Mar 10, 2016 3 min read

NEW YORK – The New York Jets’ backfield makeover is in motion.

Two people familiar with the decisions told The Associated Press on Thursday that the Jets agreed in principle to sign free-agent running backs Matt Forte and Khiry Robinson, and re-sign running back Bilal Powell.

The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Jets had not announced the signings.

The team did announce that it re-signed backup tight end Zach Sudfeld and tendered an offer worth $1.671 million to restricted free agent wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins.

After spending his first eight NFL seasons in Chicago, Forte comes to the Jets on a three-year deal and will likely replace the departed Chris Ivory as the starter. Forte, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, ranks second in Bears history to Hall of Famer Walter Payton in several categories, including yards rushing, receptions and yards from scrimmage.

Bengals bring back Iloka, Jones: The Bengals signed starting safety George Iloka to a five-year, $30 million deal on Thursday, the first significant move to try to keep the core of their playoff team intact.

They also signed deals with linebacker Vincent Rey and offensive tackle Eric Winston, who were among their 13 unrestricted free agents. Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones agreed to a three-year deal that could be signed on Friday.

Dolphins sign Anderson to offer sheet: A person familiar with the situation says restricted free agent running back C.J. Anderson has received an $18 million, four-year offer sheet from the Miami Dolphins.

The person confirmed the offer to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the Dolphins have not commented.

Anderson rushed for 720 yards last year for the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, who have five days to match the offer. The Dolphins need a replacement for running back Lamar Miller, who signed a free agent deal with Houston.

Branch heads to Arizona: The Arizona Cardinals announced they signed free agent safety Tyvon Branch to a two-year contract.

The team did not disclose the terms, but a person with knowledge of the deal said it had a base salary of $8 million with $5 million guaranteed. The contract can be worth up to $10 million with incentives.

Branch may play the same kind of reserve role he did last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played in all 16 games but started only one.

49ers sign QB Lewis, trying to trade Kaepernick: Quarterback Thad Lewis is being reunited with his former Eagles coach Chip Kelly, signing a one-year contract to join the San Francisco 49ers and play for Kelly again.

San Francisco was expected to try to trade quarterback Colin Kaepernick, with several teams believed to be in the mix to acquire him – including the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos following Peyton Manning’s retirement and Brock Osweiler’s departure for Houston.

Blaine Gabbert took over the 49ers’ starting quarterback job in November and expects to compete to be the No. 1 again.

The 28-year-old Lewis joins his sixth team since 2010. He has played in seven career games with six starts, five of those for Buffalo in 2013.