ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills’ salary cap-related purge of players cut deep into the team’s core with veteran safety Jordan Poyer and center Mitch Morse being among five players the team announced it had released.

And cornerback Tre’Davious White is also being cut, a person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke to The AP on the condition of anonymity because the Bills did not announce White being cut because of the timing of his release is designated for June 1.

Also cut were sixth-year backup cornerback Siran Neal, backup receiver Deonte Harty and running back Nyheim Hines.

WASHINGTON SIGNS TE ERTZ

By The Associated Press

Two people with knowledge of the move say the Washington Commanders are signing veteran tight end Zach Ertz.

It’s a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, according to one of the people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.

The 33-year-old Ertz reunites with Kliff Kingsbury, Washington’s offensive coordinator who coached him with Arizona. Ertz played parts of three seasons with the Cardinals before being released in November.

The Super Bowl champion with Philadelphia is the first big addition for new Commanders general manager Adam Peters. Ertz replaces Logan Thomas, who was released last week along with offensive linemen Charles Leno and Nick Gates.

CONTENDERS REFIT AHEAD OF DEADLINE

By The Associated Press

Stanley Cup contenders aren’t waiting until the NHL trade deadline day to shore up depth for what they hope is a long playoff run. The league-leading Florida Panthers got deeper on the wing by acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko from Ottawa. Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers added a pair of centers in Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick from Anaheim.

The New York Rangers added a player they coveted in Alexander Wennberg from Seattle.

And Colorado loaded up by getting defenseman Sean Walker from Philadelphia and center Casey Mittelstadt from Buffalo in separate trades.