Broncos cut tailback Arrington

The Denver Broncos released tailback J.J. Arrington yesterday after he failed a physical because of a balky right knee.

The former Arizona Cardinal was one of three free-agent tailbacks brought in during the off-season, along with former Eagle Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan.

Chargers. The team rejected a developer's proposal to build a $1 billion stadium as part of a redevelopment of the land surrounding San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers said the project would be too enormous for the Mission Valley site.

Cowboys. Dallas signed three free agents - tight end Scott Chandler, receiver Mike Jefferson, and defensive end Derreck Robinson - expanding its roster to 83 players.

Jets.

New York safety Kerry Rhodes says he could not discuss the investigation of a possible rape at his New Jersey home.

According to police, a Canadian tourist said she met Rhodes and another man at a Manhattan nightclub last Friday before being taken to a home in Morristown, N.J., where Rhodes owns a townhouse. The Morris County prosecutor said this week that Rhodes was not the target of a criminal probe.

Lions. Former defensive back and receiver Terry Barr, a rookie on Detroit's last championship team, in 1957, has died at age 73. Barr died at his Bloomfield Hills, Mich., home after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, a team spokesman said.

A third-round draft pick in 1957 out of Michigan, he returned an interception for a touchdown in the team's 59-14 NFL title game win over the Cleveland Browns.

49ers. San Francisco signed tight end Bear Pascoe, its sixth-round draft pick from Fresno State.

Noteworthy. Former Jaguars wide receiver Jimmy Smith pleaded not guilty to several charges, including possession of cocaine and marijuana, in Jacksonville, Fla.