NFL notes: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs strike deal

Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles has agreed to a contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The two-year extension runs through the 2017 season, a person familiar with the contract said on condition of anonymity because the team didn’t disclose the terms.

The six-year NFL veteran ran for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns last year to help the Chiefs reach the playoffs. He also had 70 catches for 693 yards and seven more TDs as Kansas City went 11-5 before losing to Indianapolis in an AFC wild-card game.

“Jamaal is an elite player in the National Football League,” Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey said in a statement released by the team. “It was important for us to keep him here in Kansas City long-term.”

Charles comes off a season with career highs in yards from scrimmage (1,980), rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Charles was set to earn a base salary of $2.65 million, which ranked 11th among NFL running backs, before the contract extension. Various media reports put Charles’ two-year extension at $18 million.

Patriots’ Gronkowski cleared to practice

Rob Gronkowski has been cleared to play at the New England Patriots training camp. Coach Bill Belichick says the star tight end has been cleared after offseason knee surgery in January.

Gronkowski missed the last three regular-season games and both playoff games after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Davis reports to 49ers; Boone still a no-show

Tight end Vernon Davis has reported to training camp with the San Francisco 49ers after sitting out the offseason program and mandatory minicamp hoping for a new contract.

Right guard Alex Boone was still expected to be a no-show as he also seeks a deal with two years remaining on his contract, just like Davis.

Audubon Society asks Vikings to protect birds

The Audubon Society of Minnesota is asking the Minnesota Vikings to do more to protect birds from fatal collisions with the massive glass walls of its new stadium.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports the team recently told the society it wouldn’t use glazing techniques and lighting that could warn birds away from the building.

Around the league

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. … Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu and nose tackle Alamdea Ta’Amu will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list as they recover from last season’s injuries. Arizona also released receiver Kelsey Pope.