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Seattle Seahawks

NFL notes: Seattle Seahawks bulk up defensive line

The Redskins re-signed backup quarterback Colt McCoy. (Associated Press)
Wire Services

The Seattle Seahawks made some additions to their defensive line Thursday, announcing the re-signing of free-agent tackle D’Anthony Smith, and signing unrestricted free-agent tackle Ahtyba Rubin, who has played for Cleveland since 2008.

The team confirmed the signing of Rubin, who will get a one-year contract, though financial details weren’t revealed.

The signing of Rubin, in particular, could also give the team some options with veteran nose tackle Brandon Mebane, who is coming off of hamstring surgery and has a $5.7 million salary cap hit in 2015. According to OvertheCap.com, Mebane is due to be the 11th-highest paid 4-3 defensive tackle in 2015, which has led to speculation the Seahawks could try to restructure his contract – or even possibly release him – to create additional cap room. It may also mean the Seahawks won’t attempt to re-sign veteran Kevin Williams, who is an unrestricted free agent.

The 6-foot-2, 325-pound Rubin started 11 games for the Browns in 2014 but became a free agent after finishing a four-year, $26.5 million deal.

Rubin’s s best season came in 2011 when he started all 16 games for the Browns and had five sacks.

Rubin could compete for the starting nose tackle job, or as noted, possibly pave the way for some sort of move with Mebane, who had surgery to repair a hamstring injury suffered in November. Mebane, who turned 30 in January and has been with the Seahawks since 2007, said at the Super Bowl that he expected to be fully recovered by the time the team began its offseason training program in April.

Bowe will join Browns

The Browns snagged a No. 1 wide receiver.

Cleveland agreed to terms on a two-year contract with free agent Dwayne Bowe, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. Bowe, who has spent the past eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, was expected to sign the deal on Thursday, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not confirmed the agreement.

A big, athletic receiver, Bowe should help. He had 60 receptions for 754 yards last season but did not score a touchdown. The 6-2, 221-pound Bowe led the league with 15 TDs in 2010 and has averaged 66 catches per season.

Bowe has only scored 13 TDs combined over the past four seasons.

Around the league

The Washington Redskins re-signed free-agent quarterback Colt McCoy, who started four games for the team last season. McCoy, 28, appeared in five games overall in his first season with the Redskins, completing 91 of 128 passes for 1,057 yards, with four touchdown passes, three interceptions and a team-high passer rating of 96.4. … The Miami Dolphins decided against matching the contract offer tight end Charles Clay received from the Buffalo Bills, meaning he’ll switch teams in the AFC East. Clay will join the Bills after signing their $38 million, five-year offer Tuesday. The Dolphins had the right to match after giving Clay a transition tag two weeks ago, but they decided the price was too high, and will go with newcomer Jordan Cameron and holdover Dion Sims at tight end. … The Jacksonville Jaguars claimed Bernard Pierce off waivers, one day after the running back’s drunken driving charge led to his release by the Baltimore Ravens. Pierce, 23, has rushed for 1,334 yards and five touchdowns in 45 career games with the Ravens, including three starts. He was a third-round draft pick in 2012. … Cornerback Patrick Robinson signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Chargers. … Denver agreed to terms with free-agent linebacker/special teamer Reggie Walker on a one-year contract.