Bengals sign Dansby to deal
CINCINNATI – The Bengals signed versatile linebacker Karlos Dansby to a one-year deal Wednesday, bringing in someone who can help them get through Vontaze Burfict’s suspension for the first three games next season.
The 34-year-old linebacker played for the intrastate rival Cleveland Browns the last two seasons and led them in tackles. He also had a team-high three interceptions in 2015. Now, he’ll be facing them twice a season.
“Naw, it ain’t going to be weird, not at all,” he said on a conference call.
Dansby is the Bengals’ first notable free agent signing from outside the current roster. The Bengals spent most of free agency trying to keep their defense intact after it finished second in the NFL in fewest points allowed. Among those re-signed to multiyear deals were cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones and safety George Iloka.
Dansby has played all three linebacker spots and is known for his ability to cover receivers. He gives the Bengals versatility at linebacker, especially when Burfict is gone. The NFL suspended the middle linebacker for repeatedly violating its player safety rules, including hitting Steelers receiver Antonio Brown in the head during Pittsburgh’s first-round playoff win. Brown was sidelined with a concussion as a result of the hit.
Lions add Schwartz: The Detroit Lions signed guard Geoff Schwartz Wednesday.
Schwartz, who visited the Steelers earlier in the week, started 11 games last year for the New York Giants before breaking his left leg, ending his season.
He has started 39 games in his career, including 16 in 2010 for Carolina, and has played in 74 games over six seasons with the Giants, Panthers, Kansas City and Minnesota. Carolina drafted the former Oregon standout in the seventh round in 2008 and he spent that year on its practice squad.
Chargers want increased hotel tax: The San Diego Chargers plan to ask voters in November to approve an increase in the city’s hotel tax to build a combined stadium and convention center annex downtown.
The Chargers said they need to gather 66,447 signatures from registered voters by mid-June to place the initiative on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The initiative comes after the Chargers were rebuffed by NFL owners in their attempt to build a stadium with the rival Oakland Raiders in a Los Angeles suburb.
It would raise the hotel tax to 16.5 percent, among the highest on the West Coast.
The Chargers said they would contribute $350 million, which could be offset by personal seat licenses and naming rights. The NFL would contribute $300 million, including a $200 million loan.
Rams finalize deal on training complex: The Los Angeles Rams finalized a plan Wednesday to build their temporary training complex in suburban Thousand Oaks.
The Rams and California Lutheran University announced an agreement Wednesday for the NFL team to train at the school for at least the next two years. The site will be the team’s headquarters during the regular season while it builds a permanent training complex, which is likely to be nearby.
“We are excited to partner with Cal Lutheran to use their exceptional campus as the temporary home for team facilities that will be outstanding for our players and football staff,” said Kevin Demoff, the Rams’ chief operating officer. “The Rams look forward to becoming an integral part of the Cal Lutheran and Thousand Oaks communities as we establish our roots in Southern California.”