IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys are meeting with free agent defensive end Greg Hardy as they explore ways to improve a shaky pass rush from last season.
Hardy's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said the former Pro Bowl player for Carolina was visiting Cowboys headquarters Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Hardy could be suspended to start the season because of a conviction on two counts of domestic violence. The conviction was dismissed in February when his accuser couldn't be found.
Hardy remains on the commissioner's exempt list as he seeks reinstatement by the NFL. He played in the opener last year before he was suspended. Hardy tied a Carolina franchise record with 15 sacks in 2013.
49ers: Borland to retire at age 24
SAN FRANCISCO -- Another star member of San Francisco's vaunted defense is calling it a career.
The 49ers announced late Monday that linebacker Chris Borland is retiring after one season, without offering specifics.
Borland told ESPN's "Outside the Lines" earlier Monday that he is retiring following his standout rookie season because of concerns about head trauma.
NFL
"While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris' decision," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said. "From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision. He was a consummate professional from day one and a very well-respected member of our team and community.
"Chris is a determined young man that overcame long odds in his journey to the NFL and we are confident he will use the same approach to become very successful in his future endeavors. We will always consider him a 49er and wish him all the best."
The 24-year-old Borland had a team-leading 108 tackles in his stellar rookie season, emerging as a punishing defender. He also had a sack and two interceptions(see full story).
Chargers: Team signs former Bills, 49ers receiver Johnson
SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms of a three-year contract with free agent wide receiver Stevie Johnson, who's looking to bounce back after two down years.
Johnson became the first player in Buffalo Bills history to have three straight 1,000-yard seasons, from 2010-12. His best season was 2010, when he had 82 catches for 1,073 yards and 10 TDs.
His production fell off the last two seasons. In 2013, his last with Buffalo, he had 52 catches in 12 games, for 597 yards and three scores.
Last year with San Francisco, he caught 35 passes for 435 yards and three touchdowns.
Raiders: Richardson signs with Oakland
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders have signed free agent running back Trent Richardson.
The team announced the deal with the third pick in the 2012 draft on Tuesday.
The Raiders will be Richardson's third team since coming out of Alabama as one of the most heralded running backs in years. He was drafted by Cleveland and rushed for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie.
The Browns then traded Richardson to Indianapolis for a first-round pick just two games into the 2013 season. Richardson ran for 977 yards in 29 games for the Colts before getting cut last week.
Richardson is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry in his career.
Vikings: Veteran Newman to visit Minnesota
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Free agent cornerback Terence Newman has visited Minnesota, considering the possibility of reuniting with Vikings coach Mike Zimmer.
The Vikings confirmed Tuesday that Newman met with team officials. The 36-year-old played the last three seasons with Cincinnati, two with Zimmer as defensive coordinator. Zimmer previously held that role in Dallas, covering Newman's first four years in the NFL. The fifth overall draft pick in 2003, Newman had 32 of his 37 career interceptions with the Cowboys through 2011.
Newman said after last season that he was contemplating retirement.
Xavier Rhodes has been on the rise and Josh Robinson improved in 2014, but even after signing Captain Munnerlyn a year ago the Vikings could use more cornerback depth.