NFL Now: Deflategate Investigator Defends Work, Draft Picks Sign

NEW YORK (AP) — The lawyer who investigated the New England Patriots insists that he found direct and not just circumstantial evidence to show quarterback Tom Brady knew team employees were deflating footballs. Miffed by criticism from Brady's agent, Ted Wells decided to take the unusual step of holding a conference call with reporters, a day after the NFL suspended the Super Bowl MVP for the season's first four games based on the report.

The Patriots were fined $1 million and stripped of two draft picks for deflating footballs used in the AFC title game.

Wells said his findings would have been strong enough to convince a jury under the "preponderance of evidence" standard, which is used in many civil cases.

His voice frequently rising, Wells testily rebutted assertions from Brady's agent, who questioned Wells' independence because his firm does other business with the NFL.

— Defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. has signed a four-year, $23.5 million contract with Jacksonville, despite the fact he'll miss the entire 2015 season. The third overall pick in the draft tore the ACL in his left knee on Friday during team workouts. The deal is fully guaranteed and includes a $15.3 million signing bonus.

— First-round draft-pick Brandon Scherff has signed his rookie contract with the Washington Redskins. The offensive tackle from Iowa was the No. 5 overall pick in the draft.

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