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POSTED 10:52 p.m. EST; UPDATED 11:02 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

LEWIS GETS UP TO $5 MILLION?

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that running back Jamal Lewis will be paid up to $3.5 million by the Browns in 2007. Of that amount, $1 million comes from a per-game roster bonus.

But a league source claims that the amount is actually up to $5 million.

The Ravens had hoped to get Lewis back under a one-year, $2 million deal.

Though the move will prompt some to conclude that the Browns are now out of the running for running back Adrian Peterson, we think that Peterson is still firmly in play.

If they decide instead to focus on quarterback Brady Quinn, look for the Browns to possibly try to trade back a few spots, since Quinn is still expected to be available after the first five picks are made.

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TURK TO GET SOME PLAY

With the 49ers keeping restricted free-agent punter Andy Lee (by matching the offer sheet he signed with the Steelers), there is increasing talk in league circles that the Steelers will now turn to unrestricted free-agent punter Matt Turk.

The 12-year veteran averaged 43.5 yards per punt in 2006, and had an average net of 38.3 yards.

The Steelers are looking to replace Chris Gardocki, a 16-year veteran who has been the team's punter since 2004.

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POSTED 9:47 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 10:35 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

LEWIS SIGNING DOESN'T RULE OUT PETERSON  PICK

Scout.com reports that the deal between the Browns and running back Jamal Lewis is a one-year deal only.

Recently, it was reported that Lewis did not want to sign a one-year deal.

The practical effect?  The addition of Lewis doesn't mean that the Browns won't draft running back Adrian Peterson with the No. 3 overall pick.  Lewis can be the starter while Peterson spends his rookie year learning the ropes.  Then, in 2008 or 2009, Peterson can take over the running game.

Also, the fact that Lewis accepted a one-year contract in Cleveland could mean that the Ravens yanked their offer after they turned their focus to Willis McGahee.

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THE SURVEY IS A HIT

Last year, we ended our reader survey after collecting 1,000 responses in 36 hours.

This time around, the numbers are slightly higher.

In the first 24 hours, we've had nearly 8,700 responses.  (If each of those folks would also apply for an NFL Extra Points credit card, we'd be very happy.)

Stay tuned.  We'll post the results of the survey once we wrap it up.

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WEDNESDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The Packers have released FB William Henderson.

The Pats have re-signed Larry Izzo.

Broncos CB Dre' Bly is singing a different tune.

O.J. Simpson says he "knew" Anna Nicole Smith.

The new CBA is a year old on Thursday.

PewterReport.com reports that S Mike Doss will visit the Bucs on Thursday.

The Bucs have signed DT Lance Legree and DT Kenny Smith.

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POSTED 9:37 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

STEELERS DON'T WANT TO BE POISON-PILLED

A league source tells us that the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't insert a poison-pill provision in the offer sheet signed by punter Andy Lee because the Steelers don't want the device to be used on them.

It's code, in our view, for collusion.

Though it remains to be seen whether other teams will extend the same courtesy to the Steelers, the failure of the Steelers to use the device invites scrutiny from the union.

And to the extent that there is a lingering belief that the poison pill might not survive a full-blown attack via arbitration, the Lee contract gave the Steelers and the league a great opportunity to permit the thing to be challenged, at a low risk.

If the poison pill had been invalidated, the Steelers wouldn't have gotten Lee -- but the device would have disappeared from the free-agency arsenal.

By not using the poison pill, the Steelers didn't get Lee.  But the poison pill is still on the books.

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POSTED 8:57 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

JAMAL SIGNS WITH BROWNS

John Clayton of ESPN.com reports that the Cleveland Browns have reached an agreement with running back Jamal Lewis.

Terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.

Lewis was offered only a one-year deal by the Ravens, who have since turned their attention to swinging a trade for Willis McGahee.

In 2003, Lewis rushed for 500 yards in two games against the Browns.

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POSTED 8:45 p.m. EST; UPDATED 8:52 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

NINERS MATCH LEE OFFER SHEET

A league source tells us that the San Francisco 49ers have matched the offer sheet that punter Andy Lee signed on Tuesday with the Steelers.

The Niners had until March 13 to make a decision.

It had been reported elsewhere on Wednesday that the offer did not include a poison-pill provision.  By failing to use the device, the Steelers basically negotiated on the Niners' behalf a long-term deal for Lee.

If, in contrast, the Steelers had thrown a phony final year on the deal worth $15 million or so, and had included a term that would have made the entire package guaranteed if, for example, Lee played six games in California in any year of the deal, the Niners more likely would have let Lee walk.

So why didn't the Steelers use it?  And, more importantly, why did they even bother to make the offer if they weren't going to try their best to land the player?

Look for the union to grouse about this one, since the NFL clearly doesn't like the poison pill -- and since the union clearly believes it's a valid tool to promote player movement.

If the Niners had opted not to match the deal, they would have gotten a sixth-round pick as compensation from the Steelers.  

For the Steelers, don't be surprised if they turn their attention to Matt Turk.

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POSTED 8:20 p.m. EST; UPDATED 8:39 p.m. EST March 7, 2007

BRONCOS INK RAMSEY

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that the Denver Broncos have signed quarterback Patrick Ramsey to a two-year, $4.5 million contract.

Ramsey recently was cut by the Jets, who wanted to avoid paying him a roster bonus.  He originally was selected by the Redskins in the first round of the 2002 draft.  He started 24 games in four seasons with Washington.

In Denver, Ramsey will likely serve as the primary backup to Jay Cutler.

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NFL SHOULD FOLLOW NASA'S LEAD

The NFL's current Personal Conduct Policy permits discipline to be imposed on law-breaking players only after the player is convicted of (or pleads guilty or no contest to) breaking the law.

For anything less than a conviction, there's no penalty.

Not all employers follow this approach.  For many, a rap sheet results in a pink slip.

One such organization is NASA.  On Wednesday, the federal space agency fired astronut Lisa Nowak based on charges that she tried to kidnap a romantic rival.

"But what about due process?" someone like Mike Golic might claim.  Not long ago Golic, likely thought that "due process" was a reference to how they make Cheese Whiz.  But now it's one of the big guy's favorite phrases whenever the issue of player misconduct is raised.

Due process is important to the question of whether the suspect goes to jail.  As to the question of whether the allegations are sufficient to end the suspect's employment is a very different proposition.

So while we think that the NFL should not generally toss out of the league guys who have been arrested, there should be no requirement to wait for a conviction, and it's in the best interests of both the league and the union to come up with a better approach.

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POSTED 7:18 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 7:59 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

McGAHEE TO RAVENS TONIGHT OR TOMORROW?

A league source tells us that there's a good chance that the Buffalo Bill will trade running back Willis McGahee to the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday night or Thursday.

Per the source, there are a couple of other teams still in the hunt for McGahee.  As of now, however, the Ravens are at the front of the pack.

Also, a reader tells us that there are reports on Sirius NFL Radio that such a trade would entail Baltimore sending a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick to Buffalo.

If the trade happens, the Ravens likely will be signing McGahee to a long-term deal.  Based on recent contracts, McGahee could get $20 million in guaranteed money.  (Ray Lewis will be thrilled with that.)

Meanwhile, the Bills are looking for McGahee's eventual replacement.  Chris Brown visited Buffalo on Wednesday, and Corey Dillon is up next.

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STALLWORTH DEAL COMING FRIDAY?

Look for receiver Donte' Stallworth to have a new deal in place by Friday.

Per a league source, Stallworth is expected to pull the trigger on a new contract by then.  Barring an unforeseen development, such as a late arrival into the bidding for his services, Stallworth likely will have a new team by Saturday.

Stallworth, who played in 2006 with the Eagles, has visited with the Patriots and Titans, and will meet with the Dolphins on Friday.  There are conflicting reports as to whether the Eagles have extended an offer to him.

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EAGLES DIDN'T LEAK STALLWORTH'S STATUS IN PROGRAM

Though some members of the media, and some league insiders, believe that the person who first publicly reported the status of receiver Donte' Stallworth in the league's substance abuse program got his information from the Eagles, we can report with 100 percent certainty that we got the news via someone other than the Eagles, and that the person who shared the news with us didn't get it from the Eagles.

Indeed, the information was already "out there" well before Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the subject earlier this week.

And the publication of the information didn't affect Stallworth's value on the market, since teams are entitled to find out whether a free agent is in the program.

But since it's now harder for teams to recover signing bonus money when a suspension occurs, look for the squad that signs Stallworth to include some protections against the possibility that Stallworth eventually will be suspended. 

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POSTED 6:19 p.m. EST;;  UPDATED 6:29 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

SAINTS SECURE JOHNSON

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that the Saints have signed free-agent tight end Eric Johnson to a one-year deal.

Johnson, a pass-catching tight end who was rendered irrelevant in San Fran by the arrival of Vernon Davis, could infuse some real production into the position for the Saints.

He caught 82 passes in 2004, but missed all of 2005 due to injury.  He played in 13 games last season, catching 34 passes.

By signing a one-year deal, Johnson has a chance to put up some good numbers and hit the market again in 2008.

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RAVENS SCREW MULITALO

Okay, so let's get this straight.  The Ravens are afraid to use the franchise tag on a player like Adalius Thomas because it's a sign of disrespect to pay a guy a one-year, multi-million-dollar salary, or to try to get value for his rights via a trade.

But it's fine to cut a guy nearly a week into free agency, after the big money has begun to dry up?

It's precisely what the Ravens have done to long-time starting guard Edwin Mulitalo.

"When you release a player like Edwin, it gives you pause," Ravens coach Brian Billick said.  "This is the cold side of the business.  All he did was everything we asked him to do and more.  He gave us stability at left guard.  He was always an example to his teammates as to how a professional should conduct himself."

So why not show your gratitude by putting him on the market as of March 2?

It makes no sense, and it causes us to regard Billick's statements as hollow.

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POSTED 6:01 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

FALCONS LAND HORN

Yahoo! Sports reports that receiver Joe Horn has agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons.

The move adds insult to injury for Saints fans, who now must go from cheering for Horn to dealing with him in their own division.

But "injury" might be the key word here.  Adam Schein of FOXSports.com and Sirius NFL Radio recently reported that Horn was cut by the Saints not because of money, but because he failed a physical.  

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POSTED 5:13 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 5:45 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

RAIDERS BIDING THEIR TIME ON MOSS

At a time when a total of four teams have been linked to rumors regarding a potential trade of Randy Moss, it's our understanding based on discussions with league sources that the Raiders intend to take their time with this one.

Why?  Because they don't owe Moss another dime until the start of the regular season, when his $9.75 million salary kicks in.  Until then, the Raiders are in position to sit back, and field offers.

The teams linked to Moss are the Packers, Buccaneers, Jaguars, and Patriots.  There are rumors (unsubstantiated at this point) that the Jets are in the mix.

And that would make sense; if Pats coach Bill Belichick has long been enamored with Moss, some of that man-love might have infected Jets coach Eric Mangini, who spent several years with Belichick in New England.

But while the Raiders hold the cards -- and in theory they could decide to pay him $9.75 million for the privilege of keeping him from getting his way -- we suspect that a deal will come, eventually.  Moss, we hear, is unhappy playing on the West Coast, and wants to be closer to his adopted home of Florida, where his children reside.

Finally, the biggest potential obstacle to a trade will be Randy's readiness to restructure his contract.  Will he want a big signing bonus?  Will he insist on his full salary?  Or will he accept a contract that allows him to pursue a Super Bowl title while he's still arguably in the twilight of his prime? 

Stay tuned.

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'SKINS BOOT HALL

Possibly in an effort to create enough cap room to sign cornerback Dre' Bly to a long-term deal, the Redskins have cut kicker John Hall, creating $1.5 million in 2007 cap space.

Hall was part of the Redskins' high-profile raid of four years ago on the Jets, in which the 'Skins landed receiver Laveranues Coles, guard Randy Thomas, kick returner Chad Morton, and Hall.

Injuries have hampered Hall of late and, let's face it, there are plenty of capable (and cheaper) legs available.

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KEEPING MOSS ISN'T OUT OF THE QUESTION

Though the Raiders might have multiple eventual trade partners for receiver Randy Moss, a league source tells us that there are signs that the team is trying to position itself to keep him, but that coach Lane Kiffin is uneasy about the potential for Moss continuing to be a distraction.

"They've invested a tremendous amount of time trying to find a coach who can control Moss or who has a close relationship with Moss in his past," the source told us.  "They were strongly considering Charlie Baggett, who had worked with Moss in the past, but he just got hired by [the University of] Washington.  It's very unusual to go this long without hiring a receivers coach and, at this point, it's doubtful they’ll get someone who fits what they are looking for."

Indeed, the team's web site reveals that there is no receivers coach on staff.

So if they don't or can't find the right guy, then the Raiders could be more inclined to let Moss go.  Either way, the manner in which this position is (or isn't) filled could go a long way toward revealing whether the Raiders try to keep him around.

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POSTED 4:38 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

BYRD IS A TYRD

Rams tight end Dominique Byrd was arrested over the weekend on charges of suspicion of DUI.

The former USC standout was busted early Sunday in L.A.

For Byrd, it's his second arrest since joining the NFL.  He is facing charges for assault resulting from a December 2006 fight.

For the Rams, it's three points in Turd Watch.

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POSTED 11:21 a.m. EST; UPDATED 11:52 a.m. EST, March 7, 2007

FINS CRITICIZED FOR PAYING PORTER

Though some league insiders are resigned to the fact that the current market for aging linebackers justifies the payment of $20 million in guaranteed money, others are blown away by the decision of the Dolphins to hand that kind of cash to linebacker Joey Porter.

Said one league source:  "Anyone who watched Porter on tape this year concluded that he was done, as in 'stick a fork in him' done.  The Dolphins paid way too much."

Frankly, we wonder whether it was a football move, or whether it was a "let's put butts in the seats" maneuver, since the loudly colorful (or colorfully loud) Porter brings a barking dog mindset that the Dolphins haven't had lately.  For the oft-disinterested South Floridians, Joey's fire could ignite the fan base.

Really, why shed a bunch of veterans in an apparent effort to go young and then replace them by giving too much money to a veteran whose past success might have had more to do with the system in the 'Burgh and less to do with his own personal skills?

Porter is, in our view, a glorified cheerleader who might still have some gas in the tank.  But not $20 million of it.

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DID PITTSBURGH POISON PILL FOR PITT PUNTER?

The decision of the Steelers to sign 49ers punter Andy Lee, who played at Heinz Field while a student at Pitt, to an offer sheet is an intriguing one.  Though the terms of the offer are not yet known, it could be that the Steelers inserted a poison-pill provision in the deal that would make the offer impossible, as a practical matter, for the Niners to match.

The poison-pill principle allows a team to insert terms into an offer sheet that will result in the full-value of a backloaded deal being guaranteed if matched, but not guaranteed if not matched.  The device was used by the Vikings against the Seahawks and the Seahawks against the Vikings a year ago.

There still remains a question as to whether the poison pill would pass muster, if properly challenged via arbitration.  The fact, however, that the NFL tried to get the union to agree to wipe it off of the books suggests that, as a practical matter, it's a legitimate tool for raiding a team for players.  And if teams now choose not to use it, the union surely will cry foul.

Stay tuned.

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POSTED 9:03 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 10:29 a.m. EST, March 7, 2007

PLUMMER BLUFFING ABOUT RETIRING

A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that quarterback Jake Plummer does not intend to retire, and that he is (as suspected) trying to get to Houston, where he would be reunited with former Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak.

Plummer's desire to play for the Texans would help explain the failure of the team, in the wake of his supposed retirement, to hit the market and sign a veteran quarterback, since it's widely believed that David Carr is finished there.

Some league insiders believe that, in the end, Houston will acquire his rights, presumably via a trade with the Buccaneers.

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KENYON CLEANS UP

A league source tells us that defensive end Kenyon Coleman, who signed with the Jets on Tuesday, will receive $20.5 million over the life of the deal, with $7 million in guaranteed money.  It is, we're told, a five-year contract.

It's in essence a Chris Kelsay contract.  Kelsay, with 12.5 career sacks, got $13 million guaranteed from the Bills to stay put.  Coleman has 6.5 career sacks.

Sure, it's merely a reflection of the current market.  But when those guys who are profiting from the current market are elbow-to-elbow with guys who are working under deals made in a far different market, there will be trouble.

And although Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is on the back end of his prime, at best, how is he feeling about a contract that will pay him $4 million in non-guaranteed salary in 2007, and another non-guaranteed $4 million in 2008?

With 132.5 sacks, Strahan would surely love to get in line for a Chris Kelsay contract right now.  

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PFT PLANET HAS SPOKEN

Okay, so we posted our new survey last night.  And by 8:00 a.m. EST, we received more than 100 e-mails from readers who raised with us a relatively minor problem.

In the question regarding geography, we limited the options only to the 50 United States.  But, as we well know, it's not PFT Nation -- it's PFT Planet.

So the survey has been fixed.  We apol . . . apolo . . . apolog . . . well, we've got no one else to blame so it's all our fault.

The problem arose because at one point we were thinking about soliciting zip codes, and when we decided to keep it more general we just forgot to add in other countries.

Also, we've been asked by several readers to include choices other than "daily" in the "How often do you visit?" category.  Apparently, there are plenty of you who are on the site hourly or more often.

We fully encourage such habits, and we ask you to do whatever you can to persuade your friends and family to behave in a similar fashion.

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CLARK AGREES WITH TEXANS

A league source tells us that linebacker Danny Clark has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans.

Most casual fans likely haven't heard of him, which means that his guaranteed money likely will be in the neighborhood of only $8 million.

Clark is a seven-year veteran, and he has played for the Jaguars, Raiders, and (most recently) the Saints.  He started in 31 games during a two-season stint with Oakland, from 2004 through 2005.

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WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

In addition to hosting Jamal Lewis Wednesday, the Browns will also be entertaining Titans DT Robaire Smith and Bills OT/OG Mike Gandy.

According to Cleveland radio, Jamal Lewis will not entertain one-season offers.  (He's more comfortable with terms like "2-to-5 years.")

Pittsburgh signed 49ers restricted free agent P Andy Lee to an offer sheet.  

The Bengals helped a local high school keep kids off the streets (and away from their players) by donating $250,000 to install artificial turf.

There's some question as to what the Browns were thinking when they signed CB Kenny Wright.

Are the Steelers starting to feel their age?

Former Chiefs OL Jordan Black will meet with the Raiders today. 

The Chiefs visited with free agent CB David Macklin Tuesday. 

The Broncos are also interested in Macklin. 

The Broncos are talking to QB Patrick Ramsey about becoming the team’s backup to Jay Cutler. 

The Raiders have hired four new coaches.

The Bucs are now in the running for Raiders WR Randy Moss. 

The Chargers re-signed backup C Cory Withrow on Tuesday. 

Broncos CB Dré Bly wants to get paid by the Redskins.

Bears GM Jerry Angelo basically thinks that LB Lance Briggs should take the franchise money and shut up.

New Bears featured back Cedric Benson will have to get used to carrying the offense.

Former Falcons fullback Justin Griffith visits the Packers on Wednesday, while William Henderson is still waiting to hear if he should submit that job application at Taco Bell.

RB T.J. Duckett left Detroit without a deal.  (Apparently, he was unable to produce proof that he actually played in the NFL last season.)

If Donte' Stallworth leaves, the Eagles could be looking at WRs Terrance Copper and Shaun McDonald.

The Colts might be cutting the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.

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POSTED 11:38 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

A STORM IS COMING

One of the likely consequences of the current salary spending spree, in which plenty of cap room is being devoted to plenty of guys who aren't as skilled or accomplished as plenty of others already under contract, is a looming rash of locker room discontent.

The problem?  The players who realized right place/right time windfalls in free agency are setting the floor for the future paydays of other players who regard themselves as "better" than the players who are getting paid tens of millions of guaranteed dollars.

And we're already picking up indications that, once the dust settles in free agency, plenty of agents will then huddle with their non-free-agent clients about pursuing adjustments to contracts negotiated before the salary cap made like Wile E. Coyote strapped to an oversized bottle rocket.

With the ability of teams to recover bonus money limited under the new CBA, there could be more holdouts.  Even if players don't stay away from mandatory or voluntary sessions, there likely will be unprecedented tension coming from key veterans who are making far less money than some Johnny Come Lately who was lucky enough to be on the market at a time when the overall talent was depleted -- and the cap had jumped a total of $14 million in less than a full calendar year.

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POSTED 10:48 p.m. EST; UPDATED 10:52 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

GRAHAM SIGNS WITH BRONCOS

Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Adam Schefter of the NFL Network report that the Denver Broncos have signed tight end Daniel Graham to a five-year, $30 million contract, which includes $15 million in guaranteed money.

The deal makes Graham one of the highest paid tight ends in the league.  (We previously said he's the highest-paid tight end, but he might be a million or so behind Tony Gonzalez.)

Graham, primarily a blocking tight end with the Patriots, reportedly wants to be more involved in the passing game.  In 2006, the Broncos selected tight end Tony Scheffler in the second round of the draft.  Scheffler caught 18 passes for 286 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie.

Graham also drew interest from the Raiders and the Seahawks.

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VIKES CATCH WADE

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that the Minnesota Vikings have signed receiver Bobby Wade to a five-year, $15 million deal.

And so yet another so-so player gets paid.

Wade, who spent two years with the Bears and two with the Titans, caught 33 passes for 461 yards and two touchdowns (the only scores of his career) in 2006.  He started in only two of 16 regular-season games.

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POSTED 7:39 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 9:34 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

STILL NO DEAL FOR STALLWORTH

Contrary to a report on ComcastSportsNet.com that receiver Donte' Stallworth has a deal with the New England Patriots, Profootballtalk.com has learned that there is no agreement.

ComcastSportsNet.com says that the deal was "confirmed . . . by the office of Drew Rosenhaus, Stallworth's agent."

Well, we tracked down Rosenhaus personally, and he told us:  "There is no deal, and nothing is imminent."

Stallworth visited with the Patriots on Tuesday, and will next visit with the Titans, and then with the Dolphins.  No decision on his next destination is expected until the end of the week, at the earliest.

[UPDATE:  ComcastSportsNet.com has revised its story, calling the reports of a deal 'premature."  In true Tribune-Review fashion, the reference to confirmation from the office of Drew Rosenhaus has been scrubbed out of the story.]

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RAIDERS V. NFL HEADS TO CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT

The California Supreme Court scheduled on Tuesday oral arguments in the case of the Raiders versus the NFL.  The arguments will be held on April 4, 2007. 

The appeal before the highest court in the state of California arises from a 2001 verdict entered in favor of the league, in a suit brought by the Raiders arising from failed efforts to build a new stadium at Hollywood Park in Inglewood.

The trial court scuttled the verdict based on allegations of juror bias, and an intermediate appellate court reversed the decision.  The Raiders then persuaded the California Supreme Court to consider the issue.

If the Raiders prevail, a new trial will be held, more than six years after the original effort.  If the NFL prevails, the case will be over.

Unless there are grounds to appeal the thing to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Lead counsel for the NFL is Gregg Levy, who was one of the finalists for the position of Commissioner in 2006.

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FINAL YEAR OF CLEMENTS DEAL IS PHONY

Howard Balzer of the Sports Xchange explains that the eight-year, $80 million deal given by the 49ers to cornerback Nate Clements contains a phony final year, which automatically will be voided when a $10 million option bonus is paid to the player in 2008.

So either the option bonus won't be paid, and it'll be just a one-year deal -- or the option bonus will be paid, and the contract will be worth $64.02 million over seven years.

This is far different from a puffed up back end; it's a complete fabrication of the final year. 

They could have picked any number for that final year.  Instead of eight years, $80 million, the contract could have been eight years, $100 million.  Or eight years, $800 million.  Or eight years, infinity.

So why did they plop $15.98 million into the eighth year that will disappear a year from now?  It was, in our view, a favor to the agent, who'll now be able to trumpet to recruits the fact that he negotiated an "eight-year, $80 million" contract.

He didn't.  It's seven years, $64.02 million.  Still impressive, but not as catchy. 

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WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

Last year at this time, we wanted to put together some information regarding our demographics.  So we listed five or six questions and asked the members of PFT Planet to e-mail their answers.  Within 36 hours, we had 1,000 responses.

This time around, we've created an easy-to-use survey page.  And that means we won't have to sift through 1,000 e-mails.

The new survey takes only a minute, and it will help us to better know our audience.  So click here and have at it.

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TUESDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

Alex Marvez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the Fins are expected to sign K Jay Feely, and to dump K Olindo Mare.

Will Rams TE Dominique Byrd be earning some Turd Watch points?

The Raiders have signed C Jeremy Newberry to a one-year, $1.5 million deal.  (Not bad for a guy who has had microfracture surgery on both knees.)

TE Reggie Kelly has re-signed with the Bengals.

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that Seahawks TE Jerramy Stevens will visit the Bucs.  (His first name has an extra "r" in case he drops one of them.)

The Panthers have been Bobbitized.

One of our spies in Jersey says that LB Ike Reese was spotted looking for homes there on Tuesday.

The Jets have signed Cowboys DE Kenyon Coleman.

Pats beat writer Alan Greenberg, 55, of the Hartford Courant died suddenly on Tuesday of an apparent heart attack.

Packers FB William Henderson says he's been told that he's going to be released.

The Redskins have re-signed DB Ade Jimoh.

The Ravens have re-signed RB Musa Smith.

Meanwhile, former Ravens go-to tailback Jamal Lewis will visit the Browns.

Bears DT Tank Johnson's home confinement could soon be losing the "home".

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OSTED 5:12 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

NICHOLSON SENTENCED FOR BURGLARY

Bengals linebacker A.J. Nicholson has been sentenced to 60 days in a sheriff's work program as a result of a guilty plea to burglary and grand theft.

Nicholson pleaded no contest last month to the charges.  Though the specific date of the plea is not available, we're going to assume that it came on or after February 5, thereby earning the Bengals two points -- one for the plea to each charge --  in the 2007 Turd Watch sweepstakes.  (If anyone can prove otherwise, we'll change the "score.")

Nicholson was arrested for stealing electronics equipment from a former roommate.  Nicholson was implicated by a former Florida State teammate, who admitted to being involved in the crime after one of his personalized receiving gloves was found at the scene.

The plea of no contest subjects Nicholson to discipline under the league's Personal Conduct Policy.

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POSTED 5:03 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

GREEN GETTING THE HEAVE-HO?

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that Chiefs quarterback Trent Green has been asked to restructure his contract, and has been given the opportunity to talk with other teams.

In other words, Green has been politely told to get the hell out of town.

Stay tuned.  There were reports recently that the Dolphins might be interested.  

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POSTED 4:39 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

BANTA-CAIN SIGNS WITH THE NINERS

We've received multiple e-mails chastising us for our failure to proclaim from the mountaintops that linebacker Tully Banta-Cain is now a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

We don't want to take anything away from Banta-Cain's football skills, and we have a certain inherent "Boy Named Sue" type of admiration for any man who has spent his life answering to the word "Tully."  But even though this specific free-agent class has been a little short on sex appeal, Tully Banta-Cain is not going to be the difference between 12-4 and 6-10 for the Niners.

He has 64 tackles and 8.5 sacks in four NFL seasons.  Based on the e-mails we've been getting we would've sworn that the Niners just signed Lawrence Taylor in his prime.

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POSTED 4:30 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

HARRIS SIGNS WITH CHIEFS

We know, we know.  We're a little late on this one.  We're still having trouble with the software, and we're still trying to get caught up with everything.

Anyway, linebacker Napoleon Harris has signed with the Chiefs.  Per Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (and possibly others -- we're not playing favortites), Harris gets a $7.5 million signing bonus and $13 million over the first three years.

We're told that the full value of the deal is $24 million over six years.

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POSTED 4:18 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

RUMORS OF STALLWORTH DEAL ARE NOT ACCURATE

We've received e-mails from several readers who have heard rumors (apparently on radio stations in the Boston area) that receiver Donte' Stallworth and the Patriots have agreed to a six-year, $32 million contract, with $12 million in guaranteed money.

Per a league source, there is no agreement between Stallworth and New England, and there isn't likely to be a deal in the short term.  For now, the plan is for Stallworth to follow his visit to Foxborough with a trip to Tennessee and then to Miami.

Also, the Eagles have reportedly made an offer to Stallworth.  We've confirmed that an offer has been made, but we have not been able to finagle any of the terms.

If the Eagles re-sign Stallworth, they won't be required to upgrade the fourth-round pick that they sent to the Saints as part of the 2006 trade for the receiver to a third-round pick.  The enhancement was required, we're told, only if Stallworth had been re-signed before becoming a free agent.

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POSTED 4:11 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

JONES DEAL NEARLY DONE

Though the deadline was 4:00 p.m. EST, the deal between the Jets and running back Thomas Jones isn't completely done.  But it appears that everyone is agreeing to a short extension of the deadline in order to allow the deal to be completed, and the trade to go through.

In addition to the basic terms of four years, $20 million, we're told that Jones will get $13.1 million in the first two years, $12 million of which will be guaranteed.

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POSTED 3:28 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

JONES DEAL CLOSE

When the Bears traded running back Thomas Jones to the Jets on Monday, the deal hinged on the Jets and Jones working out a new contract by 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday.

We're told that the deal is nearly done, and that Jones will get $20 million over four years.

Though the Jets are being praised for the trade and the Bears are being chastised, we think it was a better deal for Chicago than most recognize.  First, it cleared out of the locker room a guy who was becoming increasingly discontent.  Second, it gives Cedric Benson a chance to become the guy who they thought he was when they used the No. 4 overall pick on him in 2005.  Third, it allowed the Bears to upgrade from the bottom of round two to the top of round two in the draft.  As we explained earlier on Tuesday, the No. 37 overall pick coupled with the Bears' No. 31 selection in the first-round could enable the team to get into the upper teens.

And if they toss in franchise-tagged linebacker Lance Briggs (as one reader has suggested), the Bears possibly could get in position to snare one of the elite players in the draft, such as receiver Calvin Johnson, or even quarterback JaMarcus Russell.  

With their current defense, the Bears are scary.  With a blue-chip playmaker on offense, some of their opponents might decide not to even show up on Sunday.

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POSTED 3:14 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

PETITGOUT DEAL WORTH MORE THAN ORIGINALLY REPORTED

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that the contract signed by tackle Luke Petitgout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is worth $15.5 million over three years, with a $3 million signing bonus.  Original reports were that the Bucs would pay $6 million over three years.

Per a league source, Petitgout will get a roster bonus in 2007 of $1 million and a base salary of $2 million.  In 2008, Petitgout is due to receive a roster bonus of $1.75 million and a base salary of $2.5 million.  In 2009, Petitgout is scheduled to receive a roster bonus of $1.75 million and a base salary of $3.5 million.

The source of the original confusion is unclear.  It's possible that someone made a mistake, and it's possible that someone (i.e., the team) was putting out bad info.

We'd previously heard that Petitgout was looking for at least $5 million per year, and that the team was offering the veteran minimum.  So the real numbers are far closer to Petitgout's goal.

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POSTED 2:08 p.m. EST; UPDATED 2:26 p.m. EST, March 6, 2007

CLEMENTS' REAL DEAL?  SIX YEARS, $8.791 MILLION AVERAGE

A league source with knowledge of the contract signed by cornerback Nate Clements with the San Francisco 49ers tells us that, as a practical matter, the deal is worth $8.791 million per year over six years.

The final two years of the deal pay out a total of $27.25 million.  By then, Clements will be on the back end of his prime at best, and it's unlikely that he'll ever see that money.

Then again, given the way the market is going, $27.25 over two years might be chump change by 2013.

All in all, the contract is a great one, especially since it pays out $22.6 million in guaranteed money.  But it's unlikely that Clements will receive $80 million over the next eight years in San Francisco.

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TECHNICAL GLITCH TODAY, AND OTHER STUFF

We've fallen a little behind this afternoon because we were having trouble with the software we use to upload new versions of the page.  But it's working again, and we're now in full catch-up mode.

While we're on a subject other than football, we've decided to keep the One-Liners in the Rumor Mill.  The split was roughly 85-15 in favor of doing so, and a few of the "keep it as it is" e-mails included threats of violence.

Hey, the customer is always right.  Especially the customer who owns a weapon.

As to the interns, we're now being flooded with e-mails from all of the people who weren't hired for one of the eight spots, and they are criticizing the work product of the folks who were hired.  First of all, I'm heavily editing the written product, and most of the smart-ass comments were not added by the interns but by me.  So to the extent that you think they are trying too hard to be funny, I'm the one trying too hard to be funny.  

Second, we're not going to present the One-Liners by division.  Instead, we'll merely put up new One-Liners are they arrive.  These folks are interns only -- they help in the collection and presentation of news links.  The stuff that is on the page is PFT content, edited exclusively by the Poobah.  So, again, if anyone is an idiot, I'm the idiot.

To make this clear, we'll have a separate page that names the interns, but we won't be naming them every time we post One-Liners.  Thus, if you have a complaint, it's not about Travis or Jason or the guy whose name we still don't know.  The complaint should be directed at PFT generally, and please don't suggest that we need to fire one or more of the interns and hire you instead. 

The potential benefits of this internship thing are significant.  In addition to our usual stories, we can now keep track of every team in a fraction of the time, since I don't have to go out and find the stories and paste the links and all of that stuff.

That is all.  Now back to our habit of making stuff up.

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POSTED 11:02 a.m. EST, March 6, 2007

PETITGOUT AGREES WITH BUCS

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network and PewterReport.com report that former Giants left tackle Luke Petitgout has agreed in principle with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Petitgout visited the Bucs last week and passed a physical.  He recently visited the Redskins, who wanted to move him to left guard.

It's believed that Petitgout will play left tackle in Tampa.

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POSTED 10:31 a.m. EST; UPDATED 10:51 a.m. EST, March 6, 2007

PORTER GETS PAID

He wanted more money in 2006.  He eventually got cut.

But now he's getting paid.

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that linebacker Joey Porter's contract with the Dolphins is worth $32.5 million over five years, with a whopping $20 million in guaranteed money.

The guaranteed money matches the amount received by linebacker Adalius Thomas with the Patriots.

The next question is whether Porter will be an exception to the rule that Steelers linebackers do much better in black and gold than they perform elsewhere.  But even if he flames out, that $20 million will carry him a long way after his playing career ends.  

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TUESDAY MORNING AFC EAST ONE-LINERS (as collected by intern Shawn)

A league source tells us that OL Wade Smith will visit the Broncos on Tuesday.

The Boston Herald thinks it would be stupid for the Patriots not to at least try to get WR Randy Moss.  (It would be almost as stupid as cutting-and-pasting content from another writer's work product.)

The Patriots are also looking to upgrade with other options as well.

Former Patriots LB Tully Banta-Cain could be Joey Porter's replacement.

The Dolphins are bringing in tough-guy K Jay Feely for a visit; apparently, he'll be asked either to try to beat Olindo Mare out of a job, or to beat the living crap out of him. 

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POSTED 8:43 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 10:26 a.m. EST, March 6, 2007

PORTER TO SIGN WITH FINS?

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, WPXI-TV is reporting that linebacker Joey Porter will sign on Tuesday with the Miami Dolphins.

The deal reportedly will be for five years, and will pay a total of $24 million, including a $12 million signing bonus.

However, given recent gaffes by the Tribune-Review, we'll believe this one when we see Porter wearing a Miami uniform.

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"THERE'S NOTHING DIRTIER THAN A GIANT BALL OF OIL"

Now that we've got an almost-full complement of interns gathering news links and sending them to us, and before we test the oil tanker bladder system with a giant rubber ball from Play Now, a reader has suggested that we divert the One-Liners to a page separate from the Rumor Mill.

Though we've got no desire to sift through another 500 e-mails, drop us a line letting us know whether you prefer the One-Liners to be in the Rumor Mill, or to see them in a separate page.

Our preference is to stick with one page, since it's easy to scroll past the One-Liners, if a given reader so chooses.  But we also don't want to pass up a potentially legitimate opportunity to increase our total page views, without using the Boston Herald device of dropping the last sentence of an item on a new page.

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TUESDAY MORNING AFC NORTH ONE-LINERS (as collected by intern Jason)

The job duties of Marvin Lewis now include commenting publicly on the struggles of his rivals. 

While they'd prefer to re-sign Jamal Lewis, the Ravens have contacted the agents for Corey Dillon and Chris Brown.

The Steelers may have to adjust their thinking regarding what they are willing to pay free agents.

S Kevin Kaesviharn is still considering returning to the Bengals (mostly because it took them this long to spell the name on his jersey right).

Bucs OG Sean Mahan and Raiders QB Marques Tuiasosopo visited the Browns yesterday; the Browns are expected to make a strong push for Mahan on Tuesday.

Deshea Townsend's lawyer says his client is innocent, preserving a string of "I didn't do it" defenses that dates back to the case of Cain v. Abel. 

Former Bengals LB Brian Simmons agreed to a three-year deal with the Saints.

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TUESDAY MORNING NFC EAST ONE-LINERS (as collected by intern Matt)

Jerry Jones claims that it's normal to grossly overpay players.

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TUESDAY MORNING NFC NORTH ONE-LINERS (as collected by intern Brian)

Packers fans will have to shell out more money for the privilege to watch Lord Favre limp through his annual farewell tour.

Packers G.M. Ted Thompson says he's "perfectly comfortable with Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, P.J. Pope, and Arliss Beach."    

The Packers have re-signed offensive lineman Tyson Walter, whose job continues to be to protect Lord Favre just long enough for him to make a bad throw.

Lions CEO Matt Millen says that the team is still talking to WR Kevin Curtis.  (They'd be more likely to acquire Curtis if he was on the board when the team uses its first-round draft choice.)

The Vikings will now turn their attention to butterfingered receiver/kick returner Bobby Wade .

The Lions have re-signed DE Corey Smith to a one-year deal.

Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com doesn't think that franchised LB Lance Briggs will miss any playing time, since sitting at home eating nachos doesn't pay $450,000 per game.

The Bears have hired a new quarterbacks coach and offensive quality control coach.  (Now all they need is a quarterback quality control coach.)

Chicago players will now have to call all of the free agents they told to stay away and tell them that they were just kidding.

Apparently, it was Rex Grossman's shoulder that was bothering him during Super Bowl XLI, not the fact that he sucks.

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TUESDAY MORNING AFC WEST ONE-LINERS (as complied by intern Travis Gilkeson)

Denver signed former St. Louis Rams FB and special teams standout Paul Smith on Monday. 

With Patrick Kerney off the market, it makes it all the more likely the Broncos will target a DE in the draft. 

Former Bengals TE Reggie Kelly visited the Raiders on Monday.

Former Broncos QB Jake Plummer has not formally filed retirement papers with the NFL.

The Packers and Raiders deny they have talked about a deal involving Randy Moss. 

As suspected, Chiefs G.M. Carl Peterson as a Napoleon complex. 

The Chiefs are also interested in LB Donnie Edwards, who played for the team in 2001. 

Chiefs G.M. Carl Peterson had a sit down with QB Trent Green, who could be traded.

The Broncos have tendered FB Cecil Sapp and FB Kyle Johnson.

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Jaguars new signing Dennis Northcutt is eager to play with Fat Albert.  (Maybe we should call him "Mushmouth.")

"Hey-buh, Fa-buht Al-buh-ber-buht . . . Can-buh I-buh drop-buh some-buh pas-buh-ses from you-buh?"

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POSTED 8:38 a.m. EST, March 6, 2007

LEAGUE INVESTIGATING STALLWORTH LEAK?

We've just tuned into Sirius NFL Radio, and Bob Papa and Randy Cross were spouting off about an investigation into the manner in which information regarding receiver Donte' Stallworth was leaked during or on the eve of free agency.

The information definitely was out there, because Stallworth is the guy to whom we were referring last week when we mentioned that we'd heard that a pending free agent was in the program.

The 2006 NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse makes clear that any NFL club that violates the confidentiality provisions of the Program may be fined anywhere from $10,000 to $500,000.  As a practical matter, however, it's going to be hard to prove that anyone blabbed.

Though someone in the know surely told the reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer about Stallworth's status in the Program, the reality is that the NFL has no way to get the reporter to talk -- unless the league can finagle a grand jury investigation and force the reporter to talk under pain of imprisonment.

But the NFL would never want to dirty its hands with that kind of a Playmakers-style plot line.  Are confidentialities regarding the Program breached?  Hell, yes.  All the time.  Unless the NFL makes a big deal about finding out who it was, however, most people won't realize that the NFL, like most organizations, has certain corrupt elements.  So the NFL will continue to look the other way, or engage in only a cursory investigation that inevitably yields inconclusive results.

So we don't expect this thing to go anywhere.  In fact, absent an public admission by a team official that he or she blabbed, we can't imagine the NFL ever taking action against anyone on this kind of a violation.  

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POSTED 6:16 a.m. EST, March 6, 2007

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN DEALS CRITICIZED

The prevailing view in some league circles is that the Cowboys, Browns, Chargers, and Bills paid way too much money for Leonard Davis, Eric Steinbach, Kris Dielman, and Derrick Dockery, respectively.  (Memo to Chargers fans:  That fact that Dielman has been named as an alternate to the Pro Bowl doesn't mean that he has been named to the team.)

As we've previously noted, none of these guys have ever been named to a Pro Bowl.  Yet each of them is swimming in over $15 million in guaranteed money.

So what happens when a true Pro Bowler on the offensive line hits the free-agent market?  Will he get $25 million guaranteed?  How about $30 million?

As we see it, these recent deals guarantee that the franchise tag will be used more often by teams to keep truly high-end players who become eligible for free agency, since the high-end players are going to look at the recent deals and say, "If a perennial underachiever like Davis is worth $18.75 million guaranteed, I'm worth twice that."

And that's the biggest problem with the combination of lots of cap space and a so-so free-agent class.  The floor is getting pushed up for future deals, and the number will only continue to skyrocket.

It's true for other positions as well.  If Nate Clements gets $80 million over eight years, what would a guy like Champ Bailey get?  And how does a guy like Champ Bailey feel about a player who is clearly one step below him breaking the bank like Bailey never has?

Of course, Bailey isn't due to hit the market until 2011.  In the interim, he's scheduled to make good salaries.  But in light of the Clements deal, how can Champ not suddenly be thinking that he's underpaid.

Stay tuned.  We have a feeling that many players will be privately -- or publicly -- having these same sentiments soon.

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BILLS COULD HAVE KEPT CLEMENTS?

One of the specific criticisms we've heard in the past few days is that the Buffalo Bills likely could have kept Nate Clements if they'd offered him the same jaw-dropping package that was paid to Derrick Dockery.

The Bills, whose owner has a recent history of crying poormouth, pasted together a seven-year, $49 million package for Dockery, an interior offensive lineman who wasn't expected to be a big player in free agency -- and of whom most casual non-Redskins fans had never even heard before March 2.

If that same money had been put on the table during 2006 for Clements, the thinking is that Clements would have taken it.

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SOME TEAMS WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH, WAIT

Several teams with extra cap space are thought to be deliberately waiting for the market to slow down a bit before jumping into it.

Every year, the biggest money flows in the first week or so of free agency.  Then, things will calm down.

And that's when some of these other teams will get in.

It's a responsible approach, in our view.  First, the teams get more bang for their bucks.  Second, there's less of a concern that the guys already on the team will get their noses out of joint when a mid-level guy who was in the right place at the right time gets the keys to the vault.

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POSTED 5:41 a.m. EST, March 6, 2007

BEARS CAN MOVE UP TO NO. 14

A reader pointed out to us that, with the No. 31 and No. 37 picks in the 2007 draft, the Bears are now in a position, under the draft trade chart, to jump up as high as No. 14.

Under the chart, which was developed in the 1990s by former Cowboys and Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson, the 31st overall pick is worth 600 points, and the 37th overall pick is worth 530.

The resulting 1,130 points falls in between the No. 14 pick (1,100) and No. 13 pick (1,150).

Of course, the Bears first would have to persuade the team holding the No. 14 pick to accept a low first-rounder and a high second-rounder in order for such a trade to go down.  But the bottom line is that, with the trade that sent disgruntled running back Thomas Jones and the No. 63rd overall pick to the Jets, the Bears can now get into the top half of the first round, if they so choose -- and if they can find a partner.

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POSTED 5:16 a.m. EST; UPDATED 5:36 a.m. EST, March 6, 2007

FINS PUTTING FOCUS ON CHARACTER GUYS

The talk in league circles is that the Miami Dolphins are attempting to bring in players known for having good overall on-field and off-field character.

This doesn't mean that all of the players who have been released over the past week or so are of bad or questionable character.  Instead, part of the approach, as we understand it, is for the Fins to let some of the older players go and to reload with younger guys.

(As one industry source points out:  "Character guys?  Joey Porter?  Marcus Vick still on the roster?")

The most recent victims of the new focus were tight end Randy McMichael and quarterback Joey Harrington.  McMichael popped onto the trade market within the past few days, and was dumped in advance of a roster bonus due on Wednesday.

Per Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald, the decision to dump McMichael wasn't solely about his history of arrests arising from incidents with his wife.  New coach Cam Cameron had been comparing McMichael to Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, one of Cameron's former pupils.  Cameron ultimately opted to go in a different direction, signing former Packers tight end David Martin.

Still, McMichael's agent is confident that he'll find a new home quickly.  ''He won't be a free agent for long,'' Drew Rosenhaus told the Herald. "I expect him to get a very lucrative deal here -- and actually make more money signing with a new team.  He's going to miss the guys on the team, but it's certainly going to be a great opportunity for him.''

With the money that has been flowing over the past few days, it's hard to disagree.

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POSTED 10:39 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 11:26 p.m. EST, March 5, 2007

'HAWKS CATCH KERNEY

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network and Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com report that the Seattle Seahawks have signed defensive end Patrick Kerney to a six-year, $39.5 million contract.

The deal includes a whopping $19.5 million in guaranteed money.  The average value is $6.58 million per year.

Kerney was courted by the Broncos before visiting the Seahawks.  He voided the remainder of his deal with the Falcons after the deadline for using the franchise tag had passed.

Glazer writes that former Falcons coach Jim Mora, who is now on the Seahawks' staff, was among the contingent that flew from Seattle to Atlanta to get the deal done.

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LEN HAS BAD INFO

Appearing on ESPN Radio's Man-Girl and Meatball in the Morning on Monday, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli chided the Lions for having no representatives at the Brady Quinn workout.

The only problem?  They were there.  Seven of them were there.

As we hear it, four coaches, two scouts, and a front-office employee attended the session.

After the Ron Borges fiasco and the whole Tribune-Review presto-change-o, nothing surprises us anymore.

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MORE INTERNS LINED UP

Well, we've trudged through more than 400 internship submissions, and we've extended invitations to eight folks to help us with the daily collection of links.

Assuming none of them are hungover on Tuesday morning after celebrating a gig that will pay them a grand total of zero dollars and zero cents, we'll start cranking out the One-Liners on a mass basis on Tuesday.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to make a submission.  We appreciate your dedication to the site, and your willingness to help us out.

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POSTED 9:35 p.m. EST; UPDATED 10:25 p.m. EST, March 5, 2007

STALLWORTH TO VISIT PATS, TITANS, FINS

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that free-agent receiver Donte' Stallworth will visit with the Patriots and the Titans.  Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald reports that Stallworth then will visit with the Dolphins.

Stallworth reportedly is willing to take a one-year deal from the Pats, in order to prove himself and then get back on the market in 2008.

Meanwhile, there is speculation in league circles that the Eagles have been responsible for putting out the word that Stallworth is in the drug-testing program, in an effort to scare off other potential suitors.

If Stallworth signs with the Pats, don't be surprised if his contract calls for a per-game roster bonus.  With recent changes to the CBA drastically limiting the ability of teams to recover signing bonuses, the only way to protect a team against a player who might not be available due to a suspension is to tie his compensation to the number of games in which he actually is able to perform.

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POSTED 9:24 p.m. EST, March 5, 2007

JORDAN STAYING WITH RAIDERS

Jerry McDonald of InsideBayArea.com reports that running back LaMont Jordan will be staying with the Raiders.

It widely was believed that the Raiders would cut Jordan instead of paying him a $4.75 million roster bonus.  But Jordan agreed to cut the amount to $3 million, and the Raiders agreed to keep him around.

On the same day that Travis Henry hauled in $12 million in guaranteed money and a day after Ahman Green signed a contract that will pay him $8 million in 2007, we're amazed that Jordan didn't force the Raiders to pay him the full amount or cut him.

"LaMont understands that there was a great possibility in today's market to earn more money elsewhere had the Raiders decided not to pay him his original bonus amount," agent Alvin Keels told McDonald. "However, he is committed to helping this organization turn things around and as [a] result made the compromise on the roster bonus adjustment."

Hey, if that's the case then the organization should have been committed to honoring a contract that was negotiated before the salary cap blew up.

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POSTED 9:00 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 9:08 p.m. EST, March 5, 2007

WELKER GETS NEW DEAL

On the same day that he was traded from the Dolphins to the Patriots, receiver Wes Welker caught a five-year, $18.1 million contract with $9 million in guaranteed money from his new team, according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network.

It's a far cry from the seven-year, $38.5 million offer sheet that the Pats were reportedly prepared to present to Welker.  But the key here is that much of that deal would have been back-end fluff aimed at persuading the Dolphins not to match the deal, especially since it likely would have included a poison-pill provision.

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INTERN UPDATE

As you might have noticed, we've hired three interns -- one for the AFC North, one for the AFC West, and one for the NFC South.  We'd like to fill the other eight spots, but we've currently got 250 submissions to consider.  We've already considered at least 200 others.

And, please, if you have made a submission and haven't heard from us, don't send another submission with updated links.

Hopefully, we'll get the other spots filled soon.   

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RADIO UPDATE

We've finally decided to keep an online schedule of our weekly radio spots.  We'll also try to include the links so that you can listen to the spots live, if so inclined.  (Hey, some folks are gluttons for punishment.)

We somehow nailed down a couple of national appearances over the weekend on FOX Sports Radio, including a segment on Monday morning with Steve Czaban.  Other national spots this week include our usual Tuesday night visit with Todd Wright of Sporting News Radio.  

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POSTED 8:48 p.m. EST; UPDATED 9:00 p.m. EST, March 5, 2007

BORGES SUSPENDED TWO MONTHS WITHOUT PAY

The Boston Globe has announced that sportswriter Ron Borges has been suspended two months for plagiarizing content from the Tacoma News-Tribune.

"'The Globe does not tolerate plagiarism,'" Globe editor Martin Baron said in a statement.  "Extensive passages written by the Tacoma reporter were used verbatim in the column by Borges, and that is prohibited."

The penalty might have been more severe if the material that Borges copied had not been part of a service that is available generally to NFL writers.  Here's how one industry source explained it to us:  "First of all, I don't like [Borges] at all.  He's an arrogant prick whose coverage of Belichick and the Patriots does a disservice to my profession.  He's so freaking anti-Belichick it's absurd.  That being said, don't go overboard with this plagiarism stuff.  What happens is that there are two 'notes' networks among NFL reporters.  What happens is we send a file each week with interesting notes and quotes to the rest of the 31 beat writers so that we can fill our NFL notes sections each Sunday.  Normally you rewrite what the other writer sends you, but obviously Ron just did the old cut and paste.  I'm sure Mike Sando sent Borges a file with that exact passage in it.  And Sando knew it would be used in some form.  Obviously this isn't journalism at its finest, but that's what we do."

Still, what Borges did was wrong.  And at least one league source has suggested that the Hall of Fame should boot Borges from the selection committee.  We agree.

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POSTED 7:51 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 8:06 p.m. EST, March 5, 2007

BEARS TRADE JONES TO JETS

Michael Smith of ESPN.com reports that the Bears have traded running back Thomas Jones to the New York Jets.

Per the report, the Bears also will send their second-round pick (No. 63 overall), and will receive the No. 37 pick in the draft, which the Jets landed via an earlier trade with the Reskins.

Armed with the No. 31 and No. 37 picks, the Bears could be in position to try to move up in round one.  Unless they sign a tight end in free agency, don't be surprised if they make a play to move up in order to get Greg Olsen.

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'BOYS BAG A JOHNSON

Multiple published reports indicate that former Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson has agreed to terms with the Cowboys.

So much for the door being open for Drew Bledsoe to return.

Johnson will back up starting quarterback Tony Romo.  It also might be wise for the 'Boys to have Brad hold for field goals and extra points.

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TRIBUNE-REVIEW PULLS A NEW MEDIA TRICK

At a time when the old media loves to criticize the new media for getting stuff wrong and/or making sh-t up, a member of the old media pulled a decidedly new media trick by revising one of its stories to remove a glaring error that appeared in a prior version.

Earlier on Monday, the Tribune-Re