Major rules changes proposed by teams

Major rules changes proposed by teams

NFL teams proposed major changes to replay and overtime on Saturday after a season of consistent criticism of officiating and which plays can be challenged or automatically reviewed.

Among the proposals teams have made to the league’s competition committee are an increase in the number of plays subject to video replay review and a change to the overtime format.

The idea of more or even unlimited coaches’ challenges is not new, but could have stronger support now. Also, the league is reluctant to expand replays for officiating because it would slow games even further.

The competition committee will present teams’ proposals and some of its own to the 32 owners at the league meetings March 24-27.

Chiefs sign RB Hyde to $2.8M contract

A person familiar with the move tells The Associated Press the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with Carlos Hyde, giving them another veteran running back in their thin backfield.

The deal includes $1.6 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the terms. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Saturday because the terms were not disclosed.

The 28-year-old Hyde was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday, and the Chiefs moved swiftly in inviting him for a visit. They were seeking help behind Damien Williams and Darrel Williams, who became their top two running backs when Kareem Hunt was released last season.

Hyde was a second-round pick of the 49ers in 2014. He signed with the Browns last year, then was traded in October to the Jaguars for a fifth-round pick.

Former 49ers DE Hardman dies at 70

SAN FRANCISCO

Former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cedrick Hardman has died. He was 70.

The team said he died Friday night.

An-time All-Pro selection in 1971 and 1975 and Pro Bowl player in 1972 and 1976, Hardman anchored a defensive front nicknamed the “Gold Rush” that included Cleveland Elam, Tommy Hart and Jimmy Webb. Hardman is a member of San Francisco’s “10-Year Wall”, which honors all players who played at least 10 seasons with the team.

“We are truly saddened by the loss of one of the all-time great 49ers, Cedrick Hardman,” the team said in a statement.

“During his 10-year career in red and gold, he anchored the vaunted “Gold Rush” defensive line with a nonstop motor that put fear in the minds of opposing quarterbacks.”

After leaving the 49ers, Hardman signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he appeared in 32 games over two seasons (1980-81) and was a member of the Super Bowl-winning team in the 1980 season.

Associated Press