Falcons agree to terms with OLB Upshaw, formerly of Ravens

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons have bolstered their linebacker corps by agreeing to terms with Courtney Upshaw.

Upshaw was a second-round pick by Baltimore in 2012 and started 51 games over the last four seasons for the Ravens. The outside linebacker started 15 games this past season, recording 51 tackles with three fumble recoveries, two sacks, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

The 26-year-old Upshaw played collegiately at Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide win two national championships. He was defensive MVP of the BCS championship game in 2012, when Alabama blanked LSU 21-0 while allowing only 92 yards.

The signing could signal that the Falcons are moving on from O'Brien Schofield, a defensive leader in 2015 who has yet to agree on a new contract and plays the same position as Upshaw. Read more

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Jets sign former Texans CB Darryl Morris to 1-year deal

NEW YORK (AP) The New York Jets have signed corner back Darryl Morris to a one-year contract, adding depth to their secondary and special teams.

Morris spent the last two seasons with Houston but wasn't tendered a contract offer as a restricted free agent.

He was signed by San Francisco in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of Texas State and claimed off waivers by Houston in 2014. Morris has 39 tackles on defense and 13 on special teams, with one career interception in 36 games.

The Jets needed depth at the cornerback spot with Darrelle Revis out a few months after wrist surgery and Antonio Cromartie's release. Buster Skrine, Marcus Williams, Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle are among the others at the position on the roster. Read more..

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NFL owners to consider 'yellow card rule' on ejections

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) Roger Goodell wasn't kidding.

The NFL commissioner suggested during Super Bowl week that the league would look at ejecting players after two serious personal fouls in a game. This week at the owners' meetings, a proposal from the powerful competition committee for what would amount to a ''yellow card rule'' will be discussed and possibly voted on.

Goodell was not specific about what sort of penalties could lead to ejection. The committee - comprised of owners, coaches, general managers and league personnel, and with input from officials and players - is suggesting two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties would result in expulsion.

The committee broke down those fouls to throwing a punch or forearm or kicking an opponent, even if no contact is made; using abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures to an opponent, teammates, officials or representatives of the league; or using baiting or taunting acts or words that engender ill will between teams.

Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay, co-chairman of the committee, said there was much discussion of including such personal fouls as late hits, egregious face-mask penalties, and roughing the passer as potential incidents leading to ejection. Read more..

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NFL looks at Rooney Rule for women in league

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) The Rooney Rule that has helped diversify front office and coaching jobs in the NFL has been such a success that the league has expanded it to include interviewing women for all executive positions at the league office.

This weekend, the league conducted a women's career development symposium where aspiring executives gathered to share ideas, participate in panel discussions and breakout sessions, network and encourage one another to seek advancement.

''It only made sense to extend the rule to include gender diversity for league office executive positions,'' said Robert Gulliver, the NFL's chief human resources officer. ''If you think outside the NFL, a lot of major organizations have announced in the last year similar efforts to extend something like the Rooney Rule. Here's an opportunity for clubs to adopt this as a best practice, and we are excited about the opportunity to have some more thoughtful dialogue with the clubs.''

Among the 41 participants was Hannah Gordon, the 49ers' general counsel. Gordon, who also has worked for the league office, was impressed by the wide spectrum of sessions at the symposium, citing specifically the balance of academicians coming in to talk about what can be applied at the 32 clubs, and league personnel emphasizing what already is being done. Read more..

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Broncos bolster O-line with Russell Okung

DENVER (AP) John Elway bolstered both his offensive line and his already strong reputation as one of the NFL's best general managers Thursday by luring former Seattle Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung to the Denver Broncos.

Okung, who represented himself in negotiations, drew heavy interest in the free agent market. His choice of Denver shows Elway can still attract a marquee free agent even without Peyton Manning as a selling point.

''Honestly, it's a great organization and I think there are only a few top organizations in the NFL,'' said Okung, who had anchored the Seahawks' line for the last six seasons. ''Denver is obviously one of those. The class and integrity, it goes with the organization and speaks volumes. I wanted to be a part of a place that did that.''

Selected by Seattle with the sixth pick in the 2010 draft out of Oklahoma State, Okung started 72 regular-season games and a dozen playoff contests for the Seahawks. He was a Pro Bowler in 2012. Read more..

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Ravens CB Tray Walker seriously injured in dirt bike crash

MIAMI (AP) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tray Walker is in critical condition after police say he was involved in a dirt bike crash in Miami.

Miami-Dade Police say Walker was riding a Honda dirt bike with no lights and wearing dark clothing when he collided with a Ford Escape at about 8 p.m. Thursday.

The Ravens say Walker is at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Police are investigating.

Walker was selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. He played in eight games last season, mostly on special teams. Read more..

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