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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos’ crowded backfield has become a bit clearer with the release of third-year tailback Selvin Young.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have obtained tight end Alex Smith from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks and starting outside linebacker Leroy Hill have reached agreement on a multiyear contract.

The San Francisco 49ers have signed linebacker Marques Harris to a one-year contract. Harris spent his first four seasons with San Diego before signing with San Francisco on Thursday. He played in 56 games for the Chargers, getting eight sacks, four fumble recoveries and forcing three fumbles. The Niners also signed 12 undrafted rookie free agents before the start of minicamp Friday.

B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews are in for some culture shock in the NFL’s smallest market. At least they were smart enough to prepare for it. The Green Bay Packers picked them in the first round of Saturday’s draft. Raji, a defensive tackle from Boston College, was selected No. 9 overall, and Matthews, a linebacker from Southern California, was No.

Sheldon White has been promoted to vice president of pro personnel by the Detroit Lions. White has served as director of pro personnel since 2000. In that position, he headed a team of scouts responsible for evaluating all NFL players, including current Detroit players, and consulted with others in the front office on free agency and draft issues.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded tight end Alex Smith to the New England Patriots on Thursday in exchange for an undisclosed selection in the 2010 NFL Draft.

The Denver Broncos’ crowded backfield has become a bit clearer with the release of third-year tailback Selvin Young. The Broncos released Young on Thursday. They used the 12th overall pick in last weekend’s draft to take Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno, and will have a half-dozen tailbacks competing for playing time.

The New England Patriots have obtained tight end Alex Smith from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Patriots gave up an undisclosed pick in next year’s NFL draft for the four-year veteran, who was drafted by the Buccaneers in the third round in 2005. Smith had 129 receptions for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns in 58 games.

Comcast Corp. said late Thursday that it will continue carrying the NFL Network even after their contract expires at midnight, as negotiations continue. Without an agreement, the nation’s largest cable TV operator had said it would be required to pull the plug on the football network starting Friday. “Comcast and the NFL are engaged in productive discussions toward a new agreement for NFL Network…

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed kicker Shayne Graham to a one-year contract. The Bengals said Thursday that Graham exercised his option to sign for one year at a salary equal to the average of the top five place kickers in the NFL in 2008. Graham became a free agent after last season and was designated the team’s franchise player in February.

Gov. Bobby Jindal and Saints owner Tom Benson said Thursday they need lawmakers and residents to back their plan to keep the NFL team in New Orleans through 2025 and revitalize a part of downtown that has been abandoned since Hurricane Katrina. “I got a lot of confidence in our city and our state and the old saying is, I’m putting my money where my mouth is, OK?” Benson said following the formal…

Bob Oates, a sportswriter who covered 39 consecutive Super Bowls and was the last surviving member of the original Pro Football Hall of Fame selection panel, has died at 93. Oates died Monday from age-related causes at his home in suburban Baldwin Hills, his son, Bob Jr., told The Associated Press on Thursday.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints and the state of Louisiana have announced a new partnership that will continue the club’s commitment to the state through 2025 and also create a new Sports Development District.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars released offensive tackle Charles Spencer on Wednesday, four days after using their first two draft picks to revamp the line.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos have signed veteran linebacker Nick Greisen and released fullback Andrew Pinnock.