AP Source: QB Mallett agrees to remain in Houston

By BARRY WILNER

AP Pro Football Writer

Ryan Mallett has agreed to terms on a two-year contract to remain with the Houston Texans.

A person familiar with the contract tells The Associated Press on Monday that the deal is worth $7 million over two years, with $1.75 million guaranteed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the contract.

Mallett joined Houston last year in a trade with New England. A third-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2011, he appeared in only four games for them as Tom Brady’s backup. But he started twice in three appearances for Houston before tearing a pectoral muscle and missing the rest of the season.

He’s projected as the 2015 starter for the Texans, who also have Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Savage under contract and have shown interest in free agent Brian Hoyer.

Texans release WR Andre Johnson

By KRISTIE RIEKEN

AP Sports Writer

Andre Johnson was released by the Houston Texans on Monday.

A 12-year veteran, Johnson, the longest-tenured Texan, was a first-round draft pick in 2003, joining the expansion team in its second season.

The 33-year-old Johnson had 85 catches for 936 yards last season, but the Texans were beginning to see DeAndre Hopkins as their top receiving threat.

“After exhausting all options of a possible trade, we informed Andre Johnson that he would be released (Monday),” general manager Rick Smith said. “No player in the history of this franchise has represented the team, city and community in a more professional way. Andre is a Hall of Fame caliber player and we appreciate his years of service and contributions to our team.”

Johnson is a seven-time Pro Bowler with seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has 1,012 receptions with 13,597 yards receiving in his career.

He led the NFL in yards receiving in 2008 and 2009. His career high came in 2012 when he had 1,598 yards receiving and the Texans reached the playoffs for the second time.

Seahawks sign CBs Williams, Blackmon

By TIM BOOTH

AP Sports Writer

RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks are trying to bolster their beat-up secondary.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations says free agent cornerback Cary Williams intends on signing with the Seahawks when NFL free agency officially begins. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday night on condition of anonymity because agreements with free agents cannot be announced until the new NFL league year begins on Tuesday.

Williams fits a need for Seattle after injuries have left them thin in the defensive backfield. The Seahawks are expected to lose Byron Maxwell to Philadelphia in free agency and have injury concerns regarding Jeremy Lane and Tharold Simon, leaving Seattle needing additional bodies at its most talented position group headed into next season.

The National Football Post first reported Williams’ decision.

Williams started every game the past four seasons, two of those with Philadelphia and two with Baltimore. Last season he had 59 tackles, nine passes defensed and two interceptions for the Eagles. Williams has nine interceptions over the past three seasons.

Williams was thrown at plenty during his two seasons in Philadelphia. According to STATS, Williams was targeted 96 times last season ”“ tied for 11th most in the NFL ”“ and allowed 51 receptions. In 2013, his first season with the Eagles, Williams was targeted 124 times, the most in the NFL.

But Seattle needs depth and at 6-foot-1, Williams fits the body type the Seahawks wants in their cornerbacks. Along with the injuries to Lane and Simon, All-Pro Richard Sherman will be slowed during the offseason due to an elbow injury suffered in the NFC championship game.

Williams’ decision came after reported meetings with Tennessee and the New York Jets, and he would be the second cornerback acquired by the Seahawks. Former Jacksonville cornerback Will Blackmon signed with Seattle on Monday after two seasons with the Jaguars.

WR Hartline, Browns agree to terms on 2-year contract

By TOM WITHERS

AP Sports Writer

BEREA, Ohio — The Browns found help at wide receiver. Brian Hartline is heading home.

Released last month by the Miami Dolphins after six seasons, Hartline agreed to terms Monday with Cleveland on a two-year, $6 million contract. The Browns confirmed the agreement and said a formal announcement will be made Tuesday, when teams can begin signing unrestricted free agents.

The Browns were desperate for quality depth at wide receiver after former Pro Bowler Josh Gordon was suspended for one year for being a repeat violator of the NFL’s drug policy. Gordon must sit out the entire 2015 season.

Hartline was let go by the Dolphins in a cost-cutting move, and the Browns immediately contacted with the 28-year-old, who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and played at Ohio State.

Following consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Hartline had just 39 receptions last season for 474 yards and two touchdowns. He has 298 career receptions for 4,243 yards and 12 TDs. Hartline made 69 starts for the Dolphins, including every game last season.

The Dolphins selected him in the fourth round of the 2009 draft.