The Patriots re-signed backup safety Nate Ebner to a two-year deal Saturday, a league source confirmed.
Ebner has developed into one of the Patriots’ core special teams players, playing more than 1,200 snaps in his four years with the Patriots. He was originally a sixth-round pick of the Patriots in 2012 out of Ohio State, where he primarily played rugby and one year of football.
Ebner has 47 tackles in four NFL seasons.
Steelers facing big loss
Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant is facing a one-year suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy for the second time.
Bryant’s agent, Thomas Santanello, confirmed the potential discipline in an e-mail to the Associated Press and said Bryant has filed an appeal.
Bryant, 24, was suspended for the first four games last season and spent a portion of that time in Houston with former NBA player and coach John Lucas, who operates a substance abuse facility. He came back saying he was humbled by the experience.
Bryant caught 50 passes for 765 yards and six touchdowns, and had nine receptions for 154 yards in a playoff loss to Denver.
One of Bryant’s agents, Brian Fettner, told USA Today that the violation stems from “a depression issue’’ and that Bryant plans to check into rehab and seek counseling for his depression.
Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said the team will not comment on the possible suspension “until there’s something official from the league.’’
Bears add LB Freeman
The Bears added another inside linebacker, agreeing to a three-year contract with Jerrell Freeman. The deal with the former Colt comes three days after the signing of Danny Trevathan. Since entering the NFL in 2012, Freeman he is tied for sixth in tackles.
Chicago also agreed to a two-year contract with defensive lineman Mitch Unrein, who appeared in 16 games last season — two for San Diego and 14 for Chicago — and finished with 33 tackles. Unrein played for Denver from 2011-14.
Ware restructures deal
According to multiple reports, the Broncos and DeMarcus Ware have agreed to a restructured contract that will keep Denver from having to release the 33-year-old pass rusher, who was to earn a $3 million bonus Sunday. NFL.com reported Ware got a $2 million signing bonus and can earn $10 million — what he was due in 2016 under his previous contract — in incentives . . . Cornerback Jamell Fleming is returning to the Chiefs, and former Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater is joining him. Fleming, Kansas City’s third-round pick in 2014, appeared in all 16 games last season. Streater, who visited the Patriots, agreed to a one-year, $4.8 million contract with the Chiefs, per NFL.com. Streater caught 109 passes in four seasons with Oakland . . . Al Woods is staying with the Titans. The team and the defensive tackle agreed to terms on a three-year deal, pending a physical . Woods started all nine games he played for Tennessee last season and tied his career high with 31 tackles . . . The Redskins signed punter Tress Way to a five-year contract extension . . . The Lions signed free agent safety Rafael Bush.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
