First-year eligibles LaDainian Tomlinson, Jason Taylor and Brian Dawkins are among 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Also making the finals are Morten Andersen, Tony Boselli, Isaac Bruce, Don Coryell, Terrell Davis, Alan Faneca, Joe Jacoby, Ty Law, John Lynch, Kevin Mawae, Terrell Owens and Kurt Warner.
Previously selected as a finalist by the veterans committee is former Seattle safety Kenny Easley.
In the contributors’ category, the nominees are former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
The class of 2017 will be elected on Feb. 4, the day before the Super Bowl in Houston. Inductions will be Aug. 5 in Canton, Ohio.
BENGALS: Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones was jailed on charges he head-butted police and spit on a nurse after being arrested for disorderly conduct in his latest brush with the law. Authorities said he was so combative that he had to be placed in a restraint chair.
A lawyer representing Jones at his initial court appearance told a judge he “vehemently denies” the allegations against him.
The Hamilton County judge set bond at $37,500 for Jones and ordered that he submit to a blood test.
RAIDERS: While Oakland is giving no official word who will start at quarterback for its first playoff game in 14 years, the players are ready to go into the postseason behind rookie Connor Cook.
With Pro Bowler Derek Carr out with a broken leg and backup Matt McGloin nursing a shoulder injury that could make it tough for him to practice enough before Saturday’s game at Houston, Cook looks like he will get the chance. He would become the first quarterback ever to make his first career start in the postseason.
BROWNS: Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam apologized to the team’s season-ticket holders following a 1-15 season.
The team shared a letter that the Haslams sent to fans following the worst season since the Browns joined the NFL in 1950.
TEXANS: Veteran nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who spent his first 11 seasons in the NFL with the Patriots, is considering retirement after this season.
Wilfork, 35, says: “I’ve been thinking about it. I’m not saying I will do it, and I’m not saying that I won’t do it. But it’s definitely not off the table.”
JETS: The team announced Chan Gailey has retired after two years as Todd Bowles’ offensive coordinator, and five assistant coaches will not return.
Quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo, running backs coach Marcel Shipp, defensive line coach Pepper Johnson, outside linebackers coach Mark Collins and defensive backs coach Joe Danna will not be back.
It appears defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer will remain.
RAVENS: Coach John Harbaugh will bring back offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg in 2017.
Mornhinweg was promoted from quarterbacks coach to his current position in early October after Harbaugh dismissed Marc Trestman. The Ravens continued to be pass-oriented with Mornhinweg calling the plays.
Harbaugh also plans to bring back defensive coordinator Dean Pees and Jerry Rosburg, who runs the special teams.
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