April 2010 4for4 Player News Articles

Lions first-round pick Jahvid Best, a running back from California, went through all the drills and was moved around quite a bit in the offense. He lined up and also shifted into a receiver position during the team period. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said the Lions plan to be creative with Best but they're also using Best differently in camp because they've only got one tight end.

Panthers QB Matt Moore insisted he's not worried about his hold on the No. 1 job. While he's taking the snaps with the first team now, coach John Fox signaled the position is up for grabs. Moore has only eight career NFL starts -- but the other three QBs on the roster have none.

"Right now he's the No. 1 quarterback," Fox said of Moore. "Those guys will decide that, not me. I felt real comfortable with Matt at the end of last season. I thought he showed improvement in both seasons he's had an opportunity to play. We'll see where that takes us."

Fox said Jimmy Clausen was "swimming" as he learned the offense on Friday, even though he had a head start by working in the same pro-style system at Notre Dame under Fox's friend Charlie Weis. The four-time Pro Bowl pick Smith said it was too early to have an impression of Clausen.

The Chargers are going to truly rest Nate Kaeding and Mike Scifres this summer.

The team on Thursday signed placekicker Nick Novak after earlier this week signing undrafted free agent punter Cort Johnson.

“It’s just protection,” Turner said Thursday of deciding to sign two kickers. “It will allow us to get better work through training camp.”

Both Kaeding (groin) and Scifres (hernia) are coming off offseason surgeries. Both are on schedule in their recovery and are expected to be fully healthy by August, but Turner still would prefer them not to have to work much before September.

One thing to note for this weekend's minicamps, Felix Jones moves into #1 RB slot for Cowboys.

WRs Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, wide receivers drafted in the first and third rounds, respectively, are not expected to participate in the Broncos minicamp. Both are recovering from foot injuries. Thomas is expected to be able to participate in full-team camps by the middle of May, but Decker's rehab might take a little longer. Both players are in Denver, though, to work with team doctors and trainers and attend meetings with their new teammates.

Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton wants a trade and has stopped working out with the team.

Titans HC Jeff Fisher said, "Kenny Britt has had a number of distractions off the field and hasn't been around as much as we would like, so we haven't allowed him to participate the last couple of days. We are going to get him into shape and he'll be back out there when we're on the field in May.''

Panthers rookie QB Jimmy Clausen, the former Notre Dame quarterback picked in the second round, looked sharp and accurate with his throws as minicamp opens.

Brandon LaFell, a wide receiver from LSU, dropped several passes.

Armanti Edwards, the former Appalachain State quarterback-turned-receiver, showed very good, soft hands, catching most everything thrown to him.

Cowboys rookie WR Dez Bryant has caught everything, including a one-hand grab, but looks out of shape. "Cmon 88!" Wade hollered gently as Bryant kneeled down.

Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch underwent a basic arthroscopic surgery on his knee. He is expected to be one of a number of players who is not participating in the minicamp.

More on the Brett Favre situation, from Favre himself:

While my ankle has been bothering me, the injury is not debilitating. For example, I’m able to work around my property without any problems. Sure – certain exercises cause some ankle pain, but it’s nothing that I haven’t experienced (or played with) before. In fact, many people don’t realize that I injured my ankle before the NFC Championship game. I’ve had surgery on this ankle twice before, and I’ve played with the pain before. The hits I took throughout the 2009 season, including the Saints game, just added to the ankle pain and likely caused some bone spurs.

I don’t believe major surgery on the ankle would be required for me to return in 2010. I’ve consulted with Dr. Andrews on the phone, and a relatively minor procedure could be done to improve the dexterity of the ankle, and to relieve the pain. I’ve put up with pain worse than this in my career, and I didn’t want anyone to assume that the possibility of surgery was the sole factor that would determine whether I return or not. Some people reacting to the ESPN story have made this assumption. I don’t blame them for doing so, given that the term “surgery” often covers a variety of procedures, some more complex than others.

The ankle pain is a factor, but one of many factors that I’ll need to consider in making my decision. Other factors include the input of my family, and the wonderful experience that I had last year with the Vikings.

Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich took his turn with the first-team offense in the Steelers first minicamp practice today, and it could be a sign of coach Mike Tomlin's plans to open the season when he will be without Ben Roethlisberger.

The Steelers re-acquired Leftwich in a trade with Tampa Bay before the draft, and he said not to take anything seriously yet about how the quarterbacks were used in the first minicamp practice.

Dennis Dixon, however, said he believes the rotation will remain the way it was this morning with him second behind Leftwich. Charlie Batch ran third.

Authorities at Pittsburgh International Airport filed an incident report after a flight attendant claimed New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes failed to follow regulations by not turning off his iPod as the plane was landing.

Jets spokesman Bruce Speight said Friday that the team was told Holmes was flying from Newark Liberty International Airport to Pittsburgh on Thursday night. Speight added that the report was filed with the Allegheny County Police Department after Holmes' flight landed around 9 p.m.

Tim Tebow participated in his first NFL minicamps this week, reportedly deploying his new and improved throwing motion that removes the looping windup he had at Florida, the southpaw's throws were tight and compact.

During the 25-minute period in which more than 50 reporters, photographers and cameramen were allowed to observe, Tebow ran agility drills and then threw several passes under the watchful eyes of McDaniels and his younger brother, Ben McDaniels, who is Denver's new quarterbacks coach.

JaMarcus Russell showed up at Oakland Raiders minicamp Friday and said he will keep coming to work until he's told not to do so.

Despite earlier reports that JaMarcus had ballooned up, SI's Jim Trotter tweets that, surprisingly JaMarcus Russell looks as "trim" as he's ever seen him, and is moving well. After acquiring QB Jason Campbell from the Redskins, It's hard for us to imagine a situation where JaMarcus is on the team for week 1. But stranger things have happened in Raiders land.

Many thought the Raiders would not allow Russell to work out with the team, because of the large amount of money the team would owe Russell if he were to get injured during workouts.

Chargers Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson pleaded guilty Friday to driving with a suspended license stemming from his traffic stop a few hours before his team’s home playoff loss against the New York Jets on Jan. 17.

“Vince just wants to get ready to play football this season, and he doesn’t want to have a lot of this legal stuff hanging over his head,” Casey said.

The NFL is still reviewing his case, according to a league spokesman. Because of Jackson’s two DUIs since 2006, Jackson is likely to face a suspension this fall under the league’s substance abuse policy.

Brett Favre has been informed he requires surgery on his left ankle to play the upcoming season for the Minnesota Vikings, and the quarterback is deliberating whether to have the procedure or simply to end his 19-year NFL career by retiring.

Favre, who would turn 41 during the 2010 season, told ESPN the ankle injury that he suffered three months ago in the NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints continues to be swollen and painful. That prompted tests to determine why healing had not occurred and Favre sent the results of those scans to orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who told the quarterback his opinion that surgery is unavoidable.

"We have spoken,'' Favre said in an e-mail. "To play again, I would need the surgery, as I suspected. This decision would be easy if not for my teammates and the fans and the entire Vikings staff. One year truly felt like 10 -- much like Green Bay for many years. That's what I was missing in my heart I suppose, a sense of belonging.''

Favre said he must determine whether his affection for the Vikings and his belief they are capable of winning the Super Bowl overrides his disdain for surgery. Favre would not reveal the exact diagnosis or the prognosis on how long it would take to recover from the surgery. While it previously seemed Favre was almost certain to return to the Vikings, his comments Friday reveal a player who appears to be seriously conflicted.

The Redskins signed Veteran WR Bobby Wade. Wade has played seven NFL seasons for four teams, compiling 244 catches for 2,858 yards and nine touchdowns, while also returning punts and kickoffs. The 29-year-old Wade played for Kansas City last season, catching 36 passes for 367 yards and two TDs.

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said he believes LenDale White, his former running back at USC, has turned the corner, and plans on using him as a short-yardage back in Seattle.

Titans WR Kenny Britt admitted he’s not in the greatest shape right now.

No one with the Titans seems too concerned about running back Chris Johnson's absence so far this offseason. His teammates have his back and it’s clear Coach Jeff Fisher is being careful not to ruffle the feathers of his best player.

“He is under contact, and I am concerned about the players that are here, not the ones that are not,’’ Fisher said Thursday. “I would love for everybody to be here. I don’t think you can substitute outside the building the workload that we get done here. It is obvious and has been documented over the years but there’s always exceptions and I hope that C.J. is taking good care of himself while he is not here.’’

The Bills were criticized up and down by the so called draft experts for not taking a quarterback early in the draft. Buffalo did select Troy’s Levi Brown in round seven. Faced with several other needs for their football team Nix, Vice President of College Scouting Tom Modrak and head coach Chan Gailey viewed the quarterback position as one that was already manned by players every bit as capable as the top prospects in the draft.

“Here’s the way we looked at it,” said Nix. “We’ve got guys physically that can do anything as well as anybody in the draft physically. Throw the ball well, make all the throws, mobile, can move around and are smart. We’ve got guys like that. Now obviously they’ve been kind of inconsistent and up and down, but there are a lot of reasons for that.”

Nix pointed to all of the turmoil to Buffalo’s roster and coaching staff just before the regular season began as well as the myriad of injuries that befell the offensive line.

There’s little question that the changes at left tackle and offensive coordinator right before the season put more pressure on Trent Edwards and later Ryan Fitzpatrick to hold things together. Quarterbacks however, are dependent upon several other players in effectively executing their responsibilities.

In no way did Nix indicate that the quarterbacks were blameless, but it’s clear that what he and Gailey saw in their review of the 2009 game film convinced them that Buffalo’s quarterbacks were asked to perform in circumstances that were far from ideal.

With a proven offensive mind like Gailey, the addition of a multi-dimensional game breaking threat in C.J. Spiller, some offensive line depth in Ed Wangand Kyle Calloway and some promising defensive linemen in Torell Troup and Alex Carrington, the Bills believe they can create a better environment in which the veteran quarterbacks on the roster can perform.

The Eagles and Kevin Kolb have agreed on a one-year contract extension with roughly $12.26 million guaranteed.

The Washington Redskins reached an agreement with wide receiver Joey Galloway on a one-year contract that will give the 38-year-old wide receiver a chance to play his 16th NFL season, according to a league source.

Galloway will try to win a spot on the Redskins' roster when Washington gathers for its next minicamp in two weekends. The Redskins have been looking for another veteran wide receiver, and they believe Galloway has the chance to provide them with some long plays.

Galloway caught seven passes for 67 yards and no touchdowns last season, averaging 9.6 yards per catch while playing for New England and Pittsburgh. The former Ohio State receiver has 689 catches for a 15.6 average during an NFL career that began in 1995, but he hasn't had a TD catch since making six for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007.

Steelers rookie RB Jonathan Dwyer will compete for the No. 2 job and also as a short-yardage back.

"This kid's had 1,300 yards in each of the last two years," said Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' director of football operations. "He's a big kid, with deceptive speed and productivity. And again as a junior you still think he hasn't reached his full potential yet."

Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca reached agreement with Arizona on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Nice pickup for the Cardinals.

The Chicago Bears reacquired safety Chris Harris from the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday in exchange for linebacker Jamar Williams.

The Bears announced the deal just hours after Harris revealed it via Twitter. Harris started his NFL career in Chicago as a sixth-round draft pick in 2005, but he spent the last three seasons in Carolina after the Bears traded him there for a fifth-round selection.

"Breaking News -- I will be traded to Chicago Bears," Harris tweeted. "Carolina u have been great and deeply missed. I have a special place in my heart for you."

Running back Chris Johnson was absent as the Titans held their first practice of the offseason on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Johnson wants a new contract and in January told The Tennessean he’d like to be the highest paid offensive player in the NFL.

Among those also absent from Tuesday's OTA: tight end Bo Scaife and linebacker Stephen Tulloch. Scaife signed his $4.9 million tender in March but hasn't reported to the offseason program while Tulloch, a restricted free agent, remains unsigned.

John Clayton just said on ESPN’s “NFL Live” that the Raiders are preparing the process of cutting quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Clayton said it is not a matter of if, but when Russell will be cut. He also said the team could release Russell before Oakland’s minicamp, which runs Friday through Sunday, and that there is no trade market for him. The Raiders will save more than $6 million if they cut Russell this year.

A St. Louis media source is reporting that Brian Westbrook passed that physical over the weekend and might very well end up joining the Rams.

The sense is that it might be up to BWest, whether he wants to take an incentive-based deal to back up Steven Jackson as the Rams rebuild in earnest behind former Eagles assistant Steve Spagnuolo. The Rams offensive coordinator is Pat Shurmur, longtime Eagles quarterbacks coach, who also knows Westbrook well.

KR/RB Rock Cartwright headed to Oakland to sign a one year deal.

Lions HC Jim Schwartz on how he feels about new running back, Jahvid Best: "Some people watch adult videos on their computer. I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That's what gets me aroused."

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said today he will not appeal the suspension and "will comply with what is asked of me -- and more."

With the news that the Oakland Raiders are poised to release disappointing former top overall pick JaMarcus Russell, we're hearing some details about where Russell stands from a conditioning standpoint. And it's not a positive development.

According to a league source with knowledge of the situation in Oakland, the hefty quarterback has beefed up to 300 pounds.

Oakland WR Johnnie Lee Higgins is on notice: Coach Tom Cable was clear in his intentions for fourth-round pick Jacoby Ford. It’s also a safe bet Nick Miller, if injured during training camp, won’t be kept on the 53-man roster for 16 weeks this time around.

“I’m looking for that guy to see if he’ll take the reins of our return game and become a guy like that for us. Those are the expectations early on,” Cable said.

Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace, the logical replacement for Santonio Holmes, expects to be a main object of opposing game plans for the first time in his NFL career.

"(I know) there's going to be double-teams now,'' said Wallace, a third-round draft pick in 2009. "With Santonio and Hines (Ward), a lot of that pressure was taken off (last season). I know I'm going against elite corners now.''

With his new role, comes new expectations for Wallace, who embraces the challenge.

"I think I can make a major jump — I'm trying to make it to the Pro Bowl this year,'' said Wallace, the fastest receiver on the team. "People are going to have their doubts, but I'm going to be ready.''

Jerome Harrison waited four years for his chance to be a feature back. When he got it, he rushed for 561 yards in three games.

But now, he has to wonder what his role will be in relation to Montario Hardesty. The Browns didn’t trade into the second round and give up two draft picks for Hardesty to sit.

One guess: The team might try a 50-50 split with the carries and then adjust depending on who produces.

Eric Mangini says Hardesty “tends to punish defenders at the end of runs,” which is not the smaller Harrison’s calling card.

For now, Mangini is playing the diplomacy card. “I like big backs. I like little, fast backs, too.”

QB Quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, who starred two years forJacksonville State after coming in from LSU, signed a deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

He will be the second Division I-AA quarterback from an Alabama college on the squad, joining former Alabama State standout Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson, who started his college career at the University of

Chargers HC Norv Turner on rookie RB Ryan Matthews 2010 workload:

I would expect Ryan to have 250 carries and 40 catches, something like that. That’s obviously saying Darren Sproles is going to have the same role he’s had.

49ers RB Anthony Dixon led the SEC with 1,391 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He could become the 49ers' short-yardage back. He'll definitely be in competition with Glen Coffee for the right to enter games when Frank Gore needs a breather. Or maybe the 49ers will be more proactive about giving Gore a break from time to time. "Jimmy (Raye) cannot wait to get his hands on him," Singletary said. "When you're trying to close out a game, that's the kind of guy you want in the fourth quarter. When you're closing out a game, that's what you want."

The Titans signed former Southern Cal running back Stafon Johnson, who suffered a near-fatal weightlifting accident last year, after the NFL Draft on Saturday.

Also signed to a rookie free agent contract was Texas A&M offensive lineman Kevin Matthews, son of former Titans offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews.

Texans HC Gary Kubiak on the health of his tight ends: “Owen Daniels will be coming back and he is ahead of schedule from what I understand in his rehab process. He learned how to rehab that injury. I have a lot of confidence that he will be back and will be fine. Anthony Hill had knee surgery as well and Joel Dreessen had a couple of surgeries. We expect those guys to be back, but we also want to continue to get better and when there is an opportunity to improve your football team you figure out a way to get good football players out on the field. That’s our philosophy and that’s why we acquired the players that we have.”

Steelers second-year RB Frank Summers is practicing at running back and fullback. Tight ends David Johnson and Sean McHugh also have experience as a lead blocker and could be used in that role in 2010.

LenDale White's exit leaves Javon Ringer, a fifth-round pick last year, as the backup to Titans RB Chris Johnson.

“He’s a quarterback,” Broncos HC Josh McDaniels said of Tim Tebow Saturday afternoon after wrapping up his second draft as Denver’s coach. “He’s a quarterback. That’s all he’s going to do.”

McDaniels and Tebow will begin the process of making the former Florida legend an NFL-quality quarterback next week in a rookie-only minicamp.

McDaniels reiterated again Saturday that Tebow will be competing for the job that is currently owned by Kyle Orton.

“Like everybody, he will be competing for a job,” McDaniels said.”I don’t care if a guy is a rookie. If he’s earned the job, he’ll play. That goes for any position. But I’ll say this, he has a long way to go to get there. But he is starting the process.”

Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren said Saturday that the team doesn't plan to play Texas quarterback Colt McCoy as a rookie.

Nothing's been announced yet, but you have to figure that's it for JaMarcus Russell as a Raider. Saturday's trade for Washington quarterback Jason Campbell (for a fourth-round pick in 2012) makes it financially improbable that Russell will be back for a fourth year.

Oakland is on the hook for $3 million for the former No. 1 pick even if they cut him today, and would owe him another $6.45 million if he makes the team. Even having Russell at next week's minicamp is risky because he might get hurt and in the process put a hurting on the team's wallet.

The Jacksonville Jaguars desperately wanted a middle linebacker in the NFL draft. They had to trade for one and ended up with an established starter.

One day after failing to land Penn State linebacker Sean Lee in the second round, the Jaguars traded a fourth-round pick (No. 108) to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for linebacker Kirk Morrison and a fifth-round selection (No. 153) on Saturday.

Morrison, who led Oakland in tackles the past four seasons, became expendable to the Raiders after they drafted Alabama star Rolando McClain in the first round Thursday.

"There wasn't room for two of us," Morrison said. "I knew that. When you draft a guy No. 8 overall, regardless of how long I've been there, you pretty much give him the keys to the car and the reins to the football team to be your starting middle linebacker in a 4-3 scheme."

Morrison, who recently signed a one-year tender worth $2.51 million this season, will step right into the middle of Jacksonville's defense. His arrival will allow Daryl Smith and Justin Durant to play outside and probably send Clint Ingram to the bench.

New York traded up to get USC running back Joe McKnight, dealt the versatile and popular Leon Washington to Seattle and then cut nine-time Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca on Saturday.

"I think the team knows that we're driven to win a championship here and that we're not wanting to be complacent," coach Rex Ryan said. "We kept the nucleus of our football team. We did lose some excellent football players, but we've added a lot of tremendous players."

Washington, coming off a broken right leg, was made expendable when the Jets moved up and acquired Carolina's fourth-round pick (No. 112). New York took McKnight, quarterback Mark Sanchez's former college teammate, with the pick, and sent its fourth-rounder (No. 124) and sixth-rounder (No. 198) to the Panthers.

Jason Campbell is going to the Oakland Raiders with the expectation of being their starting quarterback.

The Raiders acquired Campbell from the Washington Redskins on Saturday for a 2012 fourth-round draft pick, ending a near sleepless night for the quarterback, who said he will play for his eighth offensive coordinator in 10 years. Campbell also said he already has spoken to Raiders managing general partner Al Davis, coach Tom Cable and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. And after those conversations, Campbell believes he will be the starter in Oakland.

The Raiders had been looking for an upgrade at quarterback this offseason after JaMarcus Russell, a former No. 1 overall pick, was benched midway through last season.

The Titans have traded RB LenDale White to the Seahawks in return for the Seahawks 4th round pick. LenDale White will be reunited with his former USC coach, Pete Carroll.

Josh McDaniels said Friday night the player most likely to replace Tony Scheffler at the Broncos’ “receiving” tight end position is Marquez Branson. Undrafted last year out of Central Arkansas, the 6-2, 241-pound Branson spent his entire rookie season on the Broncos’ practice squad.

Browns rookie RB Montario Hardesty played only one full season as a starter at Tennessee because of his injuries. His last year he rushed for 1,345 yards, a 4.77-yard average and 13 touchdowns. He was voted a team captain two years in a row because of his toughness and ability to play through injuries.

GM Tom Heckert said he considered Hardesty a potential feature back.

Browns rookie QB Colt McCoy figures to compete with Brett Ratliff, a Mangini favorite, for the No. 3 role behind Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.

The Titans pulled the trigger on Southern Cal receiver Damian Williams, hoping he’ll be able to cure a big problem from last season immediately in the return game.

General manager Mike Reinfeldt said, “I think the return game is good, and I think you have a receiver who has a chance to be your No. 1."

Tampa Bay's optimism about Rookie WR Arrelious Benn (6-foot-1, 206 pounds) stems from his productivity as a freshman and a sophomore.

"He fits in wherever you may need him," Morris said. "He played in the slot in college before. He was featured as an outside receiver as a freshman. He did both as a sophomore. He has the ability to do all those things.

"When he's coming in here, you're talking about (filling) the void left by Antonio at the X position, so naturally he will probably start off there. We're excited to have him and get him the ball. We're excited to see what he can do with the ball, and here we go, a playmaker."

Vikings new RB Toby Gerhart, who won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back after rushing for 1,871 yards and 28 touchdowns, has the size (6-foot, 231 pounds) to play fullback, but will vie for the role of Adrian Peterson's backup.

"I see him now playing in the backfield, whether it's the I-back or the split backs, or with Adrian in the back field," Childress said.

Finding a punt returner to replace Steve Breaston was a priority for the Cardinals in this draft. That's part of the reason they drafted receiver/returner Andre Roberts out of The Citadel in the third round.

"It doesn't mean that in certain situations we won't use Steve," Whisenhunt said, "but this gives us another very good option."

Roberts also has a chance to play as the fourth receiver. With Anquan Boldin gone, the Cardinals are looking for another slot receiver to complement Early Doucet.

The Cleveland Browns used the 85th overall pick to select Texas QB Colt McCoy. The Browns passed on McCoy several times, but eventually drafted him in the 3rd round. Though the winningest QB in college history, McCoy's size and arm strength kept him from going earlier in the draft.

The Browns seem content to start Jake Delhomme, and even if/when Delhomme struggles, Seneca Wallace may get the nod before McCoy. Consider McCoy a project QB on a less than stacked team.

The Panthers didn't have a pick on day one, but they still had their pick of QBs Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy. The Panthers selected Jimmy Clausen out of Notre Dame with the 48th overall pick and have to feel lucky that he lasted so long. Clausen was projected as the #2 QB in the draft and most though he would be a top 10 draft pick.

Jimmy Clausen steps into a great situation in Carolina, with a top running game and a skilled receiver in Steve L Smith. Expect Clausen to battle Matt Moore for the starting gig in Carolina.

The Patriots traded up to select TE Rob Gronkowski out of Arizona with the 42nd overall pick. TE is a position of need for the Patriots after losing Ben Watson and Chris Baker in the offseason. Gronkowski's main concern is his ability to stay healthy, missing 16 games over the last two season.

The Bucs traded up with the Raiders to select WR
Arrelious Benn, a 6-1 220 pounder out of Illinois. Benn should immediately slot in as the Bucs #1 WR and provide a big target for developing QB Josh Freeman.

The Chiefs drafted RB Dexter McCluster out of Mississippi with the 5th pick of the 2nd round (37th overall). McCluster is a small back (5-9, 170) with good speed and hands. Expect McCluster to get involved in the return game immediately, but his role on offense is unclear with the Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones both ahead of McCluster on the depth chart. There is some thought that McCluster could be converted into a slot receiver.

So what does the drafting of Dez Bryant mean for Roy Williams?

Not much, according to Jerry Jones.

"We won't be moving Roy," the owner and GM said.

Williams has already received a $9.5 million bonus and is set to make $3.45 million in base salary. Plus, Jones said Williams will be the starter in 2010, next to Miles Austin.

A story appeared a couple of days before the draft that said Lions RB Jahvid Best was still bothered by his concussion issues. Best missed several games at the end of the season with a concussion but was cleared by a concussion special.

It was a rumor that could've had a damaging impact on the young career of Jahvid Best, but the California running back simply laughed it off.

"There's no truth to that article. I honestly laughed,'' said Best, who was drafted with the 30th overall pick after the Detroit Lions traded up to take him.

The Bengals signed K Mike Nugent to a two-year deal.

Chargers new RB Ryan Mathews will start immediately. That he can share carries with Darren Sproles in the same manner Tomlinson did last season should help the rookie’s transition into the NFL, particularly in pass blocking, which he was not asked to do a lot of at Fresno State.

The Rams, specifically executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff, plan to meet with Sam Bradford’s agent Monday to begin in-depth negotiations on a contract for the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.

The Lions traded up a few spots with the Vikings to select RB Jahvid Best out of California at #30 overall. Best is similar in size and skill set to C.J. Spiller who went to the Bills at #9, but Best has injury concerns after missing the end of last season with a concussion. Best ran a 4.35 40 at the combine and can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Kevin Smith's status for the start of the season is in doubt after a torn ACL shortened his 2009 season, and the Lions don't see Maurice Morris as an answer. Expect Jahvid Best to get in the mix immediately and has huge upside if he can stay on the field.

Denver traded up with the Baltimore Ravens to select Florida QB Tim Tebow 25th overall in the biggest shock of the first round. No one had Tebow going ahead of Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, and very few had him going ahead of Texas QB Colt McCoy.

It would be a shock if Tebow were starting NFL games this season, as most view him as a project QB, but Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn are obviously not the answer in Denver. Look for Tebow to get involved immediately in some packages, but don't expect him in a starting role any time soon.

The Cowboys traded up with New England to select WR Dez Bryant with the #24 overall pick. Most had Bryant as the top WR in the draft, and some had him as one of the top players overall, but character issues allowed him to slide to 24.

With the failed Roy Williams experiment, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys hope to slot Dez Bryant in as a 1a/1b receiver across from emerging star Miles Austin.

The Broncos traded a 4th round pick to the Patriots and moved up two spots to select WR Demaryius Thomas. Not many people had Thomas going ahead of Dez Bryant, but after all the issues coach McDaniels had with Brandon Marshall last season, character was an obvious consideration.

That said, Demaryius Thomas is no slouch and should slot in quickly (if not immediately) as the Broncos #1 wideout. Thomas averaged over 25 yards per catch last year, recording 1154 receiving yards and 8 TDs for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

The Bengals fill a long-standing need at TE by drafting the top TE prospect in the draft, Jermaine Gresham out of Oklahoma with the 21st overall pick. Gresham will immediately give Carson Palmer a big target, at 6-5, 260lb. Gresham missed the 2009 season with a knee injury.

The Chargers traded first-round picks with the Dolphins (in addition to sending a 2nd and 4th Miami's way), and selected RB Ryan Mathews with the 12th overall pick. While this may have been a reach on San Diego's part, they obviously felt the need to secure a #1 RB with the decline and then departure of LaDainian Tomlinson.

Scout Andy Rioux listed San Diego as the best fantasy situation for a rookie RB last week:

The LaDanian Tomlinson era is over in the city that stays classy, and while Darren Sproles will be back, the speedy Sproles isn’t capable of carrying a full load. He certainly isn’t a consistent short yardage touchdown threat. San Diego needs a workhorse who can diversify the offense the way LT used to, and fantasy owners need to strongly consider [Ryan Mathews] as he would potentially play an integral role on a great offense.

The Bills have used the 9th overall pick on RB C.J. Spiller. Spiller is considered the most explosive back in the draft, drawing comparisons to Chris Johnson. Expect this to signal the end of Marshawn Lynch's time in Buffalo. Unfortunately for the Bills, they still lack a legitimate starting QB and #1 WR.

The Rams have selected QB Sam Bradford #1 overall. Don't expect much fantasy production from him in 2010, but the Rams do have a nice young core of receivers and a stud in Stephen Jackson to build around.

The Steelers are not actively trying to trade suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and intend to keep him and help him get his life and career back on track in Pittsburgh, the Post-Gazette has learned.

Despite national reports that they have been actively calling other National Football League teams seeking to deal their two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, the Steelers are planning to move forward with Roethlisberger, 28, once he completes the terms of the six-game suspension handed down Thursday by commissioner Roger Goodell.

At least two NFL coaches and general managers have said they have not been contacted by the Steelers, nor are they aware of other teams being contacted specifically about a draft-day trade involving Roethlisberger.

The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to trade defensive end Quentin Groves to the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday, pending a physical, for an undisclosed draft pick.

The Minnesota Vikings signed cornerback Lito Sheppard to a one-year, $2 million contract, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Wednesday, shoring up their secondary while Cedric Griffin recovers from surgery on his left knee.

Commissioner Roger Goodell notified Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Wednesday that he 1) must undergo a comprehensive behavioral evaluation by medical professionals and 2) will be suspended without pay for the first six games of the regular season for conduct detrimental to the NFL in violation of the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.

After consultation with Commissioner Goodell, Steelers President Art Rooney and the commissioner informed Roethlisberger by telephone today of the two-step approach that is designed to hold Roethlisberger accountable for his conduct and provide him an opportunity to change his behavior and establish himself as a responsible individual.

In a letter to Roethlisberger, Commissioner Goodell said that Roethlisberger must adhere to any counseling or treatment that is recommended by the professional evaluators to help him make better decisions and avoid situations that can cause legal or other problems. A professional behavioral evaluation is mandatory for anyone that has violated the NFL Personal Conduct Policy. Roethlisberger may not attend any team off-season activity after today until he has completed the evaluation and the evaluating professionals confirm with the commissioner that Roethlisberger may resume football activities. If so cleared, Roethlisberger will be able to participate in training camp and preseason games this summer.

The commissioner said he would review Roethlisberger’s progress under the plan prior to the start of the regular season and consider whether to reduce the suspension to four games. Failure to cooperate and follow the plan could result in a longer suspension, the commissioner added.

Steelers had very brief talk with Rams over the weekend in regards to Ben Roethlisberger, but STL has no interest in Big Ben. Steelers hoped to get 1st overall pick.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be suspended for four to six games on Wednesday for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, according to multiple sources.

When the suspension is announced, it will contain conditions that will allow it to be reduced based on Roethlisberger's behavior and compliance with clinical evaluators.

Commissioner Roger Goodell's verdict will reinforce a message that NFL employees will be held to a higher standard than the law.

Steelers employees were bracing Tuesday night for what they suspected would be an eight-game suspension, but two sources said it would not be eight games.

The Pittsburgh Steelers reacquired quarterback Byron Leftwich by dealing a seventh-round draft pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a sign they expect Ben Roethlisberger to be suspended for the start of the season.

Leftwich backed up Roethlisberger in 2008, when the Steelers won the Super Bowl. He knows offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' system and could be ready to play Sept. 12 when the Steelers open against the Atlanta Falcons.

Mike Shanahan commenting on Terrell Owens: We made the decision as an organization not to go in that direction.

Torry Holt said last month that he wanted to play on a team with an elite quarterback. That wish has been granted.

The veteran wide receiver will catch passes from quarterback Tom Brady, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, after signing a one-year, $1.7 million contract with the New England Patriots, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Tuesday.

The Patriots needed depth at receiver because of questions still surrounding the health of Wes Welker, who suffered a knee injury during the 2009 regular-season finale. Holt provides a veteran presence opposite Randy Moss for New England, which also recently brought back David Patten.

Holt, 33, spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who released him in February after he posted career lows in receptions (51) and yards (722) and failed to score a touchdown for the first time in 11 NFL seasons. However, Holt's 63-yard reception during a Dec. 13 game against the Miami Dolphins was the Jaguars' longest of 2009.

The recent trade for veteran tight end Tony Scheffler (which the Lions still aren't acknowledging because it isn't "official' yet), there was some question about the rehab of Brandon Pettigrew. The second-year tight end suffered a torn knee ligament during the Thanksgiving Day game last year.

"He's a long-term rehab, along with Kevin Smith and Jack Williams,'' Schwartz said. "They're all making good progress. It's hard to say on schedule because theirs is a much longer rehab than Matt's. We'll know a lot more when we get to training camp and whether they're really on schedule. Every one of those rehabs is a little bit different, they're not the same and you can't compare one to the other. Every one of those ACLs is a little bit different. But (Pettigrew) hasn't had any setbacks, he's been doing a good job with rehab. He's moving around, he's catching the ball and stuff like that, but he's not running full speed - and won't be until training camp.''

Schwartz said the reason he won't be running full speed is because he doesn't have to and there's no point in accelerating the process.

"We don't play any games this week and we don't play any in May or June. There's a right way to do that rehab,'' he said.

On the first day of the Detroit Lions' Organized Team Activities, quarterback Matthew Stafford (knee) did everything that was asked of him. Lions coach Jim Schwartz, though, said Stafford still isn't 100 percent.

"He can throw, he can do all the things for 7-on-7 and stuff like that. If we were having a 100-meter dash, I don't think he'd be entered right now,'' Schwartz said. "He's exactly on the schedule we want him to be on and the biggest thing is not having a setback off of that schedule.

The Steelers are expecting to hear Wednesday what punishment Ben Roethlisberger will receive from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in connection with his alleged sexual-assault incident in Georgia, the Post-Gazette has learned.

Art Rooney II said in a press conference last Thursday that the Steelers will work with Goodell to determine the punishment, which would include the length of the suspension.

The Rams have traded DT Adam Carriker to Redskins for a fifth-round pick, according to league source.

Carriker was a first round pick just a few years ago but has not panned out. Washington's defensive coordinator Jim Haslett was with St. Louis when Carriker was drafted.

The Redskins have long been interested in Carriker, with their intent to acquire him first reported on NFL Network and NFL.com about six weeks ago. The move is another toward fortifying the defensive line with the Redskins exploring options to trade Albert Haynesworth this week, while lacking a second and third round pick.

Jason Taylor has decided to join the New York Jets, according to his agent Gary Wichard. The NFL's active sack leader and the player with more sacks than anyone since 2000, will sign a contract with New York as early as Wednesday.

Taylor is tentatively scheduled to fly to New York to meet with Jets management Wednesday morning.

Taylor, who wanted to return to the Dolphins in 2010, decided to accept New York's offer after realizing there was no opportunity for him to play for the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have refused to offer Taylor a contract since the end of the 2009 season, saying they would make a decision on that after the draft.

Taylor's decision, looming for days, was finalized late Tuesday night as the NFL draft threatened his only opportunity for a contract at this time. While the Dolphins were holding Taylor off until after the draft, the Jets offered Taylor a chance to join the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense in 2009.

Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan Mcnabb has encouraged the team's coaching staff to consider signing free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens, despite the acrimony that marked their time as Philadelphia Eagles teammates, according to multiple sources.

Coach Mike Shanahan told ESPN that the Redskins are not actively pursuing Owens. A team source said the Redskins have made upgrading their wide receiver position a high priority, but prefer to avoid bringing Owens to their locker room if another solution can be found.

A source close to McNabb told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio that McNabb and Owens recently talked about the possibility of reuniting while recently shooting an episode for a television show in Los Angeles. The "Pros v. Joes" episode features McNabb and TO playing together on the same basketball team. The episode is scheduled to air on Spike in July.

Troy Polamalu isn't exactly a fan of the organized team activities concept — so much so that he hasn't shown up for any of the voluntary drills since early in his NFL career.

But coming off a season in which he missed 11 games with knee injuries, Polamalu had a change of heart.

"I am rediscovering old things," the safety said Monday after the Steelers' first of 14 scheduled sessions. "It feels good."

Usually, Polamalu works out with fitness guru Marv Marinovich in Southern California during the offseason, staying away from the football field. He didn't rule out a return to that regimen this year. He will be at today's session and next weekend's mandatory minicamp, but the remaining 12 organized team activities that stretch through June are up in the air.

Tomlin said he was pleasantly surprised to have Polamalu yesterday, even though he doesn't know how much longer he'll be around.

"The nature of these organized team activities are that they are voluntary," Tomlin said. "We will encourage participation, and we got it today. He looked good. It is good to have him back out there with his teammates, and he was excited to do it."

According to a source close to the situation, the Detroit Lions plan to make tight end Tony Scheffler a big part of their offense, not only for this season but for many years beyond.

The addition of Scheffler gives the Lions a potent two-tight end attack that will be used to take pressure off receiver Calvin Johnson. The formation will limit what defenses can do in the middle of the field to shift coverages toward Johnson.

Scheffler will be used as a tight end and as a third receiver -- similar to how the Indianapolis Colts use Dallas Clark.

If the offense clicks like the coaching staff hopes, the Lions are expected to approach Scheffler during the season about signing a long-term deal to stay in Detroit.

Redskins signed former Broncos RB Ryan Torain, and WR Marques Hagans and Roydell Williams. Torain has not played since getting injured in 2008, but is only 23 years old.

The Steelers released a statement from wide receiver Limas Sweed, who revealed that he was dealing with "personal issues" during a one-catch 2009 season.

"I am excited to be back on the field and back in the locker room with my teammates," Sweed said in the statement. "I appreciate all the support I received from the Steelers organization while I dealt with some personal issues at the end of the 2009 season. I have been working diligently and I am focused on the remainder of the offseason in getting myself prepared to have a great 2010 season."

Minnesota Vikings have re-signed restricted free agent QB Tarvaris Jackson.

According to multiple reports, the Detroit Lions have shipped linebacker Ernie Sims to the Philadelphia Eagles, who will trade a fifth-round draft pick to the Denver Broncos, who will then send veteran tight end Tony Scheffler (and a seventh-round pick) to the Lions.

The Broncos were very interested in unloading TE Tony Scheffler. He wasn’t a fit for the Broncos’ system, but the pass catcher will be another nice weapon for young QB Matt Stafford in Detroit.

The Lions end up parting with Sims — who has playmaking ability on a defense that badly needs explosion — and come away with Scheffler and a seventh-round pick. The immediate question is if they got a tight end because Brandon Pettigrew, a first rounder in 2009, is not recovering well from surgery. According to a league source, Pettigrew is doing very well, but the Lions are looking for weapons of all sorts, and could use two tight ends with some regularity. Also, there was a sense that Sims was not a fit for the scheme they were running (he was drafted before Jim Schwartz took over the defense), and with him seeking a new contract, they were willing to trade the former first-round selection. (From NFL.com)

Donovan Mcnabb has remained in town since he was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago, lifting weights and spending time daily at Redskins Park. He'll now take a week off to return to his home in Arizona but plans on to return to Washington the following week (with a May 7-9 minicamp). "I expect to be here with these guys," he said. "We have a long ways to go."

Redskins running back Clinton Portis, who was criticized by past coaches for his offseason conditioning habits, says that won't be a problem for him. At the conclusion of the final practice of Shanahan's first minicamp, Portis said he feels more committed than he has in recent years.

"I actually do. It's a difference when you say commitment and you want someone to buy into a system that you really don't believe in," Portis said. "I think having Coach Shanahan here, you just believe in whatever he say. If he tell you, 'I think we can jump off the roof, that we going to land safe.' It's like, 'All right, [expletive] it, let's jump.'"

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski signed his restricted free agent tender. Gostkowski was tendered a second-round level on March 4, meaning he’ll earn a salary of $1,759,000 in a one-year deal.

The Cleveland Browns' Chris Jennings was arrested early Saturday downtown.

The 24-year-old running back ran into trouble with a doorman at the Warehouse District dance club, The Velvet Dog, according to a Cleveland police officer familiar with the incident.

Bruce Allen stated today that RB Clinton Portis is cleared for practice but would not say whether he's cleared for contact.

Jabar Gaffney: Unless the Broncos draft Dez Bryant - we'll get to him in a bit - Gaffney looks like Denver's new No. 1 receiver. And, he is a great candidate for a good season. Gaffney blew up in the final two weeks with Eddie Royal out. In the final week without Royal or Marshall, he had 14 catches for 213 yards against the Chiefs. That explosion was intriguing. He has never been a No. 1 receiver, and the concern has to be that he has never put up numbers that indicate he could be a lead dog. But he has a great chance. He knows the offense and if he plays anything like he did in the final two games, he'll put up good numbers.

Eddie Royal: The team has said all offseason they want to get Royal more involved, that his anemic numbers last year happened because he wasn't integrated in the offense more. If you buy that, Royal could be in for a big turnaround season. I just don't know that you can depend on someone coming off a 345-yard, no-touchdown season to be the top receiver (for comparison, in Gaffney's last two games alone he had 282 yards and two touchdowns). Whether Gaffney or Royal becomes Orton's top target, the Broncos clearly need Royal to be more productive now that Marshall is gone.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s kept close tabs on the Panthers personnel moves this off-season, but a source close to WR Muhsin Muhammad told Carolina Growl that he “won’t be playing for Carolina.”

Muhammad turns 37 this year and the team wants to get younger at that position. Earlier this off-season the Panthers purged their roster of a handful of guys who were older than 30.

Some felt the team might try to bring him back Muhammad back as a No. 3 receiver, but that definitely isn’t going to happen.

Falcons RB Jason Snelling has signed his one-year RFA tender.

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs said he just finished cutting drills and the knee feels good. In other RB news, Ahmad Bradshaw has begun running after offseason surgeries on both feet and an ankle.

Titans RB Lendale White has signed his one-year RFA tender. A trade is now possible, but White's value is low after a poor 2009.

Chiefs backup QB Brodie Croyle signed his one-year RFA tender.

Steelers WR Hines Ward indicated that, if the Steelers win the Super Bowl, he would retire after the season. During his 40-minute Q&A session with North Hills football players, the 13-year veteran said his career would be complete with another ring.

"If I win three Super Bowls, I'm retiring," Ward said. "I'm telling you that right now."

Raiders HC Tom Cable stressed he wanted to stick to the draft as a topic of conversation and gave little more than a “he’s here, he’s working” response to a question about quarterback Jamarcus Russell.

However, when asked about the importance of getting a premium pick that actually produces right away, as opposed to the struggles of Russell, Darren Mcfadden and Darrius Heyward-bey, Cable was effusive in his praise of last year’s first-round pick.

“You guys will be excited when you see us in OTA, the improvement Darrius has already made,” Cable said. “That guy has jumped out at us since winter program, or offseason program, just the quality of work he’s done.

“What he did between the end of the season and when we started on March 17 is phenomenal, and probably no one is more excited about a guy on our team than Darrius right now. He really, really has taken this things leaps and bounds, further probably than what we thought we could go with it this quickly. It will be nice to get him on the field and get him into coverages and get him into route concepts and doing those kinds of things.”

The Seahawks signed WR Reggie Williams today after a three-day tryout during the team’s voluntary, veteran minicamp this week. He joins USC products wide receiver Mike Williams and fullback Ryan Powdrell as tryout players signed to Seattle’s roster.

With his future still in flux and a decision still not made, Miami Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor will put the stress on the backburner for the next several days as he retreats with his family for a prearranged vacation, sources told The Miami Herald.

Taylor is leaving the country Thursday. He does not plan to make a decision about his future (whether to sign with the Jets or wait on the Dolphins) until after his return, sources said Thursday.

Wide receiver and special-teams ace Sam Hurd, a restricted free agent who attraced no attention on a slow market, signed his one-year tender with the Dallas Cowboys on Friday. His salary will be $1.759 million.

Broncos TE Tony Scheffler and QB Kyle Orton have signed their one-year RFA tenders with the team.

NYG WR Domenik Hixon signed his RFA tender, according to a source.

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't talked with other teams about dealing embattled quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but they've had significant internal discussions about the matter, a source with knowledge of the situation said Thursday.

According to the source, Steelers ownership remains dismayed and embarrassed by Roethlisberger's actions in a Georgia college town this offseason and finds his string of off-the-field incidents troubling. The team has been closely monitoring the public backlash against Roethlisberger.

"The Rooneys are livid," the source said.

A Georgia district attorney decided not to hand down sexual-assault criminal charges against Roethlisberger on Monday, but the Steelers, as well as the NFL, could impose their own discipline on him.

Roethlisberger met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday. Goodell said Wednesday that he would make a decision on Roethlisberger's status "in the near future."

The Steelers' front office has talked internally about possible trade scenarios that could be feasible and what makes sense for the team. According to a source, if other teams called about Roethlisberger, the Steelers would intently listen.

The Steelers could envision several trade scenarios, but they're skeptical about other teams taking on Roethlisberger, given his baggage. However, they also realize his contract is tradeable in an uncapped year, with the bonuses already paid and Roethlisberger signed for six more years at a manageable salary for a franchise quarterback ($8.05 million in 2010, $11.6 million per year from 2011 to 2014, and $12.1 million in 2015).

In particular, the Steelers are enamored with likely No. 1 overall draft pick Sam Bradford. They essentially view Bradford as a sure-thing franchise quarterback and have considered what it would take to move up to the No. 1 pick in a trade with the St. Louis Rams, according to a source. However, the Steelers know executing such a move would be highly difficult, and they figure the Rams have limited interest in Roethlisberger.

Steelers officials aren't worried about how Roethlisberger's return will impact the locker room. The Rooneys' concern is born of the history and prestige of their franchise, the recent fan backlash and public perception about Roethlisberger and their belief that no player is bigger than the team.

Jets RB Leon Washington signed his one-year RFA tender contract offer Thursday, and he hopes to be recovered from a broken right leg in time for training camp.

The Oakland Raiders signed free-agent quarterback Kyle Boller to undisclosed terms Thursday, one day after Bruce Gradkowski tore a pectoral muscle while lifting weights.

Gradkowski will undergo surgery for the injury Friday, but he's expected to be fully healed by the start of training camp in July, his agent, Ralph Cindrich, confirmed in an e-mail.

The addition of Boller gives the Raiders three healthy quarterbacks on their roster entering the upcoming minicamp and OTAs, with former No. 1 overall pick Jamarcus Russell and Charlie Frye.

The 49ers can scratch "return specialist" off their list of desperate needs.

The 49ers acquired Ted Ginn Jr. from the Dolphins in a trade this morning for a "late-round pick" in this year's draft, reports Jay Glazer of FoxSports. A league source confirmed the trade, pending Ginn passing a physical with the 49ers. The pick is fifth-rounder, No. 145 overall, reports ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Ginn gives the 49ers a return specialist. The 49ers now can still pick up a player who can handle return duties in the draft, but it's not a dire need. Ginn does not figure to supplant Josh Morgan as a starting receiver, but he can work his way onto the field as the No. 3 receiver.

He'll compete with Jason Hill and Brandon Jones. This move clearly puts Jones on the hot seat. Ginn will suit up on game days for his return skills, which means he'll be no worse than the No. 4 receiver on the team.

Packers FB John Kuhn signed his RFA tender.

Bills GM Buddy Nix on the Bills' WR position:

"We’ve got six guys on our roster. Some of them we don’t know a lot about. Steve Johnson hasn’t played much. James Hardy has been hampered. We’d like to find out about those guys. We’ll carry 10 to camp and we may pick up one or two in the draft. Everybody talks about it not being a good draft for receivers. There are some good receivers and there’ll be some throughout the draft, so we’ll fill the next four through the draft and free agency."

The Panthers haven't shown interest in pursuing Washington's Jason Campbell (52 starts), who recently was supplanted when the Redskins traded for former Philadelphia star Donovan Mcnabb. Carolina passed on McNabb and now-relocated former Cleveland quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson.

It now appears questionable whether Carolina will sign a veteran quarterback. Team officials are said to be working with a tight internal budget into which even a modest veteran's salary might not fit. Rookies, other than top draft picks, are more cost-efficient.

Lions TE Casey Fitzsimmons has announced his retirement, citing a history of concussions. FitzSimmons Finished last year on IR after suffering a concussion vs the Bengals December 6th.

Brandon Marshall has reportedly signed a 47.5m extension with the Dolphins that will pay him 50m over the next 5 seasons.

The Denver Broncos have traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins for two second-round picks, according to a league source.

Marshall, who was a restricted free agent, had signed his $2.521 million tender from the Broncos on Tuesday, a move that facilitated the trade of the mercurial receiver.

It was reported earlier that the Seattle Seahawks had shown interest.

Marshall posted his third consecutive 100-catch season last year and made his second consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl despite several run-ins with Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. Marshall had an NFL-record 21 receptions during a Dec. 13 loss at Indianapolis, and his 10 touchdowns for the season were a career best.

The NFL is weighing possible disciplinary action against Ben Roethlisberger, who met with league commissioner Roger Goodell one day after the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback learned he won't be charged in the alleged sexual assault of a Georgia college student.

Roethlisberger described the Tuesday afternoon meeting in Manhattan as "very productive," but he didn't say whether or not he expects to be suspended or fined for several off-the-field incidents that have damaged his reputation and angered the franchise he has led to two Super Bowl championships.

"It's a very serious matter, one we take serious," Roethlisberger told ESPN as he and his representatives left the meeting with Goodell at the NFL's offices.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league will review the facts and follow up with Roethlisberger and the Steelers. Aiello didn't give a timeline.

Possible options include a suspension, a fine or having the quarterback undergo counseling or rehabilitation.

"Commissioner Goodell met today with Ben Roethlisberger and his representatives to discuss the recent incident involving his personal conduct," the league said in a statement. "In accordance with the league's personal-conduct policy, our office will review all the facts and follow up at the appropriate time with the Steelers and Ben."

The Steelers had no comment Tuesday as they await the NFL's findings, and the team isn't expected to discuss the issue until the league makes its ruling.

The Miami Dolphins have been pursuing options to trade wide receiver Ted Ginn, league sources said Tuesday.

Ginn, a first-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2007, has excelled on special teams, but he hasn't regularly contributed as a receiver. He had 38 receptions for 454 yards and one touchdown last season.

Brandon Marshall signed his $2.521 million tender from the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, and the move could help facilitate a trade of the mercurial wide receiver.

A Broncos spokesman confirmed to The Associated Press that Marshall signed his tender, but declined to comment further. AP also left a message with Marshall's agent, Kennard McGuire, seeking comment.

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported earlier this week that the Seattle Seahawks are interested in trading for Marshall, but they don't want to give up one of their first-round picks (No. 6 and No. 14) in next week's draft.

Six years ago, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spent a long day in Manhattan, watching 10 NFL teams call out the names of players not named "Ben Roethlisberger."

He's due for another long day in New York City on Tuesday, when Ben, agent Ryan Tollner, and lawyer David Cornwell walk up to the security desk at 280 Park Avenue and explain that they have a meeting with the guy who runs the NFL.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Roethlisberger, Tollner, and Cornwell will sit down with Commissioner Roger Goodell today.

Sources tell Fox31's Josina Anderson that Brandon Marshall is expected to huddle with the Denver Broncos today about future.

Jets QB Kellen Clemens has signed his RFA tender, a one year contract.

It is only preliminary talks and it is still early in the process, but the Green Bay Packers have contacted free-agent RB Brian Westbrook.

Hours after wide receiver Santonio Holmes was acquired by the New York Jets from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a fifth-round pick in this month's draft, the NFL suspended the talented but troubled wide receiver for four games.

Holmes was suspended without pay by the NFL on Monday for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He is permitted to practice with the Jets, attend training camp and play in preseason games, but will miss the first four games of the regular season.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger no longer faces prosecution over a claim of sexual assault in Georgia, but he does face the real possibility of punishment from the Steelers and/or the National Football League that includes a suspension.

Fred Bright, the district attorney of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit in Georgia, announced this afternoon that he will not prosecute the case, but in doing so revealed some graphic details of what happened the night of March 4 and early morning hours of March 5 in a Milledgeville, Ga., nightclub. A 20-year-old woman claimed that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her, although she later asked the DA not to pursue the case.

"We are not condoning Mr. Roethlisberger's actions that night,'' Bright said at a news conference. "But we do not prosecute morals, we prosecute crimes."

The NFL and the Steelers, however, can punish the quarterback based on the league's conduct policy and a team's possible claim to conduct detrimental to the ballclub. One of the possible issues is Bright's conclusion that Roethlisberger could have been cited for providing alcohol to a minor.

Multiple Steelers sources indicated today that Steelers President Art Rooney is considering various types of punishment for his quarterback that could include suspension from a game or games in 2010. It's also possible the NFL could take that decision out of Rooney's hands by issuing a suspension under the league's conduct policy.

WR Mike Williams, who played for Seahawks coach Pete Carroll at USC, will participate in the Seahawks mini-camp on a tryout basis.

Mike Williams, the 10th player chosen in the 2005 draft, flamed out previously with Detroit, Oakland and Tennessee. Size, strength and hands were what made him appealing coming out of USC. But Williams, listed at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, caught only 44 passes for 539 yards and two touchdowns in 30 career regular-season games. His weight reportedly ranged between roughly 240 and 270 pounds.

Williams is only 26 years old. Carroll's ties to Williams could give him an edge in tapping into the receiver's potential, but it's still a long shot. Former USC assistant Norm Chow was with the Titans when Tennessee gave Williams his most recent NFL opportunity.

A city magistrate today dismissed remaining charges against Steelers kicker Jeff Reed, citing his completion of community service.

Reed had been charged with four counts stemming from an incident outside a North Shore bar in October.

The Redskins have resigned restricted free agent QB Jaston Campbell to a one-year deal. The Redskins will continue to listen to trade offers.

Free agent quarterback Chris Simms reached agreement with Tennessee on a one-year deal. Simms a Titan -- again.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes will be suspended the first four games, a league source said. So Jets will be without Holmes for opener and beyond.

One other point on Santonio Holmes that wise league minds have pointed out: he is in last year of his contract. Pitt didn't want to pay him.

Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post reports that the Jets gave up a fifth-round draft pick for Holmes, who was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIII. A fifth-round draft pick for a former Super Bowl MVP.

What a strange weekend it has been for Santonio Holmes.

Yesterday, it was reported that Holmes is facing a four-game suspension under the substance abuse policy. Tonight, we're told that the Steelers have traded Holmes to the New York Jets.

A witness has taken responsibility for tossing a glass at a woman at an Orlando nightclub, according to the lawyer for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes who was first accused of attacking the woman.

An investigator tracked down the witness, who gave a sworn statement saying he threw the glass because the woman was attacking Holmes, Adam Swickle said Friday. Swickle did not identify the witness, but said it was the first person the woman's friends told police threw the glass.

"This is extortion in its purest form," Swickle said.

Multiple sources have advised that receiver Santonio Holmes is facing a four-game suspension under the league's substance-abuse policy. It's presently unknown whether Holmes tested positive for a prohibited substance or committed some other violation of the policy, such as missing a required test. It's our current understanding that the internal NFL appeals process has not been finalized.

Colts waived RB Chad Simpson, according to a league source. Mike Hart's solid late season performance played into the move.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged after an investigation into accusations of sexual assault by a 20-year-old woman in Georgia, sources told ESPN.

Sources confirmed to ESPN's Kelly Naqi that District Attorney Fred Bright will announce on Monday that charges will not be brought against Roethlisberger. Bright said in a statement Friday he has reviewed all the investigation reports and will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. ET Monday.

Milledgeville police Chief Woodrow Blue said Wednesday his department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation had wrapped up their investigation into a 20-year-old college student's claim that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early March 5 at a club in Milledgeville.

It was the second time in a year that Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual misconduct. He also faces a lawsuit filed last July by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he denies. Roethlisberger has not been criminally charged in either case and has claimed counterdamages in the lawsuit.

NFL execs believe one reason Eagles traded McNabb to Redskins was so Washington could not acquire Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford.

Eagles did not want to see a Sam Bradford/Mike Shanahan union. By trading them McNabb, Redskins don't have ammo to trade up to No. 1 anymore.

Cards RB Beanie Wells looks lean. Down to 228 lbs after playing at 235 or so in 09. Wants to play at 224 or so in 2010.

Cardinals QB coach Chris Miller said backup QB Derek Anderson has a cannon for an arm, but the coach thinks Anderson's mechanics slipped the past couple years. Miller will work hard with Anderson on the fundamentals over the next month to prepare for minicamp and OTAs.

No one is expecting Matt Leinart to perform up to Warner's level, but Miller thinks the offense will have some added dimensions. Leinart is more mobile, and he'll be able to run more bootlegs. Those will be effective if the run game is productive. Defenses have to respect the potential handoff to Tim Hightower or Beanie Wells, and that will allow Leinart to run the naked bootlegs. Leinart throws well on the run, Miller said.

Steve Spagnuolo admits that Rams RB Steven Jackson “doesn’t want to come off the field. If he wants to be out there, you’ve got to keep him out there.” Spagnuolo, though, says he is seeking a running back this offseason to help alleviate Jackson’s heavy offensive burden.

The lawyer for Santonio Holmes said today he is "more confident than ever" that the Steelers wide receiver will be cleared of any wrongdoing in a March 7 incident at an Orlando, Fla. nightclub.

Former Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers reached agreement Monday night with the Houston Texans on a two-year contract.

Despite having acquired Pro Bowler Donovan Mcnabb to be their new starting quarterback, the Redskins have not ruled out bringing back former starter Jason Campbell as a backup, two people with knowledge of the situation said Monday afternoon.

Instead, Washington Coach Mike Shanahan apparently will permit Campbell's agent, Joel Segal, to seek trade opportunities that might benefit Campbell and the team.

The Rams took the limbo out of Marc Bulger’s future in St. Louis, releasing the veteran quarterback on Monday.

The proverbial writing has been on the wall for Bulger, who showed up to offseason workouts with the Rams despite mounting chatter that his career in St. Louis could end if the team selects Sam Bradford with the first overall pick in the draft. With the expected addition of Bradford, A.J. Feeley on the roster as a veteran stop-gap and the fact that Bulger was due $8.5 million next season, his release isn’t a surprise.

The Rams officially bid adieu to Bulger with a statement.

“It is always hard to part ways with someone you care for and appreciate,” said Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo. “I was fortunate as a first-year head coach to have Marc on our team. I will always be indebted to him for his work ethic, character and leadership. We wish him and his family nothing but the best.”

Although a number of teams made moves to solidify their quarterback depth charts earlier in free agency, Bulger would seem to hold value for teams like Buffalo, Houston, Carolina and Chicago (that Mike Martz connection, again).

Some of the teams might also have interest in Redskins QB Jason Campbell, reports Jason La Canfora.

The Eagles decision to trade Donovan Mcnabb to the rival Redskins, of all teams, is a move that wouldn't have happened if Philadelphia's coaches, management, and ownership -- and some players -- didn't think Kevin Kolb was capable of taking over the reigns.

The Eagles' decision might not have been as tough as many of us think. Economically, it was almost a slam dunk. Get something now in a trade before McNabb could walk away as a free agent after the 2010 season. But if Kolb isn't ready, the Eagles would be talking extension with McNabb instead of sending him to one of their rivals.

The focus is now on Kolb, a three-year veteran who was taken early in the second round in 2007 and has played rarely enough for anyone outside the organization to know if he's any good.

The Philadelphia Eagles have traded quarterback Donovan Mcnabb to the Washington Redskins for a 2010 second-round pick (No. 37 overall) and either a third- or fourth-round draft pick in 2011, the team announced Sunday.

"Donovan Mcnabb was more than a franchise quarterback for this team," said Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie in a statement. "He truly embodied all of the attributes of a great quarterback and of a great person. He has been an excellent representative of this organization and the entire National Football League both on and off the field.

"I look forward to honoring him as of the greatest Eagles of all-time and hopefully see in enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton one day. I wish Donovan and his beautiful family great health and joy for many, many years to come."

McNabb, the Eagles' first-round draft pick in 1999 and a six-time Pro Bowl selection, is the franchise's all-time leader in every major passing category and has led them to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl in 11 seasons in Philadelphia.

McNabb responded shortly after the announcement of the trade with a post on his Twitter account, saying "Anyone selling a house in Washington?"

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports via Twitter that Donovan Mcnabb has been traded to the Washington Redskins. The Eagles received the Redskins 2nd round pick (37th overall) plus a 3rd or 4th round pick next year, based on performance.

Whether Santonio Holmes threw that glass or not, his timing in this whole thing was awful. If the cops in Orlando, Fla., do charge him -- and reading the stories, they were going to do so that night/morning until the woman changed her mind -- his playing days with the Steelers could be in jeopardy.

The Washington Redskins have added another veteran running back to their roster, agreeing to terms with Willie Parker on a one-year deal.

Parker agreed Friday to a contract that could be worth as much as $3.1 million with incentives.

The Redskins already have 28-year-old Clinton Portis returning, and they recently signed 30-year-old Larry Johnson to a three-year, incentive-laden deal.

Parker's agent, Douglas Hendrickson, said the Redskins have told his client that "it's an open competition for the starting job."

Parker, 29, played six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning two Super Bowl rings. He has three 1,200-yard seasons, but he ran for just 389 yards last year as a backup.

The Browns acquired cornerback Sheldon Brown and linebacker Chris Gocong in a Friday trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for linebacker Alex Hall and two draft picks. The fourth- and fifth-round selections are the Nos. 105 and 137 overall in this month's three-day draft.

The deal was announced as Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers -- a three-time Pro Bowl pick -- apologized after being arrested for trying to carry a loaded handgun onto a plane. But time stops for nothing in the NFL, and the Browns agreed to terms of the deal, pending physicals.

Vikings are moving Darius Reynaud from wide receiver to running back.

The woman suing Santonio Holmes who refused to prosecute him criminally for what she said was an assault at a Florida nightclub has changed her mind.

Anshonae Mills informed police Wednesday that she now wants the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver charged with throwing a liquor glass at her face March 7 and causing a minor injury during a dispute over a seat at the club's VIP lounge.

Unrestricted free agent kicker Jay Feely has agreed to terms on deal with the Arizona Cardinals, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Former Browns RB Jamal Lewis apparently not ready to retire yet. He's visiting the New Orleans Saints.

The Eagles will bring Michael Vick back next season, team sources said today.

Vick is currently third on the quarterback depth chart and is slated to earn $5.25 million in total salary. That salary would be an exorbitant amount for the Eagles to pay a third-stringer. But if he were to be the backup, Vick's salary would not be significantly more than what other NFL backup quarterbacks earn.

And with his additional role in the Eagles' wildcat/spread formation offense, Vick would warrant the higher scale, according to one team source.

"As a coaching staff, we all have confidence that he'll get in there and do that," Eagles coach Andy Reid said last week, referring to Vick's wildcat role. "He can run the offense, too. That part of his game. That's a neat thing."

This scenario, of course, presumes that either starting quarterback Donovan Mcnabb or backup Kevin Kolb will be traded. At the NFL owners' meetings, Reid said that the Eagles were "entertaining" offers for all three of their quarterbacks.

In his first public comments since undergoing the mid-February procedure on his left knee, Jets QB Mark Sanchez told newyork Jets.com that he's feeling fine, physically and mentally, and on target for a full summer leading the Jets into this most important second year of the Sanchez/Rex Ryan era.

"I'm rehabbing like crazy, a lot of physical therapy. I'm in close contact with Dr. [Ken] Montgomery and he's pleased with my progress," the quarterback said. "Really, we're on the same timetable. I'll absolutely be 100 percent by training camp and be ready to go for the season."