FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have released defensive tackle Cedric Thornton, their most expensive free agent a year ago, and claimed Brian Price off waivers from Green Bay to replace him.
The Cowboys acquired linebacker Jayrone Elliott from the Packers on Sunday for a late-round pick in the 2018 draft. Dallas made room for Elliott by waiving linebacker Mark Nzeocha, a seventh-round selection in 2015.
Thornton had 18 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks in one season with the Cowboys after signing a $17 million, four-year deal with $9 million guaranteed. He couldn't beat out Terrell McClain in 2016, and worked behind free agent pickup Stephen Paea while nursing a hamstring injury in training camp this year.
Jameill Showers made the practice squad for the third straight season, and second as a safety after moving from quarterback. Defensive tackle Lewis Neal and 6-foot-10 offensive lineman Dan Skipper were among the undrafted rookies to make the 10-player squad (see full story).
Dolphins: Former Eagle Parkey claimed to replace Franks
DAVIE, Fla. -- Kicker Cody Parkey has been claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins, who released Andrew Franks, their kicker the past two seasons.
The Dolphins also claimed former Kansas City Chiefs starting linebacker Justin March-Lillard on Sunday. He played in only five games last year because of a broken hand.
Parkey was released Saturday by the Cleveland Browns. In next Sunday's season opener he'll kick in the same stadium where he missed three field goal attempts for the Browns last year when they lost to Miami in overtime. In other games he went 17 for 19.
NFL
Parkey made the Pro Bowl in 2014, when he went 32 for 36 on field goals for the Eagles and set an NFL rookie record with 150 points (see full story).
Bills: Williams a surprise cut after team claims 3
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Add running back Jonathan Williams to the mix of former Buffalo Bills draft picks no longer on the team.
The 2016 fifth-round selection was regarded as the most surprising Bills player cut Sunday, when Buffalo was required to make room for three players acquired on waivers. Williams had 121 yards rushing and a touchdown this preseason, and was projected to be LeSean McCoy's primary backup.
The backup role now falls to a combination of veteran fullback Mike Tolbert and Joe Banyard, with Buffalo preparing to open the season hosting the New York Jets next weekend.
The Bills also released receiver Philly Brown and linebacker Gerald Hodges. Brown became the odd-man out a day after Buffalo dealt cornerback Kevon Seymour and acquired receiver/returner Kaelin Clay in a trade with Carolina.
The moves coincided with Buffalo claiming former Detroit Lions tight end Khari Lee, linebacker Deon Lacey and rookie tackle Conor McDermott, who was drafted in the sixth round by New England. Lacey has three seasons of Canadian Football League experience, and spent this offseason with the Miami Dolphins before being cut Saturday (see full story).