hendrick was issued a combined $400,000 in fines — $100,000 to each of its four crew chiefs, along with four-race suspensions for the quartet — and docked the drivers 100 regular-season points and 10 playoffs points each. although Nascar has issued larger monetary fines and suspensions, the hendrick penalties are the largest combined punishment for one organization.