NFL | Other news

Panthers: The Carolina Panthers traded starting strong safety Chris Harris to the Chicago Bears, continuing their offseason roster overhaul. The Panthers got reserve linebacker Jamar Williams in the deal, while Harris returns to Chicago less than three years after he was traded to Carolina. Harris was deemed expendable after he struggled some in 2009 and Carolina added depth at safety.

Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals added another running back by claiming Cedric Peerman off waivers from the Detroit Lions. The 5-foot-9, 210-pound halfback was Baltimore’s sixth-round pick last year. He played in the preseason, then was waived and claimed by Cleveland on Sept. 6. He spent four weeks on the Browns’ practice squad and was released. Detroit signed him to its practice squad and later promoted him to the roster for a couple of games, although he never carried the ball. The Lions waived him on March 16. Cincinnati is set at halfback with Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott.

Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys have signed tight end Scott Sicko, three days after the New Hampshire player said he was turning down the NFL to go to graduate school. Sicko signed a free agent contract, reversing course on a decision that he wouldn’t pursue NFL offers after he wasn’t taken in the draft. The 6-foot-4, 251-pound Sicko caused an Internet stir with his announcement Saturday. Some applauded the 22-year-old’s focus on academics, while others blasted him for passing on a rare opportunity. Sicko tells The Times Union newspaper of Albany, N.Y., he was surprised by all the attention. He says he is “a 22-year-old kid” who wanted to make sure he made the right decision for himself and fiancee.

Associated Press