NFL Notes: Te'o back practicing with Chargers

San Diego • Manti Te'o is back practicing with the San Diego Chargers instead of working on a side field.

Says Te'o: "It's way better than running gassers, that's for sure."

Until Monday, Te'o had been working on a side field during organized team activities — which are practices in shorts, jerseys and helmets — after having surgery on his right foot in late January.

The inside linebacker says he's about four or five pounds lighter than he was during his rookie season, which got off to a slow start after he injured his foot in the exhibition opener. At the time, the team said it was a sprain but after the season, Te'o said it was a stress fracture.

Seattle's Sherman says he doesn't believe in curses after Madden vote

Richard Sherman doesn't believe in video game curses.

The Seattle Seahawks' All-Pro cornerback will have his image plastered on the front of the next version of EA Sports' popular "Madden" football game. It's an honor that's allegedly been fraught with peril for some past recipients who have either had subpar seasons or suffered injuries the year they were on the cover.

Despite the notoriety that has come with winning an online vote to be on the cover, along with numerous other endorsements this offseason and a new contract extension, Sherman has remained committed to the Seahawks' offseason program. Seattle coach Pete Carroll noted Monday that Sherman has missed "maybe a day" of the voluntary offseason program.

Patriots QB Brady trying to improve on last season

Tom Brady is coming back from one of his worst statistical seasons as the New England Patriots hold their third week of organized team activities.

But the quarterback says being successful as a team is much more important than individual accomplishments.

And he says team improvement is a constant pursuit throughout the offseason.

Brady says the Patriots are trying to establish what kind of team they will be and that involves seeing who is willing to work hard even when there's no glory in an OTA practice or in lifting weights.

The Patriots won the AFC East title for the fifth straight time last season, but Brady was outplayed by Peyton Manning in the AFC championship game won by the Denver Broncos 26-16.

Steelers sign rookie WR Bryant to 4-year deal

The Pittsburgh Steelers and fourth-round draft pick Martavis Bryant have agreed to terms on a four-year contract.

Financial details were not disclosed. The Steelers selected the 6-foot-4 wide receiver out of Clemson with the 118th overall pick in the draft. Bryant caught 61 passes for 1,354 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Tigers. His career average of 22.2 yards per reception is a Football Bowl Subdivision record.

The Steelers expect Bryant to compete with second-year wideout Markus Wheaton and veteran Lance Moore for playing time alongside Pro Bowler Antonio Brown.

Pittsburgh has signed seven of its nine draft picks. Second-round pick Stephon Tuitt and third-round choice Dri Archer have yet to agree to terms.