nfl news and notes

CHARGERS

LA trades pick for Cardale Jones

COSTA MESA, CALIF.

The Los Angeles Chargers have acquired quarterback Cardale Jones from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for an undisclosed conditional draft pick. The clubs announced the trade Wednesday, four days before the Chargers’ first full practice of training camp. The 6-foot-5 Jones led Ohio State to a national title during the 2014 season. After one more year with the Buckeyes, he was a fourth-round pick by Buffalo in 2016. Jones was a project for the Bills, where Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn spent last season as running backs coach before his promotion to offensive coordinator. Jones was inactive for 15 games in Buffalo before throwing 11 passes in the fourth quarter of the season finale.

FALCONS

Divers search for $100,000 earring

GAINESVILLE, GA.

An NFL star’s diamond earring valued at more than $100,000 is now presumed lost on the murky bottom of a Georgia lake. WXIA-TV reported Tuesday that Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Julio Jones lost it when he hit a boat wake and took a spill while jet skiing in Lake Lanier, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) outside Atlanta. He resurfaced but his pricey earring didn’t. SCUBA divers have been searching the lake bottom, hoping to capture a flashlight’s reflection off the jewelry amid old trees that have been submerged since the man-made lake’s creation in the 1950s. So far, no luck. Falcons training camp begins Thursday and goes through Aug. 4. The first preseason game is Aug. 26 against the Arizona Cardinals, the grand opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

JETS

Ex-Cowboy Whitehead joins Gang Green

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

The New York Jets claimed wide receiver-kick returner Lucky Whitehead on Wednesday, two days after the Cowboys cut him following a shoplifting charge in what turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. A man used Whitehead’s identity to steal $40 worth of food and drink from a Virginia convenience store in June. Dallas released him Monday after reports that Whitehead was arrested and subsequently cited for missing a court hearing. The Jets, desperate for help at receiver, claimed the three-year veteran and waived receiver Devin Street.

Associated Press