FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Veteran linebacker Dwight Freeney was the talk of Atlanta’s training camp Wednesday, a day after agreeing to a one-year deal with the team. Freeney, who is expected to arrive Thursday, is an important addition to a defense that ranked last in the league in sacks last season.

Coach Dan Quinn said Freeney, 36, will play in nickel packages as a pass-rush specialist. Freeney played a similar role with Arizona last season.

CARDINALS: On what he called “a proud day,” Tyrann Mathieu added a rich chapter to his remarkable comeback story by signing a five-year, $62.5 million contract extension.

The deal makes him one of the highest-paid defensive backs in the game. Although an initial report put Mathieu’s guaranteed money at $40 million, a person close to the situation clarified that the player was guaranteed $21.25 million at signing, including a $15.5 million signing bonus.

Cowboys: Running back Ezekiel Elliott is expected to miss some workouts due to a hamstring injury, according to multiple media reports.

The No. 4 overall pick has a sore right hamstring. Ian Rapoport reported the injury is just a tweak and the move is precautionary. The injury flared up Tuesday during practice and the running back was unable to finish the workout.

STEELERS: Cornerback Senquez Golson suffered a Lisfranc injury and could need surgery.

Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Golson’s mid-foot injury after training camp practice at St. Vincent College. He did not say how long Golson would be sidelined.

PANTHERS: Bene Benwikere, who may replace starting All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, was removed from the team’s PUP list and practiced for the first time since a season-ending leg injury in 2015.