JAGS SIGN FORMER #1 PICK

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Former No. 1 draft pick Tim Couch signed a two-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, getting a chance to revive his career as a backup to quarterback Byron Leftwich.

Couch, the top pick by Cleveland in 1999, hasn't played a down in the NFL since the 2004 preseason.

The contract, which did not include a signing bonus, will pay Couch the veteran minimum of $595,000 this season if he makes the team. He would earn slightly more in 2008.

Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio wanted to take a look at the former Kentucky star, who had shoulder surgery last year. The Jaguars needed another quarterback in training camp because third-stringer Quinn Gray has an ankle injury and is on the physically unable to perform list.

The Jaguars also have backup David Garrard and undrafted rookie Lester Ricard.

Scott Eyster from Delta State and Sam Hollenbach from Maryland worked out alongside Couch on Sunday, and the Jaguars struck a deal with Couch after a physical.

His five years in Cleveland were filled with disappointment. He was sacked often, booed regularly and plagued by elbow trouble.

After leaving the Browns, Couch signed a one-year deal with Green Bay to be Brett Favre's backup. The Packers didn't work out Couch before signing him to a contract that included a $625,000 bonus, and it seemed to backfire.

Couch was bothered by a sore throwing arm, struggled to grasp the West Coast offense and couldn't even unseat third-string quarterback Craig Nall.

Couch completed 11 of 34 passes for 96 yards with no touchdowns in three preseason games and was cut just before the 2004 season.

He worked out for Chicago and Cincinnati in 2005, but neither team signed him. He worked out for Tennessee, Miami, Pittsburgh and Houston last year.

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PETERSON SIGNS

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Vikings have agreed to terms with running back Adrian Peterson, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2007 draft.

Per Schefter, Peterson has signed a five-year, $40 million contract, with $17 million in guaranteed money.

MORGAN MAKES CONTROVERSIAL RETURN

Carolina Panthers LB Dan Morgan strapped on his extra-padded helmet, adjusted his special mouthpiece and ran onto the field, knowing some people think he's making a horrible decision. He is trying to return from at least the fifth concussion of his career, the one that forced him to miss the final 15 games last season. "I know everybody thinks I'm at risk and I know that," Morgan said. "Anybody who steps on the field is at risk, but I am more so because I have had more concussions than the average person. The minute I don't feel good is the minute I wouldn't be playing football, At the same time I feel good and I'm excited and I'm ready to go."

MATT LEINART UPDATE

In his 2nd season, QB Matt Leinart is feeling more confident and is ready to lead the team. "My attitude is so much different," said Leinart, who said he can sense that teammates and coaches are confident in him. "They know what I can do. All that experience last year helped me tremendously for this season. I still have a lot to learn, especially with the new offense. But I felt totally different. I feel more in command. I feel more of a leader. I feel I can speak up. It's a totally different vibe. Now, I know what to expect."

NFL NEWS & NOTES III

*Cincinnati Bengals WR Antonio Chatman tweaked his hamstring in Friday's first practice and sat out Saturday morning's practice. Indications are that Chatman, who missed virtually all of the last training camp with a groin problem, won't miss more than a week. But it's frustrating for both the Bengals and Chatman as they seek a third wide receiver to replace Chris Henry for the first half of the season. Chatman could only play in three games last year after arriving as a free agent from the Packers.

*The Oakland Raiders have signed rookie TE Zach Miller. "I feel good; I'm just glad to have it done and be able to get out to practice." Miller said, " I'm here now and I can start practicing, showing the coaches what I have."

*TE Eric Beverly, who was signed by the Lions in the offseason as a blocking tight end, has retired unexpectedly. The Lions still have two veteran tight ends in camp, Dan Campbell and Casey Fitzsimmons.

*The Broncos have added Mike Lombardi to help in the personnel department. Lombardi spent the past eight seasons with the Raiders before being fired by Davis in February. "I look forward to working with Mike Shanahan," Lombardi said. "This is a great organization and a great opportunity for me."

*CB Joey Thomas has had a few people asking, "Who was that?" during the first week of camp, continually running stride for stride on deep balls with WR Terrell Owens and WR Terry Glenn. Thomas has had several pass breakups and as of yet hasn't let anybody get behind him. Thomas was a 3rd-round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers in 2005 but never lived up to his potential there. The 26-year old might be turning things around in San Antonio, though, working now with the second-team defense.

MIKE VICK UPDATE

One of QB Michael Vick's co-defendants doesn't want to wait for trial. Tony Taylor's expected plea of guilty and his future cooperation with prosecutors adds to an already impressive array of evidence against Vick in the federal government's dogfighting case. Taylor's hearing was added to U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson's docket Friday, a day after he and the other three defendants pleaded not guilty before the same judge. Vick and the others still are scheduled for trial Nov. 26.

ESPN's Kelly Naqi reported that according to sources, Taylor and Vick used to be close friends, but had a falling out in their relationship about three years ago.

BOOKER CONTINUES TO IMPRESS

It's early in training camp but rookie RB Lorenzo Booker already has impressed veteran DT Vonnie Holliday and other teammates. "This guy is impressive, he's fast," Holliday said after Saturday morning's first full-squad workout. "I can't wait to see him actually get into a preseason game and get some carries and some catches out of the backfield. He's so quick ... and his ability to make a move and get north and south is impressive." Booker has made no secret of letting it be known that he was under utilized at FSU, which is why he's willing to do whatever Miami's coaching staff asks him to do.

Source: Andy Kent, MiamiDolphins.com

PERRY TO MISS AT LEAST 6 GAMES

Chris Perry probably will miss at least the first six games this season. He's expected to be placed on the PUP list, which means he'll have to be inactive until at least Week 7, according to the Cincinnati Post. Perry is recovering from a broken foot sustained last season.

LJ SMITH UPDATE

L.J. Smith is ahead of schedule in his recovery from offseason surgery that repaired a sports hernia. However, he will be held out of contact drills for the first 3-7 days of training camp, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We'll take it nice and slow with him and see how it goes, see how he progresses," Reid said. "But he is progressing very well and he has been working out."

NFL NEWS & NOTES II

*Lions QB Jon Kitna went on a radio show this spring and said the Lions would win at least 10 games. Kitna said his teammates responded positively to his 10-win prediction with text messages and pats on the back in the locker room. Even though the Lions finished 1-3 in their final four games, they played harder and even won the finale against the Cowboys. The Lions do have a new attitude, and yes, it is visible on the practice field.
Source: John Clayton, ESPN

*San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner confirmed on Thursday that he has no plans to increase the preseason workload of running back LaDainian Tomlinson compared to previous coaching staffs with the team. Tomlinson has just 14 preseason carries in his entire professional career.
Source: Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune

*Running back Chris Henry agreed to terms today on a four-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. Agent Josh Luchs said this morning that Henry had agreed to terms. Details were not disclosed. "He's ready to come in and compete for the starting job and help the Titans win," Luchs said.
Source: Nashville Tennessean

*Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage said today that TE Kellen Winslow Jr. passed his physical Friday and was cleared for practice.
Source: Zac Jackson, ClevelandBrowns.com

*The Cleveland Browns will have to wait another month to see if center LeCharles Bentley is ready for practice, GM Phil Savage said Friday. Savage said Bentley will continue to rehab his knee for the month and sit on some of the meetings that take place in training camp, but he will not practice. "He's not quite ready to put on equipment and go out there and practice on the football field with us," Savage said. "I think he and his agent would agree that he's not there to do that yet."
Source: Patrick McManamon, Akron Beacon Journal.

*New England Patriots defensive back Asante Samuel was not in attendance at camp Friday. Brandon Meriweather was absent as well but the team has reportedly reached an agreement with him on a contract.
Source: Associated Press, Orlando Sentinel

FALCONS INK QB

The Atlanta Falcons signed former Arena League quarterback Lang Campbell. Lang is the fourth quarterback on the depth chart behind Joey Harrington, D.J. Shockley and Chris Redman.

BRAD SMITH: THE SECRET WEAPON

According to New York Jets HC Eric Mangini, WR Brad Smith is working at quarterback now. "He is a quarterback that plays receiver some and does some other things. Brad is a quarterback and you will see him throughout camp playing quarterback and in preseason games he will play quarterback. He's just a quarterback that has the versatility to play other positions," Mangini said. Smith was a dual-threat QB at the University of Missouri.

Source: NewYorkJets.com

J.P. LOSMAN UPDATE

Bills QB J.P. Losman, who sat out the first two practices Thursday with a lower back muscle strain, participated fully in this morning's workout. On Thursday when news of Losman's injury broke, it was thought the fourth-year veteran would miss at least a few days of practice. "I felt like it was really close yesterday, but thinking about it, I'm glad we took a day off," said Losman. "There was no pain out there today. For the most part I did everything."

Source: Sal Maiorana, Rochester Democrat And Chronicle

RAMS QB GETS PAID

Rams QB Marc Bulger, who reported for the first full day of Rams training camp after missing a team meeting Thursday, became one of the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks today when he signed a six-year contract extension. The extension will pay him more than $10 million per season, $26 million of it in guaranteed money.

JOEY HARRINGTON UPDATE

Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino said Thursday that the offense he's installing will be tweaked to cater to the strengths of Joey Harrington. "It's up to me to really understand what parts Joey executes the best," Petrino told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Then you form the offense around him. Nothing has changed yet, but certainly each quarterback does something different, and you try to highlight what each does well."

GONZALEZ SIGNS

Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, the 32nd overall pick in the NFL draft, signed a five-year, $7.5 million contract with the Colts. "Anthony is very excited to put this behind him and have the ability to concentrate on what he loves," Gonzalez's agent told the Indianapolis Star. "And that's football." The contract includes approximately $5.4 million in guaranteed bonuses, as well as escalator clauses that could drive its actual value north of $10 million should Gonzalez reach the incentives.

PANTHERS BRIDGES ARRESTED

Panthers offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges was charged with assault after allegedly pointing a gun at a dancer in the parking lot of a strip club, according to the Charlotte Observer. He was released on Thursday after posting a $3,000 bond.

DONOVAN MCNABB UPDATE

The Eagles don't plan to hold back quarterback Donovan McNabb at the start of training camp. "Right off the bat, I think we're going to let him go and see how he feels," general manager Tom Heckert tells the Philadelphia Daily News. McNabb tore the ACL in his right knee on November 19.

NFLDB NEWS & NOTES

*The Cowboys released quarterback Matt Baker on Thursday, the team's official web site reports.

*Laurence Maroney took the practice field on Friday morning with the rest of the Patriots as the first day of camp dawned. The Boston Globe reports, however, that he was wearing a red no-contact jersey.

*Marshawn Lynch agreed to terms on a six-year contract with the Bills late Thursday night. According to the Buffalo News, he will earn $10.275 million in guaranteed money and up to $18.9 million over the life of the contract if he reaches all of the incentives. The the sixth year is voidable if Lynch reaches certain easily-attainable playing time requirements.

*Running back Cedric Houston has left Jets camp for "personal reasons," reports the Newark Star-Ledger. "Football isn't a priority in [Houston's] life right now," a source told the Star-Ledger. "He wants to take a couple of steps back and decide what he wants to do with his life."

*Giants head coach Tom Coughlin confirmed on Thursday that wide receiver Amani Toomer would be limited to one practice per day when camp opens, the New York Daily News reports. Toomer tore the ACL in his left knee on November 6.

*Offensive lineman Pete Kendall is expected to be on the field for the Jets when they open camp on Friday, despite repeatedly threatening to hold out earlier in the offseason. It's unclear if Kendall's demand of an additional $1 million in salary this year has been met, or if Kendall simply decided being fined $14,000 per day for holding out wasn't worth it, according to New York Newsday.

*The Panthers and rookie Ryan Kalil agreed to terms on a multi-year contract on Thursday, according to the Charlotte Observer. Terms have not been disclosed. The Panthers selected Kalil in the second round of the draft.

*The Browns signed offensive tackle Joe Thomas on Thursday, and the third overall pick in the draft will be on hand when the team opens training camp Friday afternoon. Thomas received a six-year, $42.5 million deal that voids to five years and includes $23 million in guaranteed money—the most guaranteed money given to an offensive lineman in NFL history.

*Mark Anderson will find his name at the top of the defensive end depth chart when the Bears open training camp on Friday. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Anderson will be listed ahead of Alex Brown.

*The Seahawks have come to terms on a four-year deal with second-round pick Josh Wilson, according to the Seattle Times. Wilson, a cornerback, was the team's first selection in this year's draft.

KEVIN JONES UPDATE

Kevin Jones is running and even doing some cutting at full speed, he told the Detroit Free Press. Although he added that his left foot has not fully recovered following surgery last December, he still believes he will be healthy enough to play in Week 1.

BRONCOS RELEASE SAFTEY

As expected, the Broncos released backup safety Sam Brandon Thursday after he failed his physical. Brandon tore the ACL in his right knee in Week 9 last season, according to the Denver Post. He was also suspended two games earlier this month for violating the league's conduct policy. The suspension stemmed from a domestic violence arrest.

LJ, CHIEFS STILL "FAR APART"

As expected, Larry Johnson did not report to River Falls for the first day of the Chiefs training camp Thursday. Johnson wants a contract extension, but the Chiefs haven't made a new contract offer to the running back in almost two months, according to the Kansas City Star. "We're very far apart, but I can't tell you exactly how far apart we are because we haven't received an offer from them since June 1," said Alvin Keels, Johnson's agent. The Chiefs said they are waiting for Keels to to make what they believe is a more reasonable proposal before they submit a new offer.

STRAHAN MULLING RETIRMENT

Giants defensive end Michael Strahan did not show up for the start of training camp on Friday. The more shocking news, though, is that Strahan may opt to retire, general manager Jerry Reese tells the New York Daily News. Strahan has been advised to take a few days to think about his decision. He has expressed disappointment about his contract throughout the offseason.

NFL WIDE RECEIVER UPDATE

*Troy Williamson dropped the first pass thrown to him when the Vikings opened training camp on Friday. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the ball bounced right off Williamson's hands. However, it also noted that Williamson performed well overall.

*Bobby Wade is listed as the top of the Vikings wide receiver depth chart, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He is considered a definite starter, while Troy Williamson and Sidney Rice will battle over the second starting job.

*Giants head coach Tom Coughlin thinks wide receiver Plaxico Burress may be limited at the start of training camp, the New York Post reports. Burress underwent left ankle surgery in March and missed the June minicamp.

*Ted Ginn has reported to Dolphins camp ahead of owner Wayne Huizenga's deadline after agreeing to a six-year contract. According to the Miami Herald, the deal can void to five years, though financial terms were not immediately available. Ginn will be on the field for the team's first training camp practice on Saturday.

*The 49ers have signed receiver Jason Hill, their third-round selection out of Washington State. The Marin Independent Journal reports it is a four-year deal.

BILLS SIGN LYNCH

Running back Marshawn Lynch, the Buffalo Bills' first-round draft pick, agreed Thursday night to a five-year contract worth nearly $19 million, his agent told the Associated Press.

Drafted 12th overall out of California, Lynch will earn $10.285 million in guaranteed money including bonuses, with the entire contract worth $18.935 million. An additional year would be added to the contract if Lynch missed a majority of his first two seasons.

Drafted 12th overall out of California, Lynch will earn $10.285 million in guaranteed money including bonuses, with the entire contract worth $18.935 million. An additional year would be added to the contract if Lynch missed a majority of his first two seasons.

Buffalo drafted Lynch to replace former starter Willis McGahee, who was traded to Baltimore in March.

Source: USA Today

BOISE ST. STAR DEALING WITH RACIAL THREATS

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- The Boise State running back who scored the winning points in the Fiesta Bowl, then proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend on national television, says he has hired security for their wedding because of racial threats.

Ian Johnson, who is black, and Chrissy Popadics, who is white, are due to be married Saturday in Boise.

Since his Jan. 1 proposal, Johnson said, he has received phone calls, letters and some personal threats from people who object to their marriage plans.

"You take it for what it is -- the less educated, the less willing to change," Johnson, 21, of San Dimas, Calif., told the Idaho Statesman for its Tuesday editions. "But we're not acting like we're naive to all the stuff that's going on. We know what's been said. We're going to make sure we're safe at all times. It's an amazing day for us, and we'd hate to have it ruined by someone."

"It's really sad because a lot of people that are probably doing it are the same people who were cheering me on," Johnson said.

A Boise State football spokesman, Todd Miles, said Tuesday that Johnson hoped to put the matter behind him and did not want to discuss it further. Popadics' family said she was not available.

At the Fiesta Bowl, Johnson used a "Statue of Liberty" play to score the winning two-point conversion as underdog Boise State beat the Oklahoma Sooners 43-42 in overtime. The Broncos ended their season 13-0.

THIS JUST IN: BROWNS QB'S AREN'T GOOD

Will any of the Browns quarterbacks emerge as a consistent player? Charlie Frye is 6-12 as a starting quarterback, Derek Anderson is 0-3 and Brady Quinn is an untested hotshot rookie. So does it really matter which one claims the No. 1 position battle in camp? What's more important is that one of these guys develop into a consistent professional quarterback. Can you believe that Tim Couch still owns the best winning percentage of any Browns quarterback since expansion in 1999? That percentage is .3728. The Browns are not going anywhere until their starting quarterback proves capable of winning consistently. -- Plain Dealer

MANNING WILL HAVE "BIG YEAR" SAYS NYG COACH

In the six months Chris Palmer's worked with Eli Manning, he says he's seen enough to know that his newest student can be one of the good ones. "He's ready to have a big year," Palmer said of Manning. "I think our team is ready for a big year." For that to happen, Manning has to have picked up much of what he and Palmer worked on through the spring. When they first sat down to talk, Palmer said Manning had a list of six areas of his game he wanted to improve upon in his fourth NFL season, and Palmer had a few ideas as well. Palmer would admit to only one on Manning's list: throwing better while moving to his left. "All right-handed quarterbacks want to get better at that," Palmer said. -- Newsday

HOUSTON LEAVES JETS

Jets RB Cedric Houston left the team for "personal reasons," the Jets announced yesterday. According to someone close to Houston, "Football isn't a priority in (Houston's) life right now. He wants to take a couple of steps back and decide what he wants to do with his life." The person requested anonymity because he's not authorized to speak on the subject. -- Star-Ledger

BUCS WANT REFUND FROM PLUMMER

GM Bruce Allen said Thursday that Jake Plummer's failure to report will prompt the team to place him on the reserved/did not report list today, when the Bucs hold their first practice. From here, the Bucs could pursue a prorated amount of Plummer's signing bonus - believed to be about $7-million - though that process likely wouldn't begin until after the season starts. Still, the Bucs haven't closed the book on Plummer. Coach Jon Gruden revealed Thursday he traveled to Idaho for a face-to-face meeting after a minicamp in June, taking his wife, Cindy, with him. But while the Bucs are, on one hand, leaving the invitation open, they are showing signs of their intention to take a hard line with Plummer. "There are consequences to not reporting to camp," Allen said. "We will treat him like any other person that would hold out from our camp." -- St. Petersburg Times

RICE TO LIONS?

The Detroit Free Press reports it is unclear if the Detroit Lions would be interested in unrestricted free-agent DE Simeon Rice (Buccaneers), who hit the open market Thursday, July 26. He played significantly under Lions head coach Rod Marinelli while Marinelli served as the Buccaneers defensive line coach.

Insider Take: Rice could bolster a run defense that finished 21st in rush yards allowed, and a pass rush that finished 25th in sacks. However, they may not have enough salary cap room to offer Rice the kind of deal he's looking for.

JACOBS WILL SEE 'GIANT' WORKLOAD

Paul Schwartz, of the New York Post, reports New York Giants RB Brandon Jacobs will see a heavy workload during training camp. In past years, the team limited the work RB Tiki Barber would receive because they didn't want to wear him out. However, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride noted Jacobs will see more work because he needs to.

PATS' HARRISON: MOSS DIDN'T DROP ANY PASSES DURING PRACTICE

Associated Press reports New England Patriots S Rodney Harrison said WR Randy Moss has not lost a step. "He's fast, faster and fastest," Harrison said of his new teammate. Harrison noted Moss didn't drop a pass during summer practices and has been a mainstay next to him in the weight room.

Insider Take: Let's hope, especially for Randy Moss fantasy owners, that this sort of dedication and concentration carries over to the regular season. And if Harrison's evaluation is correct, Moss could really stretch the field and open up lanes for Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth. Tom Brady fantasy owners should be thrilled.

RAVENS SIGN ROOKIES GRUBBS, MCCLAIN

The Baltimore Ravens announced Friday, July 27, that they have agreed to terms with fourth-round draft pick FB Le'Ron McClain. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Baltimore Ravens announced Friday, July 27, that they have agreed to terms with first-round draft pick OL Ben Grubbs. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Source: KFFL

LIONS OWNER BACKS MILLEN

Owner William Clay Ford says Matt Millen's job has never been in jeopardy, even though the Lions have gone 24-72 since Millen became team president in 2001.

Ford admits his personal feelings for Millen may have clouded his judgment. But he thinks Millen has learned on the job and has finally found the right coach in Rod Marinelli, and that the Lions are on the verge of a turnaround.

"I'm usually optimistic anyway going in," Ford said Thursday after the Lions' first two practices of training camp. "But I think this year really will be a little bit special."

Ford said this season would be a yardstick, but there was "no magic number" of victories when it came to Millen's job security.

"We obviously have to show tremendous improvement," Ford said. "I think it'll be plainly visible to all of you whether or not we're making the progress I keep saying we're going to make or hoping we're going to make."

Ford said he sincerely believed Marinelli and the players meant what they said when they talked about the upcoming season. Marinelli has said he has high expectations. Quarterback Jon Kitna has said the Lions will win more than 10 games, and his teammates have backed him up.

Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Detroit Free Press

Insider Take: Living in Ann Arbor for the past three years, I've come to one conclusion about the Lions: they stink. And they always will. Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson make a great wideout-duo, but you can't get them the ball when your offensive line gives up 63 sacks.

And the last time I heard "tremendous improvement," it involved someone named Isiah. His team "improved" to just above .400 this season. That would translate to about 6-10 or 7-9 for the Lions. -- Brian Yu

SEATTLE'S ROOKIES ALL AT CAMP

If Josh Wilson is looking to make a good impression on his new employer, he certainly did Thursday.

The second-round draft pick signed a four-year contract and reported to team headquarters in Kirkland for training camp, on the very day the team expected all rookies to check in. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The signings of cornerback Wilson and defensive end Baraka Atkins, a fourth-round pick who agreed to terms earlier this week, ensured that the Seahawks had all of their draft picks (eight this year) under contract before the official start of camp for the first time since 2003.

Source: Jose Miguel Romero, The Seattle Times

RUSSELL NOT IN CAMP

Pro Bowl defensive end Derrick Burgess is reporting to camp for practice today, though he's not exactly thrilled. No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell isn't expected in town, though the coaching staff isn't panicking yet.

Russell reportedly wants a rookie-record contract that includes up to $30 million in guaranteed money. His agent, Eric Metz, is not commenting on contract negotiations.

The longer Russell is out, the less of a chance he has to compete for an opening-day starting job. Josh McCown, considered by team observers to be ahead of Andrew Walter at quarterback, figures to benefit most, and even he wants Russell in camp as soon as possible.

"It's huge," McCown said, "because these first few weeks, the practices that you get and the work you get, you never get back. Hopefully, it will get worked out to where everybody's happy and we can get him in here and get him working."

Source: David White, San Francisco Chronicle

Insider Take: Look for Josh McCown to start under center for the Raiders at the start of the season. But if things are looking bleak at their bye week in week 5, Russell could take over the reigns similar to Vince Young, Jay Cutler, and Matt Leinart last season.

LJ BEGINS HOLDOUT

Larry Johnson followed through on his threat to hold out from training camp when he and the Chiefs couldn’t agree on terms of a contract extension.

No surprise there. The revelation was that the Chiefs haven’t made a new contract offer to Johnson in almost two months.

“We’re very far apart, but I can’t tell you exactly how far apart we are because we haven’t received an offer from them since June 1,” said Alvin Keels, Johnson’s agent.

Source: Adam Teicher, The Kansas City Star

BUCS CUT RICE

Jake Plummer never showed up at the Bucs training camp headquarters Thursday. Neither did Daunte Culpepper. Simeon Rice showed, but he didn't stick around for very long.

Less than three hours after checking in at the Celebration Hotel, Rice was cut from the Bucs roster and forced to check out in a move that stunned many and left some players visibly disturbed.

The move came just a few hours after the Bucs set the stage for their action by signing rookie defensive end Gaines Adams, their 2007 first-round draft pick, to a six-year, $46 million contract. Adams was expected to work primarily behind Rice, who was coming off a season-ending left shoulder injury. However, Rice's departure means Adams will immediately step in as the starting right end.

As a result of the shoulder injury, Rice failed the team's training camp physical. He thus joined middle linebacker Shelton Quarles as veterans who have recently been released because of their inability to pass a physical.

Source: Roy Cummings, The Tampa Tribune

RETIRED MARTIN SETS GOALS ON OWNERSHIP

In the place of an emotional farewell to the game that’ll place him in the Hall of Fame in 2012 (his first year of eligibility) was a proud announcement of a new beginning for Martin.

Martin revealed that he’s leaving the game as a player to become an NFL owner. He said he’s “very close” to landing a piece of NFL ownership, but he had to be cryptic about the details regarding which team and with whom he’s involved because the negotiations are still ongoing.

“When you’ve been looking at me as a player,” said Martin, who throughout his playing career always said football was a means for something greater than 100-yard rushing performances and touchdown runs. “I’ve been looking at myself as an owner. I was a low-profile player, but I see myself as a high-profile owner. There’s always been a rhyme to my reason.”

Martin’s career is dotted with remarkable achievements, including finishing fourth on the all-time NFL rushing list with 14,101 yards and joining Barry Sanders as the only running backs in league history to rush for 1,000 or more yards in each of his first 10 seasons in the league.

He also walks away with this new beginning, one that also includes teaming with New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg in a program to reduce homelessness in New York.

Source: Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post

GOODELL REJECTS THURMAN'S REINSTATEMENT

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stayed true to his hard-line policy Thursday on players who run afoul of not only the law but also league policy.

Goodell denied the application for reinstatement by Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman, saying that he could apply to get back on the field after the 2007 season.

In essence, Thurman's suspension will stretch two years.

The potential blemish could have been Thurman's brush - albeit one in which he was not charged - that took place in early June in his hometown of Monticello, Ga. Two men filed a pre-warrant hearing application following an alleged altercation at a house party overnight June 2 and 3.

They alleged in the complaint that Thurman had committed acts of criminal trespass, aggravated assault and pointing a gun in the early-morning hours that Sunday at a house party in Monticello.

But the two men who made the complaint against Thurman withdrew it the day before a magistrate in Jasper County, Ga., was scheduled to hear it. No criminal charges were filed, but the NFL's security arm paid close attention.

Source: Mark Curnutee, Cincinnati Enquirer

TROY WILLIAMSON UPDATE

For those fans who are concerned about the Vikings wide receivers, coach Brad Childress looks for 2005 No. 1 draft choice Troy Williamson -- who caught a total of only 61 passes for 827 yards and two touchdowns in the past two seasons -- to really have a big season. The evaluation by Nike vision consultant Alan Reichow and the corrective drills given to Williamson have done wonders for the wide receiver, according to Childress. "There's a guy that's built a lot of equity in terms of really, in this offseason, learning how to be a pro, in terms of his work ethic and by any means necessary making himself better," Childress said. "And that's what I've seen from him. I just believe it will pay us back in spades as we go to the fall." -- Star Tribune

KOREN ROBINSON UPDATE

As his former teammates prepare for training camp, former Vikings receiver Koren Robinson isn't too far from Mankato. He's sitting in the Nicollet County Jail in St. Peter, just north of Mankato. The Nicollet County Sheriff's office confirmed to my colleague Tad Vezner that Robinson was admitted into the jail on July 18, and he is set to be released on Aug. 2. -- Pioneer Press

CRENNEL ON THE HOT SEAT

How secure is Romeo Crennel's job? Fair or not, Crennel is too old, having turned 60 on June 18, to generate much patience if his program stays below sea level a third straight year. No one from the Browns will pinpoint what Crennel must do to remain employed beyond '07. It gets tricky because Crennel and coordinators Rob Chudzinski and Todd Grantham all are signed through 2009. Bill Cowher, who turned 50 in May, Jeff Fisher, 49, Urban Meyer, 43, and Kirk Ferentz, 51, are names to keep under your hat. -- Canton Repository

AARON BROOKS TO PITT?

The Steelers appear set at quarterback with Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch, but that didn't stop them from meeting with free agent Aaron Brooks last week. Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert called the get-together "exploratory" for both sides. Brooks played for the Oakland last year but struggled - the Raiders didn't win any of the eight games he started. Pittsburgh appears to be an unlikely destination for Brooks, especially since Batch has proven to be such a reliable backup to Roethlisberger. -- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

RUSSELL HEADED FOR HOLD OUT?

No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell's agent, Eric Metz, continues to negotiate a deal with the Raiders that could secure up to a rookie-record $30 million in guaranteed money. Neither side is commenting on the talks. The Raiders are known for getting everyone signed by camp, but at least one team insider said a Russell holdout remains a possibility. Even when a contract is agreed upon, it still must go through lawyers and be approved by the league office -- a process that could take several days before Russell can practice. -- SF Chronicle

GIANTS GM SHOWS PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR TOMMY NAILS

The Giants didn't give Tom Coughlin a huge vote of confidence when they gave him a one-year contract extension in January. That only increased speculation that he was facing a "must-win year." And he is, according to new Giants GM Jerry Reese - just like everybody else in the league. "It's a must-win for everybody, not only for Tom," Reese said. "They don't give you a long grace period in the NFL. I don't care who you are. Marty Schottenheimer was (14-2 in San Diego) last year and that didn't work out for him. So it's not like Tom is the only one you can say 'It's a must-win season for him.' It's a must-win season for 32 coaches in the NFL." That was neither a pledge of support nor an indictment of the embattled coach who will open training camp at the University at Albany with a speech at a barbecue on campus this afternoon. It was more of an acknowledgment that this is a critical season for Coughlin despite his back-to-back playoff years. In the meantime, Reese is playing the role of Coughlin's biggest supporter. He wasn't the GM who hired him, but Reese is quick to insist that doesn't mean Coughlin isn't his guy. -- NY Daily News

DAUNTE CULPEPPER UPDATE

Maybe Daunte Culpepper will join the Bucs, after all. The word is that the Bucs encouraged Culpepper to make a decision by the time the team reports to training camp Thursday at Disney's Wide World of Sports. Culpepper's options appear to be dwindling and he doesn't have time to take the free agent tour. The Falcons, Jaguars and Rams have all said no to Culpepper. -- St. Petersburg Times

CLEMSON WR TRANSFERRING TO VANDY

Former Clemson wide receiver Andrew Diamonde has transferred to Vanderbilt and will have one season of eligibility remaining in 2008. Diamonde played sparingly for three years at Clemson and caught only three passes in 2006. However, Vanderbilt chose to accept him after watching practice tape of the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder. -- Nashville City Paper

DEL RIO COMMENTS ON QB

It's not that the Jaguars aren't interested in signing quarterback Daunte Culpepper. It just doesn't appear likely to happen, coach Jack Del Rio said.

On his radio show Tuesday, Del Rio explained that "it just doesn't seem like it's going to fit for us and for him," but added, "I wouldn't totally rule it [signing Culpepper] out."

Wednesday, Del Rio restated his position, in addition to expressing encouragement about the progress of Byron Leftwich and his comfort with the quarterbacks - Leftwich, David Garrard, Quinn Gray - already on the Jaguars' roster.

"At this point, it's unlikely [the team would sign Culpepper]," Del Rio said. "I doubt it's going to happen. It just doesn't seem like a good fit for whatever reason."

Del Rio didn't elaborate, adding that "Daunte already has several suitors out there. I've said all along that I like our quarterback situation, so we look forward to going to camp with the quarterbacks we have."

Del Rio made his initial comments about Culpepper during the season premiere of his local radio show in discussing the prospect of signing the quarterback and the Jaguars' work in trying to make it happen.

"We said we'd investigate it, and we have," Del Rio said. "... I'm just telling you that at this point he has other suitors out there, and we feel good about our quarterback situation with Byron Leftwich as our starter and David Garrard as our backup."

The Miami Dolphins recently released Culpepper, who acts as his own agent. He reportedly visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, and several other teams have shown interest, although the three-time Pro Bowl pick is returning from a knee injury that limited him to just four games with the Dolphins last season.

MOULDS BEAT OUT "FRED EX" FOR SPOT

The Titans reportedly tried out former Eagles WR Freddie Mitchell before opting to sign Eric Moulds, 34, on Thursday.

"Fred Ex" was passed over for a player many around the NFL seem to agree is close to done. He may want to take the Argonauts up on their offer after all.

FANTASY FOOTBALL RB UPDATE

Rehab has gone according to plan for Detroit Lions RB Kevin Jones, but his agent, Tony Fleming, said Jones would not be ready for hitting "any time soon." "He's definitely taking it slow," Fleming said. "The Lions are not rushing him back."

The Green Bay Packers have signed RB Brandon Jackson, the team's second-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signing Wednesday.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Perry is still rehabbing from surgery to repair a dislocated right ankle and is expected to miss at least the first six games of the season as he stays on the PUP list.

BRANDON JACOBS UPDATE

After running in the mid-4.5s at the 2005 NFL Combine, Brandon Jacobs is reportedly now running his forty-yard dash in the mid-4.4s.

This offseason, Jacobs worked with Eddie George, who told the Giants' new starter to lower his pads and create leverage. Similar advice from Stephen Davis helped Steven Jackson become more productive after first contact last year. Jacobs is going in the Rounds Three and Four of most fantasy drafts.

RAIDERS TO RID OF VETS?

Why did the Raiders release long snapper and center Adam Treu? Word has it that Treu -- an acknowledged team leader and very personable player -- did not get off on the "right foot" with coach Lane Kiffin's staff. He was cut loose despite being a personal favorite of owner Al Davis.

Remember this day. Treu, 33, will not be the last older player to be waived. Numerous NFL sources have suggested Kiffin, 32, wants to rid the team of players who are close to his age or older.

Kiffin, sources say, doesn't want players with influence who might threaten his authority.

So team leaders such as fullback Zack Crockett, 34, and -- yes, believe it -- defensive tackle Warren Sapp, 34, are in big trouble. Even if Sapp, who admirably dropped 49 pounds in six months, comes to camp looking like a Pro Bowler, he's probably wasting his time.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS UPDATE

Troy Brown, Kelley Washington, and Chad Jackson were among the eight players placed on the physically unable to perform list by the Patriots on Tuesday, according to the Boston Globe.

Richard Seymour was placed on the physically unable to perform list by the Patriots on Tuesday, reports the Boston Globe. Seymour is recovering from a knee injury and will not be able to participate in practice until he's removed from the PUP.

Laurence Maroney was a notable exclusion from the list of eight players placed on the physically unable to perform list by the Patriots on Tuesday. He has been severely limited in offseason workouts after undergoing shoulder surgery shortly after the 2006 season ended.

GINN STILL ABSENT

Ted Ginn missed the Dolphins first day of rookie camp on Tuesday, but the receiver is apparently not yet in danger of testing owner Wayne Huizenga's previous statement that any rookie that doesn't report to camp on time will be benched for the entire 2007 season. "Training camp officially starts on Friday," coach Cam Cameron told the Miami Herald.

GLENN MAKES IT OFFICIAL

Left tackle Tarik Glenn officially announced his retirement, ending a 10-year NFL career that included three trips to the Pro Bowl. "I began to feel like I was going through the motions," Glenn told the Indianapolis Star of his participation in the team's offseason workout program. "My passion and desires had begun to diminish and I began to heavily consider retirement." Glenn will be placed on the reserve-retired list, giving the team a roster exemption and $4.5 million in relief under the salary cap. However, according to the Star he won't immediately file his retirement papers with the league office, and team president Bill Poulian said the retirement "is not irrevocable."

DOLPHINS QB UPDATE

Trent Green is already in camp along with the Dolphins rookies, and so far he likes what he sees of second round draft pick John Beck. "He's got a great football mind," Green told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "He's committed, spends a lot of time studying… and he's done a great job of picking [the offense] up. And from a physical standpoint I'm real impressed with him. I didn't know that much about him, but he's got really good feet. He's disciplined with all his reads and he has a nice arm."

Coach Cam Cameron insists that veteran Trent Green has not yet been handed the starting job for the Dolphins. "As we work toward naming a starter, I'll make that announcement when my instincts tell me to make that announcement," Cameron told the Miami Herald. "Competition makes us all better… I think both [Green and Cleo Lemon] will benefit from the competition. When you have that situation, let it play out."

NFL NEWS & NOTES

*Laurence Maroney was a notable exclusion from the list of eight players placed on the physically unable to perform list by the Patriots on Tuesday. He has been severely limited in offseason workouts after undergoing shoulder surgery shortly after the 2006 season ended.

*Redskins director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer informs the Washington Post that all players are prepared for the start of training camp on Friday, including wide receiver Santana Moss. He spent the summer dealing with hip and groin issues.

*The Chiefs signed second-round pick Turk McBride to a three-year contract on Tuesday, according to the Kansas City Star.

*The Seahawks have signed defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, their third-round pick in April's draft. Terms of the deal have no been disclosed.

*The Giants placed safety Jason Bell on injured reserve on Wednesday. Hs aggravated a back injury during offseason workouts, the team's official web site reports.

*The Raiders released 10-year veteran long snapper Adam Treu on Tuesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "In the excellence of the Oakland Raiders over the last 10 years, Adam certainly made an indelible contribution," AL Davis said in a team release.

LSU STAND OUT HANGS'EM UP

LSU RB Alley Broussard, who had once been considered a top draft prospect, has announced that he is quitting football. Broussard though will remain in school and expects to graduate later this year. Broussard finished his career with over 1,500 career yards rushing and 18 TDs, but it could have been so much more. Broussard, in fact, started ahead of former Tiger Joseph Addai, Indianapolis’ #1 pick in 2006 who helped the Colts win the Super Bowl, but hurt a knee in 2005 and has barely played since.

Source: GBN Report

BRIGGS ENDS HOLD OUT, GETS $7.2M

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs, who'd threatened to sit out the season, agreed Wednesday to a one-year, $7.2 million deal with the Chicago Bears as the team's franchise player.

Briggs, who helped the Bears make the Super Bowl last season for the first time since 1985, had been unhappy when Chicago designated him as its franchise player. It meant he would get the average of the top five salaries at his position but restricted his ability to explore free agency because the Bears could match any offer.

Briggs earned $721,600 in the final season of his first NFL contract after he reportedly rejected a six-year, $33 million offer last spring.

At one point in the offseason Briggs told the Bears to remove the tag or trade him. A potential deal with the Redskins didn't materialize.

"I've played my last snap for them. I'll never play another down for Chicago again," Briggs said during the offseason.

Now, he will.

The Bears report to training camp Thursday at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, about 60 miles south of Chicago. The first practice is Friday and it wasn't clear Wednesday if Briggs would be present at the first workout.

Briggs skipped the team's offseason workouts and minicamp, but he was still on his teammates' minds. On the final day of drills this spring as players swapped numbers, teammate Brian Urlacher donned Briggs' No. 55.

Briggs made the Pro Bowl for a second time last season, recording a career-high 176 tackles with two interceptions and a fumble recovery while starting all 16 games for a third straight season. He had 117 solo tackles.

In March, the Bears tagged Briggs as their franchise player, prompting him to threaten a holdout, at first for the entire season and then for 10 games.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Briggs was the team's third-round draft choice out of Arizona in 2003 and has blossomed in coach Lovie Smith's version of the Cover 2 defense alongside Urlacher.

MOULDS FINDS NEW HOME

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with veteran receiver Eric Moulds on Wednesday, adding some needed experience to the roster for quarterback Vince Young.

"Eric is a proven and productive receiver in this league," general manager Mike Reinfeldt said in a statement. "He provides us a big target with sure hands and his veteran leadership is a valuable addition to our receiving corps."

The 11-year veteran spent 2006 with Houston after playing for Buffalo his first 10 seasons in the NFL. He has caught at least 67 passes in each of his last nine seasons, which is more than anyone caught for Tennessee in 2006.

With David Givens still recovering from a torn ACL, Moulds can help a receiving corps where Brandon Jones and Roydell Williams, a pair of draft picks going into their third season, currently are the projected starters.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Moulds has started 149 of his 170 career games and has 732 career receptions for 9,653 yards and 49 touchdowns. He needs 347 yards receiving to become the 26th player in NFL history with 10,000 career yards.

Assistant coach Fred Graves, hired by the Titans earlier this year to coach the receivers, worked with Moulds from 2001-03. Moulds had a career-best 100 catches and 10 touchdowns in 2002.

MOON AVOIDS SERIOUS CHARGE

KIRKLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon was charged with negligent driving and avoided charges on drunken driving.

A spokesman for the King County prosecutor said Wednesday that Moon tested below the legal limit in the hours following his arrest for investigation on April 6.

According to a report from the state toxicology laboratory included in the county's complaint filed Tuesday, Moon registered blood alcohol levels of .068 and .067 hours after his early morning arrest near Seahawks headquarters in this Seattle suburb, below the .08 legal limit.

Spokesman Dan Donohoe said Moon was scheduled for arraignment on Aug. 6 in King County district court in Redmond, Wash. The maximum punishment for first-degree negligent driving is 90 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000, though Donohoe said first-time offenders do not usually get jail time.

According to the complaint, a Washington State Patrol trooper stopped Moon in downtown Kirkland at about 2 a.m. for traveling an estimated 15 mph over the posted limit of 35.

The trooper reported smelling "a very strong odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle" and said Moon was driving with two female passengers "who appeared to be extremely intoxicated ... (Moon) had bloodshot and watery eyes and a pale glossy face." The officer reported Moon acknowledged having "about four beers throughout the evening."

Moon, 50, starred for most of his NFL career with the Houston Oilers and played briefly for the Seahawks, for whom he is currently a color analyst on radio broadcasts. He was voted most valuable player in Washington's victory in the 1978 Rose Bowl.

RETURN OF THE PRIEST

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that RB Priest Holmes (head, neck) has informed the team that he intends to report to training camp. Holmes has passed a physical and has been cleared to begin activities with the club. Chiefs' president Carl Peterson said Holmes may be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list initially to gauge his football conditioning and see how he feels after non-contract drills.

DUNN TO MISS SIX WEEKS

Chris Mortensen, of ESPN, reports, according to Ed Werder, of ESPN, Atlanta Falcons RB Warrick Dunn (herniated disk) had surgery over the weekend to repair a herniated disc. ESPNews reports Dunn is expected to miss six weeks.

RAVENS SIGN FOUR ROOKIES INCLUDING TROY SMITH

Former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith was one of four rookies the Baltimore Ravens signed to three-year contracts Tuesday.

The defending AFC North champions also signed University of Maryland offensive tackle Jared Gaither, who was a fifth-round supplemental pick. Yamon Figurs was also signed as a wide receiver and return specialist, and linebacker Prescott Burgess was also signed, the team said.

The Ravens hope that by the time training camp begins Sunday at McDaniel College in Westminster they also will have signed first-round guard Ben Grubbs and fullback Le'Ron McClain.

Source: AP News

SAINTS SIGN ROOKIE WR MEACHEM

The last thing wide receiver Robert Meachem wanted to do was show up late for the start of New Orleans Saints training camp.

Since the draft, Meachem had to lose a few pounds and suffered a minor knee injury that cost him time in the team's offseason program. To get his career off to a good start, Meachem reached agreement on a five-year contract with New Orleans that allows him to report to training camp on time.

Meachem agreed Tuesday morning to the deal, which could max out at $11.3 million. Included in it is $5.71 million in guaranteed money. The contract and the guarantees came in at more than eight percent better than the 27th pick in last year's NFL draft.

Meachem becomes the fifth first-round draft pick to agree to a deal. His signing enables the Saints to enter training camp with all of their draft choices under contract. The Steelers and Chargers also signed their draft class before the openings of their camps.

"It has been a priority for us to get all of our picks signed and have them available from day one," general manager Mickey Loomis said, according to The Associated Press. "Robert has worked hard since he joined our team and we expect more of that to come in training camp and beyond."

The plan for the Saints is to develop Meachem along with Marques Colston as the team's top receiving duo. Meachem comes to the Saints with size and speed. Colston was a seventh-round surprise who played like a Rookie of the Year last season.

Starting Wednesday, Meachem can start catching up with quarterback Drew Brees and establishing an on-the-field relationship.

Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com

Insider Take: The Saints have a very promising, albeit young, wide receiver corps: Devery Henderson, 25; Colston, 24; Meachem, 22; and Terrance Copper, 25. Henderson did well stepping up in Colston's injury absence, especially in Weeks 11 and 12, in which Henderson compiled 169 and 158 rec. yards respectively. We'll see if he can deliver on a consistent basis and relieve some of the double-team pressure off of Colston.

But with the speed, size, and skill of the aforementioned four WRs, coupled with Reggie Bush's receiving skills, Drew Brees could have a field day in the air. Their first real test of the season will come right away in Week 1 when they visit the #2 pass defense from last year, who also double up as reigning Super Bowl champs. After that, 9 of their next 15 opponents finished 2006 in the bottom half of pass defense. -- Brian Yu

LANE KIFFIN DOESN'T LIKE OLD PEOPLE?

Why did the Raiders release long snapper and center Adam Treu? Word has it that Treu -- an acknowledged team leader and very personable player -- did not get off on the "right foot" with coach Lane Kiffin's staff. He was cut loose despite being a personal favorite of owner Al Davis.

Remember this day. Treu, 33, will not be the last older player to be waived. Numerous NFL sources have suggested Kiffin, 32, wants to rid the team of players who are close to his age or older.

Kiffin, sources say, doesn't want players with influence who might threaten his authority.

So team leaders such as fullback Zack Crockett, 34, and -- yes, believe it -- defensive tackle Warren Sapp, 34, are in big trouble. Even if Sapp, who admirably dropped 49 pounds in six months, comes to camp looking like a Pro Bowler, he's probably wasting his time.

Source: Nancy Gay, San Francisco Chronicle

HAGGANS LOOKING FOR EXTENSION

A day after the Steelers signed Troy Polamalu to a five-year contract extension, linebacker Clark Haggans said he remains hopeful that he can work out a deal with the organization. Haggans, 30, is in the final year of his contract. He is slated to start at left outside linebacker, but the Steelers may opt to let him leave as a free agent after this season since they also have rookie LaMarr Woodley at the position. Woodley, a second-round draft pick, has impressed the Steelers with his physical play and his ability to pick things up.

"Hopefully something will get worked out," Haggans said. "I don't want to go anywhere. I love it here."

Source: Scott Brown, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

BULGER AND RAMS STILL NEGOTIATING

Marc Bulger's agent, Tom Condon, spent most of Tuesday morning in a negotiating session here with Jay Zygmunt, the Rams' president of football operations-general manager.

It was the latest in a series of meetings aimed at a contract extension for Bulger, the Rams' Pro Bowl quarterback. Before Tuesday's session, the parties had met at the NFL owners meetings in March in Phoenix, last month in St. Louis and two weeks ago in Los Angeles.

Zygmunt rarely comments on continuing negotiations. When asked about an extension for Bulger on Tuesday, his only reply was: "I just want to reaffirm that it's our No. 1 priority right now. That's really what it is."

Zygmunt declined to divulge any details of the team's contract proposal, but it is believed that the Rams have offered Bulger a contract that would place him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league and make him the highest-paid player in Rams franchise history.

Condon did not return phone messages Tuesday from the Post-Dispatch.

Bulger has a year remaining on a front-loaded, four-year, $19.1 million contract. He received $9 million to sign, and last season earned $5,123,000 in base salary. Bulger's base salary is scheduled to drop to $3.95 million this season.

Among the salaries of NFL quarterbacks scheduled to start this season, that $3.95 million is the 11th-highest figure.

Bulger created a stir during a radio interview earlier this month when he wouldn't rule out the possibility of a holdout without a new contract. Bulger subsequently said through a spokesman that the comments were blown out of proportion.

With or without an extension, the Rams expect Bulger to be on hand Thursday when players report to training camp.

Source: Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

DEL RIO: JAGS DON'T WANT OR NEED CULPEPPER

The Jaguars may be out of the running for free agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

Speaking on the season debut of The Jack Del Rio Show last night on WOKV, the head coach said that the Jaguars weren't negotiating with Culpepper.

"We said we'd investigate it and we have," Del Rio said. "My gut is it's not going to be a fit for us and for him."

The biggest sticking point seems to be that Culpepper wants to be the starter, and as the Jaguars have been saying all along, he would come to Jacksonville as a backup to Byron Leftwich.

"I think it's all about a player and a team finding common ground," Del Rio said. "I'm just telling you that at this point he has other suitors out there and we feel good about our quarterback situation with Byron Leftwich as our starter and David Garrard as our backup."

The Jaguars have been more public in their interest of Culpepper than any other team in the NFL. The Ocala native visited Tampa Bay last week, and there was one unconfirmed report that he visited the Jaguars. Culpepper still must prove that he's ready to play. His knee hasn't been tested on the field since playing in just four games last years for the Dolphins.

Source: Cole Pepper, WOKV Sports

RAMS SIGN ROOKIE RB LEONARD, WILL SEE PT

Running back Brian Leonard, who figures to be the Rams' top backup behind Pro Bowler Steven Jackson this season, agreed to terms on a four-year contract Tuesday. The contract's details weren't available. Leonard, a second-round draft pick out of Rutgers, is expected to sign the deal sometime today.

Leonard figures to be a valuable and versatile role player as an NFL rookie, so it was important to coach Scott Linehan and his staff that he not miss any time absorbing his first pro offense.

Besides being a core player on special teams, Leonard occasionally will substitute for Jackson in the backfield, see some duty in third-down situations and see some action at fullback, although returning fullback Madison Hedgecock will do most of the "heavy lifting" when the Rams use a lead blocker.

"It's important for all rookies to be in camp, but it's especially true for Brian because we have big plans for him in terms of his specific role," Linehan said.

The sooner Leonard grasps the offense, the quicker he can step into his role, which Linehan said might amount to 15 plays or so a game from scrimmage.

Source: Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Insider Take: For all you Stephen Jackson fans and fantasy owners, no need to panic. In fact, if Leonard comes on as a viable offensive option, it may open up the field for Jackson. He may steal some of Jackson's receiving stats but the rushing yards and touchdowns should all be there again. -- Brian Yu

BRIGGS & BEARS NEAR DEAL

At one point, Lance Briggs said he would never play for the Chicago Bears again.

That stance may be a thing of past.

The Chicago Tribune reported that as of Tuesday night, there were strong indications the two sides were coming close to an agreement that would end a messy contract dispute and land Briggs in training camp on time.

According to the paper, Briggs' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the Bears have continued to negotiate even after the July 16 deadline for working out long-term contracts with franchise players. After a visit to Halas Hall last month, Rosenhaus said he had made some creative proposals to the team. But due to league rules, the sides can only agree to a one-year deal after the deadline.

The paper reported that one option was paying Briggs up front a large portion of the $7.2 million one-year contract the team tendered -- that would serve as a smaller signing bonus.

The Bears also have reportedly offered to rescind the franchise tag on Briggs for 2008 if he agrees to end the contract stalemate.

Reached by the newspaper on Tuesday night, Briggs declined to comment. But a teammate told the paper that Briggs had decided to sign and avoid a holdout.

Source: ESPN.com

PATRIOTS PUP UPDATES

Defensive lineman Richard Seymour and wide receiver Troy Brown headline a list of eight players placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list by the Patriots yesterday.

Players on the PUP list cannot participate in practice, and are generally at different stages of their rehabilitations. Both Seymour and Brown are recovering from knee injuries.

Others on the list are tight end David Thomas, receivers Kelley Washington and Chad Jackson, running back Justise Hairston, safety Mel Mitchell, and cornerback Eddie Jackson.

Thomas is recovering from a broken foot sustained in the offseason program, while Chad Jackson (ACL), Mitchell (biceps), and Eddie Jackson (ACL) are working their way back from injuries suffered last season.

If players remain on the PUP list by the final roster cutdown Sept. 1, they must stay on it for at least the first six weeks of the regular season.

Seymour, the highest-profile player on the list, was also on PUP at the start of 2006 training camp. He ended up missing 13 practices before suiting up for his first workout.

Source: Mike Reiss, The Boston Globe

DOWN IN MIAMI, GREEN V. LEMON

The Dolphins don't need to know that Trent Green will be their starting quarterback this year. Not yet. Not when there is a benefit to milking a quarterback competition that has already been decided by everyone but Cam Cameron.

Cameron on Tuesday opened Miami's rookie training camp -- the prelude to the full-fledged training camp -- by announcing he had no announcement for anyone wanting to know about the team's most important position.

Cameron is refusing to say Green is his starter and instead plans to let the 14th-year veteran split training-camp snaps with journeyman Cleo Lemon until one wins the job outright.

A critic could label Cameron's stance as a poorly disguised farce because most everyone figures Green will win the quarterback competition one way or another.

How could he not?

If Green doesn't start, it would mean the team made a huge mistake in acquiring him from the Chiefs this offseason. It would mean the Dolphins are reliving the A.J. Feeley debacle, giving away valuable draft picks for a starting quarterback that didn't earn the job.

It would mean Cameron would have to convince fans he improved Miami's quarterback position for 2007 by promoting the player who started 2006 as the No. 3 quarterback.

"Competition makes us all better," Cameron said. "It makes you better, me better. I think both those guys will benefit from the competition. When you have that situation, let it play out."

It will play out but Green has such clear advantages over Lemon. The matchup seems so one-sided that if this were an old-fashioned duel, Lemon would be wielding a knife to Green's assault rifle.

But . . .

"I'm not going to sell Cleo short," Cameron insists.

So Green and Lemon will compete starting Friday. They will compete in practice, in preseason games, even in meetings, according to Cameron.

Source: Armando Salguero, Miami Herald

Insider Take: Barring injury, look for Green to win the QB "competition" easily. But consider the Dolphins had Brady Quinn available with the 9th overall pick and passed on the Notre Dame QB in lieu of WR Ted Ginn, Jr. The Dolphins could have still acquired Green, after drafting Quinn, as a veteran safety net to ease Quinn into the starting role. A Green/Quinn duo could have worked out much like Warner/Leinart in Arizona. But that's all hindsight. -- Brian Yu

ROETHLISBERGER LOOKING GOOD

Healthy, motivated and arguably in the best shape of his life, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger appears poised for a big season.

Early signs may point to a new and improved Roethlisberger, but offensive tackle Max Starks isn't quite buying into Roethlisberger 2.0.

"I think he'll come back to normalcy more than having a big year," Starks said Tuesday.

Translation: Roethlisberger will play like the quarterback who won 27 of his first 31 starts and stamped himself as a rising star, not the one who threw the most interceptions in the NFL last season.

The Steelers' struggles in 2006 mirrored that of Roethlisberger. Their rebounding after going 8-8 and missing the playoffs depends largely on Roethlisberger -- and, specifically, his showing he is a franchise quarterback, not one who merely benefited from the system his first two years in the league.

There were some reasons, well-documented and mitigating, that led to Roethlisberger's subpar season.

It will never be known how much of a role the cumulative effect of the trauma Roethlisberger suffered played in his regression. But he never seemed comfortable in 2006, and at times, he might have tried too hard to prove himself, to show his becoming the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl was no fluke.

He forced his share of throws and ended up tossing 23 interceptions.

Roethlisberger, 25, appears intent on gaining the trust of his teammates by doing things such as starting his workout regimen a couple of weeks instead of a couple of months after the season -- he attributes that to his arriving at training camp in as good a shape as he's been -- and joining those who block for him in a show of leadership.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

BEARS INK TILLMAN THROUGH 2013

Charles Tillman is in the fold for the long term, but Lance Briggs isn't.

Are the two connected, or is it business as usual for the Bears?

Tillman agreed Tuesday to a six-year contract extension that will keep him in place through 2013. The deal for the cornerback, who was scheduled to make $3.545 million this season, calls for $38 million in new money, $18.5 million of which is guaranteed. With Nathan Vasher's five-year, $28 million extension in June, the deal secures the secondary.

Tillman, who had offseason back surgery but has been fully cleared to take part in the Bears' first practice Friday, said he is hoping for a positive resolution to the Briggs situation.

Briggs has yet to agree to play for the franchise tag of $7.206 million, and with roughly $13 million coming to Tillman in the first year of his deal, it's worth considering whether the Bears still are committed to paying Briggs that much for one year. There's the salary cap of $109 million, then a budget the team works within. In terms of committed cash, the Bears didn't rank among the top 25 last season.

In keeping Tillman, the Bears ensure that they will continue to have one of the strongest secondaries in the league. His size -- 6-1 and 196 pounds -- enables him to match up with bigger receivers, and his combination of size and speed might have made him the top corner on the open market in March.

Source: Brad Biggs, Chicago Sun-Times

GAINES ADAMS AND BUCS NEAR DEAL

The Buccaneers and rookie Gaines Adams are close to reaching a contract agreement. General manager Bruce Allen and Adams' agent exchanged contract proposals on Saturday and were close enough that the two sides expect to hammer out a deal this week, according to Monday's St. Petersburg Times. The Bucs selected Adams with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft.

TED GINN CLOSE TO DEAL WITH FINS

Ted Ginn is close to finalizing a contract with the Dolphins as the team's first-year players report for the start of training camp this week. According to the Miami Herald, Ginn and his agent are believed to be very close on an agreement, with both sides reportedly agreeing on the main terms of a deal.

DOLPHINS INK BECK

Second-round draft pick John Beck agreed to terms with the Dolphins on a four-year contract late Sunday night, according to the Miami Herald. Terms of the deal were not released.

TIM DWIGHT PUP

The Jets placed Tim Dwight on the physically-unable-to-perform list on Monday, according to the AP. The moves means he will practice and participate in team meetings with the Jets when training camp opens Friday, but he could be added to the active roster at any time.

BENSON LOOKING GOOD

Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson has looked better as a receiver out of the backfield during off-season workouts than some had expected, leading to speculation that Benson could potentially see even more snaps in the backfield in the regular season.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

CROYLE #1 ON CHIEFS DEPTH CHART?

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle appears to be the front-runner for the team's starting quarterback job in 2007, ahead of quarterback Damon Huard, according to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star.

The Chiefs are publicly promoting competition at the position, but all indications from offseason practices are that Croyle will be the starter. He capably handled everything the Chiefs threw at him. Coach Herm Edwards' decision will be telling. "I'm just like everybody else," wide receiver Eddie Kennison said. "I want to know who it's going to be."

Source: Adam Teicher, Kansas City Star

Inside Take: The Chiefs are openly rebuilding and 24-year old Croyle would seem like the logical choice in their youth movement, as opposed to 34-year old Huard. But also keep an eye on the Larry Johnson situation. Whether or not LJ is in uniform could affect who Herm Edward's decides to put under center. Having a healthy, and happy, LJ in the backfield would make Croyle's life much easier. -- Brian Yu

GIANTS CUT WR WATTS

The New York Giants cut WR Darius Watts on Friday. A former second-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2004 who caught 31 passes for 385 yards as a rookie, he spent part of last year on the practice squad before being activated for the season finale. He suffered what was believed to be a knee injury during OTAs and missed most of the team's veteran mini-camp.

Source: Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News

BROWNS C BENTLEY CLEARED TO PLAY

Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley passed his physical in New York Monday morning and has been cleared by his surgeon to resume football. Browns GM Phil Savage said last week that Bentley must also pass the Browns' physical by team physician Dr. Anthony Miniaci and perhaps one by a third doctor before being cleared to practice. But Bentley feels that Dr. Warren's blessing should be sufficient and that he'll report to training camp with the veterans on July 27. "I'm excited," said Bentley, "It's the next step toward getting back on the field."

Source: Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain Dealer

MCCARDELL AGREES WITH TEXANS

Veteran WR Keenan McCardell has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans. The Redskins had some serious interest in him, but only at the right price, which was the veterans minimum. It is a good fit, as the wideout makes his home in Houston.

Source: Jason La Confora, Washington Post

KITNA STILL THINKS LIONS WILL WIN 10 GAMES

During the offseason, Detroit Lions QB Jon Kitna predicted a 10 win season for his team during their 2007 campaign. As the Lions are set to open training camp later this week, Kitna is sticking by his guns saying, "We're just raising expectations." While he understands people's skepticism, but remains firm in his belief of a winning
season saying, "I guess that's kind of what you expect. Around here, it's been bad for a lot of years. I don't feel like the past has any bearing on what's going to happen."

Source: Mike O'Hara, The Detroit News

Insider Take: Even with the addition of Calvin Johnson, I don't believe the Lions will come close to winning 10 games. Their defense will have to improve dramatically from last season to even have an outside shot at winning 8 games; they gave up 24.9 pts/game and 345.6 yds/game, 30th and 28th in the NFL respectively.

10 STORYLINES TO WATCH ENTERING CAMP

1. Can the Colts repeat?

Tony Dungy's team has a shot if Peyton Manning remains healthy, but everyone's favorite huckster might have his head on a swivel this season if offensive tackle Tarik Glenn, who has protected Manning for 151 games, is serious about retirement. Good thing they drafted Tony Ugoh in the second round, but who really wants a rookie guarding the team's jewels? Unlike most Super Bowl winners, though, nobody is picking them to repeat because New England found all this offensive firepower for Tom Brady. If Glenn hangs up his cleats, the Colts will worry about replacing him and the loss of three secondary players and linebacker Cato June. The secondary should take care of itself because Dungy can coach up that position better than most.

2. Will some new quarterbacks save the day?

There are exactly 14 teams who enter camp with a penciled-in starter who wasn't No. 1 this time a year ago. For example, Denver is now Jay Cutler's team and Matt Leinart is the hope now in Arizona. Miami is now Trent Green's team and Matt Schaub, the guy Atlanta traded away, is Gary Kubiak's solution in Houston. There is no doubt that Jeff Garcia will get Tampa Bay off to a fast start, considering how ugly Chris Simms played early last season. Jon Gruden loves Garcia, who is a much better fit for his offense. There wasn't a more exciting player than Vince Young last December and now Tennessee has him as a full-time starter. I'm not sure JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn will save the day in Oakland and Cleveland, respectively, but they should make these annual losers a little more interesting.

3. Is this Bill Belichick's final season in New England?

Whether or not this is Belichick's final contractual season with the Patriots, why would he want to leave the Patriots? Belichick loves Cape Cod and the New England countryside and the Patriots are coming off one of their best off-seasons. Tom Brady turns 30 next month and his stable of receivers includes Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth. The defense now has a super playmaker in ex-Baltimore linebacker Adalius Thomas to go with old reliable Richard Seymour. The lone hiccup for Belichick is Asante Samuel's contract. OK, if Belichick was a free agent he would command a large salary. But does he really want to work for Dan Snyder? Bob Kraft is a great owner and he'll pay Belichick whatever he wants, I'm sure. The other rumored destination for Belichick is the New York Giants. Yes, solid ownership there, but he would be swapping Brady for Eli Manning or a quarterback to be named later. That doesn't sound like any bargain.

4. Did Wade Phillips make the right move?

Phillips jumped at the opportunity to be a head coach again and that's why he's in Dallas instead of coaching the Chargers. In one of the weirdest off-season developments, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones rejected Norv Turner for defensive guru Phillips and Turner's consolation prize was San Diego. Turner won't say it for the record but he's much happier with LaDainian Tomlinson than Tony Romo. Now, Phillips has Turner disciple Jason Garrett fully prepared to make Romo the next whatever, but Philip Rivers still may be a tad better. And with Jones investing so much in his new 100,000-seat stadium, there actually may be more pressure on Phillips than on Turner. If Phillips and the Cowboys aren't a dynamic playoff team, the coach could be one and done. Turner might be in the same boat, but at least he has better talent.

5. Romeo Crennel or Tom Coughlin: who walks the plank first?

Both of these head coaches are in trouble. Crennel's seat is hotter right now because Bill Cowher is available, plus the ex-Steeler coach will be analyzing his performance for CBS. Coughlin has the better team, but he's also minus Tiki Barber, who will replaced by Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns. Crennel definitely has more excuses because he'll have to play more rookies than Coughlin. The only thing that can save Coughlin is if Eli Manning performs like big brother Peyton. And what are the odds of that happening? Jack Del Rio better win, too.

6. What first-year head coach could be a disaster this season?

Well, Bobby Petrino probably wasn't counting on this Mike Vick mess in Atlanta. In Miami, Cam Cameron has tied his career to Trent Green, who looked awfully fragile late last season in Kansas City. And in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin is no Cowher. Everyone is impressed with Petrino, the guy who should have been coaching the Raiders last season. But if he's not going to have Vick this season, he might be better off losing as many games as possible in order to put him in line to draft his old Louisville quarterback, Brian Brohm, in '08. Cameron may have his quarterback, but Nick Saban is no dummy and he couldn't fix the Dolphins, who could finish fourth in the division. Tomlin has the most upside and, luckily, he works for owners who aren't knee-jerk fellows.

7. Will the 49ers and Cardinals actually make some noise?

This is Mike Nolan's third season in San Francisco and his club was aggressive during the off-season with the signing of Buffalo cornerback Nate Clements and having another solid draft. Nolan has his players now, but the entire key is whether former No. 1 pick Alex Smith jumps to the next quarterback level. The 49ers should be much better on defense, plus they have Frank Gore locked up. But the Cardinals might make more noise in the NFC West, a division owned by Seattle lately. Leinart has more moxie than Smith and seems to be a natural leader and new coach Ken Whisenhunt knows quite a bit about offensive football. Arizona appears to have the edge right now.

8. Will this be the summer of holdouts?

Well, everyone knows that Lance Briggs is unhappy in Chicago and Samuel in New England. After losing so much of his wealth to his ex-wife, Giants defensive end Michael Strahan isn't keen on earning $4 million this season. But the Giants aren't interested in giving Strahan a penny more, considering his injuries lately. A lot of the game's best pass rushers want Dwight Freeney money, but the only way to get $30 million in guaranteed money is to reach free-agency. The biggest headache probably will be Kansas City running back Larry Johnson, who wants more than double what the Chiefs are offering in bonus money. Johnson is the franchise there and he knows it. Plus, he has never been the most reasonable of players. Herm Edwards won't be able to sweet talk L.J. into playing for less than LaDainian Tomlinson.

9. Who will be the most productive rookie?

My money is on Buffalo's Marshawn Lynch, who will be given every opportunity to resemble Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas. If Dick Jauron's plan works, Lynch will touch the ball 350 times this season as a runner and receiver. But the favorites have to be Calvin Johnson in Detroit and Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. What worries me, though, is that Johnson will have to share the ball in Detroit with Roy Williams and Mike Furrey while Minnesota head coach Brad Childress has to break out of last season's funk to ensure that Peterson's talents aren't wasted.

10. Are the Saints really better than the Bears?

Offensively, New Orleans is light years ahead of Chicago because of Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Sean Payton, a truly innovative play caller. The Saints aren't bad on defense, but their schedule is tougher than Chicago's even if Mike Vick is sidelined for the season. Everyone would take Brees over Rex Grossman and until Grossman can close that gap, the Saints have the best chance to reach the Super Bowl from the NFC side. The only guy who can alter that prediction is Donovan McNabb. If the Eagles quarterback plays like he did in 2004, Philadelphia has a real shot of messing with a Chicago-New Orleans NFC title rematch.

Source: John Czarnecki, FOXSports.com

CHARGERS SIGN DRAFT CHOICES

Receiver Craig Davis agreed to a five-year contract on Monday, just the second time since 2001 that the San Diego Chargers' top draft pick will be in training camp on time.

Rookies and selected veterans are due to report Tuesday, with their first practice on Wednesday. The rest of the veterans report on Friday, with the first full-squad practice on Saturday.

Also Monday, linebacker Anthony Waters (third round), tight end Legedu Naanee (fifth round) and linebacker Brandon Siler (seventh round) agreed to four-year deals, as did cornerback Paul Oliver, who was taken in the fourth round of the supplemental draft.

Tight end Scott Chandler, a fourth-round pick, signed a four-year contract in June.

Safety Eric Weddle, acquired when the Chargers moved up in the second round, remained the team's only draft pick who hadn't agreed to terms.

Davis was the 30th overall pick in the April draft. He started 25 of 44 games at LSU, catching 141 passes for 2,107 and seven touchdowns.

He could become the go-to guy on the Chargers' young, undistinguished receiving corps. Keenan McCardell was cut after his production dropped, and neither McCardell nor the other opening day starter, Eric Parker, had a touchdown catch last season.

Source: CBS Sportsline

TALKS WITH CALVIN JOHNSON STALLING?

The Lions continued contract negotiations Monday with their first five draft picks, hoping to have deals done before players report to training camp Wednesday and practice begins Thursday morning.

But it is unclear if everyone will be in on time. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the No. 2 pick overall, seems especially unlikely to make it.

"We're starting to get a sense of where the market is," Lions chief operating officer Tom Lewand said. "We feel good about the offers we've made to date, and I think we'll keep aggressively moving to get things wrapped up."

The Lions haven't had a lengthy holdout in a decade. But they could have one with Johnson.

Oakland didn't work out a deal with quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 pick overall, before the draft. Negotiations are reportedly moving slowly, and the Raiders report to camp two days after the Lions do.

If Russell's negotiations drag on, Johnson's could, too. Johnson's agent, Bus Cook, might want to wait for Russell to sign first and set the market. He could argue his client deserves No. 1 money because, though he went No. 2, he was widely considered the best player in the draft.

Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Detroit Free Press

BURGESS WANTS NEW DEAL

Oakland lived through the disruptions that wide receiver Jerry Porter caused last season. This season, they could come from Oakland defensive end Derrick Burgess, who is none too happy about how he feels the way the Raiders treated him during his offseason requests for a new contract.

Burgess met with the Raiders in April and was told he would be given an answer in two weeks. In June, after he hadn't heard from his employer, Burgess called the Raiders again and was told they would not be restructuring or extending his contract.

Burgess is scheduled to make $2.5 million this season, despite leading the league in sacks the past two years. He still has three years remaining on a five-year contract he signed with the Raiders in 2005. Burgess believes he should be paid like one of the game's top pass rushers. Oakland believes Burgess signed his name on a contract.

Each side believes it has its point, but one is undeniable. With all the big money being showered on top-flight pass rushers such as Dwight Freeney and Joey Porter, Burgess wants his.

Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com

BULGER WANTS NEW DEAL

St. Louis and its quarterback, Marc Bulger, would like to agree to a new deal before training camp kicks off. In an effort to make it happen, Bulger's representative, Tom Condon, is scheduled to be in St. Louis on July 24.

The two sides aren't close enough to think a deal could happen yet.

But that's what face-to-face talks are for. They are designed to bridge the gap that exists between the sides.

Last week, Rams coach Scott Linehan expressed optimism a deal would be brokered. Bulger also would like to see one done. But there still remains plenty of work, enough so that no one can be sure if the Rams quarterback will land the deal he wants.

Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com

CURTIS MARTIN TO RETIRE SOON

The time for one of the greatest Jets of all to say goodbye has come.

Curtis Martin will officially announce his retirement within the next two days, The Post has learned.

The Jets are expected to make Martin's retirement official with a formal announcement before training camp begins.

All players are due to report to Weeb Ewbank Hall on Thursday, with two-a-day practice sessions beginning Friday, meaning the likely day for his ceremonial final run is tomorrow.

The time and place for Martin's formal goodbye has yet to be finalized, but it probably will take place in Manhattan.

He ends his career as the Jets' all-time leading rusher with 10,302 yards. Ironically, at the age of 31, Martin won his first NFL single-season rushing title with a career-best 1,697 yards.

Martin will be known as much for his prolific rushing yards and legendary toughness - only four missed games in the first 10 years of his career - as he will for being one of the classiest athletes ever to grace the New York market.

Source: Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post

CHARGERS STANDING PAT FOR 2007

Even as the Chargers prepare to begin training camp this week with a new head coach – the first NFL team to do so after a 14-2 season – fans have been less concerned with what is new than with what is not.

The Chargers are the only NFL team not to sign a veteran free agent this offseason.

Fellow AFC contenders Denver and New England were busy. The Broncos went nuts, adding nine veterans, including cornerback Dre' Bly. The Patriots made news all offseason, especially with their draft-weekend trade for receiver Randy Moss.

The Chargers lost just four starters from last season – Donnie Edwards, Randall Godfrey, Keenan McCardell and Terrence Kiel. Edwards and Kiel had long not been a part of the '07 plans, and McCardell and Godfrey were starters in name only by the end of last season.

And the Chargers are extremely pleased with the people they have.

The Sporting News ranked teams by position this offseason and determined the Chargers have the best running backs and tight ends in the AFC, were second-best at guard, center and linebacker and third at defensive end and offensive tackle.

Scouts Inc., which ranked each team by position for ESPN.com, said the Chargers have the NFL's best running backs, tight ends, linebackers and offensive line.

STRAHAN MIGHT...REPORT TO CAMP...HOLDOUT?

Michael Strahan almost certainly will report to training camp with the rest of his Giants teammates on Friday morning.

Probably ... at least, he will unless he changes his mind.

According to sources on both sides, there are no current plans for the 35-year-old Strahan to hold out in an effort to get an increase in his $4 million salary, despite months of rumors and reports. However, everyone acknowledges that Strahan is unhappy with his contract, not thrilled with the team's offseason activity, and is a wild card who on a whim could decide not to show up.

Strahan's agent, Tony Agnone, declined comment and Strahan was unable to be reached for comment. According to sources, however, his unhappiness stems from a contentious meeting with Giants management in March, when he was rebuffed in his efforts to get a bump in his contract (he's due $4 million both this year and next) and expressed his worries about the direction of the team.

Strahan has two years left on a seven-year, $46 million contract he signed in 2002 that included $20.9 million in guaranteed money. He said he believed he had an unwritten agreement with the Giants to revisit the deal prior to this season, though Reese made it clear to him in March that was something they weren't willing to do.

The Giants' stance is not likely to change, even if Strahan - who is attempting to come back from a serious mid-foot sprain - skips several days or weeks of camp. A source close to him said a holdout has never been his plan, though another source familiar with the situation added, "Who knows with him?"

GOODELL TO VICK: STAY AWAY

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has ordered Falcons quarterback Michael Vick to stay away from the team's training camp, which begins Thursday, until league officials complete a review of his indictment on federal charges related to dogfighting.

No timetable was placed on the length of league's investigation, so, for the foreseeable future, Vick will no longer be the face of a franchise he made relevant with his on-field theatrics and clouded with his recent off-field controversies.

Until then, former Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins starter Joey Harrington, signed as a free agent this spring, will be Atlanta's new starting quarterback.

Source: Steve Wyche, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Insider Take: We'll wait and see if the Falcons feel comfortable turning the reigns over to Harrington or if they will push hard for Culpepper. -- Brian Yu

STEELERS MAKE POLAMALU RICHEST SAFETY IN NFL

Sweat dripped off Troy Polamalu's face as news hounds surrounded him on the grassy Chuck Noll Field yesterday, peppering him with questions about all that new money.

The five-year, $33 million contract with the $15,375,000 in signing and roster bonuses he received from the Steelers yesterday makes him the highest-paid player in team history and the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

His signing bonus of $10,975,000 is the largest the Steelers have ever paid, topping the $9 million they gave Hines Ward two years ago.

Polamalu, who has made every Pro Bowl since he became a starting strong safety in 2004, said that's precisely what he was looking for in his deal. He had one year left on his 2003 rookie contract. The Steelers tore that up and created a new five-year deal that binds him through the 2011 season. Under his old deal, he was to earn a salary of slightly more than $1 million this year. His new deal will pay him $600,000 in salary this year.

"First and foremost, it mattered to me that it was a fair contract. A lot of people are making a lot of money out there. I wanted it to be very fair and I wanted it to be here. Those were the most important things."

Polamalu's contract may be the last one the Steelers negotiate this year. They have not held talks with any other veteran who has one year left on their contracts. Those include starters Clark Haggans at linebacker, Kendall Simmons at guard, Max Starks at tackle and Dan Kreider at fullback. They previously extended the deals of defensive linemen Aaron Smith and Chris Hoke this year.

They've also made it clear that they will not open negotiations to extend the contract of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger until next year, when he has two seasons left under the six-year deal he signed as a rookie in 2004.

Source: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Insider Take: This is a great move for the Pittsburgh Steelers. From an individual standpoint, Polamalu is only 26 and the extension runs until he is 30. In addition, he is a dynamic playmaker and seems like he's in on every tackle. From a team perspective, from all accounts, Polamalu is a leader on the field and a strong locker room presence so hopefully there are no grumblings from those who haven't received extensions yet. -- Brian Yu

AFC WEST: POSITION BATTLES

By Pete Prisco, CBS

Denver Broncos
Chris Kuper vs. Montrae Holland, right guard

One of the keys to the Denver success over the years has been the running game. The offensive line is a big reason why. This year's unit is solid across the board, but there should be a nice battle at right guard.

With Cooper Carlisle gone, it means second-year player Kuper will battle veteran Holland for the starting spot. Kuper is a player who the Broncos have high hopes for in the future. The question becomes whether he's ready or not. Holland is a mauler who started in the past with the Saints.

Edge: Kuper. He was there last year and knows what the coaches want.
Opening-day starter: Kuper. There's nothing wrong with putting in a young player at guard.


Kansas City Chiefs
Brodie Croyle vs. Damon Huard, quarterback

Huard came in for an injured Trent Green last year and played well. He went 5-3 as a starter and showed a good command of the offense. Huard isn't flashy, but he knows where to go with the football most of the time. He threw 11 touchdown passes and just one interception last season.

But the coaching staff appears to be leaning to Croyle as the guy they want to start. The second-year player from Alabama isn't a big guy, but he understands the passing game. His arm isn't great, but it's good enough. He is the future of this franchise.

Edge: Huard. Experience means something.
Opening-day starter: Croyle. If Herman Edwards wants it, he will get it. And he appears to want Croyle as his starter.


Oakland Raiders
Josh McCown vs. JaMarcus Russell vs. Andrew Walter, quarterback

We know Russell is the quarterback of the future. But the Raiders will want to be patient with him -- unless, of course, he shows them in the preseason that the NFL adjustment won't be too great for him. That's not likely, which is why the Raiders acquired McCown.

McCown is an average quarterback, but he will be able to adjust to the new system much better than Russell. Experience is a big part of playing quarterback. As for Walter, he was erratic in his eight starts last year and he's coming off an injury that kept him out of some offseason work. Like the other two, he is learning a new system.

Edge: McCown. You get the feeling that the Raiders want him to start the first game.
Opening-day starter: McCown. But how long does he keep Russell on the bench?


San Diego Chargers
Eric Weddle vs. Clinton Hart vs. Bhawoh Jue, strong safety

The Chargers traded up in the second round to get Weddle, an athletic player who played a lot of corner at Utah. He is an active playmaker who isn't afraid of contact. But he will have a tough time beating out the two veterans.

Jue started in 2005, but missed a lot of time with injuries last year. Hart filled in and played well. But you don't give up four picks to move up to draft a player without having big plans for him -- even right away.

Edge: Hart. It's his job to lose.
Opening-day starter: Weddle. He has that knack for making plays, and he will flourish playing behind San Diego's fierce pass rush.

AARON ROGERS REPORT

There's no knowing whether this will be Brett Favre's last season as the Green Bay Packers' quarterback.

He turns 38 in October and seriously has been considering retirement for several years, so the end is near. But if the team shows great promise this season, who knows? Maybe he'll want to come back in 2008 if he thinks he has a shot at a title.

Regardless, the Packers soon will have to replace him, and the man who will get first shot, 2005 first-round pick Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers have had two seasons plus this offseason to develop and monitor Rodgers' growth.

No one will know until Rodgers takes the helm for an extended stretch of games whether he has the leadership and intangibles to be a quality NFL starter, and any comments the Packers make about him until then are unlikely to be critical, even if General Manager Ted Thompson or coach Mike McCarthy harbor serious doubts about Rodgers' future.

Rodgers has done nothing to eliminate himself from the succession line, but he's done nothing to push Favre toward retirement. For what it's worth, Thompson made no meaningful moves at quarterback this offseason, which suggests he and his coach are comfortable with Rodgers next in line after Favre retires.

"I don't think we would have had any problem with it this year if Brett would have retired," said John Schneider, the Packers' personnel analyst to the general manager.

"But like any other player, (Rodgers) has to have a strong training camp and preseason and take advantage of all his reps."

Rodgers' play in the exhibition season last year was better than his rookie year, when he led only one scoring drive in four games and had a passer rating of only 53.0 points. Last year in the exhibition season, he had a passer rating of 101.1 points, threw three touchdowns and one interception.

This past spring, while also rehabilitating from surgery on the broken left foot that ended his 2006 season against New England in November, Rodgers improved his body composition through diet and workouts. Though he gained only 2 pounds over last year — he was 223 pounds for the Packers' offseason practices this year — he looked thicker in his upper body, and his throwing arm looked slightly stronger.

Rodgers took only limited part in McCarthy's quarterbacks school early in the offseason while recovering from surgery, then received plenty of work in minicamps and organized-team activities practices. The Packers appear sold on his intelligence and arm talent.

"The guy throws the ball well, his arm is certainly strong enough, he's got good anticipation throwing the ball," said Joe Philbin, the Packers' offensive coordinator. "In general, we place these guys in a ton of situations in the spring, and there may have been some decision making relative to down and distance and field position he needs to do a little better, but that's just a function of getting him in there and letting him make those mistakes. They're kind of a natural progression in anybody's development."

What will determine whether Rodgers becomes a good starting NFL quarterback will be things such as his pocket presence in the face of a pass rush, mobility and skills as a leader.

Source: Packers News

PETE KENDALL UPDATE

New York Jets starting left guard Pete Kendall, who's embroiled in a contract dispute with the team and has been very vocal about it, is a question mark at best to show up for training camp. He most likely will be released at some point, because the situation appears to have reached a point of no return. Kendall has been a mentor for left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold. That leaves the question not only who'll replace Kendall if he doesn't show and is released, but how that'll affect his line mates. Adrien Clarke worked in Kendall's spot in minicamp, but is not highly regarded around the league.

Source: Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post

MORE MISCOMMUNICATION IN MIAMI

When Rex Hadnot looks in the mirror, he sees himself as a center but the Miami Dolphins plan on moving him back to the starting right guard position. Hadnot has started 39 NFL games, the past 19 of them at center. But prior to that, he had an 18-game streak as the Dolphins starting right guard. "I was a little surprised, but it's not anything I'm not comfortable with or nothing that's going to cause a rift or anything like that," Hadnot said. "It's just me getting a chance to show everybody in the league that I can play right guard as well."

ALEX SMITH UPDATE

San Francisco 49ers 3rd-year QB Alex Smith improved significantly in his 2nd season after a terrible rookie season. The 49ers organization believes he will continue to grow as a player in 2007. "I expect him to keep getting better," Nolan said. "I will be disappointed if he doesn't have a better year (than '06). Alex is real steady and consistent. He's not a hot-and-cold guy. Alex plays well for real good reasons: He works hard, he's extremely intelligent and he's tough as hell."

Keeping an offense in which most starting positions are set going into camp percolating is the responsibility of new coordinator Jim Hostler, who was Smith's quarterbacks coach the last two years.

Making the transition easier is the fact Hostler will keep the same system and terminology that Norv Turner used as coordinator last year before he left for San Diego to become the Chargers' head coach.

Source: John Crumpacker, San Francisco Chronicle

JAY CUTLER UPDATE

The Denver Broncos have serious Super Bowl aspirations but can 2nd-year QB Jay Cutler overcome that pressure and perform well with his limited experience. Winning a Super Bowl with a second-year pro quarterback has happened twice in the past six years but having such lofty goals must get heavy at times for a youngster who has yet to hear his first boo. "Yeah, I've heard if I play well, the team's going to do well, and if I play badly, the team's going to do badly. How I go is how the team goes," Cutler said. "I think that's a little ridiculous. I mean, I don't think I have to throw for 300 yards every game for us to win football games. I need to manage the game and limit turnovers. I think our running game and our defense will be enough for us to put up enough points."

It's Cutler's calm and confident disposition - whether in moments of crisis between the lines or casual encounters along the sidewalk - that has the Broncos believing he can live through the mistakes, and perhaps the occasional boos, and bounce back to become the third second- year pro quarterback in history to win a Super Bowl.

"This team definitely has Super Bowl talent," Cutler said. "I think we're in a good position to have a good record, get in the playoffs and then see what happens. As far as how I'm taking things, I'm taking it in stride. This team could have a great year, we could have a bad year. I can't tell the future. All I can do is prepare as hard as I can to have the best season possible. There's a lot of guys here who are going to help me."

One area that's often overlooked is starting field position. After ranking last in the NFL in that category last season, the Broncos brought in a new coach (Scott O'Brien), a new punter (Todd Sauerbrun) and will break in a new returner (Domenik Hixon).

Source: Mike Klis, Denver Post

TRAVIS HENRY UPDATE

Denver Broncos new RB Travis Henry doesn't want to just embrace the idea of being the guy. He wants to grab it and lug it as many times as Shanahan lets him. "Me, personally, I'm from the old school," Henry said. "From watching Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, all those guys, it was one back. That's it. One guy got the ball. It's good to have the backup in case something goes wrong, but as far as rotating during the game, that takes away from a premier back trying to get in a rhythm. So, a two-back rotation? I guess I don't see it."

Source: Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News

HOUSTON TEXANS UPDATE

Houston Texans new starting QB Matt Schaub has already ingratiated himself to the veterans, most notably the Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson, by spending the spring and summer working out with his teammates. "I've been impressed with the way he handles himself," HC Gary Kubiak said. "That's a lot to handle. You go and make a trade like that for a kid and the pressure to come in here and take over this football team is great, but he's handled himself tremendously this off-season. He's been a great worker, very confident kid about his opportunity and what he's fixing to go take on."

The Houston Texans are set at the WR1 position with veteran Andre Johnson a very good receiver for the club. The Texans want 25-year old WR Kevin Walter to emerge as a legitimate second receiving threat, but he has totaled only 456 yards receiving in four seasons. "It's a concern of mine because we're so young after Andre," Kubiak said. "We're going to find out if we have a couple of young players that are going to step up and be big-time pros. I'm going to give them the opportunity to do that."

Source: Associated Press, NY Times

BRADY QUINN UPDATE

Agent Tom Condon was scheduled to arrive in Berea today to continue contract talks for quarterback Brady Quinn.

Although nobody expects Quinn to be signed in time for the start of rookie orientation on Monday - or even for the official start of training camp on Thursday - Condon's visit is a good sign. It would be his third face-to-face meeting with Browns officials since Quinn was drafted 22nd overall in April.

A year ago, Condon did not have his first negotiating session for quarterback Matt Leinart until the first day of Arizona's training camp. Leinart was the last first-round pick to sign a contract last year.

Source: Tony Grossi, Cleveland Plain Dealer

ST LOUIS RAMS UPDATE

St. Louis Rams 2nd-year DC Jim Haslett task of rebuilding the Rams defense was daunting from the outset. He arrived after the 2005 season in which the club wound up 30th in total defense. Haslett's group made incremental improvement last year, when the Rams finished 8-8. They moved up to 23rd in total offense, were eighth against the pass and were No. 2 in turnover ratio (plus 14). The number of defensive players who have left after spending at least part of last season with the Rams has reached double figures. In total there are 16 new faces under Haslett's charge. "We picked up some vital parts," he said. "We're going to be a better team for having all those parts."

Source: Bill Coats, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

KRIS JENKINS UPDATE

Despite ongoing unhappiness with his contract situation, DT Kris Jenkins is expected to be on hand when the Carolina Panthers report for training camp when it opens this Friday. He skipped the Panthers' voluntary workouts this spring, but did participate in a mandatory three-day minicamp. "We expect Kris to be there, no question," GM Marty Hurney said.

This has been a typically tumultuous offseason for Jenkins, a three-time Pro Bowl defender whose productivity has been reduced by injuries of late, but who did manage to appear in all 16 games in 2006.
Because of their depth at tackle, and salary cap elements as well, the Panthers floated the possibility of trading Jenkins this spring, and let other teams know he was available for the right price. But the Panthers never got close to trading Jenkins, in part because it's believed no club offered the high-round draft choice they wanted in return, and it's likely now that the former University of Maryland star will remain in Carolina for another season.

Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN