ARIZONA COULD LAND SB IN 2011

The Associated Press reports the Arizona group trying to have the 2011 Super Bowl be played in Arizona will likely try to get the 2012 Super Bowl to come to Arizona, since they failed to be picked for the game in 2011.

TRENT GREEN UPDATE

ESPNews reports Kansas City Chiefs QB Trent Green said it is "incredibly frustrating" a deal has not been done that would send him to the Miami Dolphins. Green said he is still banking on the thought process a deal will be done and he'll join the Dolphins. He noted the Chiefs have said what direction they want to go since February, and they've made it clear they want to become younger at the quarterback position.

T.TAYLOR JOINS THE SILVER & BLACK

Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports the Oakland Raiders have signed unrestricted free-agent WR Travis Taylor (Vikings). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

SEAU CONTRACT FIGURES

Updating previous reports, Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots have re-signed unrestricted free-agent LB Junior Seau to a one-year deal worth $1 million in base salary. Seau could also make $100,000 in incentives, but there is no signing bonus.

VINNY-T SIGHTING

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports unrestricted free-agent QB Vinny Testaverde (Patriots) has been seen at the New England Patriots' passing camp this week.

MORENCY POSITIONS HIMSELF AS LEAD MAN

Packers' running back Vernand Morency is coming into camp knowing that he has every opportunity to win the starting job. He helped his cause this offseason by adding 10 pounds of "lean muscle" and is now up to 220.

Those additional 10 pounds could make a world of difference when it comes to shedding would-be tacklers. So long as his speed isn't negatively affected, he could legitimately improve on his 4.5 yards per carry average.

The only real obstacle Morency faces from now to the start of the season is winning the job. Rookie running back Brandon Jackson has gotten rave reviews, while there have also been a few reports that the Packers could use a running back by committee.

TYNES DEALT TO G-MEN

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced they have traded PK Lawrence Tynes to the New York Giants for future considerations.

NORTH TEXAS AWARDED 2011 SB

ESPN.com reports North Texas has been awarded the right to host Super Bowl XLV in 2011. The game will be played in the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium in Arlington, which is due to open in 2009.

HICKS JOINS JETS

The New York Jets announced Tuesday, May 22, that they have signed free-agent DL Eric Hicks (Chiefs). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

HENRY COULD FACE 1-YR SUSPENSION

Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry could be facing a one-year suspension should he be guilty of a third violation of the league's substance-abuse policy. Kenton County prosecutors are awaiting final results of Henry's drug test, which is being analyzed by a Kentucky state lab.

PACK RB ATTACK

According to the author of this article, six running backs on the Green Bay Packers roster are competing for three roster spots on the team. With RB Vernand Morency and RB Brandon Jackson all but locks to secure two of those spots, that would leave running backs Arliss Beach, DeShawn Wynn, Noah Herron and P.J. Pope battling for the third and final roster spot.

BENGALS ISSUE STATEMENT

In response to the allegations about WR Chris Henry failing a drug test and facing jail time, the Cincinnati Bengals released a statement saying, "For Chris Henry to return playing NFL football, the Bengals understand that he must comply with certain legal and NFL-related procedures. To date, to the Club's knowledge, Chris has been complying with those procedures, and the Club is not aware at this point of any circumstance in which Chris has not complied with his obligations. With respect to the Northern Kentucky proceedings, reports to date may not be based on complete information. More information is expected to be made available shortly, once all the procedural tests are complete, and the club will await any action until that information has been released."

TATE RELEASED

The NFL Network reports the St. Louis Rams have released QB Drew Tate.

TOP QB TRANSFERS TO USC

Just what ‘beleaguered’ USC needs, another top young player. QB Mitch Mustain, one of the top recruits in the country in 2006, has transferred from Arkansas to Southern California. Mustain, who will have three years of eligibility remaining after sitting out next season, is enrolled at USC for summer school and attending classes.

Source: GBN Report

NFL DRAFT NEWS

The draft will be front and center at the NFL owners spring meeting in Nashville later today. On the agenda is a proposal to trim the time teams currently have to make their early round selections. Teams currently are allotted 15 minutes for a first-round selection and 10 during the second, but that has come under scrutiny after the first round of the 2007 draft lastest over six hours, the longest in history. The owners could also discuss the possibility of moving the draft out of New York.

Source: GBN Report

CHRIS HENRY UPDATE

Updating previous reports, The Associated Press reports more tests are required to determine whether or not Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry failed a drug test.

DUNGY WANTS TO KEEP TWO-BACK SYSTEM

Tom James, of the Terre Haute Star-Tribune, reports Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy would like to continue to use the two-back system that they implemented last season. The starter will be RB Joseph Addai, while RB DeDe Dorsey and RB Kenton Keith will compete for the No. 2 running back job.

BILLS INK WEBSTER

WGR 550 AM reports the Buffalo Bills signed free-agent CB Jason Webster (Falcons). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

BENGALS RELEASE NICHOLSON

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- The Cincinnati Bengals apparently have had their fill with A.J. Nicholson.

Just hours after Nicholson pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic violence, the Bengals released the talented but troubled linebacker on Monday.

Nicholson, 23, was arrested Friday after allegedly striking a woman in the face at his apartment.

According to the Bengals' official web site, the woman recanted her statement Monday, but the Kenton District Court chose not to drop the case.

It was not the first time that Nicholson had a run-in with the law. Two months ago, the 23-year-old pleaded no contest to burglary and grand theft after being charged with breaking into the apartment of a former teammate at Florida State. He had to serve 60 days in a sheriff's work program and was placed on two-year probation.

Nicholson also was involved in an off-field incident as a player at Florida State. He was suspended for the 2006 Orange Bowl for violating team policy by taking a woman to the team's Miami hotel. She accused him of sexual assault, but Nicholson was not charged.

A fifth-round draft pick in 2006, Nicholson played in just two games for Cincinnati last season.

The 240-pound Nicholson likely would have struggled for a roster spot this year with the Bengals, who boast a revamped linebacking corps which includes Edgerton Hartwell, Caleb Miller, Ahmad Brooks, Rashad Jeanty, Landon Johnson and Odell Thurman.

HARRELL SITS

Mike Spofford, of Packers.com, reports Green Bay Packers DT Justin Harrell (bicep) didn't participate in any of the team's 11-on-11 drills during minicamp as a precaution. Harrell is recovering from a torn bicep and hopes to get medical clearance by the start of OTAs in June.

CHRIS HENRY RUMOR

WKRC-TV reports that there's now a chance that Bengals receiver Chris Henry has not tested positive for opiates.

Garry Edmondson, a prosecutor in Kenton County, Kentucky, said earlier on Monday that Henry had tested positive. But now Edmondson is signing a different song.

He now says that one result was negative (which is positive) and the other result is pending.

Edmondson wouldn't say who told him that there was a positive result.

WOODSON LEAVES CAMP

The Green Bay Packers may have seen the last of cornerback Charles Woodson until training camp opens in late July. After practicing Friday and Saturday morning, Woodson was absent from the Saturday afternoon workout inside the Don Hutson Center, and a Packers spokesman said Woodson had been excused for "personal reasons." ... Woodson said Friday he was not going to attend the team's technically voluntary 12 organized team activity practices that begin May 31, choosing instead to work out on his own in Houston as he did last year.

Source: Ben Maller

CHAD GREENWAY UPDATE

One Viking who is optimistic that defensive end Erasmus James, who had knee surgery twice, will return to action this year is linebacker Chad Greenway, who also had knee surgery and has been rehabbing with the No. 1 draft choice from Wisconsin. "After his surgery, we were rehabbing basically the same time every day together," said Greenway. "So, we've been through it, the hard parts together, but he had to go back in and have that little extra surgery which slowed him down a little bit. But I know he's feeling a lot better now, and he's looking forward to getting back for training camp. Absolutely, I think with the will he has and the type of person he is, I have no doubt that he'll be back."

Source: Ben Maller

TONY UGOH UPDATE

Tarik Glenn has been one of the constants for the Colts over the last 10 seasons, starting at left tackle for all but six games, protecting the blind side of quarterback Peyton Manning. Yet in a reflection of the way successful teams operate in today's NFL, the Colts are already planning for his potential departure. Glenn is entering the final year of his contract and is scheduled to make $4.5 million. With that in mind, the Colts traded their 2008 first-round draft choice for a 2007 second-round choice and selected Arkansas's Tony Ugoh. The Colts, who return their top eight linemen this season, will ease Ugoh into the mix this year and use him as leverage if negotiations with Glenn don't head in the direction they want.

Source: Ben Maller

CHRIS BROWN UPDATE

Free agent running back Chris Brown, whose representatives had preliminary discussions with the Patriots last month, is in a holding pattern and might be more inclined to wait until a team suffers an injury at the position before signing. The Bears, Colts, Packers, and Titans have also inquired but Brown, perhaps the top free agent running back available, hasn't made a visit because no team is offering the type of contract that will get him on a plane.

TANK JOHNSON UPDATE

The Bears expect the worst and hope for the best for Tank Johnson. Word is expected from commissioner Roger Goodell's office this week on a possible suspension. "We'll deal with it. We know it's coming and that's enough for us," coach Lovie Smith said at the conclusion of minicamp Sunday. "When it does, we'll deal with it then." The Bears hope their own backing of Johnson through his probation violation and 60 days in jail soften up the commissioner. They're also hoping the two games Johnson missed last season for what essentially was a team-mandated suspension carries some weight. Finally, they believe Johnson's pledge to clean up his act in a meeting with Goodell on Wednesday will make a difference.

Source: Ben Maller

COLTS SEARCH FOR #2 RB

According to Tristar.com, Kenton Keith and DeDe Dorsey are both trying to win that back-up role behind starter Joseph Addai. Dorsey is a second-year player with the Colts, while Keith is a former Canadian Football League standout. Keith (26) spent the last four seasons playing with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he ran the ball for 3,811 yards and 21 touchdowns in just 54 career games.

BELL JOINS 'FINS

The Dolphins and restricted free agent safety Yeremiah Bell have reached an agreement on a one-year deal, Bell told Channel 7 on Sunday night.

Source: Miami Herald

BRIGGS: "SHOW THEM I'M REPLACEABLE

Before the Bears' three-day mini-camp that concluded Sunday, holdout Lance Briggs basically urged stand-in weak-side linebacker Jamar Williams to take his job. Please.

"I spoke with [Briggs] a couple of weeks ago," Williams said Sunday. "I told him, 'You've got to do what you've got to do.' He said, 'Go and show them I'm replaceable.' "

It's not exactly "Brian's Song," but the exchange among friends reflected the warm feelings Briggs and many Bears maintain for each other no matter how heated his dispute with the team gets.

But at the risk of disproving the theory that the world revolves around Briggs, Williams could have lined up on the wrong side every play and showed more rust than a beater car without having any effect on Briggs' leverage.

KIRCUS UNDER INVESTIGATION

Denver Broncos wide receiver David Kircus is being investigated in connection with an assault early Sunday.
Kircus, No. 87, was allegedly involved in a fight between two men in a residential neighborhood in Centennial, said Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson.

Deputies were dispatched the neighborhood around 3:10 a.m., Robinson said.

No arrests have been made, pending a photo lineup that is scheduled to take place some time today.

"There’s an ongoing investigation and that’s all I know at this point," said Harvey Steinberg, Kircus’ lawyer. "I’m representing David and he’ll do what I tell him, that’s where we’re at."

The victim, a 26-year-old man, suffered facial injuries that required some minor surgery, Robinson said.

COLTS SEARCH FOR NEW CORNERS

The Indianapolis Colts have seen both of their starting cornerbacks from last year exit via free agency this offseason. Nick Harper is now in Tennessee and Jason David moved on to New Orleans. Marlin Jackson and Kevin Hayden, a first round and second round selection respectively from the 2005 draft, are expected to take on the starting roles.

GREEN LIKES NEW SCHEME

RB Ahman Green sometimes feels like he has been a Texan a long time since he played under Texans assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who was head coach at Green Bay before coming to Houston. Sherman brought his offense with him. "The comfort level is very high for me now," Green said. "The play book, I look at it and I can't believe it. I've been running this for the past seven or eight years. It takes no thought process."

Source: Jim Carley, houstontexans.com

REX GROSMMAN UPDATE

Rex Grossman made some excellent throws in the three practices (not counting the one that Brian Urlacher intercepted on Sunday). But what impressed me most were Grossman's fundamentals. He didn't throw off his back foot and he actually stepped up in the pocket and completed a strike to Mark Bradley on the sideline on one play. New quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton has been working intensely with Grossman on stepping up in the pocket, which he rarely if ever did last season. Stepping up rather than backpedaling in the pocket will keep Grossman from throwing off his back foot and enable him to make a positive play when the first option isn't open, either with a pass to a secondary receiver or by scrambling.

Source: Larry Mayer, chicagobears.com

HENRY LEARNING SYSTEM

Much has been made of the Denver Broncos offensive line play, blocking system, and subsequent running game in recent memory. The list of 1,000 yard running backs has been well documented. Now it's newly signed free agent running back Travis Henry's turn. While Henry is looking forward to his opportunity with the much-heralded "Broncos' system", he admits it's a work-in-progress. "The No. 1 thing I've noticed is we're running outside zone and inside zone and that's my forte, but what I have to do is trust the linemen," Henry said as he came off the field Thursday. "I know they're going to be there, but this is my second day and you can tell I'm kind of timid on certain runs. The No. 1 key is to get in the flow with the offensive linemen."

Source: Mike Klis, Denver Post

JET ARRESTED

ESPN's Jeremy Schaap reports New York Jets CB Justin Miller was arrested Sunday, May 20, for allegedly punching a woman in a New York nightclub. He was apprehended after a police chase and charged with third-degree misdemeanor assault. Police said Miller was swinging at a man, but hit the woman after the man ducked. The woman has a laceration on her face and swelling and pain in her knee.

PACK MAY GO WITH RB COMMITTEE

Rob Demovsky, of the Green Bay Press Gazette, reports the Green Bay Packers could go with a running back by committee approach using RBs Vernand Morency and rookie Brandon Jackson sharing the bulk of the carries. However, that could change if one of them flashes something special on the field.

SEAU REPORTS FOR PHYSICAL

Free-agent LB Junior Seau showed up in New England today to take a physical and, pending his passing it, is expected to sign on for a second season as a Patriot. Seau's broken arm is said to be healed and it's anticipated that he'll stick around next week for the team's voluntary passing camps.

PATS SIGN LB

The Patriots and 15-year veteran linebacker Chad Brown have agreed to terms, according to a league source. The signing comes in the wake of a report that the Patriots have also come to terms with another vintage linebacker in Junior Seau. Brown is a three-time Pro Bowler and will provide added cover at either the outside or inside-linebacker spots.

PATS LOOKING AT BROWN

The Patriots have made contact with free agent Chris Brown but nothing is imminent in terms of bringing the 6-foot-3, 220-pound running back aboard to shore up the backfield.

"We've had some cursory conversations with the Patriots," said Wynn Silberman, who represents Brown. "They respect what Chris can do. They felt he may prove to be a nice fit in their offensive scheme, a nice complement to (Laurence) Maroney and the very legitimate backs they have, but at this point, we're in a little bit of a holding pattern. We want to make sure it's the right situation for Chris, and if Chris is going to be involved in a dual-back, or supporting role. We want to make sure he's contributing in the best way possible. We've agreed to sit tight, continue talking, and see what happens."

HESTER UPDATE

Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester worked well at wide receiver during the team's minicamp. Hester split out wide, lined up in the slot and in the backfield at times. He caught every pass thrown to him during individual drills and was impressive during seven-on-seven drills and 11-on-11 drills.

MIN SIGNS ROOKIE QB

The Minnesota Vikings signed rookie quarterback Tyler Thigpen on Friday.
Thigpen, a seventh-round pick out of Coastal Carolina, impressed coaches with his arm strength and mobility during a rookie minicamp earlier this month and is the first of Minnesota's eight 2007 draft picks to sign a contract.

"It's a great relief to have the contract done and a weight off my shoulders," Thigpen said in a statement issued by the team. "Playing in the NFL some day is something every kid thinks about when they first pick up a football. It's like a dream come true to actually be in the NFL now and I look forward to getting to work and helping this team."

OLIVER ENTERING SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT

Georgia CB Paul Oliver, who had been considered a potential first-day pick at the 2008 draft, has left school and will reportedly make himself eligible for this summer’s NFL supplemental draft. Oliver reportedly had been declared academically ineligible for the upcoming season. Oliver is listed at 6-0, 210 and reportedly runs the 40 in the low 4.4s; in 2006, he had 57 tackles and picked off three passes.

QB CHALLENGE TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND

Quarterback Jason Campbell will compete in the DirecTV NFL Quarterback Challenge in the Cayman Islands this weekend. It will air on ESPN on Friday, Aug. 3. The event also features Minnesota's Tarvaris Jackson, Detroit's Jon Kitna, Jacksonville's Byron Leftwich and San Francisco's Alex Smith.

GIANTS HIRE NEW SCOUT

The Giants have named Marc Ross as the team’s Director of College Scouting. Ross has been in the NFL for 11 years, including the last three as a national college scout for the Buffalo Bills. Ross technically replaces Jerry Reese, the Giants new G.M. who had retained the responsibilities of director of player personnel. That job has since been eliminated. As college scouting director, Ross will be in charge of the Giants’ college scouting department and the team’s draft.

BELL NAMED STARTER-FOR NOW.

Detroit RB Tatum Bell has taken over the starting job as RB Kevin Jones' status is uncertain while he recovers from an injured left foot. Whoever ends up starting at RB for the Lions could benefit from a more productive WR group after adding Calvin Johnson. "All he does is stretch the field in the passing game, and, I think more importantly, in the running game," QB Jon Kitna said.

ROOKIE GETS FIRST CRACK TO START

With the departure of Eric Moulds, a different WR will play opposite Andre Johnson for a third consecutive season in Houston. For now the front runner is Kevin Walter. HC Gary Kubiak said recently that he wished he had played Walter more during the 2006 season. Walter has been running with the first team during the first two days of OTA's, but a batch of hungry rookies is creating a wide-open competition for that number two position behind Johnson.

JACKSON READY TO LEAD VIKINGS

It appears that the Vikings are set to have QB Tarvaris Jackson lead the team this year. Contrary to published reports, the Vikings never made legitimate attempts to acquire QB Matt Schaub and David Carr. And with the seventh choice in the first round of this year's draft, the Vikings passed on Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn. "We felt strongly about [Jackson] when we drafted him, and we still do," HC Brad Childress said. In his two starts (both losses), Jackson completed 47 of 81 passes for 475 yards, with two TD passes and four INTs.

PETERSON INJURY UPDATE

Although rookie running back Adrian Peterson has been cleared to run by Minnesota Vikings team physicians, it was announced yesterday that there was a bit more to it. After a CT scan confirmed his progress, Vikings team physician Dr. Joel Boyd and trainer Eric Sugarman fully explained to reporters the history of Peterson's injury, including the revelation that he re-broke the clavicle early in the Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State.

JOHNSON TAKING HIS TIME

Johnson flew into Nashville on Thursday and spent Friday meeting with team officials and reviewing the offense before flying to Los Angeles.

"At the end of the day ... we'll just see where it goes from here and do business," he told WTVF-TV. "I don't have any timetable, to be honest with you. There's no rush on my part. I came to meet the organization, meet the people, see the community and stuff like that."

GONZALEZ ABSENT

Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, the Colts' first-round draft pick, will be forced to miss the team's minicamp because the NFL is demanding he participate in the Rookie Premier event in Los Angeles. According to the Indianapolis Star, Gonzalez initially declined the invitation and planned to participate in the team's minicamp, but the NFL intervened and notified all 32 teams that the "invitation" must be honored, and that any player invited who did not participate in the event could not attend his team's minicamp. Gonzalez will also be forced to miss some of the Colts' summer school sessions because of his academic commitments at Ohio State.

BENTLY HEADED BACK TO THE SHOP

LeCharles Bentley is slated to have another surgery on his patella tendon June 4, but the Browns center has not yet decided to go ahead with what would be a season-ending procedure. "There's a chance he may opt not to do it," Browns GM Phil Savage told the Canton Repository. "By June 5, we'll know about '07, and '08 will still be out there as a question mark."

SCHEFFLER BREAKS FOOT

Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler's offseason took a turn for the worse on Friday. The sophomore broke a bone in his foot during minicamp, according to CBS 4 in Denver.

CULPEPPER BEGINS WORKOUTS

Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper practiced on a limited basis Friday and told the Associated Press he's certain he'll be able to take part in the Dolphins' minicamp in June. "It's small steps right now," he said. "I feel good. No real pain, which is a good sign. I just want to ease my way into it."

WHITE STILL HOBBLED

Tennessee RB LenDale White is still hampered by his injured hamstring he suffered last week. His status for next week's set of practices is unknown. "LenDale's injury is not severe; we just don't want to take a chance," HC Jeff Fisher said.

FAVRE SHOWS; JACKSON SKIPS

Green Bay Packers RB Brandon Jackson received an invitation to participate in this weekend's Premiere event in Los Angeles when the top selected skilled players have photo card shoots, endorsements and television exposure. The weekend comes attached with a $12,000 check. The Premiere event is scheduled during the Packers mini-camp. At 4 p.m. Thursday, though, a team official told him he would be banned from the Packers facility for the weekend. The Players Association and the Management Council ruled Jackson had to attend the Premiere event and couldn't practice with his teammates. "I'm being held out against my will," Jackson said.

SMITH REVEALS INJURY

Broncos WR Rod Smith stated Thursday that his ailing left hip is what caused him to lose a step last season. "Last year I couldn't even sleep ... because my leg was throbbing all night," Smith said. "So, basically, I stayed up the whole year last year and that's not good. That's what makes you old, when you're not getting any rest and you've got to go out here and fight with these young dudes." Smith also indicated that the hip, which he had surgically repaired in February, had been bothering him since 2004.

COACH: RICKY DONE WITH MIA

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- If Ricky Williams makes a comeback, it most likely will be with a new team.

Miami Dolphins coach Cam Cameron, speaking publicly about Williams' latest drug relapse for the first time, said nothing has changed regarding the suspended running back's status. But several Dolphins said they're ready to play without Williams, and Cameron acknowledged it's difficult to salvage the careers of troubled players.

"The easiest predictor of future behavior is previous behavior," Cameron said Friday. "Could I have made that statement 15 years ago? Absolutely not. I was trying to save every guy in the game.

"Ultimately it comes down to the team. You want to be as fair as you can be, but no individual comes above the team."

When asked what his batting average is trying to "save" troubled players, Cameron said, "Very low."

DOLPHINS TRY BLOODLINES

MIAMI (AP) -- The Miami Dolphins added Hall of Fame bloodlines to their roster Thursday, signing safety David Lofton and receiver Michael Malone as undrafted free agents.

Lofton's father is James Lofton, an NFL receiver from 1978-93 who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Malone's father is Moses Malone, who played pro basketball from 1974-95 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.

Both newcomers attended the Dolphins mini-camp earlier this month on a tryout basis.

Lofton played four years at Stanford, where he had 82 tackles and a sack. The 6-foot-3 Malone played two seasons at Sam Houston State, and as a senior he had 23 catches for 250 yards and four scores.

JACKSON CAN'T WORK OUT

Rookie Brandon Jackson will not take part in the team's first minicamp this weekend. However, he's not holding out, rather he's being locked out because the NFLPA and the Management Council ruled that he is required to attend this weekend's Premiere event (photo shoot, etc.) in Los Angeles. "I'm being held out against my will," Jackson told ESPN.com. "I was told I either have to go home and do nothing or go to Los Angeles. They're locking me out against my will."

FISHER REVERSES STANCE ON KEY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 17, 2007) -- The Tennessee Titans need an experienced receiver to help Vince Young, and said they are interested in veteran Keyshawn Johnson.

"There's mutual interest I'd say right now," coach Jeff Fisher said. "I think we'll probably look into the possibility of pursuing things. Where that goes, I can't tell you."

PORTIS HAS SORE KNEE

Gary Fitzgerald, of Redskins.com, reports Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs said RB Clinton Portis (shoulder, knee) has developed tendonitis in his knee. "He has had some soreness in his knee, but he said he could run and work out on it. He's on his weight [training] program. We'll see how the running goes. We'll see how quickly we can get him back," Gibb said. Portis has been rehabbing a shoulder injury.

DALLAS SIGNS BERLIN

Bill Coats, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports the St. Louis Rams have signed unrestricted free-agent QB Brock Berlin (Cowboys). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

LIONS LIKE THEIR CHANCES

“Wow, what a dream come true.”

That was the reaction from Detroit Lions offensive coordinator MIKE MARTZ when the team selected Georgia Tech wide
receiver CALVIN JOHNSON with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.

The Lions’ fans at Ford Field on draft day felt the same way as they let out a loud roar of approval when NFL
Commissioner ROGER GOODELL announced the team’s pick in New York.

“We couldn’t be more excited to get Calvin Johnson,” says Lions President and CEO MATT MILLEN. “Our organization
felt really comfortable to draft not only what we thought was the top player in the draft, but also one with great character.
Calvin is going to be a big part of getting us to where we want to go.”

The addition of Johnson to Martz’s offensive system, dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf” when he coached in St. Louis,
has Lions fans excited and defensive coordinators worried.

“Calvin is going to team with Mike and the rest of this offense and turn it into one of the most dynamic offenses in the
league,” says Millen.

In the week leading up to the draft, Martz left hand-written notes saying “Please draft me” for Detroit head coach ROD
MARINELLI and joked they were from Johnson.

“That’s how excited we were about him,” says Martz. “He’s just a dynamic and explosive player with unlimited ability in
terms of what he can do for us on the field. He has the character we’re looking for and he will help this team win. I think
he’s the best wide receiver in the draft that I’ve ever seen.”

Martz, who spent seven seasons with the St. Louis Rams as offensive coordinator (1999) and head coach (2000-05)
before joining the Lions last year, has high expectations for his receiving corps as Johnson and newly acquired SHAUN
MC DONALD (UFA, St. Louis) join Pro Bowl wide receiver ROY WILLIAMS (NFC-best 1,310 yards in 2006) and MIKE
FURREY (NFC-high 98 receptions).

“That’s a pretty good crew of four,” says Martz, who coached perennial All-Stars ISAAC BRUCE, MARSHALL FAULK
and TORRY HOLT in St. Louis as the Rams became the first team to score at least 500 points in three consecutive
seasons. “It could equal the best I’ve ever had, or maybe it will be a bit better.”

Williams and Furrey are also among those excited about the addition of the 2006 Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive
Player of the Year to the receiving corps.

“We should tear defenses up,” says Williams, who himself was a first-round draft pick by the Lions in 2004.

“I think that Calvin is the final piece of this offense to open things up,” adds Furrey. “It’s going to be wild. It’ll be fun.”

The man in charge of getting the ball into the receivers’ hands, quarterback JON KITNA, couldn’t have been happier with
the selection of Johnson.

“Any time you can add the best player in the draft is a good thing for your football team,” says Kitna, who passed for a
career-high 4,208 yards in his first season working with Martz. “This shows we’re not playing around. We’re trying to win
this season.”

With renewed optimism, Lions fans can’t wait for Kickoff Weekend. And they’re not the only ones counting down the
days.

“I’ve never been so excited for a season to start,” says Martz.

AIR CUTLER

Mike Klis, of the Denver Post, reports the Denver Broncos want use the strong arm of QB Jay Cutler to throw more on third down. Last season, with QB Jake Plummer starting, the Broncos ran the ball on third down, needing three or more yards, more than a quarter of the time. When Cutler was starting, the team only ran it 12 percent of the time.

ADAMS TO MEET WITH DEN

Tom Kensler, of the Denver Post, reports the Denver Broncos may meet with unrestricted free-agent DT Sam Adams (Bengals), but would like to gather more information before making the decision.

'FINS TO INCREASE OFFER FOR GREEN

Alex Marvez, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins may be willing to increase their offer to acquire Kansas City Chiefs QB Trent Green, according to NFL.com. The Dolphins had offered a sixth-round choice in the 2007 NFL Draft.

J-RUSS CONTINUES TO IMPRESS

The charting of the NFL's first pick, quarterback JaMarcus Russell, continued Wednesday at the opening of the Raiders' four-week Organized Team Activity practices.

Team observers said the 6-foot-5, 265-pounder looked trimmer since the team's mandatory minicamp last month and coach Lane Kiffin said Russell has been studying his playbook.

"In the huddle, he was better," Kiffin said. "He was better at the line of scrimmage as the plays just rolled off his tongue."
Russell threw deep and rolled out often during practice. His only glaring blemish was an interception he threw to safety Darnell Bing in team drills.

"It's a lot they are throwing at you, but I think I'm doing pretty good with that," Russell said.

With 31/2 more weeks of the practices and a full training camp, Russell has a long way to go and it's unclear who will be the starter when the Raiders open Sept. 9 against Detroit in Oakland.

"I'm a team player," Russell said when asked about the possibility of being an understudy. "I'm one of the biggest cheerleaders they have right now. I'm the type of player, I would love to be out there. Whatever it is to help my teammates, I'm here to do that."

So far, Kiffin continues to be impressed with Russell's arm strength.

"He throws the ball different than the other guys out here and he throws the ball different than most people in the world," Kiffin said.

Shuffling line: Kiffin said it's an open competition at quarterback with the top contenders being Russell, incumbent Andrew Walter and Josh McCown, whom the Raiders acquired in a draft-day deal from Detroit. And, according to Kiffin, the offensive line remains unsettled.

KEYSHAWN TO TEN: "NEWS TO FISHER"

Could a visit to the Tennessee Titans be in Keyshawn Johnson’s future?

Johnson’s agent, Jerome Stanley, would neither confirm nor deny that his client was scheduled to visit the Titans in the near future. But there are indications that a visit to Tennessee could be forthcoming.

Stanley declined comment when asked about any contract negotiations between the Titans and him regarding Johnson.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher when asked if Johnson had a visit scheduled said, “That’s news to me. I have not talked to Keyshawn in a few weeks.”

MCDONALD TO RETURN PUNTS

Whoever ends up with the Detroit Lions return jobs on punts and kicks will also likely gvet a bonus gig -- the #5 wide receiver position. Whoever gets the duties will likely have to be adept at both jobs. So far in minicamp the competition looks to be between WRs Eddie Drummond and Shaun McDonald. McDonald is almost a lock for the punt return job, but the KR slot has been a revolving door so far in camp. In addition to Drummond, several other players -- including WRs Deavle Ellis, Kevin Kasper, Cliff Russell, Edell Shepard and DB Dee McCann -- have taken turns there.

WONG CALLS IT QUITS

Houston Texans linebacker Kailee Wong, a nine year veteran of the NFL, has decided to call it a career. While his retirement from the NFL is not yet official, the Texans have left the door open for his return in 2007. Wong is leaving the Texans as their career sacks leader, with 15. HC Gary Kubiak revealed Wong?s status when the veteran was absent from workouts Wednesday morning.

BROWN STAYING PUT

Defensive end Alex Brown is unhappy about his loss of playing time to Mark Anderson, but the two-time Pro Bowl alternate is not agitating to get out of town. He said Wednesday he and his agent asked the Bears for permission to look for a trade, though the team is in no hurry to let him leave.

"[The Bears] don't want to get rid of me," Brown, 27, said in a satellite radio interview. "I just want to see what else is out there."

The Bears have indicated they will listen if another team makes a must-take offer for Brown, but they believe Brown is a solid player at a key position in their system. Were it not for the surprise emergence of rookie rush specialist Anderson in 2006, Brown would not be looking.

"I really, really enjoy where I'm at," Brown said. "I love the city of Chicago. I love the team. It's just that opportunities come up, and if I'm able to get an opportunity somewhere else, that would be fine. If I'm playing here next year, I'll give it everything I have, just like I always do."

VICK VIDEO DOESN'T EXIST

The Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force, which is investigating dogfighting at a property that was owned by Michael Vick, does not have a videotape of the Falcons quarterback at a dogfight.

Kathy Strouse, the lead investigator, said informants indicated that a tape exists of Vick at a dogfight.

"Let's be very accurate here, because some of the reports out there are not accurate," Strouse told the Journal-Constitution on Tuesday. "We have information from informants that a tape exists of a dogfight and that Michael Vick is present. Whether that tape exists, we do not know that it exists."

KITNA IMPRESSED WITH JOHNSON

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Jon Kitna got his first look at Calvin Johnson on Tuesday.

He was very happy with what he saw.

The Detroit Lions quarterback got to work with the draft's No. 2 pick at the first practice of a three-day minicamp.

"He's certainly going to be used to the best of his ability this year," Kitna said. "He's going to give us a lot of options."

Kitna acknowledged he couldn't get too excited after one non-contact workout, but he was impressed.

"He didn't break the huddle with the baffled look that most first-year guys have when they are trying to learn ... (offensive coordinator Mike) Martz's offense," he said. "Heck, there are guys who have been working on it for a year that still don't always know what to do, but Calvin knew where he was supposed to be. He's obviously been doing his homework."

DRAFT CLOCK TO BE SHORTENED

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to broach the subject of reducing the time limits for making selections in the first two rounds of the draft at the owners annual spring meeting in Nashville early next week. That comes after this year’s opening round lasted a record six hours and eight minutes. Currently, teams are allowed 15 minutes to make their opening round selection, 10 minutes in the second, and five minutes for the final five rounds. Len Pasquarelli of ESPN is reporting that the competition committee is expected to recommend time limits of 10 minutes for the first round, seven minutes for the second, and five minutes for the remaining rounds. The time changes could come as the NFL considers moving the draft’s opening round into prime time on Friday night. While teams are known to be reluctant to cut the opening round time limit, there is speculation that there is support for the measure around the league.

Source: gbnreport.com

BROWN REQUESTS TRADE

The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears DE Alex Brown told Sirius NFL Radio that he asked the team for permission to work out a trade. Head coach Lovie Smith is still planning to have Brown at this weekend's minicamp. Brown admitted he is comfortable with the team, but he would like to explore other opportunities. "We're just trying to see what's out there. That's what we're trying to do. It's not the Bears. They don't want to get rid of me. It's just that I want to see what else is out there. If it was up to me I'd get a new contract here and play the rest of my career here. I totally understand some of the things the Bears are saying. We're handling this in a real low-key fashion and that's the way we want to keep it," Brown said.

GREEN COULD BE ON THE MOVE SOON

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports the Kansas City Chiefs could trade QB Trent Green before their organized team activities start May 21. Green is adamant he will attend, but the Chiefs do not want him to show up. The Tennessee Titans were in a similar situation in 2006 with former QB Steve McNair, and they ended up locking McNair out of the team's facilities, which later led to a trade with the Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs would like to avoid doing the same to Green. The Miami Dolphins are also willing to budge off of their offer of a sixth-round pick for Green, which could help get a trade completed faster.

PETERSON WON'T NEED SURGERY

Sean Jensen, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports the collarbone injury of Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian L. Peterson (collarbone) is healing, and he will not need surgery to add a plate to stabilize the collarbone at this time. Peterson has been participating at the team's minicamp and will not be limited at training camp.

FAVRE MAY BE IN CAMP

Updating a previous report, Pete Dougherty, of the Green Bay Press Gazette, reports Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre said he would not attend the team's minicamp because he cannot participate in any drills. Also, Favre would like to work out as well as attend his daughter's graduation in Mississippi, according to the Biloxi Sun Herald. However, it appears head coach Mike McCarthy and Favre will talk about the situation and make a decision after the meeting. Currently, Favre is not excused from the minicamp.

UNDRAFTED FA UPDATE PART II

Kansas City has signed four undrafted rookie free agents including former Louisville LB David Harris, one of the highest rated undrafted rookie agents. The Chiefs also signed former CB Tony Franklin, FB Gilbert Harris and LB David Hicks. Meanwhile, the New York Jets released undrafted rookie free agent offensive lineman Nick Smith and signed former New Mexico C/G Robert Turner.

UNDRAFTED FA UPDATE PART I

NFL teams continue to tinker with their pre-camp rosters. The Giants, for example, released undrafted rookie free agent WR Brandon Myles, who was considered to be the team’s top-rated undrafted rookie free agent. On other side of Giants Stadium the Jets released four undrafted rookie free agents including CB Caleb Hendrix, DE Matt King, LB Mark Zalewski and WR Dustin Osborn. Again, all four were relatively highly rated prior to the draft. Meanwhile, Washington released WR Deyon Williams, another reasonably well-regarded undrafted rookie free agent receiver, among several roster moves yesterday. At the same time, each of the three teams added several rookie free agents, although none is particularly well known, at least in a football sense. One of the players signed by the Jets was former Virginia Commonwealth basketball player Jesse Pellot-Rosa who will try out as a WR.

CIN MINI-CAMP UPDATE

Geoff Hobson, of Bengals.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals DL Domata Peko worked with the first unit at defensive tackle during the team's offseason practice Tuesday, May 15. Peko is expected to replace DL Sam Adams this season. Adams was released by the team Monday, May 14.

Geoff Hobson, of Bengals.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is not happy with CB Deltha O'Neal not taking part in the team's voluntary offseason workouts. "We all watch the same tape in the NFL," Lewis said. "This is the opportunity to right your ship and this is the first chance football-wise to begin that process, particularly for a defensive back. He's missing on some work that he shouldn't miss on. He's put himself behind as time goes on."

BEARS SIGN ANOTHER PICK

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Chicago Bears have signed FS Kevin Payne to a four-year contract worth $1.815 million. The deal includes a $150,000 signing bonus and base salaries of $285,000 in 2007, $370,000 in 2008, $460,000 in 2009 and $550,000 in the 2010 season.

ELLIS UPDATE

Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys LB Greg Ellis is unhappy with his contract situation and how the team has not given him an extension. "A contract extension says you are our guy and we want you here. It sets it straight with that guy. It sets it straight with the media. It sets it straight with everybody. I haven't talked to Jerry about it, and I am not going to. But it's understood, and Jerry knows it. I think Jerry should do something." Ellis said. Ellis said he will not create any problems for the team and is not demanding anything and would not be surprised if he is released sometime during training camp or during the season.

PERRY TO TAKE HENRY'S JOB?

Mark Curnutte, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals WR Tab Perry has received the first long look as the team's No. 3 wide receiver during offseason workouts, in place of suspended WR Chris Henry.

CROUCH ON THE CFL COMEBACK TRAIL

QB Eric Crouch continued his CFL post-graduate work this off-season. Soon after Steve Buratto was named the Argos offensive coordinater, Crouch got his hand on Calgary Stampeders game tape from 2006 to study his new coach. After learning the formations and the style of offence Buratto ran in Calgary, Crouch became even more enthused at the prospect of reviving his career. "The reason I am here is to play and be the starter. I set high expectations for myself and I think they are realistic."

VANDERJAGT WITHOUT A TEAM

Very quietly, veteran kicker Mike Vanderjagt worked out for the Giants last month. But the Giants opted to sign Marc Hickok, who previously kicked in arenafootball2, the minor league for the Arena Football League. Vanderjagt's agent, Gil Scott, said his client's workout for the Giants went well; Vanderjagt connected on 11 of 13 field-goal attempts. It was just that the Giants opted to go with the younger -- and much less known -- Hickok. Now Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, is a man without a team. This offseason, he has worked out for the Saints and Giants, but hasn't received any offers -- a baffling development.

NYG KICKER UPDATE

With the departure of PK Jay Feely to Miami, the Giants are watching closely the competition between kickers Josh Huston and Marc Hickok. Huston was signed last last season as an insurance policy to Feely, but recently had an appendectomy and will sit out until mid-June. Hickok beat out the likes of FA Mike Vanderjagt and Paul Edinger in an April tryout. His only experience is with the arenafootball2 league.

CLEVELAND QB UPDATE

Cleveland Browns HC Romeo Crennel met with the media following practice today, Crennel has a keen eye on the starting QB competition between Incumbents Derek Anderson and Charlie Frye, and rookie Brady Quinn. "Charlie has a leg up. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, but I'll also give Brady and (Derek) Anderson the opportunity to show what they can do. It puts pressure on the coaches to make a decision as quickly as possible, because the guy you choose needs to get to work. The longer we let it drag out, the more the danger of spreading the reps too thin," Crennel said.

TO: "LEARNED NOTHING" LAST SEASON

When asked about what he had got out of a year under HC Bill Parcells, Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens replied "Nothing, really." He went on to say that Parcells' disciplinarian style wasn't necessary and having a new HC, Wade Phillips, was good for everybody.

GUTIERREZ CONTRACT DETAILS

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots have signed undrafted free-agent QB Matt Gutierrez (Idaho State) to a two-year deal. Gutierrez received a $10,000 signing bonus, but the other financial terms were not disclosed.

K.JONES RUNNING

Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions RB Kevin Jones (foot) did not take part in any team activities Tuesday, May 15, but he was able to run along the sideline. He has had the final two screws removed from his foot.

FAVRE TO FACE FINE?

MILWAUKEE -- Although Brett Favre plans to skip the Green Bay Packers' mandatory minicamp this weekend, he might not be excused by Packers coach Mike McCarthy.

McCarthy was not available for comment Tuesday, but team spokesman Jeff Blumb said that as far as McCarthy was concerned, "the camp is mandatory."

The Packers' three-day minicamp begins Friday, and Favre could face fines from the team if he fails to show up without being formally excused.