Lions sign Rams playoff standout running back C.J. Anderson

ALLEN PARK (AP) — The Detroit Lions have signed free agent running back C.J. Anderson, who made big plays for the Rams after being acquired late last season.

Anderson rushed for 403 yards in 11 games for the Panthers and Rams. He was waived by Carolina in November, signed with Oakland but didn’t appear in a game.

He ended up with Los Angeles and rushed for 299 yards in the last two games. Then he ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams’ playoff win over Dallas, getting more carries than All-Pro Todd Gurley.

Anderson spent the previous five seasons with Denver, rushing for 1,007 yards in 2017.

He joins a Detroit backfield that includes Kerryon Johnson, who shined last season as a rookie.

Vikings CB Hill gets 4-game ban for PED policy violation — Minnesota Vikings cornerback Holton Hill has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

The league announced the punishment on Friday for Hill, who had a promising rookie year with extensive playing time while starters Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes were injured. Hill started three games. He went undrafted out of Texas because of a positive test for marijuana, according to an NFL Network report in 2018.

Hill can participate in all offseason practices and exhibition games, before the four-game ban takes effect.

Cowboys, Lawrence agree on $105 million contract — Two people with direct knowledge of the deal say the Dallas Cowboys have agreed on a $105 million, five-year contract with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.

The agreement will include $65 million in guaranteed money, the people told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because the deal hasn’t been announced.

Lawrence and the Cowboys had until July 15 to work out a long-term contract after the club put the franchise tag on its best pass rusher for the second straight year.

The 26-year-old Lawrence played on a $17.1 million franchise tag last season. He recorded his second straight double-digit season in sacks with 10 1/2 after finishing tied for second in the NFL in 2017 with 14 1/2 sacks.

The deal comes about a week after Dallas acquired defensive end Robert Quinn in a trade with Miami. Quinn figures to start opposite Lawrence unless Randy Gregory is reinstated from his fourth substance-abuse suspension.

Browns sign former Steelers S Burnett — Discarded by Pittsburgh, veteran safety Morgan Burnett has landed in Cleveland.

The Browns addressed one of their open starting safety spots on Friday by signing Morgan, who was released earlier this week by the Steelers following a disappointing 2018 season.

Cleveland also signed quarterback Garrett Gilbert, who was out of a job after the American Alliance of Football folded this week.

The 30-year-old Burnett gives the Browns depth and experience at a position that has undergone major changes lately. General manager traded Jabrill Peppers to the New York Giants as part of the deal for star receiver Odell Beckham and released Derrick Kindred on Monday.

The Browns acquired defensive back Eric Murray from Kansas City on Monday in a trade for defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah.

Burnett has made 104 career NFL starts. He played eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers before becoming a free agent and signing a thee-year, $14.5 million deal with the Steelers last year. However, he got hurt during training camp and eventually lost his starting job to rookie Terrell Edmunds, a first-round draft pick.

Burnett asked the Steelers to release him and they did.

Dorsey was Green Bay’s scouting director when the Packers drafted Burnett in the third round in 2010. Over his career, Burnett has made nine interceptions, forced eight fumbles and recovered nine.

He’s also played in the postseason, and that’s where the Browns believe they can go following a 7-8-1 season and numerous roster upgrades.

The 27-year-old Gilbert went to the same high school in Texas as Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Browns are expected to have veteran Drew Stanton back up Mayfield this season, but the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Gilbert could perhaps challenge for the No. 2 spot.

Gilbert has also been with New England, Detroit, Oakland and Carolina. He made his pro debut in the Panthers’ season finale last year and completed two passes for 40 yards.

With Orlando in the defunct AAF, Gilbert led the league with 2,152 yards passing and 13 touchdowns.