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POSTED 11:56 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

ADAMS PASSES $7 MILLION ANNUAL AVERAGE

The going rate for offensive linemen previously had been $7 million per year on a seven-year deal. According to Ed Werder of ESPN, the contract paid to Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams on Thursday is for six years, and is worth more than $42 million.

That puts Adams north of the $7 million annual average.

But the $15 million in guaranteed money Adams will receive is less than the guaranteed money paid to other offensive linemen over the past couple of years.

Steelers guard Alan Faneca figures to surpass both numbers soon, either by joining the Cardinals or the Jets.

POSTED 11:37 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

TUNA ROUNDING UP HIS GUYS

Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com reports that the 'Boys could be sending defensive tackle Jason Ferguson to the Dolphins for one or more late-round picks.

Ferguson tore a biceps in Week One of the 2007 season, and missed the rest of the year. He has played for Fins V.P. of football operations Bill Parcells with the Jets and the Cowboys.

Other former Tuna guys who soon could be joining the Fins include running back Julius Jones and tackle Jason Fabini.

POSTED 11:00 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

BROWNS HOPING TO LOSE ANDERSON?

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that, in order to get defensive tackle Corey Williams from the Packers, the Browns will send a second-round pick to Green Bay.

And this will give the Browns no picks on the first day of the 2008 draft, since they gave up their first-round pick in order to get in position to draft Brady Quinn last April.

As a member of PFT Planet pointed out, the Browns' might be hoping and/or planning to lose quarterback Derek Anderson to restricted free agency. If Anderson signs an offer sheet and the Browns opt not to match it, they'll get a first-round and a third-round draft pick in return.

POSTED 10:29 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

ASANTE TO PHILLY?

Two years ago, there were reports that center LeCharles Bentley would sign with the Eagles on the first day of free agency.

He didn't.

The rumor was that Bentley had reneged on a verbal deal that had been brokered in advance of the start of free agency, and signed instead with the Browns.

This time around, there are Internet reports from the generally plugged-in gcobb.com that Pats cornerback Asante Samuel has a deal in place to sign with Philly. If true, Samuel can renege without consequence, just like Bentley did. And the Eagles would have no recourse, just as in the Bentley situation.

An unwritten player contract negotiated at a time when there should be no negotiations at all is, obviously, not enforceable.

Other teams thought to be interested in Samuel are the Saints, Jets, and possibly the Bucs. Samuel is believed to want a contract worth at least $10 million per year.

POSTED 9:43 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

PACKERS, BROWNS MAKE A DEAL

Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post reports that the Packers will trade defensive tackle Corey Williams to the Browns at some point after midnight.

Presumably, Williams will sign his one-year franchise tender and then sign a long-term deal, which will be traded to the Browns.

There's no word on what the Packers will get in return.

POSTED 9:34 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

NINERS DISMISS TAMPERING CHARGES

The Bears have alleged that the 49ers tampered last season with linebacker Lance Briggs. San Francisco G.M. Scot McCloughan responded to the charges on Thursday, by not responding.

"There's nothing to it," McCloughan said. "We have no response because there's nothing to respond to."

But then there was a response, sort of.

"I think it's maneuvering by an organization trying to find the best way to keep their guy," McCloughan said. "From our standpoint, there's nothing to it. It doesn't mean we will or we won't go after him. It's something they [the Bears] put out and we have no comment."

We agree with McCloughan. We think that the Bears were trying to scare the Niners away from courting Briggs. Though, as we hear it, the 49ers have indeed kept a low profile regarding any possible tampering with Briggs in the days prior to free agency, the Niners could make an aggressive push once the clock strikes 12.

POSTED 9:26 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

VILMA TO SAINTS?

The Lions kicked the tires on Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma, and were regarded as the favorites to land the 12th player selected in the 2004 draft.

But the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that the Saints are close to swinging a deal for Vilma.

Vilma's 2007 season was shortened by knee problems, and he hasn't been a good fit for the 3-4 defense.

POSTED 9:20 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

SAGE TALKS END

Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that talks between the Vikings and the Texans regarding a trade that would have sent quarterback Sage Rosenfels from Houston to Minnesota have ended.

The Vikings offered a third-round pick; the Texans wanted a second-round pick.

The Vikes could now pursue J.P. Losman, who has asked to be traded out of Buffalo.

POSTED 8:37 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

RAIDERS TO RAID THE CHAMPS?

With safety Michael Huff, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2006 draft, available via trade, the Oakland Raiders could be a few hours away from signing his eventual replacement.

Nancy Gay of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Raiders will make an aggressive run at Giants safety Gibril Wilson. Other teams reportedly interested in Wilson include the Eagles, Falcons, and Jaguars.

In a year with few free agents at safety and a relatively weak draft class, Wilson could pocket a huge deal. He is from the Bay Area and might want to return home. But he also wants $5 million per year and $11 million guaranteed.

Gay also reports that the Raiders moved to sign defensive tackle Tommy Kelly after it became known that the Broncos and Saints were prepared to offer him contracts after the launch of free agency.

POSTED 8:30 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

BATTLE BREWING FOR BERRIAN

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that Bears receiver Bernard Berrian is expected to be pursued aggressively by the Vikings and the Titans as of midnight tonight.

Per Caplan, the 49ers also could enter the mix.

Berrian is generally regarded as the second best receiving free agent available, behind Randy Moss.

Published reports earlier in the day indicated that the Bears offered Berrian $8 million in guaranteed money, and that he wanted north of $12 million.

POSTED 8:24 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

BRUSCHI STAYS PUT

At the Combine, there was a rumor that Pats linebacker Tedy Bruschi would retire. More recently, there were rumblings of other teams making a pitch for his services.

As it now stands, Bruschi will be back with the Patriots.

Tom Curran of NBCSports.com reports that Bruschi has agreed to terms with New England, and that he'll play for "at least another season."

POSTED 8:16 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

PFTV FREE AGENCY PREVIEWS: RECEIVER, LINEBACKER, DEFENSIVE BACK

As we get closer to the start of the free agency period, we figured it would be wise to empty the chamber on the PFTV free agency previews.

Here are the last three. First, receiver.

Next, linebacker.

Finally, defensive back.

POSTED 8:09 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

VIKINGS WANT TO PUT SPICE IN THEIR OFFENSE

With a quarterback who struggled at times in his first full year as a starter, the Vikings could be looking to bring in a little competition.

Or a lot.

Per Don Banks of SI.com, the Vikes are interested in Texans backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels. Rosenfels generated a passer rating of 84.8 last season, appearing in nine games. He was 4-1 as a starter.

Tarvaris Jackson was 8-4 as the starter in Minnesota last season. His passer rating of 70.8 barely put him on the right side of our patented Kordoza line.

Banks says that the Vikes have offered a third-round selection for Rosenfels. The Texans want a second-round pick.

Regardless of whether the deal goes down for a two or a three or not at all, the message to Jackson is clear -- one way or another, there will be competition for the starting job in 2008.

POSTED 7:38 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

JETS WANT JENKINS by Michael David Smith

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that trade talks are heating up between the Jets and Panthers, centering on defensive tackle Kris Jenkins.

Jenkins is one of several defensive tackles being shopped around the NFL right now, with others including the Jaguars' Marcus Stroud, the Lions' Shaun Rogers and the Jets' Dewayne Robertson. Schefter reports that the Jets, who want a bigger tackle than Robertson who can play the nose in coach Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense, are expected to make a major push for Jenkins.

There has been speculation that the Jets might trade linebacker Jonathan Vilma to some team in exchange for a nose tackle.

The 28-year-old Jenkins has spent his entire seven-year career in Carolina and has made three Pro Bowls. He is due a $1 million roster bonus next week and base salaries of $2.955 million in 2008 and $3.71 million in 2009.

POSTED 7:15 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

COWBOYS LOCK IN FLOZELL by Michael David Smith

The Dallas Cowboys signed left tackle Flozell Adams to a six-year contract extension today, the team announced on its web site.

Without the new deal, Adams would have become an unrestricted free agent at midnight, having played out the five-year, $25 million contract he signed in 2003. No financial terms were released on the new deal.

The Cowboys now have four players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents: running back Julius Jones, cornerbacks Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones and safety Keith Davis. Dallas put the franchise tag on safety Ken Hamlin.

The Cowboys' most intriguing free agent is running back Marion Barber, a restricted free agent who may draw some interest even though a team signing him would have to ship first-round and third-round draft picks to the Cowboys.

POSTED 6:58 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

COULD PANTHERS MAKE A PLAY FOR MOSS? by Michael David Smith

Just hours before the start of free agency, Stan Olson of the Charlotte Observer posts an intriguing -- if admittedly farfetched -- theory: Could the Panthers make a play for Randy Moss?

Olson quotes one unnamed NFL insider who thinks it could happen, if the Patriots decide not to break the bank to re-sign their record-breaking wide receiver.

"Carolina has freed up a lot of cap space with all the guys they've cut recently," Olson's source said. "Suppose they offer Randy a 6-year, $60 million deal with $25 million guaranteed? Now, if the difference is one or two million, Moss probably gives the Patriots a discount and goes back. But $5 million extra guaranteed? These guys have egos. And he knows that Carolina has been working aggressively to get better. Who's to say he doesn't make the move?"

If Carolina does spend big money in free agency, defensive end, offensive tackle and free safety are considered bigger needs than wide receiver, where the newly signed Muhsin Muhammad will compete with Dwayne Jarrett for the spot across the field from Steve Smith. But is there any defensive end, offensive tackle or safety who would have a Moss-like impact?

For now, the smart money says Moss stays with the Patriots. But New England decided not to put the franchise tag on Moss, which means that at 12:01 a.m., a whole lot of NFL teams will be on the phone with big-money offers.

POSTED 6:10 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

CHARGERS TRIM A TRIO

After trying unsuccessfully to trade Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal, the Chargers have dumped him, along with two other veterans.

Also gone are safety Marlon McCree and tackle Shane Olivea.

Neal was signed through 2010, at base salaries of $1.5 million, $1.5 million, and $1.75 million. McCree has a base salary of $2.765 million in 2008, $3 million in 2009, and $3 million in 2010. And Olivea was under contract through 2011 at a salary of $2 million this year, and then $2.5 million, $2.65 million, and $3.075 million over the next three.

POSTED 5:59 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

FAVRE'S STATUS WILL LIKELY BE BROKEN BY THE SUN-HERALD

As a member of the national media astutely pointed out to us this afternoon, any announcement that Packers quarterback Brett Favre will retire will come not from the team or any Wisconsin-based newspaper, but from the Biloxi Sun-Herald.

Favre, a Mississippi native and offseason resident, is tight with sportswriter Al Jones, and the thinking is that Favre would feed to Jones any big news regarding Favre's status.

Meanwhile, there's an expectation in media circles that Favre will make an announcement on his future next week. A growing number of league observers think that he will call it quits.

Regardless of how it all turns out, Thursday's inadvertent posting of a live page on the Packers web site that announced his retirement ended up being a huge deal. And little did we know that we "broke" the story. According to John Clayton of ESPN.com, we did. [Editor's note: Clayton's story has since been replaced with an AP story that doesn't mention us. Oh well.]

Thank you, John. Given the recent departure of Sean Salisbury from ESPN, we have a feeling that we can forge a solid relationship with Mr. Clayton under the time-honored notion that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

POSTED 5:34 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

DAVIS CASHES IN

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the new contract between the Texans and receiver Andre Davis is worth $16 million over four years, with guaranteed money close to $8 million.

We projected only (only?) $3 million in guaranteed money for Davis in our free-agency rankings for the receiver position.

If Davis is worth $8 million in guaranteed money, what in the heck will Randy Moss get? $27 million? $30 million?

Yikes.

STAY UP LATE WITH PFT

Just like last year, we'll be burning the midnight oil (as opposed to the mid-afternoon oil) as the free agency period launches. So check back with PFT early and often as the evening -- and morning -- unfold.

And we'll be monitoring all of our sources and resources on Friday for real-time updates as to any and all deals that are done, and any visits that are scheduled.

We've got an outside shot on Thursday at breaking our all-time single-day traffic record of 750,000 page views. We set the high-water mark on the first day of free agency in 2007, and our guess is that we'll shatter that mark on Friday, topping one million page views for the first time ever.

POSTED 5:26 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

RAMS BOUNCE BRUCE

The Rams have released veteran receiver Isaac Bruce, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Bruce was due to earn a $2 million roster bonus on Friday, and a $3 million base salary. Since 2008 was the final year of Bruce's contract, the Rams instantly save $5 million in salary cap space.

The Post-Dispatch also reports that defensive end James Hall could be released by the Rams, and that the Rams are expected to make a play for Redskins quarterback Todd Collins.

POSTED 5:15 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

SAVAGE HINTS AT TAMPERING WITH ANDERSON

The Browns have officially slapped the highest possible restricted free agency tender on quarterback Derek Anderson. Thus, absent a separate deal, Anderson will get a one-year deal worth $2.56 million and the Browns will have the right to match any offer made to Anderson -- and compensation in the form of a first-round and third-round pick if the Browns choose not to match.

And with a three-year, $20 million offer from the Browns on the table, G.M. Phil Savage has hinted that other teams might already be talking to Anderson's representatives.

Per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Savage said on Thursday that if Anderson does not accept the Browns offer it must mean he has a better deal in the works.

Technically, a better deal shouldn't be in the works. No deal should be in the works. But we all know by now that tampering is a fact of life in the NFL.

Still, we take issue with Savage's logic. With the launch of free agency only six hours away, why shouldn't Anderson wait to see what offers might come in?

It's not as if Savage is going to pull the current multi-year deal. Savage was asked precisely that question, and his answer makes it clear to us that the pending proposal won't turn into a pumpkin at midnight. "I wouldn't say we'd take [the offer] off the table," Savage said, "but I think the offer would be impacted. I think if Derek wants to be a Brown and go forward, he can do that rather easily. If he explores the possibilities, he can do that also. I feel like we've put a really strong offer out there, and if he opts to do something else, that's his prerogative. He's earned that right."

POSTED 4:20 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

TEXANS KEEP DAVIS

Receiver Andre Davis has reached an agreement to remain with the Houston Texans.

Per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, the agreement was reached on Thursday after two days of negotiation.

Terms of the deal are not yet available.

POSTED 2:40 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

RAIDERS SIGN KELLY TO HUGE DEAL by Michael David Smith

Adam Schefter of NFL Network and John Clayton of ESPN are reporting that the Oakland Raiders have reached an agreement on a huge new contract with defensive tackle Tommy Kelly.

The reports indicate that it's a seven-year deal worth just over $50 million, with just over $18 million guaranteed. The deal makes Kelly the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.

The 27-year-old Kelly has played both end and tackle for the Raiders and is expected to replace the retiring Warren Sapp as the Raiders' three-technique defensive tackle this season. Kelly was scheduled to become a free agent at midnight and was thought to be one of the league's most sought-after free agents because he has the versatility to play either end or tackle, and in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense.

Kelly started all 16 games for the Raiders in 2006 but missed nine games in 2007 after suffering a torn ACL. He joined the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2004.

POSTED 1:50 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

FAVRE PAGE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN by Michael David Smith

For those who missed it, here's what the "Breaking News" section of the Packers' official web site looked like earlier today, courtesy of our friends at SportingNews.com:

We don't know whether that means the Packers know Brett Favre will retire and are preparing for the formal announcement, or whether it means someone who works on the Packers' web site was preparing in case Favre retires and accidentally published the page, or whether someone published the page as a joke, or what.

The Packers have removed that page without explanation.

POSTED 1:07 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

FAVRE LINK IS NOW DISABLED

The "Favre will retire" link on the Packers' web site is now dead. But the question of why the team's official site had a live page proclaiming his retirement isn't.

Either someone hacked into the system or the staff was getting a dummy page ready for an eventual announcement. Whether such announcement was expected later today or at some unknown point in the future is unclear.

What is clear is that Favre Watch 2008 officially has passed the point of ridiculousness, and it'll be interesting to see if the team's web site snafu becomes a factor in his decision-making process.

POSTED 1:01 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

FAVRE POST REAL OR NOT?

Okay, so there's a page on the LIVE web site of the Green Bay Packers that says quarterback Brett Favre will retire. And we're getting mixed signals from our sources as to whether it is legit.

A team source told us, emphatically, that the page on the team's official site is wrong. But some of our media sources have given some credence to the notion that Favre is hanging them up.

Then there's this page on the team's official site, which has a story about the Scouting Combine. It clearly has a link to the "Breaking News" section of the site. And clicking on the "Breaking News" link goes straight to the Favre retirement page.

If Favre isn't done, then the "Favre is done" page apparently was put in place by the organization so that they'll be ready if/when he quits. Still, whoever made the decision to allow that page to be on the live site is not only a "Cheesehead" but also a cheese brain.

If this is what has happened, it's not unprecedented. Two years ago, the Browns posted on their web site several live pages indicating that they'd signed certain free agents before the signing period even opened.

POSTED 12:29 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

FAVRE DONE?

Okay, we're a little leery right now because we swung and missed on this one back in 2006. But it looks a lot more official this time around.

A page on the Packers official web site announces that quarterback Brett Favre will retire. However, there's no mention of it on the front page of the team's official site.

So either it's accurate or the team has a dummy page ready in the event Favre quits or someone has hacked into the Packers' official site and posted a phony announcement.

Stay tuned.

POSTED 11:43 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

BUCS MUST SPEND $28 MILLION

One of the realities of having $44 million under the salary cap is the mandate to reach the little-known salary floor.

As explained by some Internet hack on SportingNews.com, the Buccaneers must spend $28 million of that 2008 cap room in order to comply with the $100.22 million per-team minimum.

The number comes from the CBA. For 2008, the salary floor is 86.4 percent of the salary cap.

Some teams use devices such as "likely to be earned incentives" that won't as a practical matter be earned in an effort to carry cap money over from one year to the next. The union often balks at this approach, since it creates in essence a no-interest loan against the payroll obligation. If the Bucs would use a device like that to satisfy the spending minimum, the NFL Players Association surely would take action.

You can read more about that and nine-other free agency topics right here.

POSTED 11:28 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

GREEN PLANS TO PLAY AGAIN

With a weak free-agency class at the quarterback position and the official launch of the signing period a little more than 12 hours away, Trent Green is reminding everyone that he's available.

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports that Green has received medical clearance to continue his NFL career.

It'll be interesting to see whether anyone takes a chance on him. Though we don't question his status, the fact that he has suffered a pair of serious bumps to the brain box in the past two seasons could make teams less inclined to risk having its logo on the side of his head when it takes its next high-profile impact.

In September 2006, Green (then of the Chiefs) suffered a serious concussion while sliding at the end of a run. In October 2007, he sustained another concussion when he blocked Texans defensive tackle Travis Johnson low during a busted play. Angered by the blind-side hit to his knee, Johnson proceeded to verbally accost Green, while Green was at best barely conscious.

He didn't play again in 2007, and the Dolphins cut Green earlier this month. He has since generated no serious interest.

Still, in a league that's light on passing talent, it makes sense that Green should get another chance.

Then again, so should Jeff George. But that's another story.

POSTED 11:14 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

COUGHLIN GETTING $5.25 MILLION PER YEAR

When Giants coach Tom Coughlin raised his champagne glass on New Year's Eve, he surely couldn't have imagined in his wildest delusion that he would win the Super Bowl and secure a long-term contract extension by the end of February.

Per Gary Myers of the New York Daily News, the back end of this twin-pack of pipe dreams is almost in the bag.

Coughlin will make $21 million over four years, which works out to an average of $5.25 million per season.

Hopefully, he'll now be able to afford more effective face protection for the next time his team plays a game in sub-freezing conditions. Otherwise, we'll have to change his nickname from the Soup Nazi to Freddy Krueger.

POSTED 11:03 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

STROUD FOR SALE

Though few quality interior defensive linemen can be had in free agency, several are available on the trade market.

Joining Shaun Rogers of the Lions, Dewayne Robertson of the Jets, and Kris Jenkins of the Panthers is Marcus Stroud of the Jaguars.

A league source has confirmed that Stroud has been given permission to shop himself in a trade. Under his contract, Stroud is due to receive salaries of $5 million, $5.5 million, and $6 million over the next three seasons.

Last year, Stroud was suspended for four games due to a violation of the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. He also missed several games due to injury.

If Stroud is traded, the Jags presumably will go with John Henderson and Rob Meier at defensive tackle. (We previously mentioned Grady Jackson as a possible starter, but he's an unrestricted free agent.)

The Falcons could be interested in Stroud, since former Jags defensive coordinator Mike Smith is now the head coach there.

A reader tells us that the news regarding Stroud initially was reported by our friends at 1010XL in Jacksonville.

POSTED 10:53 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

FREAK FORMALLY OUT IN PHILLY

A league source tells us that the Eagles officially have dumped defensive end Jevon Kearse.

Kearse could return to the Titans. He was the league's defensive rookie of the year in 1999 with Tennessee. After his rookie contract expired, he jumped to Philly.

A serious knee injury knocked him out of action in 2006, and he was buried on the depth chart last season.

POSTED 10:49 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

TENDER LIKELY FOR ANDERSON

A source with knowledge of the discussions between the Browns and quarterback Derek Anderson tells us that the team isn't likely to sign Anderson to a long-term deal before Thursday's 4:00 p.m. EST deadline for communicating restricted free agency tenders.

The Browns are expected to tender Anderson at the highest possible level, which will give them a right of first refusal and compensation in the amount of a first-round pick and a third-round pick if the Browns opt not to match a multi-year offer that Anderson accepts.

In exchange, Anderson will get a non-guaranteed one-year deal worth roughly $2.5 million. The team reportedly has offered him a three-year, $20 million deal with $10 million in guaranteed money.

POSTED 10:40 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

FINS AFTER ROGERS

Earlier this week, it appeared that Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers could land in Denver. Then he was linked to a three-way deal that would send him to the Jets.

Now, the Miami Dolphins could be after him.

Per Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com, the Fins are involved in trade talks for the veteran defensive tackle. Kowalski says that Miami V.P. of football operations Bill Parcells previously has spoken of Rogers in glowing terms.

But Parcells also has said that he wants no "thugs and hoodlums" on his team. Last year, Rogers was accused of roughing up a dancer at a strip club. No formal charges ever were filed. He also has been suspended for violation of the policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

POSTED 9:29 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

'SKINS SKATE UNDER THE CAP

At a time when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are more than $44 million under the per-team spending limit for 2008, the Redskins have narrowly made it under the $116 million salary cap.

Per David Elfin of the Washington Times, the Redskins got there by voiding the contract of quarterback Mark Brunell, and at the same time freeing up $3.4 million in cap space.

More room will need to be created if the 'Skins hope to scalp any free agents -- or to sign their eventual draft picks.

PFT INVADES NFLN, AGAIN

With free agency starting tomorrow, NFL Network will be airing at 7:00 p.m. EST on Thursday night a two-hour special focusing on the coming spending spree.

And the program currently is scheduled to include for two segments a certain Internet hack who usually practices his hackery in this space.

The appearance will be made via satellite from the PFTV set, which also serves from time to time (i.e., multiple times per day, every day) as the news desk at WDTV, the CBS affiliate that just happens to be five minutes from PFT headquarters.

If you don't have NFLN, remember that it streams live on appropriately equipped Sprint phones. And if you don't have an appropriately equipped Sprint phone, you've got roughly nine hours to rectify that problem.

POSTED 8:06 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

BEARS, BERRIAN HAVE A GAP TO BRIDGE

If receiver Bernard Berrian is going to continue to wear an orange wishbone on a blue helmet for 2008 and beyond, the Bears and Berrian have some work to do. Quickly.

Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears have offered Berrian a five-year, $25 million deal with $8 million in bonus money. Berrian wants $24.5 million over the first three years, and bonuses north of $12 million.

Given the rampant pre-free agency tampering, it's possible that Berrian's demand has been influenced by what he has heard that other teams might or will pay. And that's the real problem with tampering. It makes it harder for a player's current team to keep him because it allows other franchises to drive a premature wedge into what otherwise might be a productive and mutually satisfying relationship.

POSTED 7:57 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

PANTHERS SHOPPING JENKINS

After an unsteady relationship with one-time cornerstone defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, the Panthers are peddling the former Pro Bowler.

Charles Chandler of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers are trying to trade Jenkins before a $1 million roster bonus comes due next week.

Defensive linemen are at a premium in the NFL, especially after the Giants proved less than a month ago that a strong front four can help deliver a Lombardi. And there aren't many quality players available this year in free agency.

Jenkins is signed through 2009 at base salaries of $2.955 million and $3.71 million over the next two seasons, respectively.

POSTED 7:44 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

JETS TO CHASE FANECA?

The New York Jets already have been linked to Pats corner Asante Samuel, one of the marquee free agents to hit the market at midnight. But now Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets also might be interested in Steelers guard Alan Faneca.

Faneca, a consistent Pro Bowler, would shore up the glaring weakness in the offensive line between left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold.

The going rate for offensive linemen signed early in free agency is seven years, $49 million with anywhere from $17 million to $20 million in guaranteed money. For Faneca, the bar will probably push past an $8 million per year average, and guaranteed money in excess of $23 million.

PFTV FREE AGENCY PREVIEW: OFFENSIVE LINE

While we're on the topic of offensive linemen and free agency, let's take a gander at the 2-3 minute PFTV preview of free agency and offensive linemen.

Here it is.

By the way, I accidentally called Max Starks by his nickname of Marvel Smith.

POSTED 7:32 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

PACMAN GETS PERMISSION TO SEEK TRADE

The Pacman era in Tennessee is working its way toward a conclusion.

According to Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper, cornerback Adam Jones has received permission from the Titans to seek a trade.

McCormick also reports that at least one team has been contacted about its potential interest in the player known more popularly as Pacman. The team in question wasn't interested.

Really, who would be interested at this point? Jones hasn't been officially reinstated after a one-year suspension imposed last April. He recently pleaded no contest to felony charges arising from an incident in which he allegedly did justice to his nickname by treating a cop like Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and/or Clyde -- Pacman allegedly bit the officer.

Suspended players can be traded, and Jones likely could be had for a much lower price, given his currently uncertain status.

And the reality is that Jones has two skills that teams value: the ability to cover opponents' receivers, and the ability to return opponents' kicks.

If someone out there is willing to assume the P.R. baggage that would go with bringing Jones to town, we suggest offering a fifth-round pick that would upgrade to a fourth-round pick if Jones is reinstated before the draft. And then if Jones isn't reinstated before the start of training camp, the Titans would owe the team that trades for Jones a fifth-round pick in 2009.

Why a fifth-rounder? Jones was the sixth overall pick in 2005. The guy taken one spot after him, receiver Troy Williamson, will be traded to the Jags for a sixth-rounder.

POSTED 12:26 p.m. EST, February 28, 2008

MENAGE-A-TRADE IN THE WORKS?

As the 2008 league year quickly approaches, there's talk of a possible three-way trade.

We're told that the Jets, Lions, and Broncos are talking about a deal that would send Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to New York, Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson to the Broncos, and Denver cornerback Dominique Foxworth and a second-round pick to the Lions.

The Lions also are looking at a trade for Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

POSTED 12:13 a.m. EST, February 28, 2008

BROWNS NOT SQUEEZING DEREK?

As the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Derek Anderson continue to work toward a multi-year deal, we're hearing that the team is not taking the position that the current offer of three years, $20 million will begin to shrink if Anderson tests the restricted free agency market.

If that's the case, there's no reason for Anderson to accept the deal before finding out whether another team might give him a longer-term offer with a greater per-year average.

With the Browns expected to use the highest possible RFA tender on Anderson, Cleveland would be entitled to a first-round pick and a third-round pick if they choose not to match any offer sheet signed by him. As we've recently pointed out, a team that might be inclined to use a first-round pick on an unproven quarterback reasonably should be willing to throw in a third-rounder in order to have a better crack at a proven commodity.

Teams that could be tempted to give up a one and a three for Anderson include (in our assessment) the Bears, the Lions, the Panthers, and the Buccaneers. The Ravens also have a compelling need at the position, but there's no way that they can give up anything of value in order to re-acquire the player whom they drafted, and later released.

The Falcons and the Chiefs might also be inclined to explore signing Anderson, but the picks they'd be giving up come too high in rounds one and three.

POSTED 11:58 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

GUS GONE

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Rams will be cutting the cord on quarterback Gus Frerotte. He had been serving as the backup to Marc Bulger.

Coach Scott Linehan told Frerotte on Wednesday of the team's intent. Frerotte had been due to receive a $500,000 roster bonus.

Frerotte and Linehan had been linked for several seasons, during mutual stints in Minnesota, Miami, and finally in St. Louis.

Since joining the Redskins in 1993 as a low-round draft pick who ultimately beat out golden boy Heath Shuler, Frerotte has played for a total of seven teams. He has thrown for 19,134 yards, 102 touchdowns, and 91 interceptions in generating a passer rating of 74.3.

POSTED 11:19 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

VICK'S LAWYERS TO SEEK DISMISSAL OF VIRGINIA CHARGES

As you might have noticed, we really haven't had much to say of late regarding Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. Sure, there have been developments in the story, such as the revelation that Vick might parlay his failed pot test into an early release from Leavenworth.

We suspect that we ignored that story because we aren't prepared to accept the possibility that Vick can escape doing his full time for dog fighting because one of his other hobbies was/is smoking weed.

The newest development in the Vick saga caught our eye because it provides further support for our belief that Vick won't be convicted of charges on which he has been indicted in Virginia.

Vick's lawyers soon will be filing a motion to dismiss the Virginia charges. Although his high-priced mouthpiece, Billy Martin, claims that the state-level indictment should fail because of "double jeopardy," the more accurate explanation is that a specific Virginia statute prevents a second prosecution arising out of conduct similar to acts for which he already has been criminally pursued, even if the second prosecution arises from distinct violations of the law.

Currently, Vick is in prison for conspiracy to engage in interstate dog fighting and interstate gambling. Under the specific Virginia statute in question, charges based on dog fighting or gambling would likely be subject to dismissal, even though Vick had not previously been prosecuted for violating federal dog fighting laws.

Though the most recent item in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggests that Vick faces Virginia charges for "torturing and killing dogs," the truth is that Surry County prosecutor Gerald Poindexter somehow failed to get an indictment on charges of killing canines, even though Vick admitted to doing so in documents executed in connection with his federal plea deal.

And since Vick isn't serving time for killing or conspiring to kill dogs, an indictment based on such allegations would be more likely to survive a motion to dismiss.

In short, Poindexter's failure to deliver an indictment based on Vick's admission that he and his cohorts killed dogs that were deemed unfit to fight has laid the foundation for Vick to skate on any and all Virginia charges.

Martin also slammed Vick's longtime lawyer, Larry Woodward, for his handling of the overall situation before the involvement of the feds. Martin says that, if he'd been brought into the case earlier, there would have been a different result.

What Martin is essentially saying is that he thinks that he could have worked out some type of a plea deal with Poindexter involving no jail time, and that such an outcome would have been enough to persuade the feds not to get involved.

But here's the huge flaw in Martin's logic. Before being indicted by a federal grand jury, Vick wasn't inclined to listen to any of his lawyers or agents or advisers. Indeed, anyone who told Vick something he didn't want to hear was destined to be dropped from the team.

Thus, it took a desperate situation to get Vick to change his approach. It wasn't until he faced the worst-case scenario that he was willing to listen to frank, candid assessments of the gravity of his predicament.

POSTED 10:42 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

DUNGY TAKES A SHOT AT THE PATS

In an interview regarding his endorsement of the new version of the EA Head Coach football simulation, Colts coach Tony Dungy makes a couple of interesting remarks.

For starters, Dungy admits that he works a fairly basic schedule -- 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. -- during the offseason, and that he puts in longer hours during the season, staying until 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

We wonder whether Dungy's approach is atypical, or whether he is merely breaking ranks in an industry full of guys who like to create the impression that they work harder than they really do.

Dungy also says it was more satisfying for him to turn around a perennially pathetic franchise in Tampa than it was to take a solid Colts team to the top of the mountain. This suggests to us that, if/when he "retires" from the Colts, he might eventually be inclined to take on a future reclamation project, either as the head coach or in a Bill Parcells-style executive-level role.

Speaking of retirement, Dungy said that he has considered walking away for three straight years now. In our view, this only increases the likelihood that each passing year will be his last.

Dungy's most intriguing response came when he was asked about the presence in the video game of cheat codes that would permit spying on the opponent. Said Dungy: "They say that's really a big secret around here, it's like Spygate. I don't know if they put that in there or not or what the penalty would be if you entered any cheat codes, but we'll probably only let New England have cheat codes."

Ouch. We've got a feeling that Pats coach Bill Belichick already has that quote laminated.

POSTED 9:03 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

EDWARDS OFFICIALLY HIRES CAA

Last week, NFLPA records showed that Cleveland Browns receiver Braylon Edwards had no agent.

While doing research for some Internet hack's midweek column for SportingNews.com, we've learned that Edwards officially has hired Tom Condon of CAA to handle his contract.

Edwards' rookie deal was negotiated by Lamont Smith and Peter Schaffer of All Pro Sports and Entertainment. Condon will not be eligible for a fee until Edwards inks a new deal. He currently is signed through 2009.

POSTED 7:39 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

ATHLETES FIRST SAYS DUNN ISN'T NEGOTIATING

In response to our item from Wednesday morning regarding speculation in league circles that suspended agent David Dunn is negotiating the potential contract extension with the Browns, Brian Murphy of Athletes First says that Dunn isn't violating the terms of his 18-month time out.

Murphy says that the discussions are being handled by Mark Humenik, Joby Branion, Justin Schulman, and Andrew Kessler.

"Dave's suspension is over this May and Athletes First looks forward to continuing to provide our clients the highest level of service without having to continuously hear other agents talk about Dave’s suspension," Murphy told us by e-mail.

POSTED 7:02 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

BUCS' CAP BULGE GOES TO $44 MILLION

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially have more cap room than Abraham Lincoln.

Our friends at Pewter Report report that the Bucs have cut defensive ends Kevin Carter and Greg Spires.

The move cleared out another $9.2 million in cap space, putting the Bucs a full $44 million under the $116 million salary cap.

One way to use up the current year cap bulge is to use large roster bonuses in lieu of signing bonuses for any free agents that they might sign. If, for example, the Bucs were to sign cornerback Asante Samuel, they could give him a $20 million roster bonus, which would count fully against this year's cap. In turn, he would have significantly lower cap numbers in future years of the deal.

There's another potential benefit to such a move. Because the Raiders have applied the exclusive franchise tag to cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, his one-year tender will be based on the average of the five highest-paid corners in 2008. A cap number in excess of $20 million for Samuel would force that number north by $2 million or more.

Given that Bucs coach Jon Gruden and G.M. Bruce Allen used to work for the Raiders, we could see them getting a kick out of sticking it to their former employer in this way.

POSTED 6:38 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

VILMA IS IN MOTOWN

We reported on Tuesday night that the Lions are the favorites to land linebacker Jonathan Vilma in a trade with the Jets.

On Wednesday, Vilma was in Detroit for a physical.

Vilma was the 12th overall pick in the 2004 draft. He has struggled to adapt to a 3-4 defense, and the thinking is that he'll be better back in a 4-3 attack.

POSTED 6:30 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

MARE REFUSED A PAY CUT

Contrary to reports that kicker Olindo Mare failed a physical in New Orleans, a league source tells us that Mare was released after refusing to accept a pay cut.

Per the source, the Saints wanted Mare to sign a deal equal to the contract recently inked by Martin "the Hamburglar" Gramatica.

Mare opted not to trim his $1.5 million base salary for 2008. He was signed through 2009, with a base salary of $1.5 million that year, too.

He instantly becomes a free agent, and may sign elsewhere in advance of the official launch of free agency.

Coincidentally, the Saints claimed last year that receiver Joe Horn failed a physical in releasing him.

POSTED 6:20 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

WALKER TO BE CUT?

With a $5.4 million roster bonus due on March 4 and no significant progress being made in trade talks, receiver Javon Walker could be cut by the Broncos.

Derrick Gunn of ComcastSportsNet.com in Philadelphia reports that the move could be coming, and likewise reports that the Eagles would be interested in Walker, if/when he's released.

We previously reported that the Cowboys were working on a trade for Walker.

In 2005, Walker was squawking about getting a new deal in Green Bay at the same time that T.O. was making a fuss about getting paid in Philly.

POSTED 4:24 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

DWIGHT SMITH TO DETROIT

Cut by the Vikings, safety Dwight Smith will now get to play them twice per year.

A league source tells us that Smith has agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions. He'll sign a two-year, $5 million deal.

Per the source, Smith gets a $350,000 signing bonus, a $300,000 training-camp reporting bonus in 2008, and a 2008 base salary of $1.35 million. Next year, Smith is due to receive a $500,000 roster bonus, a $250,000 reporting bonus, and a base salary of $2.25 million.

The move reunites Smith with head coach Rod Marinelli and defensive coordinator Joe Barry, who were assistants in Tampa when Smith played there.

POSTED 4:17 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

RAVENS DUMP ANDERSON

The Baltimore Ravens have cut veteran running back Mike Anderson, dumping his $1.8 million salary for 2008.

Signed through 2009, Anderson was due to earn $2 million in 2009.

He won the NFL's offensive rookie of the year award in 2000 at the age of 27 after injury issues with Terrell Davis and Olandis Gary thrust him into the starting role. He remained in Denver through the 2005 season, and jumped to Baltimore in 2006.

POSTED 4:08 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

NESBIT STAYS PUT

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Saints guard Jamar Nesbit has agreed to terms on a three-year deal to remain in New Orleans.

A nine-year veteran, Nesbit earned a base salary of $1.45 million in 2007. He started every game in each of the past two seasons with the Saints.

Nesbit would have become a free agent at 12:01 a.m. EST on Friday.

POSTED 3:11 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

PFTV FREE AGENCY PREVIEW: RUNNING BACKS

We continue our look-see at the free-agency class by studying the running back crop for free agency.

Here it is.

POSTED 3:06 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

MOOSE COMES HOME

As expected, the Carolina Panthers have signed receiver Muhsin Muhammad, bringing him back to Charlotte after a three-season detour to Chicago.

Though he missed an NFC title game appearance in 2005 with Carolina, he made it to the Super Bowl with the Bears in 2006.

Terms of the deal are not yet known. We'd previously heard that Muhammad was in line for a deal worth $1.5 million per year.

Meanwhile, the Panthers have dumped quarterback David Carr. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, and he was cut by the Texans in early 2007.

POSTED 3:00 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

SALISBURY WANTED A SEVEN-FIGURE DEAL

How stoopid is Sean Salisbury? He's sufficiently stoopid not to know a good thing when he had it. And he's sufficiently stoopid not to realize that he'll never, ever be as exposed or as wealthy as he was while getting paid by ESPN.

But Salisbury convinced himself that he was underpaid and unappreciated by Bristol, and he says that he asked for a seven-figure salary in order to trigger a "mutual parting."

"I'm a free agent," Salisbury told the Los Angeles Times from his cell phone (snicker) on Tuesday. "I've been liberated. I knew this was coming, but I couldn't be happier."

The problem apparently was that Salisbury didn't get paid as much as more famous former football players.

"I'd grown tired of being punished for not being an NFL superstar," Salisbury said. "Analysts who don't work as hard as me, don't prepare as hard as me, and don't have my resume were making more than me just because of their ability to throw or catch a football." (Or, as the case may be, run with a football and then win Dancing with the Stars.)

"I'd done nothing wrong, and if you hear otherwise, it's not true. I did everything that was asked of me," Salisbury said, possibly in an effort to defuse any rumors that he was fired for calling John Clayton the "Cryptkeeper" on the air last month.

Salisbury claims that he has an offer from FSN, and that he might land in a "non-sports role with CBS." Maybe he'll be hired to fire Katie Couric because she doesn't move her arms when she does the news.

POSTED 2:25 p.m. EST, February 27, 2008

CHIEFS TO CHOP LAW, BELL

There's a big tomahawk in Kansas City, and it'll soon have a few new notches its handle.

Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs have informed cornerback Ty Law, linebacker Kendrell Bell, defensive tackle James Reed, and tight end Jason Dunn that they will be released.

We reported on February 15 that Law's exit was looming.

The Chiefs also have dumped offensive lineman John Wellbourn and receiver Eddie Kennison since the end of the 2007 season.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

The Cowboys are exchanging proposals with LT Flozell Adams, who'll become a free agent at midnight on Friday absent a new deal.

Dallas LB Zach Thomas wants to wear No. 54, but he'll need to finagle it from Bobby Carpenter.

Should the Cowboys replace Julius Jones with Felix Jones?

By cutting WR Brandon Lloyd with the post-June 1 designation, the Redskins will carry $5.5 million in dead money on the 2009 cap.

The 'Skins created $6.3 million in 2008 cap space via restructuring the contracts of Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen.

Lions C Damien Woody says that he'll be making a free agency visit on Friday. (Unless Woody bought a time machine with all that money he's "earned" from the Lions, it's more proof of tampering.)

As it turns out, former Packers capologist Andrew Brandt essentially got fired.

Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie was lucky that he allegedly hit a guy in the head with a pole in Miami and not in Minneapolis. (The guy who got hit in the head wasn't.)

LB Roderick Green signed a one-year deal to say with the Niners.

POSTED 11:59 a.m. EST, February 27, 2008

NO BRIGGS DEAL IN SAN FRAN (YET)

Despite rampant rumors and speculation that the San Francisco 49ers already have a wink-nod deal in place with linebacker Lance Briggs, a source close to the situation tells us that the 49ers currently aren't even among the teams that are interested in his services.

Other teams are interested in Briggs, and we're told that there's actually a chance that he'll stay in Chicago. But, as to Briggs, the pre-free agency tamper-fest that infects the league in late February has not included the Niners.

It could be that the 49ers backed off as a result of the tampering charges that the Bears filed in 2007 as a result of contract discussions between the Niners and Briggs' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, that allegedly occurred in connection with failed trade talks between the two teams. If so, Chicago's apparent strategy -- i.e., file the charges in order to get San Fran to back off -- apparently worked.

But that hasn't kept other teams from making it known that they have an interest in the Tampa Two weakside specialist. And it doesn't mean that the Niners won't swoop in once Briggs officially hits the market on Friday.

For now, though, the Niners aren't in the mix.

WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Of the Bills' 19 looming free agents, not one is a starter.

The Pats won't pick up a $4 million option on WR Kelley Washington, but they're trying to re-sign him.

Pats special-teams standout Larry Izzo has a verbal deal on a one-year agreement to remain with the team.

Wow . . . a "real" media outlet actually acknowledges the pre-free agency tampering epidemic.

Could the Ravens take a crack at a corner at No. 8?

A pissing match between Ravens S Gerome Sapp and former LS Joe Maese has been resolved.

From the "One-Liners We Can Use Every Year On The Eve Of Free Agency" file, the Bengals aren't expected to break out the check book.

CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's stock is on the rise. (In an unrelated note, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is changing his name to Glenn Dorsey-Haynesworth.)

WR Troy Williamson will officially jump from Minnesota to Jacksonville on Friday, and for the seventh overall pick in 2005 the Vikes will get a mere sixth-round selection.

Titans DE Antwan Odom and DE Travis LaBoy are expected to hit free agency.

A guy named Fisch will be teaching Broncos how to catch.

The Chiefs have shown no interest in re-signing WR Samie Parker.

Could Raiders coach Lane Kiffin still get fired?

POSTED 10:08 a.m. EST, February 27, 2008

MYRON COPE PASSES

An era has officially ended in Pittsburgh.

During the 1970s in the Steel City, one man's face (and, more importantly, voice) was identified with the Steelers more than any other: Myron Cope.

Cope has died at the age of 79.

He had been in failing health, and he retired the year before the Steelers got their long-awaited "one for the thumb." But Cope's golden age was the decade of the yellow towel that he dubbed "Terrible" and introduced to thousands of Steelers fans from coast to coast.

Myron looked and talked more like a malnourished pirate than a sportscaster, with a bulging eye and periodic shouts of "Hmm-Ha!" and "Yoy!" that might have been viewed by some as signs of an undiagnosed case of Tourette's.

Cope was the Howard Cosell of Pittsburgh. A once-in-a-century, one-of-a-kind, unique talent. The radio broadcasts of Steelers games haven't been the same without him, and they never will be.

POSTED 9:35 a.m. EST, February 27, 2008

SPECULATION SWIRLS THAT DUNN IS DOING ANDERSON'S DEAL

A league source tells us that there is speculation in league circles that the negotiations between the Browns and quarterback Derek Anderson are being handled by suspended agent David Dunn.

During the 2007 season, Browns G.M. Phil Savage said that he'd receive text messages from Dunn after every Cleveland victory.

Consider this, from a November article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Savage didn't rule out talking with Anderson's agent, David Dunn, about a long-term deal. He said he and Trip MacCracken, the team's contract and salary-cap specialist, have a 'good relationship' with Dunn. 'I wouldn't say that's out of the realm,' Savage said. 'He texts me after every game, particularly when it's a win or when Derek plays well. I'm sure there will be some communication at some point.'''

Other agents at Dunn's firm, Athletes First, have been generally quiet regarding the Anderson discussions. And that's further fueling speculation that Dunn could be the one who's hammering out the terms of the deal.

Our legal counsel (me) and our insurance underwriter (me) advised the hack who writes this stuff (um, me) to be clear as to the point that we're not reporting that Dunn is actually negotiating with the Browns. We're only passing along the fact that there is speculation among league insiders that Dunn is doing the deal.

POSTED 9:26 a.m. EST, February 27, 2008

PFTV'S EXCLUSIVE FREE AGENCY RANKINGS

We'll be posting on Wednesday a ranking of free agents by position. The rank is based on the amount of guaranteed money that we believe each guy will receive.

Please note that it's not a comprehensive list of every free agent at every position. But it's most of the guys who'll have at least an opportunity for a starting gig in 2008.

The first position? Quarterback.

POSTED 8:56 a.m. EST, February 27, 2008

PFTV FREE AGENCY PREVIEW: QUARTERBACKS

With the official launch of free agency two days away, PFTV continues its position-by-position look at the coming crop of veteran talent.

Last time around, we considered the defensive line. We'll have six other positions over the next day or so.

For starters, let's look at the quarterbacks.

POSTED 8:47 a.m. EST, February 27, 2008

ORTON STICKING AROUND

The overall 2007 production of the three Bears' quarterbacks created widespread speculation that the team would dump each of them after the season and search for a Goldilocks who might be able to kick-start a sluggish offense.

As it now stands, two of them will be back.

Earlier this week, Rex Grossman signed a one-year contract, passing on a chance at unrestricted free agency. And now Kyle Orton has signed an extension, making him Chicago property for two more years. Per media reports, Orton received $1.6 million in bonuses.

The odd man out likely will be Brian Griese, who's due to receive a $300,000 roster bonus soon.

Since neither Grossman nor Orton is getting paid starter money, the question is whether the Bears will troll free agency for a starter.

But who? Daunte Culpepper? Todd Collins? Jared Lorenzen? Trent Green?

If the plan is to draft a quarterback who'll be developed over the next two seasons, what about the team's chances over next two seasons? Grossman and Orton simply don't have both the ability and the consistency to get the Bears back to the Super Bowl.

Here's a possible curve ball -- what if the Bears swing a trade for Kurt Warner? Chicago then can draft a guy in round three or four? Grossman and Orton can compete for the backup job (the loser gets fired), and the youngster can get ready to play in 2009 or 2010.

Though the Cards aren't shopping Warner, they might be waiting for someone to give them a call. The in-game rotation with Matt Leinart was creating a problem in the locker room, and it took a season-ending injury to the 2004 Heisman winner to help Ken Whisenhunt out of a situation that could have become a huge mess. The best long-term outcome for the Cards would be to ship Warner out of town.

In Chicago, Warner would be reunited with Lovie Smith, who ran the Rams' defense in 2001, Warner's final season of huge production in St. Louis.

It might be a crazy idea, but it's gonna take something like that to give the Bears a shot at getting back to the top of the conference in 2008.

POSTED 10:53 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

DEAL COMING BETWEEN BROWNS, ANDERSON?

With only a couple of days left until the Browns must expose quarterback Derek Anderson to restricted free agency, a new contract could be coming.

Per James Walker of the Columbus Dispatch, Anderson and the Browns are getting closer on a deal.

Previously, Anderson's camp wanted a six-year contract. The Browns are pushing for a shorter deal, presumably to retain the ability to make Brady Quinn the starter if Anderson falters.

Walker reports that the Browns have increased their offer to $20 million over three years, with $10 million guaranteed. Given that Anderson will get a non-guaranteed $2.5 million or so as a restricted free agent in 2008, it could be tempting for him to cash in now -- and then if he continues to develop really cash in again later.

But why would Anderson feel compelled to do a deal before getting a chance to hit the market? Drafting quarterbacks in round one is a crapshoot. If a team can get a solid player with game experience for a one and a three, why not sign Anderson to an offer sheet?

Our advice to Anderson would be to hit the market and see what happens.

POSTED 10:42 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

ESPN PUTS THE STAKE IN SALISBURY

As you likely already know, Sean Salisbury is out at ESPN. (I was out of pocket when the e-mail from ESPN announcing the departure came through the line.)

The move was, in our view, long overdue. Per USA Today, Salisbury's contract had expired. He likely sealed his fate with that disgraceful on-air dissing of John Clayton last month, during which Salisbury called Clayton the "Cryptkeeper."

As regular visitors to this site know, we don't care much for Salisbury. He's loud, he's a jerk, and far too often he speaks in sweeping absolutes. Also, he reportedly was suspended for showing cell-phone photos of his penis to colleagues at the network. Frankly, we're surprised he lasted there as long as he did.

True to form, Salisbury is crowing about his departure.

"I have grown as much as I can at ESPN and decided to expand my horizons," Salisbury said in a statement. "I have created a brand and it's time to expand into other opportunities in TV, radio, Internet, publishing, movies and public speaking, among others. My resume speaks for itself as a football analyst, and I believe I can talk all sports with the best of them."

Hey, Sean -- a periodic cameo in an Adam Sandler flick doesn't make you an actor. A web site that looks like crap and that rarely was updated before it went off line won't turn you into an Internet mogul.

Publishing? Please. (Unless, of course, you've got a proposal for "Cell Phone Porn for Dummies.")

Sean Salisbury needed ESPN far more than ESPN needed him, and unless he plans to handle weekend sports at the UPN affiliate in Tallahassee, his broadcasting career is officially over.

POSTED 10:10 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

MOSS STAYING PUT?

At a time when rumors are revving up about the possibility of receiver Randy Moss jumping to a new team, Sean Jenson writes in an AOL item that Moss is expected to sign a long-term deal to remain with the Patriots.

Jensen cites two unnamed sources in support of his report.

Moss is one of the most attractive free agents who'll hit the market on Friday. There are rumors that the Cowboys could make a run at him.

But the Randy show might not play well in towns other than Foxborough. With the Pats, he has strong leadership on the sidelines and in the huddle. And because the team wins far more often than it doesn't, Moss is less likely to get frustrated or discouraged there.

Elsewhere he'd be paid well, but at the same time he'd be far more likely to eventually erupt.

With all that said, we'd actually love to see Moss back in purple and gold. The Vikings have an improving defense, an exciting young running back, and a gradually improving quarterback who can throw a very good deep ball. They could be instantly competitive with Moss back on the team. And with the franchise lacking much sizzle since Moss was traded to Oakland three years ago, bringing Randy back would guarantee another string of sellouts.

POSTED 9:56 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

JETS INSIST THEY AREN'T TAMPERING

A league source tells us that the New York Jets privately are insisting that they're not engaged in early negotiations with any players who'll become free agents on Friday morning at midnight.

If that's true (and we doubt that it is), the Jets would likely be the only team that isn't.

As the source described the scene at the Scouting Combine, the tampering was widespread and blatant. Team officials were routinely meeting with agents, and the topics in most cases weren't the agents' clients who play for those teams or the agents' clients who might be drafted.

One possibility would be to permit negotiations by coming free agents and prospective suitors to occur from the Super Bowl onward. Since negotiations are occurring anyway on an impermissible basis, the change wouldn't really change the way things are done, and it would correct a situation that is, with all due respect, an embarrassment to the league.

POSTED 9:47 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

CHIEFS CHOP KENNISON

Well, the good news is that veteran receiver Eddie Kennison is a free agent.

The Chiefs cut Kennison on Tuesday, giving him an early crack at free agency and creating some in cap space.

Kennison was signed through 2008, at a base salary this season of $2.5 million.

He entered the league in 1996 with the Rams, and has played for the Saints, Bears, and Broncos. He signed with the Chiefs during the 2001 season after essentially quitting in Denver.

Last year, Kennison caught only 13 passes in eight games.

POSTED 9:03 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

SAMUEL SAID TO BE A "DONE DEAL" IN NEW ORLEANS

There's increasing chatter in league circles that the Saints have worked out a deal with cornerback Asante Samuel.

Yeah, it's tampering. But no one seems to care about that.

Samuel supposedly is looking for a contract with an average value in excess of $10 million per year.

POSTED 8:57 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

VILMA TO LIONS?

The New York Jets are shopping linebacker Jonathan Vilma, a 4-3 defender who has struggled in coach Eric Mangini's 3-4 system.

A league source tells us that the current favorites to land Vilma are the Lions.

Another question mark regarding Vilma is a knee injury that significantly limited him in 2007. If healthy, he's capable of creating real havoc.

POSTED 8:18 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

49ERS KEEP SOPOAGA by Michael David Smith

Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the San Francisco 49ers have reached a contract agreement with nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga.

The 49ers' fourth-round draft pick in 2004 out of the University of Hawaii, Sopoaga had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday. Per Schefter, the new contract is a five-year deal. No financial details are available.

Sopoaga played in all 16 games for the 49ers in 2007, starting five and recording 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Although he has only been a part-time player for the 49ers, the 325-pound Sopoaga is a good fit at nose tackle in coach Mike Nolan's 3-4 defense, and getting a new deal done for him before free agency began was reportedly one of the 49ers' top priorities.

POSTED 7:30 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

PANTHERS "VERY INTERESTED" IN MOOSE by Michael David Smith

Panthers General Manager Marty Hurney said today that the team is "very interested" in signing free agent receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who spent his first nine NFL seasons in Carolina before spending the last three in Chicago.

"It's obvious we're very interested in Moose and he is very interested in playing here," Hurney said, per Charles Chandler of the Charlotte Observer. "So hopefully we can get something worked out soon."

On Sunday we reported that the Panthers and Muhammad were close to a deal. Chandler reports that the deal could happen in the next day or two, and Muhammad's agent, Joel Segal, says talks are progressing.

"We're making significant progress," Segal said. "We've talked today numerous times. We're fighting through a few issues. Moose is looking forward to getting a deal done. That's been the driving force."

The 34-year-old Muhammad would most likely be the Panthers' No. 2 receiver across the field from Steve Smith. Drew Carter and Keary Colbert, the Panthers' second and third receivers last year, are unrestricted free agents, and Dwayne Jarrett caught just six passes as a rookie in 2007 and may not be ready for a spot in the starting lineup.

POSTED 6:12 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

REDSKINS LOP LLOYD by Michael David Smith

The Washington Redskins have released wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, the team announced on its web site.

As Gary Fitzgerald accurately writes at Redskins.com, Lloyd's two-year stint with the Redskins was a major disappointment after the Redskins traded two draft picks to the 49ers to acquire Lloyd and signed him to a new contract with $10 million guaranteed.

For that investment, the Redskins got 23 catches for 365 yards in 2006 and two catches for 14 yards in 2007. He never caught a touchdown pass as a Redskin.

Lloyd was a starter for Week 1 of the 2007 season but was demoted to a reserve role after that. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a November practice.

POSTED 4:50 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

PATS' FAULK ARRESTED by Michael David Smith

New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk was arrested on charges of misdemeanor marijuana possession on Friday night, multiple media outlets are reporting.

A Louisiana native, Faulk was reportedly arrested at the Cajundome, the arena in Lafayette, Louisiana that is home to the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns basketball team.

Shalise Manza Young of the Providence Journal cites KATC in reporting that Faulk was at a concert featuring rapper Lil Wayne and a random security check "turned up four joints."

Faulk is the second Patriot arrested on marijuana charges this month; defensive back Willie Andrews was arrested two days after playing for the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

The Patriots are off to an impressive start in Turd Watch II after failing to record a single arrest in Turd Watch I.

POSTED 4:01 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

ESPN HIRES CRIS CARTER by Michael David Smith

ESPN announced today that former Eagles, Vikings and (briefly) Dolphins wide receiver Cris Carter will join the network as a TV analyst on April 1.

In its announcement, ESPN said Carter will work as an analyst on the NFL Draft and on NFL Live, SportsCenter and other shows, but it did not say if he will work on Sunday NFL Countdown. Whether Carter joins the Countdown crew may depend on whether Keyshawn Johnson stays with the gang in Bristol or leaves broadcasting to return to the NFL, where he is believed to have a standing offer to sign with the Miami Dolphins.

Carter previously worked as an analyst on HBO's Inside the NFL. All of the other Inside the NFL analysts last year were moonlighting on HBO and had high-profile jobs on other networks, but HBO was Carter's only gig, so when HBO decided not to bring back Inside the NFL for the 2008 season, he was left without a broadcasting job.

Now Carter joins a crowded field of former players who are now studio analysts that includes Mike Ditka, Merril Hoge, Tom Jackson, Mark Schlereth, Emmitt Smith and Steve Young.

POSTED 3:13 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

PATS TO CUT COLVIN

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe reports that the Patriots are expected to release linebacker Rosevelt Colvin on Tuesday.

Colvin has a cap number of $7.6 million for 2008, and a base salary of $5.5 million.

Because 2008 was the final year of Colvin's contract, there is no need to process the signing as a post-June 1 transaction. The team will carry $2.1 million in dead money in Colvin's name, but the extra $5.5 million in 2008 cap space will be instantly available for signing new (or current) free agents.

POSTED 2:48 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

WILL STRAY STAY OR GO?

Giants defensive end Michael Strahan could cap his career with a John Elway/Jerome Bettis exit as a champion. But Strahan doesn't care about any of that.

"It's not romantic to me," Strahan said on Monday, according to the Associated Press. "I guess you couldn't do any better than ride off into the sunset as a champion and it could be a way I want to end it. There are days I want to hang up my helmet, and then there are days I would want to keep at it."

Per the Newark Times-Ledger, Strahan hopes to make a decision before the draft. Last year, he informed the team on the eve of training camp that he was considering retirement. He eventually showed up not long before the start of the regular season.

"Do I think I can muster up 16-plus games, that's the question," Strahan told the Star-Ledger. "I don't want to be a has-been or a guy that used to be good."

The suspicion a year ago was that Strahan stayed away because he wanted more money -- or to be traded to a team that he regarded as a contender. This time around, the team recently said that it is open to the idea of giving Strahan a new contract.

The ultimate irony here could be that with the team ready to pay him a year after refusing to do so, Strahan might decide in the end that he has had enough.

If he leaves, he's certain to have a career in television. We've previously heard that he has a standing offer with at least one of the networks.

If the network is ESPN and the spot he'd be taking currently belongs to Emmitt Smith, we think Strahan should retire.

POSTED 1:14 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

JETS TAMPERING WITH SAMUEL?

Hey, kids . . . interested in a little irony? How about this one: The team that sparked the Spygate hoo-ha by nailing the Patriots for doing something to the Jets that, as Jimmy Johnson tells it, plenty of teams have been doing for a long time is now apparently doing something to the Pats that virtually every team does.

Specifically, the Jets apparently are tampering with Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel. Consider this gem from Newsday:

"I just spoke with Samuel's agent who (predictably) said that interest is mutual and high from both the Jets and Samuel. How high? 'The interest level is where it needs to be for them to either a) make a run at him or b) get him.'"

But how does Samuel's agent know that the interest is mutual or high or both? The Jets aren't allowed to say or do anything that would demonstrate any interest while Samuel is still the property of the Patriots. And Samuel is still the property of the Patriots until midnight on February 29.

Yeah, we know. Everyone tampers. But doesn't breaking the rules to secure dibs on a desired player potentially create a competitive advantage, just like taping defensive coaching signals does? If tampering wasn't useful, would the Jets or any other team do it?

There's no dispute that the Patriots were stoopid and arrogant for continuing to engage in a practice that violated the rules at a time when it was clear that other teams were trying to nail them. Still, the failure of the league to do anything to address the issue of widespread tampering is creating the impression to the trained eye of a double standard.

We're not saying the Patriots should get off the hook. We're only saying that those who might be tempted to pontificate about the Pats should think a little more broadly about the issue of compliance with the rules before doing so.

POSTED 12:22 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

JONES PREDICTS THAT OWNERS WILL OPT OUT

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently reiterated his belief that his colleagues will vote to cancel the final two years of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. Such a move would cause the deal with the union to end after the 2010 season.

The main reason for Jones' belief in this regard is that, as we've previously reported, 24 teams must affirmatively vote to continue the deal.

"It is difficult to get 24 votes to do anything in the NFL, because you could easily have nine different teams for nine different reasons that don't want to go along with different aspects of the labor deal," Jones said, according to the Dallas Morning News. "It's a real challenge when you have nine clubs that can decide they want to opt out and it affects all 32 teams."

He's right. Some teams might choose to bail early because they think that the players are getting too much of the revenue. Others might do it because they don't like the supplemental revenue sharing system. Others might do it because they think the league was snookered by the union regarding non-economic terms, like the inability as of 2006 to send a player home with pay. Others might do it because they owe a favor to one of the other owners voting to opt out.

Though Jones hasn't expressed his own views on this matter, we can't imagine that he'd want to take a chance on missing out on revenues from that $1.1 billion stadium he'll christen in 2009.

If the owners cancel the deal two years early, 2010 will have no salary cap. Just as importantly, 2009 will be subject to the rules of the last capped year, which will make the numbers side of the business more challenging.

Thus, as we've previously explained, the league and the union should be talking right now about working out a new deal.

POSTED 11:20 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

SPYGATE II STILL LURKING

It's been a couple of days since there have been any new statements or developments relevant to the Spygate II drama, but the story isn't going away. As Peter King pointed out in his MMQB column, the story will linger until Matt Walsh talks.

But one of the wrinkles in all of this that has been virtually ignored by the "real" media is that there's a clear dispute over a key credibility point in this matter.

Walsh initially told the New York Times that a confidentiality agreement signed by Walsh prevented him from getting into any of the details. Recently, ESPN.com buried in a largely unrelated item a contention from the Pats that there is no such agreement.

Since then, there has been no further comment or examination of this issue. We sent an e-mail to Walsh's lawyer, Michael Levy, but he has not responded. (He also hasn't responded to an e-mail from us inquiring regarding the process that led to an assistant golf pro in Hawaii being represented by the head of the White Collar/Investigations and Enforcement group at a high-powered D.C. firm.)

We'd like to think that the folks to whom Levy has fed sound bites will ask these same questions.

If Walsh doesn't have a confidentiality agreement, nothing prevents him from talking -- other than his desire to leverage his willingness to talk into a "get out of jail free" card as to the question of whether he stole property from the team, taped conversations in violation of Massachusetts law, and/or will be defaming the Patriots if he says things that aren't true to Arlen Specter or 60 Minutes.

Speaking of defamation, King also raises the possibility that the Patriots will sue the Boston Herald for its February 2 item proclaiming that the Patriots taped the Rams' final walk-through practice prior to Super Bowl XXXVI. That report has triggered the storm that has been raging around the franchise, and directly led to the class-action lawsuit that the team is facing in New Orleans.

Indeed, the lawyer who is handling that case has made it clear that the action will be seriously damaged if it turns out that the walk-through practice wasn't taped. (You can listen to a radio interview during which the lawyer makes the concession right here.)

The team's challenge in that regard will be to satisfy the higher standard that applies to defamation claims brought by public figures. Specifically, the Pats would be required to prove that the Herald proceeded with actual malice or that the Herald acted with reckless disregard as to the truth.

Though it might be hard to show malice, the Patriots could get to a Massachusetts jury as to the issue of "reckless disregard." We can't clearly recall whether the Herald got a statement from the Pats before running the story (and we're not inclined to now pay for access to the original Herald story, which is now archived). Our general recollection is the Herald proceeded with only one side of the situation, which is always risk for such an inflammatory story.

Also, there is some scuttlebutt that Walsh, who is believed to have been the source for the Herald story, has since backed off the contention that the practice was actually videotaped.

It's another reason, as we see it, for the Patriots to want to know what Walsh knows, and to get whatever tapes or other materials that he has. If there wasn't cheating at Super Bowl XXXVI, the Pats should have nothing to fear.

POSTED 10:29 a.m. EST, February 26, 2008

LEWIS GOT $10 MILLION GUARANTEED

It has been reported that the contract signed last week by Browns running back Jamal Lewis has guaranteed money in the neighborhood of $6 million to $7 million. Per a source with knowledge of the deal, however, the practical guarantee is $10 million.

Lewis will be paid a total of $6.5 million in the first year of the deal. In 2009, he's due to receive a total of $3.5 million in guaranteed money.

Given that it's extremely unlikely that Lewis will be cut before the end of the 2008 season, his total take in 2008 is essentially guaranteed.

Per NFLPA records, Lewis has base salaries of $1.4 million in 2008, $2.4 million in 2009, and $2.4 million in 2010.

The total magnitude of the deal and the timing of its negotiation suggests that the Browns might have used the franchise tag on Lewis if the contract hadn't been worked out when it was. For running backs, the one-year salary commitment would have been $6.85 million. The two sides then would have had until July 15 to work out a multi-year contract.

POSTED 10:01 a.m. EST, February 26, 2008

McFADDEN'S AGENT CONFIRMS PATERNITY ISSUES

With rumors swirling that Arkansas running back Darren McFadden has fathered as many as four children with four different women, his agent, Ian Greengross, confirms that there are three children who might be McFadden's.

McFadden submitted to a paternity test for a child born last year, and it was determined that he wasn't the father. But a problem with the chain of custody will require McFadden to take the test again. (Apparently, Kramer spilled spaghetti sauce on the last one.)

Two other kids, one due to be born in July and the other one in August, were allegedly fathered by McFadden. Greengross told the Miami Herald that McFadden will submit to testing after the kids are born.

Greengross says that McFadden has no other children.

POSTED 9:45 a.m. EST, February 26, 2008

SAMUEL INTERESTED IN TAMPA

In a move that might be a sign that the market for cornerback Asante Samuel might not be what he hopes it will be, his agent is openly politicking for the Bucs to show interest.

"Tampa Bay is a situation that makes sense," said Alonzo Shavers, according to the Tampa Tribune. "Tampa Bay is definitely worth considering. It was an organization that was in the Super Bowl not too long ago. It is an organization Asante wants to play for. It's definitely something that makes perfect sense for everybody."

Okay, that part isn't all that bad. But Shavers should have stopped there.

He didn't.

"We're not having a large pool of teams to choose from," Shavers said. "Not everybody will need him or want to pay that kind of money. It's going to be a select group and Tampa Bay is high on our short list."

First of all, how does Shavers know how big or small the pool is or might be? The obvious answer is tampering.

Second, why does Shavers think that the Bucs will pay Samuel big money? The Tampa Two defensive system doesn't rely on high-end cornerbacks with strong downfield coverage skills. So there's no reason for the Bucs to be interested in Samuel if the price tag will be north of Nate Clements' seven-year, $64 million contract with the 49ers.

The primary scuttlebutt in league circles is that the Saints and the Eagles are the teams to watch in the Samuel sweepstakes.

TUESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

New Cowboys LB Zach Thomas says, "If I felt like I'd lost a step, I would've retired this year."

Asked about his contract, Giants DE Osi Umenyiora said, "In this game we play, everybody always wants more money. I'm not saying I'm one of them, and I'm not saying I'm not one of them. I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations."

Arkansas RB Darren McFadden trained for his spectacular 40-yard dash by working with Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson.

The Bears are expected to cut QB Brian Griese before he is due a $300,000 roster bonus next week.

Free-agent OT L.J. Shelton, a Detroit native, is scheduled to meet with the Lions today and Wednesday.

Asked if watching film of the NFC Championship loss would help him move on, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said, "Move on? That game's always going to be there. It's a disappointing loss."

New Atlanta coach Mike Smith likes big defensive tackles, and LSU DT Glenn Dorsey says, "I'd love to go to the Falcons." [Editor's note: It might happen . . . in round two.]

The 49ers appear close to signing free agent RB DeShaun Foster.

Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett is about to become an unrestricted free agent, and there's a good chance he won't be back in Seattle next season.

New Chargers LB Derek Smith says of signing to play where he lives in the offseason, "It's too good to be true, if you ask me."

The Chiefs are preparing to announce a new inductee into the team's Ring of Honor.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus says of Broncos DE Ebenezer Ekuban, "We're going to test free agency and see what happens. We'll stay in touch with the Broncos."

The Jaguars refused permission for the Titans to interview running backs coach Kennedy Pola.

Veteran QB Todd Bouman, who spent four weeks on the Jaguars' roster in 2007, has re-signed with Jacksonville.

Asked whether the Steelers have offered him a contract, G Alan Faneca says, "No, nothing's happening. I've been preparing for this day for a year now; it is what it is."

Asked what it would take for the Bengals to keep soon-to-be free agent LB Landon Johnson, agent Andy Simms said, "It always comes down to money."

Former Ravens coach Brian Billick said of getting fired, "I certainly respect that [owner] Steve Bisciotti has that right, and it did catch me off-guard because of what had been said before both privately and publicly."

Jets DT Dewayne Robertson is scheduled to count $11.2 million against the 2008 salary cap.

POSTED 8:20 a.m. EST, February 26, 2008

SAMUEL WANTS AT LEAST $10 MILLION PER YEAR

John Czarnecki of FOXSports.com reports that soon-to-be free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel wants a contract worth between $10 million and $11 million per year.

Most casual NFL observers presume that the current high-water mark is $10 million, based on the eight-year, $80 million deal signed last year by Nate Clements in San Fran. But as PFT Planet knows (because we mention it once a week or so), Clements' deal is only (only?) seven years, $64 million. That's an average of a little more than $9 million annually.

The leader for Samuel's services, per Czarnecki, are the Saints. And the Saints clearly have a need for a guy who can play cornerback better than Jason David.

POSTED 8:04 a.m. EST, February 26, 2008

MOSS TO DALLAS?

We've mused from time to time about the possibility of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones correcting one of the biggest mistakes he ever made. Ten years ago, Jones was leaning toward selecting receiver Randy Moss with the eighth overall pick in the draft.

In the end, Jones passed.

Later that year, Moss caught three passes for three touchdowns in a Minnesota win over the Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

So with Moss destined to hit the open market on Friday, could Jones' recent vow to put "wow" in the offense result in a decision to add Moss?

Think about it. Who in the heck would the defenses double-team? Focus on T.O., and Moss is wide open. Focus on Moss, and Owens runs free. Focus on both, and Jason Witten makes a helmetless rumble to the end zone.

John Czarnecki of FOXSports.com writes that the Patriots and Moss aren't close to a new deal, and that the Pats believe that Moss will give them a chance to match any offer that he receives on the open market.

Most intriguingly, the Czar acknowledges the existence of a rumor that the Cowboys will make a play for Moss.

Still, if there's concern about T.O. and Javon Walker not being able to co-exist, the entire NFL should get its popcorn ready to watch Owens explode when Moss rolls into town with the kind of contract Owens would love to have. Instantly, Owens would be politicking for a dollar-for-dollar match of Randy's deal, and it would only go downhill from there.

So, obviously, we're secretly hoping that the Cowboys sign Moss.

POSTED 7:48 a.m. EST, February 26, 2008

BUSH WANTS TO CONCEAL TESTIMONY FROM NCAA

In what could be a last-ditch effort to keep his hands on the Heisman Trophy, Reggie Bush is trying to keep his deposition testimony from landing in the hands of the NCAA.

Charles Robinson and Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that Bush's lawyers filed a motion to keep Bush's testimony private. Consequently, Bush wasn't questioned under oath on Monday.

Part of the strategy in this regard also might be to delay Bush's deposition until after Lloyd Lake is questioned. He's currently scheduled to testify at some point between March 10 and 17.

"It's so that we can't share the transcripts with the NCAA, which is a huge admission of guilt,” Lake's attorney, Brian Watkins, told Yahoo! Sports. "Reggie Bush has repeatedly said that he has nothing to hide, and now that he has to testify under oath, he's saying he doesn’t want what he says shared with the NCAA. Now all of the sudden it’s 'Hey I'm going to have to admit to some things and I don’t want them out there.' . . . You only want things hidden and sealed from public or investigative view when you have something to hide."

Bush and his family repeatedly have refused to talk to NCAA investigators who are exploring whether Bush received money and/or other benefits while still eligible to play college football at USC. Because Bush no longer is a student at USC, the NCAA has no ability to sanction him for failing to cooperate.

But why doesn't the NCAA have a rule that triggers a presumption against the former athlete if the athlete fails to cooperate? In this case, the NCAA has harvested information from Lloyd Lake supporting (we assume) a conclusion that Reggie got paid. Why should the refusal of Bush to comment cast the investigation into limbo?

All things considered, it's an ominous development for Bush, who seems at this point to be destined to pack up the Heisman and send it to Vince Young.

Then again, Bush arguably already has received his punishment, courtesy of karma. Because, as it turns out, the guy who was supposed to be the next Gale Sayers currently isn't even the best USC running back to enter the 2006 draft.

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