POSTED 8:59 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 11:35 p.m. EDT,  March 15, 2007

RODGERS TOLD NOT TO COMMENT ON TRADE

Although Packers G.M. Ted Thompson describes as "wild speculation" a report from Mike Felger of the Boston Herald of a coming trade between the Packers and Raiders that would send quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Oakland for receiver Randy Moss, Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal has dug up some details that, to us, make it seem more likely than not that the deal will go down, eventually.

Writes Wilde:  "Rodgers said when reached on his cell phone that he had been advised not to comment.  But Rodgers did say no one from the Packers called him Thursday to reassure him he was not going to be traded, and that the only calls he received were from 'interested friends.'"

Although it appears that the deal isn't going to go down in the immediate future, it looks like it's just a matter of time.

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SCHEIN RIPS ESPN

A funny thing happened on Sirius NFL Radio on Thursday.  Shortly after 4:00 p.m. EDT, Adam Schein and Jim Miller were interviewing Eagles G.M. Tom Heckert.  Not long into the session, Heckert announced that the team had agreed to terms receiver Kevin Curtis.

Thirty minutes later, the crawl on ESPN attributed the scoop to Len Pasquarelli.

Schein went bonkos.  And justifiably so.  The G.M. of the team had announced the move live on the air.  There was nothing to "learn" or to "report" after Heckert declared to the world that the move had been made.

It's the second time in less than a week that ESPN has pulled such a maneuver.  Last Friday, Adam Caplan advised Sirius producer Nick Pavlatos that Browns running back Reuben Droughns had been traded to the Giants.  No one else was reporting it at the time, so Pavlatos (as we hear it) called Droughns, and broke the news to the player that he had been dealt.

Not long thereafter, Droughns was interviewed  on the air by Schein and Solomon Wilcots about the trade.  Then, after the trade was thoroughly discussed on Sirius NFL Radio, the ESPN crawl announced the news --  and attributed the scoop to Pasquarelli.

We've got no problem with a major media company relentlessly cross-promoting its assets, but when a national satellite service with the league's official radio network is getting the information straight from the horse's mouth, it's just plain wrong for ESPN, or anyone else, to attempt to claim the story as its own.

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THURSDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The Steelers plan to build a 1,200-seat amphitheater near Heinz Field.  (The Povertyneck Hillbillies could sell the place out, as long as they bring along about 1,150 family members.)  

In 2005, the Meathead wanted the Vikings to draft a Cementhead.

The Saints have sold out all luxury suites for the 2007 season.

The Fins won't have an offensive coordinator this year on Cam Cameron's staff (unless that rat on Dom Capers' head knows how to draw up plays).

The Packers' offseason strength and conditioning program launches on Monday.

The Bengals aren't expected to match the offer sheet signed last Friday by DT Shaun Smith with the Browns. 

The Jags have signed P Tony Yelk.

At his Pro Day workout, WR Calvin Johnson pulled off an 11-foot, seven-inch broad jump, and a vertical leap of 42.5 inches.

Bears coach Lovie Smith testified that imprisonment would be "devastating in the short term and long term" for Tank Johnson.  (Hey, Lov, we can't think of many guys who would view doing time as a positive development.)

The Cardinals have signed WR Sean Morey.

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POSTED 8:39 p.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

BUCS BRINGING IN GRANT

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing in Saints defensive end Charles Grant for a visit.

The significance?  Grant carries the Saints' franchise tag.

By rule, Grant may sign an offer sheet with any other team.  If the Saints should opt not to match, they would receive two first-round picks as compensation.

Such an outcome is highly unlikely, since the Bucs hold the fourth overall pick.  And trading down before signing Grant isn't an option; the Bucs must give up their own first-rounder, not someone else's.

The more likely outcome is that, if the Bucs decide to make a play for Grant, Tampa and New Orleans will work out a trade.  And with the Bucs potentially going for broke in 2007 under coach Jon Gruden and G.M. Bruce Allen, both of whom might be gone by next year, we wouldn't rule out a package including the Bucs' third-round pick in 2007 and a conditional pick in 2008.

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POSTED 8:24 p.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

TURD WATCH GETTING NOTICED

Ever since launching our comprehensive system for tracking player misconduct in February, we've received plenty of positive feedback.  Although arrests and convictions previously were reported in the "real" media, no one had kept track of all incidents on a consistent and comprehensive basis.

And, now, Turd Watch has been mentioned on the official web site of the NFL team whose Naughty Nine helped to inspire it.

Writes Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com: 

"Off-field problems once the exclusive property of the Bengals have now reached epidemic proportions around the NFL. The web site ProFootballTalk.com is running a 'Turd Watch,' complete with a scoring system ranking teams by criminal activity.

"Since the last Bengals’ arrest (cornerback Johnathan Joseph for marijuana possession Jan. 20), eight players and coaches on other teams have been arrested, according to the site.  The March 15 'Turd Watch,' has five teams (Tennessee, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, Oakland, Atlanta) with more points than the Bengals."

Generally speaking, the AFC is kicking butt in Turd Watch.  The score through five-plus weeks?  AFC 54, NFC 14.

The leaders are the Titans, with 17 points.  In a close second are the Jags, with 14.  Of the 32 NFL teams, 20 have yet to register any points -- and no team from the AFC East or the NFC East is on the scoreboard yet.

The key word is "yet."  In 38 days since launching Turd Watch, there have already been 17 arrests or guilty pleas.  

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POSTED 5:55 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 8:02 p.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

TANK GETS FOUR MONTHS

Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson was sentenced on Thursday to 120 days in jail for violation of probation imposed after a 2005 arrest on gun charges.

Johnson was taken immediately into custody.  Unless he is released early (and there are indications via Chicago radio that he could be out in 60 days), Johnson will miss the entire offseason program, and will be released from jail not long before the opening of training camp.

Because he'll also miss mandatory minicamps, he potentially will be required to forfeit a portion of his original signing bonus.  However, under the latest version of the CBA, the forfeiture is capped at 25 percent of the signing bonus allocation that applies to the 2007 league year.

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POSTED 5:04 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 5:14 p.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

CURTIS GETS $9.5 MILLION GUARANTEED

Various outlets are reporting, and we have separately confirmed, that the contract that receiver Kevin Curtis signed with the Eagles includes $9.5 million in guaranteed money.  

Contrary to reports that the deal is worth $32 million over six years, we're told that the base number is a hair under $30 million, with $1 million salary escalators in each of the last two years of the deal that push the total value to just under $32 million.  The escalators, we're told, are easily reachable -- and are based on receptions.

Curtis also received a $7 million signing bonus.  [UPDATE:  We're told that the money will be paid out as a $2 million signing bonus and a $5 million roster bonus.]  The remainder of the guaranteed money comes from a fully-guaranteed base salary of $1 million in 2007 and $1.5 million in guaranteed base salary in 2008.  His total 2008 base salary is $2 million, and he's due to receive a $1.5 million roster bonus in March of next year.

The deal also has roster bonuses in future years and an annual Pro Bowl incentive.  

Per a league source, the decision came down to the Eagles and the Vikings.  Both made solid offers, but Curtis in the end opted for Philly, due in large part to the presence of coach Andy Reid and the string of success that the franchise has enjoyed on his watch.  It also was a plus, we're told, that both Reid and Curtis are members of the Mormon religion.

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POSTED 4:17 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 4:20 p.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

CURTIS TO EAGLES

Receiver Kevin Curtis, whose search for a new team recently was interrupted by jury duty, has finally banged the gavel on his free-agent tour.

The verdict?  The Eagles.

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that Curtis has agreed to terms with the Eagles on a six-year deal.  Financial details are not yet available.

UPDATE:  The Eagles have formally announced the move, via the team's official web site.  (Then again, the Eagles' web site also announced on Sunday that linebacker Ryan Fowler had signed an offer sheet.)

Curtis, formerly of the Rams, was courted by numerous other teams, including the Vikings, Lions, and Titans.  He fired agent Tom Condon last week, and hired Ryan and Bruce Tollner several days ago.

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POSTED 1:24 p.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

HARLAN SAYS MOSS TRADE NOT IMMINENT

Outgoing Packers CEO Bob Harlan, who has been more talkative than ever over the past few days, tells the Green Bay Press-Gazette that a deal for Raiders receiver Randy Moss is not close to happening.

Harlan bases his assessment on the fact that G.M. Ted Thompson left on Tuesday for a scouting trip, and has not phoned in to tell Harlan that a deal was close.

“If [a trade] was that close, [Thompson] would have called us by now,” Harlan said.

Of course, given that Harlan has been flapping his lips about the Moss situation for most of the past week, maybe the close-vested Thompson realized that giving Harlan a head's up was the equivalent of shouting the news from the middle of Times Square with a megaphone.

And the fact that Harlan didn't say something like, "I have no idea what you're talking about" or "We have no interest in Randy Moss" or "Randy Moss will be doing the Lambeau Leap over my dead body" tells us that something is going on -- and that at this point it's more likely a matter not of "if" but "when."

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POSTED 12:52 p.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

WOULD MOSS TRADE OPEN DOOR FOR JOHNSON?

If, as now seems likely, the Oakland Raiders ship receiver Randy Moss to Green Bay in exchange for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, we believe that Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson would become Oakland's primary target with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

Johnson is, in our opinion, a can't-miss prospect with a combination of size and speed and hands and, uncharacteristically at the receiver position, not a hint of a bad attitude.

So while it's a 50-50 proposition at best when burning a top-five pick on a potential franchise quarterback, Johnson's chances of becoming a long-term contributor are much greater, we believe.

And there's a wrinkle to all of this that we find very intriguing.  Packers quarterback Brett Favre is pushing the team to acquire Moss.  If Moss goes, the door is open for Johnson to be taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

Favre is represented by Bus Cook.  Cook also is involved in the representation of Moss, and the Moss transaction depends in large part on Moss and his agents working out a restructured contract with the Packers.  

So if that gets done, then Johnson is poised to be the first guy off of the board.

His agent?  Bus Cook.

We're not suggesting that Cook is trying to engineer the Moss trade so that Johnson will have a better shot at being the first overall pick.  But the possibility of one client being the No. 1 selection in 2007 surely has at least entered the mind of the guy who surely has some influence over the extent to which Moss will be willing to accept the Packers' terms. 

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POSTED 10:59 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 11:59 a.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

MOSS DEAL CLOSE

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald reports that the Green Bay Packers are close to acquiring receiver Randy Moss from the Raiders.  In return, the Raiders would get quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Is there a freaking echo in here?

We feel vindicated by Felger's report, primarily because our string of stories about this looming deal over the past month or so have been flat-out ignored and/or completely disregarded by the "real" media.  

On his Green Bay radio show, our old friend Chris Havel scoffed at our report.  Other writers felt compelled to apologize to us via e-mail for printing G.M. Ted Thompon's flippant response to our Rodgers-for-Moss items.  Consider this, from the March 1 Wisconsin State Journal:

"Thompson did say the team wasn't actively shopping backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  Profootballtalk.com reported the Raiders asked for a first-round pick for Moss, and the Packers countered with offering Rodgers.  Rodgers, reached Thursday, said he had not been told he was on the trading block.

"'All I can say is,' Thompson said, 'you shouldn't believe everything you read on the Internet.'"

The more accurate message is this:  You shouldn't believe anything that comes out of Ted Thompson's mouth.  Ever.

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THURSDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Colts cornerbacks Marlin Jackson, Tim Jennings, and Kelvin Hayden will compete to start across from Jason David.

POSTED 10:23 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 10:38 a.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

FINS FIXIN' TO MOVE UP?

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins might be bringing in quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn for pre-draft visits.

Though there's a chance (albeit slim) that Quinn will still be on the board when the Fins use the No. 9 overall pick, it's unlikely that Russell will fall that far.

Thus, Salguero suggests (and we agree) that Miami could be plotting a move up in round one.  

There are rumors of talks between the Lions and other teams about the No. 2 overall pick, which Detroit currently owns.  Indeed, we've caught wind of a trade that almost went down on Wednesday, which would have dropped Detroit deep into round one.

Under the trade value chart, the Fins would have to come up with 1,250 points in order to bridge the gap from No. 9 (which is worth 1,350 points) to No. 2 (which is worth 2,600 points).  Alternatively, they'd be required to pony up an acceptable pack of players, possibly including quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

If healthy, Culpepper could be an intriguing fit in the Mike Martz offense.  Some of Culpepper's best throws have come when he acts decisively in response to his first read.  If Martz could get him to make quick decisions in a fast-paced offense, Culpepper might perform far better than when he stands in the pocket like a moose in the headlights.

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NFL TO CLEAN UP COACHING PROMOTION RULES?

We've learned about another topic that the owners will take up later this month in Arizona, when they convene for the 2007 Annual Meeting.  

Of the resolutions to be presented, one measure would identify coordinators as a distinct tier of the coaching staff, and would require that assistant coaches under contract be permitted to interview for coordinator jobs with other teams.

The league's current rule is one of the great injustices in the sport, in our view.  Position coaches -- like Rod Marinelli when he was the defensive line coach in Tampa -- can be blocked from interviewing for a coordinator job if they are under contract with their current teams.  Several teams (most notably the Buccaneers) consistently decline permission in these circumstances.

But in an industry that is based on the notion that every position short of head coach is merely a stopover toward a greater goal, it makes no sense to tie the hands of the guys who are trying to make the climb.

The counter to this view is that assistant coaches on one hand want the security of a multi-year contract, but on the other hand want to be able to tear the thing up when a better job comes along.  We've heard several league insiders argue over the years that the assistant coaches who think they are on the fast track should insist on one-year deals.

Still, we believe that it makes sense to let the assistants become coordinators, since it really is a distinct level -- and since it is one of the most common sources of head-coaching hires.

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POSTED 7:09 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 8:23 a.m. EDT, March 15, 2007

UNION, LEAGUE TO BEEF UP CONDUCT POLICY

Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports that the NFL and the NFL Players Association are expected to hammer out a new Personal Conduct Policy that culminates in a one-year suspension with a requirement that the player apply for reinstatement.

It sounds to us a lot like the ultimate punishment under the substance abuse policy, which technically is described as banishment, with the ability to apply for reinstatement after one year.

"There has to be an end point, and that end point has to be a suspension," NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw told Maske.  "We want to strengthen it.  This will have the players' input into the process.  This won't be coming from the top down.  This will be coming from the bottom up."

We agree that there has to be an ending point.  But we also think that there has to be a better starting point.  Currently, discipline of any kind is not imposed until a player has been convicted or pleaded guilty or no contest to a crime.  For a guy like Rain Man Jones, who has had 10 brushes with the law in less than two years and zero convictions or guilty pleas, there would still be no sanction.

As we've previously argued, it's too easy to get arrested -- and too hard to get convicted.  The NFL and the NFLPA need to be prepared to implement a joint in-house procedure for deciding whether a guy violated a specific code of conduct to be created by the league and the union, if the NFL and the NFLPA intend to do more than offer up a form-over-substance solution, which would kick in only in the most extreme cases.

Clearly, some teams want to have more control over the issue of player misconduct.  The Cardinals, for example, cut ties with assistant coach Richie Anderson only four days after he was arrested for solicitation of prostitution.  Given the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Cardinals would have had few (if any) options if a player had done the same thing.

So, in our view, fixing this problem involves more than just adding a couple of lines to the Personal Conduct Policy.  Instead, the league and the union need to negotiate into the CBA fundamental provisions that will allow teams to fire players who get arrested, if the teams so choose.

Of course, the problem here could be that Upshaw wants to create the impression that the NFLPA is serious about addressing the problem without imposing sweeping changes that will have a significant impact on overall player job security.  So by talking tough about the "ending point" without addressing at all the starting point, the union can take some steam out of a thorny P.R. issue without really changing much of anything.

And the union also apparently is interested in throwing some responsibility on the teams to better babysit the players.

"I think a team will have to be looked at in terms of:  Is it doing all it can do?  Is it doing everything it can in terms of player development programs, in terms of having a security guy?" he said.  "Roger definitely would like to see the clubs held to a higher standard, just like the players."

Generally, we agree.  But, frankly, we think that Upshaw should worry about his constituents first, unless and until there's evidence that the teams are handing out booze, guns, and/or bags containing $81,000 in small bills.

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TROY WANTS TO PLAY

With the New England Patriots rounding up a harem of receivers over the past couple of weeks, most league observers have concluded that versatile veteran Troy Brown, who seemingly has played every position on the field except nose tackle, is ready to call it quits.

Not so.

Per Michael Felger of the Boston Herald, a source says that Brown "definitely" wants to return for a fifteenth NFL season.

The only problem?  All of the seats at the table might be taken.

Currently, the Pats have eight receivers under contract:  Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, Kelley Washington, Chad Jackson, Bam Childress, and Kelvin Kight.

And, by all appearances, Welker (for whom the team coughed up a second-round and a seventh-round draft pick) is poised to assume the role on offense and on special teams that Brown has filled for the past several seasons.

Still, if Brown still wants to play and if he still has the physical abilities required, we think it's a no-brainer to make a spot for him.  Even if it means switching him on a full time basis to his "other" primary position of cornerback.

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RICKY WILLIAMS UPDATE

Several readers have asked about the status of running back Ricky Williams, so we made a bunch of calls (okay, we didn't but to say it makes us feel like we're really working this gig) and here's what we've learned.

Williams was suspended in May 2006 for repeated violations of the substance abuse policy, and he is eligible to apply for reinstatement in May 2007.   [UPDATE:  We've been advised that Ricky is eligible to re-apply in April.]

But reinstatement is not a no-brainer.  Just ask Onterrio Smith, who has yet to get clearance to return to the NFL well over a year after being bounced out of the game.  The key is that the player has to stay clean for the full year, passing all drug tests and complying with all terms of his treatment plan.

If Williams is reinstated, he'll be available to the Dolphins at the bargain-basement price of $585,000 for 2007.  Assuming that he still has some gas in the tank, giving him a third chance makes plenty of sense.

Of course, the Dolphins also could trade him.  But it's highly unlikely that there will be much of a market for his services until he shows that he can get it done on the field.

We don't rule out a preseason trade, especially if a key running back on another team pops an ACL during a training camp practice or an exhibition game.  For now, though, our guess is that the Fins will welcome him back, primarily because his salary is so low.

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'BOYS SAY THEY'RE NOT LOOKING TO TRADE JONES

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones claims that, despite rumors of a possible deal, running back Julius Jones won't be traded.

"I don't see that happening," Jones said, according to Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News.  "We have got a team that's going to need some great plays from that position, and I like what we've done there with [Marion] Barber.

"More than likely, unless we have an opportunity in the draft to do something, we'll be going with the running back group we ended the season with.  Hopefully we can have [Tyson] Thompson there that could give us a third back."

Maybe we're missing something on this one, but Jones' comments seem to us to include enough wiggle room to justify an eventual trade of Jones.

After churning up 819 yards in eight games as a 2004 rookie, Jones was regarded as a potential breakout player for the following season.  There was buzz of a run at 2,000 yards. 

But he finished 2005 with only 993 yards in 13 games.  Last year, he rushed for 1,084 yards in 16 starts, and yielded plenty of touches -- and 14 touchdowns -- to Marion Barber.

Our guess?  Jerry Jones is being coy in order to help build a market.  If, after all, the perception is that the 'Boys are ready to give Julius away, they'll get far less for him in return.

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POSTED 10:18 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:52 p.m. EDT, March 14, 2007

BROWNS BAG ROBAIRE

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that the Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with former Titans defensive tackle Robaire Smith. 

Per Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper, it's a four-year deal.

The seven-year veteran spent four seasons with the Titans, then two with the Texans, then one more with the Titans.  He started in twelve games in 2006, 16 in 2005, and 16 in 2004.

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DEION RECOMMENDED PATS TO DONTE'

The Associated Press reports that former Patriots receiver Deion Branch gave his old team a glowing endorsement to Donte' Stallworth.

"It's a business and you can't take anything personal that happens in this business," Stallworth told reporters on Wednesday.  "[Branch] is an intelligent young man and he understands the business aspect of things. . . .  Everyone's objective is winning.  From that standpoint, I heard nothing but good things about the whole organization, players and coaches."

Branch was traded to the Seahawks last year in the midst of a nasty contract dispute.

Stallworth also addressed a report that he's in the league's substance abuse program.  "There was a situation a couple years ago," Stallworth said.  "There's nothing now that's going on that will affect me preparing for helping this team."

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STALLWORTH SAYS HE HAS NO BEEF WITH WASHINGTON

New Pats receiver Donte' Stallworth also was asked on Wedensday about reports of a strained relationship with new/old teammate Kelley Washington, who signed with New England on Monday.  The two wideouts played together in college at Tennessee, and as legend has it Washington backed out of a commitment to join Stallworth in the draft, presumably so that Washington could be "the guy" with Stallworth out of the UT program.

But Stallworth says all is well.  In fact, it sounds like there was never a problem:  "[Washington] and I talked during the draft [process].  He was trying to decide if he was going to leave school or not.  I had pretty much made up my mind.  I felt like I was ready to play in the NFL and we pretty much talked throughout the whole process.  He basically came to me asking me for advice on what I would do if I were in his shoes.  I told him that I thought he ought to stay in school.  He ended up staying, which I thought was a good decision for him, but he ended up getting hurt.  During that whole process, things got really overblown with the fact that . . . I don't remember exactly what the story was, but the bottom line was things got overblown and there is no rivalry between he and I.  I was hanging out with him a few months ago down here in Miami.  He's an ex-teammate of mine.  We've hung out.  There's definitely no problem.  We communicate every so often, and obviously we will be doing a lot more communicating now that we are teammates again."

Of course, that's slightly different than what Stallworth said in 2002, when he was asked via a New Orleans reporter questions that had been prepared by ESPN.

The question:  "How good is Tennessee WR Kelley Washington, and can he be better than you?"

Stallworth's answer:  "They wanted you to ask me about Kelley Washington?  I'm not talking about Kelley Washington.  Any more questions on that sheet, that aren't about Kelley Washington?"

Stallworth's quotes also ignore that, after he declared himself eligible for the draft, he petitioned the NCAA to have his eligibility reinstated.  He was unsuccessful.

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POSTED 10:09 p.m. EDT, March 14, 2007

OWNERS TO EXPAND REPLAY, CHANGE INTERFERENCE RULES?

When the NFL owners convene in Arizona later this month, they'll consider two proposals for rules changes.

One proposal, offered up by the Bucs, would expand the scope of instant replay to cover all penalties except holding.

The other, proposed by the 49ers, would create two levels of defensive pass interference.  For "severe" interference, the penalty would still be a spot foul.  For minor interference, the penalty would be only 15 yards.

We like both ideas.  If the purpose of replay is to use technology to rectify human error, why not make as many human errors subject to review as possible?

And, as to the interference rule, we think a modification of the spot foul provision is long overdue.

Of course, if both provisions pass, then an official's decision to characterize an interference call as severe or minor would be subject to review.  So maybe both shouldn't pass as written.

Meanwhile, if the owners are looking for some commonsensical rules changes, why not create two levels of roughing the passer -- five yards and a fifteen-yard personal foul.  The approach would be identical to the roughing the kicker foul, and it would address one of the most fertile areas of controversy from games during the 2006 season. 

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POSTED 9:37 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:56 p.m. EDT, March 14, 2007

WADE RE-SIGNS WITH 'SKINS

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Washington Redskins have re-signed offensive lineman Todd Wade.

The contract is for two years, and is worth a total of $6.2 million, including $3.5 million in guaranteed money.

Wade has seven years in the NFL.  He spent four years with the Dolphins and two with the Texans before joining the Redskins in 2006.

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ZGONINA SIGNS WITH TEXANS

As expected, defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina has signed a contract with the Houston Texans.

Zgonina, who spent four years with the Dolphins, inked a two-year deal.

The 14-year veteran has played for the Steelers, Panthers, Falcons, Colts, Rams, Colts, Rams again, and Dolphins.  He went to two Super Bowls with the Rams, and was a member of the Super Bowl XXXIV championship team.

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POSTED 8:37 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 8:58 p.m. EDT; March 14, 1007

BIG DADDY IS IN HIDING

A league source tells us that defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, who was recently traded from the Fins to the Broncos, is not answering his phone and can't be reached by either team.

Per the source, if Wilkinson doesn't take a physical by Friday, March 16, the deal will be voided.

The thinking in some league circles is that, although Wilkinson says he plans to retire, he wants to be able to play in 2007 without having to participate in an offseason program.  Some believe that, if the Broncos or the Dolphins were to tell Wilkinson that he doesn't have to show up for offseason workouts, Wilkinson would relent.

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OWNERS TO CONSIDER INCREASE IN GAME-DAY LINEUP

A league source tells us that the NFL owners will consider during their meetings later this month in Arizona a proposal to increase the game-day active player list.

Currently, each team has 53 players on the active roster.  On game days, 45 players dress, along with a third quarterback.

Under the proposal, which was made by the Bears, the number of players would move from 45 to 47.  A third quarterback also would be available.

This would decrease the game-day inactive list from eight down to six.

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POSTED 3:48 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 4:54 p.m. EDT, March 14, 2007

RUSSELL RUNS A 4.83

LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell ran a good-but-not-great forty-yard dash at his March 14 Pro Day workout, clocking a 4.83.

Some scouts compare Russell to Jags quarterback Byron Leftwich because they both have big arms but limited mobility.  Four years ago, Leftwich ran a 4.89 at his Pro Day workout.

But Rex Grossman ran a 5.13 that same year.  In contrast, Carson Palmer (the No. 1 overall pick in 2003) cranked out a 4.63.

Russell weighed in at 256 pounds, nine pounds less than what he weighed at the scouting combine more than two weeks ago.  He was criticized by some for looking soft in the middle at his combine scale session.

Other former Tigers who worked out on Wednesday include receiver Craig Davis, who registered a 4.44 and a 4.41, and receiver Dwayne Bowe, who ran a 4.49 and a 4.40.  Safety LaRon Landry chose not to run.

The full results are available right here.

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FALCONS LAND FONOTI

The Atlanta Falcons wanted to go bigger on the offensive line in 2007.  In one fell swoop, they have.

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that the Falcons have agreed to terms with "Two-Ton" Toniu Fonoti.  The contract has a duration of one year.

The Chewin' Samooan has bounced around the league (literally) since 2002, playing with the Chargers, Vikings, and Dolphins, and spending a short amount of time with the Raiders and the Bucs.

Fonoti is listed at 350 pounds.

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POSTED 3:01 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 3:28 p.m. EDT, March 14, 2007

D.A. TO TATTLE ON ATHLETES

T.J. Quinn of the New York Daily News reports that the Albany, New York district attorney who is investigating a nationwide Internet steroids ring will forward to professional sports leagues the names of any players who were obtaining these banned substances.

"We're going to be sending [the leagues] information to vet those names, see if they are who they say they are," David Soares told the Daily News.

Technically, then, Soares isn't tattling.  But, as a practical matter, Soares' activities will put the leagues on notice as to specific players who apparently were ordering these compounds.

Representatives of the NFL and Major League Baseball have recently met with Soares, and the pro football and baseball leagues have indicated a willingness to assist in the investigation.

Under the NFL's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances, discipline cannot be imposed absent a positive test or a conviction for or admission to a violation of a law relative to the use, possession, acquisition, sale, or distribution of banned substances.  Though the mere fact that a player's name is on the list isn't enough to trigger a suspension, it could result in reasonable cause testing if the information obtained constitutes "documented prior steroid involvement" as defined by Section 3 of the steroids policy.

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SI DISSES L.T. AND M.T.

We posted earlier on Wednesday a One-Liner noting that Sports Illustrated has named Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush as the top tailback tandem for 2007.

The list also includes:  (2) Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jags; (3) Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts of the Redskins; (4) Julius Jones and Marion Barber of the Cowboys; (5) Thomas Jones and Leon Washington of the Jets; (6) Travis Henry and Mike Bell of the Broncos; (7) DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams of the Panthers; (8) Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood of the Falcons; (9) LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes of the Raiders; and (10) Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns of the Giants.

Um, hello?  How about the MVP of the league and his backup, who has been tendered as a restricted free agent at the highest possible level?

Clearly, the omission of LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Turner of the Chargers was an oversight.  

At a minimum, they should have been somewhere on the list.  Arguably, they should be at the top of it.  

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PFT ON SNR

Tuesday night is becoming one of our favorite nights of the week, because that's when we visit with Todd Wright of Sporting News Radio.  Sure, sometimes it's a challenge to stay awake until 10:25 p.m. EDT, but it's worth it.

We particularly enjoyed last night's segment, which can be heard right here.  (Part two is right here.)  

And we're generally available for other radio spots, as long as they fit within our current calendar of segments.  Even though the free-agency frenzy has subsided, there are still plenty of things that we can talk about.  If all else fails, we'll just make some stuff up.

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POSTED 11:13 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 11:45 a.m. EDT, March 14, 2007

MOSS DEAL HINGING ON CONDITIONAL PICK

There's a hitch that has emerged in the ongoing negotiations between the Packers and the Raiders regarding the terms of a potential trade of receiver Randy Moss to Green Bay.

We're told that the Raiders will only take quarterback Aaron Rodgers if there's also a conditional draft pick based on Rodgers' performance in 2007.

In short, if Rodgers doesn't perform, the Packers have to give up more in 2008.

The Packers' concern is that, because the Raiders have been so bad of late on offense, it's a given that Rodgers won't play well in 2007.  Moreover, the Packers are concerned that the Raiders will bench Rodgers at some point during the season in order to ensure that a higher pick will come their way from Green Bay in 2008.

To resolve this potential impasse, we're told that the Packers are considering offering a 2009 conditional pick based on Rodgers' play in 2007 and 2008.

As we see it, the conditional pick should also be tied to the performance of Moss.  The more he does in 2007, the more the Raiders get in 2008.  

Really, the trade is about Moss, not Rodgers.  And if Moss plays at Lambeau Field like he performed there while a member of the Vikings, the Packers should be happy to eventually give up a first-day pick in 2008.

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Are the Vikings planning to draft QB Brady Quinn?

Green Bay has signed former Giants CB Frank Walker to a one-year deal worth $1.24 million.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus is keeping his head low in the Lance Briggs brouhaha.

Former Ravens DB B.J. Ward signed with the Raiders on Tuesday.

The NFL is investigating the relationship between cardiovascular problems and the increased size of NFL players.  (Do we really need a blue-ribbon commission to tell us that big fat guys can have heart trouble?)

Though it's good that some funds are now available to care for former players that have dementia, we'd like to see the NFLPA direct more money to all former players (even as it continues to coddle current players who have criminal tendencies).
 
Tony Lombardi is trying to get the NFL to separate the Baltimore Colts from the Indianapolis Colts.

The 'Skins have re-signed TE Todd Yoder.

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POSTED 10:15 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:50 a.m. EDT, March 14, 2007

WILLIAMSON HAS VISION PROBLEM?

Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings receiver Troy Williamson, who had 11 drops in 2006, has some type of a vision problem that has contributed to his inability to catch the ball.

"It's been frustrating for Troy, and his family," agent David Canter told Jensen.  "Now that we know there was something from a visual standpoint, this is like a light bulb coming on for all of us concerned about why he was having difficulty making some catches."

The specific nature of the problem has not been identified.  Nike reportedly checked his hand-eye coordination, whether one eye is stronger than the other, his ability to see objects in different types of lighting, and his ability to track balls thrown at him from various angles.

It's not known whether Nike checked to see whether Williamson actually has butter on his fingers.

Williamson was selected with the seventh overall pick that the Vikings received as part of the Randy Moss trade.  The two-year player's speed is critical to the West Coast offense, since a legitimate deep threat will open up a variety of underneath routes.  

By demonstrating an ability to actually catch the ball on a consistent basis, the chances of Williamson actually being covered when he runs a "go" route will be increased.

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BROWNS ADD A BIGWIG

The Cleveland Browns have hired Bob Kain to be the team's "vice chairman."  Kain previously served as CEO of IMG.

Kain was hired by Browns owner Randy Lerner when Lerner was buying an English soccer team in 2006.  Said Lerner in a statement:  "[Kain's] role will in no way change or reduce my personal role, nor will it change or modify any of the jobs that are currently being held."

The position of team president has been vacant since John Collins was let go after a failed effort to run G.M. Phil Savage out of town in late 2005.

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LAST WORD ON PLUMMER BONUS

Our friend (though if we keep disagreeing with him he might no longer see it that way) Peter King of SI.com revisited the issue of quarterback Jake Plummer's unallocated signing bonus in the Tuesday edition of his MMQB column.

Writes King:  "I got several e-mails questioning my fuzzy math -- I think prompted by a profootballtalk.com item -- on the $7 million the Bucs would have coming from the pro-rated signing bonus money from Plummer if he never plays again and the Bucs go after his money.  Essentially, Plummer did four contracts with the Broncos while there, and the pro-rated signing bonus comes from these sources: $3 million from the first contract, $2.4 million from the second and $1.656 million from the third.  So if the Bucs choose to go after the cash, and they win, Plummer would owe them $7.056 million."

The key here is whether the amounts refer specifically to signing bonuses, or whether they come from option bonuses or other guaranteed payments that weren't signing bonuses.  By our calculations, the only true signing bonus money that remains unallocated (and thus subject to forfeiture) is the $3 million figure.

Under the new CBA (as clarified in the Ashley Lelie case), option bonuses are not subject to forfeiture, because the new CBA specifically is limited to signing bonuses.  The ruling has prompted multiple league insiders to conclude that only signing bonuses are subject to recovery upon, for example, a premature retirement.

Either way, it's a stiff price tag that the Buccaneers can foist on Plummer if he decides not to play.  And we remain convinced that Tampa's objective here isn't to fill up the Glazer family coffers but to leverage Plummer into playing, so that Bucs can then flip the 2008 fourth-round pick into a 2007 selection of greater value.    

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E-MAILS WE LIKE . . . THAT WEREN'T SENT TO US

Elsewhere in Peter King's Tuesday edition of MMQB is an e-mail he received in response to King's Monday proclamation that "Craig Biggio has some Tom Brady in him."

Commented a King reader:  "Did Brady knock up Biggio, too?"

Replies King:  "Awww, that's not very nice."

It might not be nice, but it's frickin' hilarious.

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POSTED 10:03 a.m. EDT, March 14, 2007

FREE AGENCY ENTERING PHASE TWO

The consensus in league circles is that phase one of 2007 free agency has ended, and that the primary focus will now shift to the restricted free agents.

As to the unrestricted free agents, big-money deals will be fewer and farther between, with more and more contracts being of the short-term variety, like the deals signed on Tuesday by tight end Marcus Pollard with the Seahawks and cornerback Travis Fisher with the Lions.

The question that any team interested in a restricted free agent will be asking itself is whether the draft pick that would be sacrificed by signing a restricted free agent should be used instead to land a rookie.  (Unless, of course, the restricted free agent was an undrafted player with the low tender; in such cases, there is no compensation.)

The deadline for signing restricted free agents to offer sheets is April 20.  As to any offer sheets signed on April 20, the player's current team would have until April 27 -- the day before the draft -- to make a decision as to whether to match the offer.

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POSTED 11:45 p.m. EDT, March 13, 2007

FAVRE PUSHING HARD FOR MOSS

Multiple sources tell us that Packers quarterback Brett Favre is pushing hard for the team to make a trade for Raiders receiver Randy Moss.

As one source with knowledge of the situation told us on Tuesday, in Favre's mind the acquisition of Moss is a done deal.

We previously reported that the Packers offered quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Raiders for Moss.  We're now hearing that the Packers might have to throw in a contingent draft pick tied to Rodgers' success (or lack thereof) in Oakland.  If the Raiders ultimately don't want Rodgers, it will likely take a second-round draft pick, or more, to get it done.

The fact that receiver Wes Welker generated a two and a seven from the Patriots suggests that the Raiders might try to hold out for at least a first-round pick.  They sent a first-round pick (No. 7 overall), a seventh-round pick, and linebacker Napoleon Harris to Minnesota in March 2005 in order to land Moss, who largely has been a disappointment in two seasons with the Raiders.

On Tuesday, Green Bay finally acknowledged that it is considering making a deal for Moss, despite several weeks of denials from G.M. Ted Thompson.  Along the way, Thompson took a slap at our report that the Packers and Raiders were discussing a deal.

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POSTED 10:22 p.m. EDT, March 13, 2007

BEARS DUMPING INJURY RISK ON BRIGGS

A day after telling Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com that he will never play for the Bears again, linebacker Lance Briggs is softening.  A little.

On Tuesday, Briggs told ESPN that "there are a lot of options out there, but [sitting out] is one of them."

In essence, Briggs' beef is that, at a time when he could be reeling in $20 million or more in guaranteed money, he'll have to play in 2007 for roughly a third of that amount.

"The $7.2 million -- although it's a good number, it looks nice -- there's no job security in it," Briggs told ESPN. "I played four years as a third-round draft pick.  I played four years as a third-round draft pick at the league minimum, and there've been no talks of a contract negotiation this year. . . .  In my opinion, there is no intention on a long-term deal here.

"And if you don't have me in your plans for the long term, then I don't want to be here."

The reality here is that the Bears are dumping the injury risk onto Briggs.  If in 2007 he suffers a torn ACL or a ruptured Achilles' tendon or some type of a career-ending boo-boo, the Bears will have saved $14 million.

If Briggs gets through 2007 unscathed, the Bears can tie up him again, at a salary of $8.64 million.  If he gets hurt, the total savings are $6 million or so.

The price tag rises considerably in year three, when the franchise tender (per the new CBA) is the average of the five highest-paid players in the NFL, regardless of position.  (This is commonly referred to in league circles as the "quarterback money" year, since the highest-paid players in the NFL usually are the elite quarterbacks.)

Other players have played the franchise game to perfection.  Seahawks tackle Walter Jones, for example, collected three years of franchise money before signing a long-term deal, which paid in the first three years another big chunk of money.

But all it takes is that one wrong move at the wrong time, and the player suddenly has far less value.

Briggs clearly wants his $20 million payday.  And if he's not going to get it from the Bears, he wants it from someone else.

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POSTED 9:17 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:07 p.m. EDT, March 13, 2007

RAIN MAN RUNNING SCARED?

A judge on Tuesday agreed to delay a court appearance by Titans cornerback Rain Man Jones, so that Jones and his lawyers could better determine how the NFL might react to a potential plea deal.

Jones is facing felony and misdemeanor charges of obstruction.  The factual allegations include a claim that Rain Man went Pacman on an officer's hand.

The appearance has been rescheduled for May 14.

It sounds to us like Jones is thinking about pleading guilty to something, and that his lawyer is hoping that the league will give him an idea as to what kind of a penalty Jones will suffer under the Personal Conduct Policy after a plea is entered.

Of course, there's no requirement that the NFL tell Jones what it plans to do with him if he pleads guilty to a felony or a misdemeanor, or both.  Our guess is that the NFL will tell Jones to take care of his situation as he sees fit, and that the league will take up the matter after the criminal process is concluded.

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LIONS LAND FISHER

Cornerback Travis Fisher has signed a one-year deal with the Lions, according to the Associated Press.

A league source tells us that the deal is worth $2.25 million, with $1 million to sign and a salary of $1.25 million.  Fisher, who missed 15 games over the past two seasons due to injury, is expected to compete with Fernando Bryant and Stanley Wilson to replace Dre' Bly.

Fisher was drafted in 2002 by the Rams, who were coached at the time by current Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

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NFLPA SAYS IT'S NOT PUSHING WELKER MATTER

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe reports that the NFL Players Association is not investigating whether the trade that sent receiver Wes Welker from the Dolphins to the Patriots violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

NFLPA director of communications Carl Francis told Reiss that the union merely requested the contract details from the league's management council.

"It had nothing to do with the way the deal went down," said Francis, who also said that it wasn't an official grievance.

Earlier on Tuesday, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the NFLPA was seeking an explanation from the league in response to complaints from Welker's agent, Vann McElroy, that the Pats' apparent decision to pursue a trade instead of an offer sheet devalued the player.

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POSTED 8:33 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 8:55 p.m. EDT, March 13, 2007

'HAWKS REPLACE STEVENS WITH POLLARD

On the same day that former Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens was busted for DUI and possession of marijuana, the team signed former Lions tight end Marcus Pollard to take his place.

Pollard inked a one-year deal.  He spent two seasons in Detroit.  He had 46 receptions in 2005, but only 12 in 2006 after the arrival of Mike Martz's wideout-heavy offense.

Frankly, we like the move.  Pollard put up solid numbers in a Colts offense that didn't have enough balls to keep all of its playmakers properly fed.  He eventually became a luxury that the team couldn't afford.

At 35, he's not the long-term answer at the position.  But he shores up one of the only weaknesses in a still-potent Seahawks offense.

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ADRIAN SHOWS OFF HIS HANDS

Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson focused his Pro Day workout on demonstrating his ability to catch passes, according to ESPN.com.

The Sooner tailback did the short shuttle, which was the only event he skipped at the scouting combine.  He then focused his individual workout on catching passes.

He also ran some routes from the slot and from the wide receiver position.

Our take?  Peterson is making a pitch to Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, who not long ago had a guy at USC who played a similar role in the Trojans offense.

And his name is Reggie Bush. 

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POSTED 7:58 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 8:19 p.m. EDT, March 13, 2007

SAINTS SIGN MR. VOWEL

Six years after playing for the XFL's San Francisco Demons, Kevin Kaesviharn is now a Saint.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the New Orleans Saints have signed safety Kaesviharn to a four-year, $10 million contract. 

The deal, per Schefter, includes $3 million in guaranteed money.

Kaesviharn also visited the Browns and the Titans.  He spent six seasons with the Bengals, and amazingly was not arrested.

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HARPER SIGNS WITH TITANS

The Titans newest cornerback has something in common with their most controversial one.

They both have been threatened with knives.

For Nick Harper, he got jabbed with a blade not long before the the Colts' AFC divisional playoff loss to the Steelers in January 2006.  For Rain Man Jones, his incident on the wrong end of a blade came over the weekend at a bowling alley.

The contract is for three years.  Financial terms have not yet been revealed . . . which usually means that the contract must not be very good for the player.

In Tennessee, Harper will switch from the short zones and run support of the Tampa 2 to more traditional downfield coverage.

UPDATE:  Thanks to the reader who sent us this clip of Harper's "success" in man coverage against former teammate Marvin Harrison, whom Harper will now be facing twice per year.

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WASHINGTON POOH-POOHS PROBLEMS WITH STALLWORTH

Patriots receiver Kelley Washington downplayed old reports of a rift between himself and new/old teammate Donte' Stallworth during his introductory press conference with their new franchise.

Saying that he has a "great relationship" with Stallworth, Washington addressed past reports of a problem between the two as follows:  "I believe that's definitely miscommunication.  The media just kind of grabbed a hold of something and totally blew it out of proportion.  Donte', when he left, we were both underclassmen.  We both could've left school and most likely both went off and be [picked] in the first round if we would have both left at the same time.  Again, Donte' left school and I think he was the fifteenth pick in the first round and I decided to stay.  There are no hard feelings there at all.  He was a first round pick and I was a third round pick.  I think we are both blessed to be able to play in the NFL and thankful."

Of course, there's every reason for Washington to be conciliatory, since he's the one who allegedly screwed Stallworth by persuading him that they should enter the draft together -- before heading back to school after Stallworth passed the point of no return.

The more important person to hear from in this regard is Stallworth, since he's the one who apparently was put off by the manner in which Washington handled the situation five-plus years ago.

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POSTED 4:45 p.m. EDT, March 13, 2007

STEVENS CATCHES CHARGES

Free-agent tight end Jerramy Stevens has been charged with driving under the influence and possession of marijuana, according to the Arizona Republic.  (Thanks to our pal Gregg Rosenthal at Rotoworld.com for pointing this one out to us.)

Stevens was arrested early Tuesday morning after he was pulled over and admitted to drinking "four or five margaritas."  He was busted for possession of marijuana after an officer found some of it in his back pocket.

Per the arrest report, "As [Stevens] exited the truck he dropped his cell phone and wallet on the ground, bent down to pick them up, then stutter-stepped as he started to walk in my direction."

For an ordinary person, dropping a cell phone and/or a wallet could be evidence of impairment.  In the case of Stevens, who has proven time and again that he has the hand-eye coordination of a guy with no hands and no eyes, the fact that he was (allegedly) drunk might have simply been a coincidence.

It is Stevens' fifth brush with the law since 1998.  His record includes:  (1) allegedly breaking a man's jaw with a baseball bat; (2) allegedly drugging and raping a 19-year-old girl while in college; (3) allegedly driving his car into a retirement home and then fleeing the scene; (4) allegedly driving drunk in 2003 when police found two empty champagne bottles in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

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TURD WATCH RULES ADJUSTMENT

Because Jerramy Stevens currently is a free agent, we must engage in yet another interpretation of the Turd Watch rules.  

Since he is no longer the property of the Seahawks, Seattle will not accumulate the Turd Watch points.  

However, the team that signs him will get the points.

The more we think about it, the more appropriate we think it is for a team that knowingly signs a guy with pending criminal charges should likewise pick up the Turd Watch points.   Thus, the rule is that any team that signs a player with pending criminal charges against him acquires the points generated by the original arrest.  However, the original team keeps the points, too. 

As a result, we are now awarding the Oakland Raiders the same points that the Colts "scored" when running back Dominic Rhodes was arrested last month for DUI.

Click here for the updated score sheet.

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POSTED 3:19 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 3:41 p.m. EDT, March 13, 2007

ROSTER BONUSES GOING BYE BYE?

At a time when more than a few teams are chewing up 2007 cap surpluses by handing out significant 2007 roster bonuses, a league source tells us that many teams are now shying away from using the roster bonus as a primary tool for giving the player up-front cash.

The reason for the reluctance?  Under the new CBA, the only type of bonus that is subject to forfeiture is the signing bonus.

Before the CBA was amended in 2006 to include a host of player-friendly noneconomic terms (which apparently the NFL's negotiating team didn't bother to notice while trying to herd cats as to the revenue-sharing conundrum), teams were permitted to negotiate with specific players to include forfeiture provisions in all types of bonus payments -- signing, option, and roster, for example.  It was an issue for discussion between player and club only, and the union butted out of it.

But it was still an evolving process.  The Eagles, for example, gave receiver Terrell Owens a $6.2 million roster bonus in 2004, but did not extend the forfeiture language into 2005.  Thus, the Eagles had less leverage to keep him in line when he went bonkos on them that year.

Since the CBA was revised to limit bonus forfeitures (and in the wake of the Ashley Lelie decision, which found that option bonuses aren't signing bonuses), teams are shifting back toward the signing bonus, which chews up less cap room in the current year because the total payment is prorated over several seasons.  This gives the team protection against a sudden retirement, or a player's decision that he's not making enough money so he's not going to show up for practice.

Said the source:  "If a club is currently writing a roster bonus in lieu of a signing bonus they are: (1)  able to look into the future and predict it; or (2) smarter than the rest of us; or (3)  brain dead because if a roster bonus is not subject to forfeiture the club will have no recourse if a player defaults, and somebody is probably getting fired.  

"What you're seeing most clubs do today, who are trying to use up cap room, is doing a combination of roster and signing bonus and making a decision to take some risk (but not all) in order to use up some cap room and have less proration in the future. "

With that said, keep your eyes peeled as the draft classes of 2005 and 2006 move toward free agency.  If/when the Ashley Lelies among the first-rounders decide that they want out of town, the teams will have little or no recourse because many of these players received little or no guaranteed money in the form of a signing bonus, due to the intersection between the limited number of years over which the signing bonuses could be spread and the slow growth of the rookie pool.

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ANOTHER SNEAK PEEK AT THE CHARGERS UNIS

A glitch in the Chargers' official web site last week allowed an image of the team's new home jersey and logo to be leaked onto the Internet.  The next day, the team unveiled the new home jersey early, acknowledging that its hand had been forced by the computer error.

The official date for pulling the curtain off of the new togs is Wednesday, March 14.

But, on Monday, new images of the full home uniform -- and the new/old powder blue alternate uni -- surfaced, apparently after the images were loaded onto a live page that snoopers located by typing in the correct address.

Here they are:

The full-sized powder blue page can be seen here.

Apparently, the Chargers will wear the new uniforms at six homes games per year and the new/old powder blues twice per year.  

So why not go powder blue full time?  Well, that would leave Chargers fans with a maximum of only two jerseys styles to purchase, instead of three.

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POSTED 10:38 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 12:35 p.m. EDT, March 13, 2007

UNION WANTS EXPLANATION ON WELKER DEAL

Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the NFLPA wants an explanation from the NFL management council regarding the trade that sent receiver Wes Welker from the Dolphins to the Patriots.

The trade was preceded by reports that the Patriots were ready to sign Welker to a $38.5 million offer sheet, which presumably would have included a poison pill that would have make it virtually impossible for the Dolphins to match the deal.

In the end, the two teams worked out a trade that sent a second-round and a seventh-round pick to the Fins for the rights to Welker.  The receiver thereafter inked a five-year, $18.1 million contract.

The NFLPA is looking into the matter based reportedly on complaints from Welker's agent, Vann McElroy, regarding the fact that the manner in which the deal went down reduced the value of the contract that Welker ultimately signed.

The concern apparently is that the Pats and Fins put their heads together to come up with a way to get Welker to New England without the Pats having to use the poison pill.  The real question, as we see it, is whether Welker would have earned more under the non-phony provisions of the New England offer sheet if he had signed the offer and waited for the Fins to decide whether to match it.

Of course, if the Pats had used the poison pill and if the Fins had matched the deal, Welker would have had (if the reports were accurate) guaranteed pay of $38.5 million over the next seven seasons.

Fialkov writes that the issue likely won't go anywhere, citing the opinion of an unnamed agent.  

"When it comes to anti-tampering and collusion in regards to players, generally the league looks the other way and hands out a slap on the wrist unless the player's agent gets all frustrated and thinks their player has been devalued," the agent told Fialkov.  "If the player's happy with the offer and the teams are happy, the league's stance is, 'Let's move on.''  

(Or move out.)

In this case, however, the player (or, at least, the agent) isn't happy.  And we've got a feeling this one isn't going to die a quiet death.  Read on for more.

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TEAMS RESISTING THE POISON PILL

Several readers are sick of hearing about the poison pill, but we think it's currently one of the few hot button labor relations issues between the NFL and the players union.  And since the guy who writes all the crap on this page is a lawyer, we think the issue is worthy of attention.  Especially since the Fins-Pats trade is the first sign of trouble.

But there's more.

In response to our item from Monday night regarding the question of whether agents are asking for the poison pill, an agent contacted us (unsolicited) and told us this:  "My agency represents a player who is a restricted free agent and in whom one team in particular seems very interested. The only holdup is that the front office of the new team feels very strongly that the original team will match any offer.  When I suggested a poison pill deal that would have ensured my client's services, they balked and commented that some higher ups in the organization were reluctant to use any poison pill type clauses in fear of retribution.  The focus of their fear was not the league but of the original team and the possibility that they or another team would feel free to f--k with one of their restricted players in the future."

So there you have it.  Teams are afraid to use the poison pill because they don't want to have the poison pill used against them.  And, in our view, that attitude (if it becomes commonplace in league circles) is a violation of Article XXIII, Section 1 of the amended CBA, because it represents an implied agreement "to restrict or limit individual Club decision-making . . . concerning the terms or conditions of employment offered to any player for inclusion, or included, in a player contract."

That's why we keep talking about this story.  There's now a weapon in every team's free-agency arsenal that the teams are regarding as the equivalent of an atomic bomb.  But, under the letter and spirit of the CBA, the teams legally can't choose to enter into a wink-nod arrangement that no one will go nuclear.

Hey, it's six months until the real action on the field begins.  Until September, this is the closest thing we have to bona fide NFL drama.

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MORE ON STALLWORTH-WASHINGTON FEUD

Leave it to PFT Planet to track down the stuff that our feeble Intergoogle research abilities were unable to locate.

Thanks to several readers, here's the whole story on the Donte' Stallworth-Kelley Washington feud of days gone by.

Albert Breer of the Boston Herald touches briefly on the issue, in one of the few items that we ultimately would have located on our own.  (We think.)  But while Breer accurately captures the basic gist of the story (i.e., Stallworth and Washington both decided while at Tennessee to turn pro, but Washington backed out after Stallworth hired an agent), the story is a little juicier than portrayed in Breer's blog.

As explained by the Chattanooga Times on January 17, 2002, Stallworth tried to reel in his decision to turn pro after Washington changed his mind.  But because Stallworth had hired an agent, Stallworth was unable to put the toothpaste back in the lamp (or however in the hell the saying goes).  

So why did Washington pull out of the 2002 draft?  "The whispers suggest that Washington was told by certain guessperts that if Stallworth was out of the way," wrote the Times, "Kelley would not only lead the Big Orange in receptions and touchdowns next season, but would ultimately become a Top Five pick in next year's draft."  

Stallworth eventually was taken in the top fifteen of the 2002 draft, and Washington was a third-rounder in 2003.

Later that year, former Tennessee running back Onterrio Smith (far better known for his "Whizzinator") talked about the issue in an interview with the Nashville Tennessean.  [Editor's note:  Smith transferred to Oregon after getting kicked out of Tennessee.]  Said Smith:  "Kelley was telling Donte', 'Let's both come out and see.'  It was like a dare to see who would go higher.  But Kelley pulled out and forced my man into the draft.  He knew Donte' would blow him away in all the testing sessions."

Added a league insider:  "Kelley was older than everyone at UT due to playing minor league baseball for four years.  He only played two years at UT.  He was generally seen as egotistical and standoffish by all his teammates.  Kelley clearly thought he was the star."

And here's the capper.  Straight from the horse's mouth, to Harry McCulla of ABC 26 in New Orleans.  McCulla was asked by ESPN to pose questions to Stallworth during his rookie season with the Saints.

Writes McCulla:  "Question #3.  How good is Tennessee WR Kelley Washington, and can he be better than you?  Donte's face drops. . . ."

"'They wanted you to ask me about Kelley Washington?,'" Stallworth said in response.  "'I'm not talking about Kelley Washington.  Any more questions on that sheet, that aren't about Kelley Washington?'"

Ouch.

Of course, Stallworth said those things several years ago.  As we explained earlier on Tuesday, each player knew that the other player was potentially joining the Patriots -- and both took less money than they could have gotten elsewhere to play for New England.

But while it appears that Stallworth has forgiven, we can't imagine that he has forgotten.

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TUESDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

WR Quincy Morgan has re-signed with the Broncos. 

Free agent DLs Alfonso Boone and Dave Ball met with the Chiefs on Monday.

Newly-acquired Broncos RB Travis Henry will do whatever it takes to get number 20 from teammate Mike Bell.  (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Bears QB Rex Grossman is set to receive the Ed Block Courage Award, for having the nerve to continue to show up for work all season. 

During his twelve-year stint with the Lions, FB Cory Schlesinger broke about one facemask per game.

New Vikings WR Bobby Wade just wants a chance to win the Minnesota fans over, something he didn't do in Chicago or Tennessee.

The Packers are negotiating with free agent CB Frank Walker.

Browns fans really, really, really don't like Jamal Lewis.

Browns fans looking to watch a victory in their home stadium can witness the U.S. women's soccer team play China.  (As an added bonus, attendees will see more points scored than usual.) 

Historically, drafting in the top three isn't necessarily helpful to your team.

The Saints are still in the mix for Bengals S Kevin Kaesviharn.

Meet Randy Fichtner, the Steelers new receivers coach.

Steelers players are curious about how long Bill Cowher plans to stay in broadcasting.

Former Ravens K Rhys Lloyd is trying out for NFL Europa.

After cutting G Edwin Mulitalo and losing OT Tony Pashos to free agency, the Ravens are looking at the offensive line in the draft.

Jaguars WR Charles Sharon is receiving support from his hometown.  (Let's see how many of them are lining up to bring him a cake with a file in it when he's doing a mandatory six years for violation of Florida's ultra-tough gun laws.)

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POSTED 7:20 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 8:01 a.m. EDT, March 13, 2007

PACKERS' INTEREST IN MOSS CONFIRMED

After several weeks of denials and "no comments," Packers G.M. Ted Thompson reportedly will acknowledge his interest in acquiring Raiders receiver Randy Moss when he meets on Tuesday with CEO Bob Harlan and the rest of the executive committee of the team's board of directors.

We've consistently heard that the Packers want to make a deal for Moss, and that the discussions have included an offer of quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Oakland.

Most recently, we've heard that Packers players (including quarterback Brett Favre) are confident that the team will eventually land Moss.

But while neither Thompson nor any of the players will acknowledge the situation publicly, Harlan has been singing of late.

"Ted has not spent a lot of time talking to me about it, quite honestly," Harlan said Monday, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.  "Ted always starts out our meetings with a football report so he may get into that."

The Journal-Sentinel also says that the Packers and Raiders have been discussing a possible trade for more than a month, as anyone who reads this site on a regular basis already knew.  Even as Thompson has consistently denied that there have been communications with the Raiders, the Journal-Sentinel now says that Thompson has spoken directly with Raiders owner Al Davis regarding a swap.

There also is a report that the Packers have had preliminary discussions with the receiver's agent, Tim DiPiero, regarding a restructuring of a contract that will pay Moss $9.75 million in salary in 2007, and $11.25 million in 2008.

Still, Harlan reiterated that fans have expressed concerns regarding the possible addition of Moss to the team.

"One man wrote, 'Moody.  Excess baggage.  Disruptive.  Do any of these words sound like alarm bells to you?'" Harlan said. "One guy called from out of state and said, 'Bob, I'd rather see you go 0-16 than do that.'  Isn't that something?

"They're very passionate about it.  A lot of it probably is the mooning thing.  They just won't forgive him for doing that."

Moss, in his final victory with the Vikings, pretended to drop his pants and show his butt to fans after scoring a touchdown during a January 2005 playoff win over the Packers at Lambeau Field.

But others want Harlan to go for it.  "People say to me, 'Brett [Favre] needs a big target.  I know he's got baggage but he's never hurt anybody,'" Harlan said.  "Today, they were all, 'Take a chance.'"

Other teams rumored to be interested in Moss include the Jaguars and Buccaneers.  We were told on Monday that Moss wanted to play for the Patriots, and that the Pats weren't interested.

---

WILLIAMS WITHDREW PLEA

The Florida Times-Union reports that Jaguars cornerback Brian Williams, who pleaded guilty last year to DUI charges, thereafter tried to take it back.  And succeeded.

Williams said he didn't understand the implications of the plea, and merely entered it so that he could get out of jail, because he didn't have $2,500 for bail money.

Coincidentally, Williams had signed a contract carrying a $10 million signing bonus earlier in the year, and was driving a Bentley when he was busted.

"I was concerned about getting home because I had family coming into town," Williams later testified. "I didn't know how much longer I was going to be in jail, and I needed to get to the airport to get my parents."

The judge allowed the written plea to be withdrawn, because there had been no hearing in court during which Williams answered a litany of questions as to whether he understood what he was doing.

The decision is on appeal.  If the decision is upheld, Williams would be prosecuted from scratch.

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NO ISSUES BETWEEN STALLWORTH, WASHINGTON

We've received a slew of e-mails from readers pointing out to us that there was some type of a problem in the past between Patriots receivers Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington, who were teammates at the University of Tennessee.

Supposedly, Stallworth and Washington both decided to leave school early for the draft, and then after Stallworth signed with an agent Washington opted to head back to Knoxville.

Though several readers claim that there are quotes from Stallworth expressing consternation about Washington's move, we couldn't find any such articles on the Intergoogle.  Regardless, we're hearing that there is no present problem, of any kind, between the two former and current teammates.

When he signed, Stallworth knew that Washington might land with the Pats, and Washington knew that Stallworth already had signed with the team.  Thus, in our view, it's not an issue.

It might have been four or five years ago.  But it apparently isn't one now.

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POSTED 9:48 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 11:39 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

CARDS FIRE ANDERSON

The Arizona Cardinals have moved swiftly in response to the recent arrest of assistant coach Richie Anderson.

They have fired him.

Wow.  Could it be that the NFL is waking up to its burgeoning problem of off-field misconduct?

"I wanted the chance to review the details of the situation before making any decision," said head coach Ken Whisenhunt.  "While it's disappointing, I've decided that this is clearly in the best interests of our team in this particular instance.  Our focus is now on finding a replacement and I am confident we will be able to do that relatively soon."

Anderson was arrested for solicitation of prostitution.  He was hired by the Cardinals earlier this year.

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MONDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The Bills have re-signed RB Anthony Thomas.

Former NFL lineman Ernie Ladd has died at 68.

It's down to Dallas, Arizona, and Indy for the right to host Super Bowl XLV.

Is Brady Quinn still on track to be a top-three pick?

Seahawks owner Paul Allen should name his plane "The Closer."

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network suggests that the Cowboys might be trading RB Julius Jones.

The Jets have re-signed OT Wade Smith.

It sounds like WR Joe Horn had been thinking about jumping to the Falcons for a while.

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POSTED 9:05 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:34 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

NO POISON PILLS YET

Although several restricted free agents have signed offer sheets with new teams, none has included a so-called poison-pill provision aimed at making the deal impossible to match by the player's current team.

The poison-pill device was developed last March, when the Vikings presented Seahawks guard Steve Hutchinson with a seven-year, $49 million contract that became fully guaranteed if in any year of the deal Hutchinson was not the highest-paid offensive lineman on the team.  As a practical matter, the deal would have not been fully guaranteed in Minnesota, but it would have been fully guaranteed in Seattle, given the presence on the team of left tackle Walter Jones.

The Seahawks then returned the favor to the Vikings, securing receiver Nate Burleson via a similar tactic.   At a subsequent ownership meeting both teams were dressed down for playing dirty pool.

Then, the NFL tried to strike the device out of the CBA, but a deal with the union could not be reached.

And since none of the teams are now using the poison pill, could it be because the teams have decided among themselves not to employ the pill against each other?

Lest there be any doubt, the CBA plainly outlaws such an arrangement.  Per Article XXIII, Section 1 of the amended CBA:  "No Club . . . shall enter into any agreement, express or implied, with the NFL or any other Club . . . to restrict or limit individual Club decision-making . . . concerning the terms or conditions of employment offered to any player for inclusion, or included, in a player contract."

But, as Howard Balzer of the Sports Xchange pointed out to us last week, there's another aspect to these negotiations:  The players and their agents.

If the player wants a poison pill, the player's agent should ask for it.  And it'd be interesting to know whether any of the players signed to offer sheets this year wanted a poison-pill provision that would make it impossible for their current teams to match the deals.

If the players are asking for a poison pill and the teams are refusing to do it, it could be sign of collusion.  If the players simply aren't asking for it, it's not an issue.

In some cases, it could be that the player secretly wants the original team to match the offer sheet, so that the player can stay put but with the terms that the other team is willing to pay.

Still, we've got a feeling that some winking and nodding has occurred on this issue, and that some teams don't plan to use the poison pill, primarily because they don't want it to be used against them.  To the extent that, over time, this practice develops into an implied agreement not to use the device, then it's clearly a violation of the CBA.

---

"TEAM MOM" COULD ENTAIL MORE THAN SLINGING SOUP

Okay, so cornerback Darrelle Revis, regarded by many as a potential first-round pick, is from the Pittsburgh area.  He went to Aliquippa High School, which is located in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.

His mother's name is Diana Gilbert.  Her brother, Sean Gilbert, starred in the NFL in the 1990s.

And there's also a Diana Gilbert who previously worked at the Beaver County, Pennsylvania jail, but who resigned in 2005 because she was caught on videotape having sex with a male inmate.

We don't know whether the Diana Gilbert from Beaver County who is the mother of Darrelle Revis is the same Diana Gilbert from the Beaver County jail who was fired for having sex with an inmate. 

Maybe there are two Diana Gilberts in Beaver County.

Or maybe, just maybe, Darrelle's future NFL teammates will be hanging around his house for something other than the Chunky Soup.

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POSTED 8:13 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 10:07 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

BRIGGS SAYS HE'S DONE WITH BEARS

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports that Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has vowed to never play again for the Chicago Bears.

"I am now prepared to sit out the year if the Bears don't trade me or release me," Briggs told Glazer.  "I've played my last snap for them.  I'll never play another down for Chicago again."

Though one of the primary reasons for the decision is the team's refusal to try to sign him to a long-term deal, Briggs also said that he's ready to step out of the shadows of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and be "the guy" somewhere else.

If Briggs sits out the entire season, his rights will remain with the Bears, and they will be able to slap the franchise on him again.  And the tag in 2008, we're told, would still be $7.2 million.

Our take?  Briggs is trying to create sufficient acrimony in the relationship so that the Bears will decide that it makes no sense to hold onto his rights -- and thus work out a trade.  The problem is that, by going public with his intent to never play for the Bears again, the team necessarily has less leverage for a trade.

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POSTED 5:47 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

EAGLES NOT UPSET ABOUT FOWLER ABOUT-FACE

WIP radio in Philly is reporting that linebacker Ryan Fowler, a restricted free agent, has chosen not to sign an offer sheet with the Eagles.  Instead, Fowler will sign an offer sheet with the Titans.

Understandably, Eagles fans are up in arms.  But here's what happened, as told to us by a source with knowledge of the situation.

Late last week, the Eagles and the Titans were both negotiating with Fowler, who previously played for the Cowboys.  Titans G.M. Mike Reinfeldt, however, had to return to Seattle to deal with a family medical issue.  Over the weekend, Fowler's agent, Alan Herman, was unable to reach Reinfeldt to determine whether the pending offer from the Titans was their final offer.

Acting under the assumption that they had the Titans' best offer, Herman and Fowler weighed the offers from Tennessee and Philly and Fowler decided to sign the Eagles' offer sheet.

On Sunday, Reinfeldt got back to Herman, and presented the Titans' final offer.  It was better than the Eagles' offer.  The only problem?  Herman already had told the Eagles that Fowler would sign the Eagles' offer sheet.

As we understand it, Herman explained the situation to the Eagles, and Fowler took Sunday night to make a decision.  On Monday morning, he decided to sign the offer sheet from the Titans.

The Eagles thereafter pulled from their official web site the story regarding Fowler's decision to sign with the team, prompting rampant speculation and confusion among the fan base.

Bottom line -- the Eagles are not upset.  It was an unusual set of circumstances, and but for Reinfeldt's personal situation the Titans would have gotten their final offer on the table at the same time that the Eagles did, and Fowler would have accepted it.

Though we don't know whether the offer contains a poison pill, we're told that the Titans' package is more front-loaded than the Eagles' offer, and that it is unlikely that the Cowboys will be able to match.  They have seven days to make a decision, after Fowler signs the offer sheet.

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POSTED 4:58 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

LIONS LAND McDONALD

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that the Lions have agreed to terms with receiver Shaun McDonald.

McDonald, formerly of the Rams, signed a two-year, $2.8 million deal with $1.5 million in guaranteed money.

Drafted by Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz when Martz had final say over the roster as coach of the Rams, McDonald has appeared in 56 career games, and has 106 catches for 1,215 yards and four touchdowns.  

Last year, Martz lured former Rams receiver Mike Furrey to Detroit.  Furrey responded with a breakout season, and has since signed a long-term deal.  

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POSTED 4:52 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

PATS SAID NO TO MOSS

Some league insiders are reacting to the news that the Patriots have inked receivers Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington by wondering aloud whether this means that character is no longer a key component of the equation in New England.

"Is it safe to say that the old Patriots model of 'good guys only' is out the window?" said one league source.  "Stallworth and Washington are hardly choir boys."

In our view, it could be that the standard is somewhat relaxed at the receiver position, which features more problem children per capita than any of the other positions in the sport.  For example, the Pats in 2006 drafted Chad Jackson, who was hated by some teams.

And we're now hearing that receiver Randy Moss very much wanted to be traded from Oakland to New England.  Per another league source, Moss "really wanted" to play for the Pats.  The Patriots, we're told, simply were not interested -- presumably due to his history of on-field histrionics, which ranged from squirting an official with a water bottle to periodic nonchalance.

We're also told that Stallworth actually took less short-term money to sign with the Patriots than he could have gotten elsewhere, but that he was willing to put less in his pocket now in order to play in New England.  That decision might not cause any past transgressions under the substance abuse policy to be expunged from his permanent record, but it's a sign that Stallworth has matured.

Thus, we're not ready to proclaim that the Pats have decided to corner the turd market.  When it comes to receivers, the reality is that plenty of them have warts.

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POSTED 3:27 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

PATS INK ANOTHER RECEIVER

The 2007 offseason is turning out to be an episode of Extreme Makeover:  New England Patriots Receivers Edition.

With Wes Welker and Donte' Stallworth already in the bag, the Pats have added free-agent wideout Kelley Washington, formerly of the Bengals.

Per Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, the contract is for five years, with a maximum value of $22 million but with only a $300,000 signing bonus.  The deal also includes a $4 million roster bonus due in 2008.

Washington became the odd man out in Cincinnati once Chris Henry emerged as the solid No. 3 (or, as the case may be, No. 392815) behind Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.  Washington appeared in 32 games in 2003 and 2004, but has appeared in only 12 games since Henry arrived in 2005.  

Washington, who also considered signing with the Dolphins, has 72 career receptions for 893 yards and nine touchdowns.

The moves by the Pats almost certainly mean that veteran Troy Brown is calling it a career.  Other receivers expected to have a chance to contribute in 2007 include Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, and 2006 second-rounder Chad Jackson.

Despite rumors that the team might be interested in Raiders receiver Randy Moss, we think it's safe to assume that the Pats won't be acquiring him in the near future.   Unless one or two of the guys they currently have under contract are part of the deal.

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POSTED 1:10 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

EMMITT TO ESPN

As it turns out, the replacement for Michael Irvin on ESPN's pro football studio show apparently will be his former Dallas Cowboys teammate, Emmitt Smith.

Smith has been angling to get into the television business for the past couple of years.  His victory in ABC's Dancing with the Stars arguably gave him some additional overall appeal, making it easier to justify giving him a seat at the grown-ups' table.

For now, the official word from ESPN's public relations department is that Smith will join "ESPN's NFL Studio Team."  Whether this means that he's taking the Sunday seat previously occupied by Irvin or the periodic seat occupied by Sean Salisbury (a guy can dream, can't he?) remains to be seen.

ESPN will be conducting a media conference call at 2:00 p.m. EDT to formally announce the decision.

Former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells recently joined ESPN, primarily as a component of the Monday night coverage.

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POSTED 11:24 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 11:44 a.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

JAGS RACK UP 14 TURD WATCH POINTS

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Charles Sharon has been arrested and charged with grand theft of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm.  Both offenses are felonies -- and both earn the Jags seven points in Turd Watch.

A mugshot that projects impatience; was he anxious to get to the shower room?

Sharon was arrested on Saturday night after police noticed the smell of marijuana coming from his 2007 Tahoe.  Another man, Jebidiah Crawford, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.  Sharon was not charged with any drug offenses.

The far bigger problem for Sharon is that he had under the seat a Glock Model 27 that had been reported stolen by an ATF employee last year.

Sharon was signed to the team's active roster on November 22, 2006, but appeared in no games.  Per NFLPA records, his agent is Fletcher Smith.

Sharon is the fourth member of the Jaguars to be arrested since the start of the 2006 season, making them prime candidates for the "Bengals South" designation.

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POSTED 10:57 a.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

PLUMMER TRADE SMART OR STOOPID?

Buoyed by Peter King's lauding of the decision of the Bucs to send a 2008 draft pick to Denver for the rights to Jake Plummer, various Tampa fans are suggesting that we likewise should heap praise on the Buccaneers' front office for pulling off a deal that allows them to potentially convert a seventh-round pick into a multi-million-dollar windfall.

Sorry, but we can't do it.

As a preliminary matter, King's entry in his MMQB column appears to put to rest the question of whether the Bucs or the Broncos hold paper on Plummer.  The mere fact that the draft choice that Tampa sent to Denver will be a seventh-round pick if Plummer never plays implies strongly that the Bucs have secured, at a minimum, the right to pursue any unallocated bonus money.

With that said, we disagree with King's contention that the Bucs will recover up to $7 million from Plummer if he makes good on his intention to retire.  Under the new CBA, the only bonuses subject to forfeiture are signing bonuses -- even if a contract was signed before the change was made. 

In Plummer's case, only (only?) $3 million in signing bonus money remains unallocated, and thus subject to forfeiture.  

Moreover, even if the number is $3 million or $7 million or one . . . billion . . . dollars, the Bucs will have to file a non-injury grievance, push the matter to arbitration, record the arbitration award in a state where Plummer has assets, and then go after the money.  What will the Bucs ever get in return?  Maybe they should ask the Dolphins about their experiences with Ricky Williams.

At the end of the day, it's about leverage, in our view.  The Bucs want to be able to use the threat of Plummer owing a bunch of money to the team to get him to not retire.  Then, the Bucs will be in a position to try to flip Plummer to another team for more than the 2008 fourth-rounder that will be sent to Denver if Plummer reports or plays for any team within the next 13 months.

Why else would the Bucs, by all appearances, be putting out phony numbers to the media regarding the amount of money they can recover from Plummer?  They want to coerce him into playing, and $7 million is a lot more daunting than $3 million.  If push ever came to shove, we doubt that the Bucs would ever put the wheels in motion to bogart $3 million from Plummer's bank account.

Meanwhile, the notion that this was somehow a shrewd business move overlooks the reality that perception is.  Reality.  For the past nine days, the Bucs have been viewed skeptically by their own fans and laughed at by others for their sudden hoarding of quarterbacks.  Even if Tampa never has any intention of thrusting Plummer into the quarterback derby with Jeff Garcia and Chris Simms, the fact that the trade for Plummer went down on the heels of the Garcia arrival sends a strange message, on the surface.

Though most hardcore types will realize that this trade was about the Bucs thinking that they can get an extra pick or two in 2007 at the expense of a fourth-rounder in 2008 (when G.M. Bruce Allen and coach Jon Gruden might no longer be working for the team anyway), casual fans are scratching their heads and wondering whether the Buccaneers really know what they're doing.  

Our verdict?  The Bucs are trying to outsmart themselves with this one, and it's making them look (in the eyes of the folks who don't live and breathe this stuff) stoopid. 

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POSTED 8:47 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:05 a.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

RAIN MAN'S LAWYER SHOULD SHUT UP

Lawyers who represent high-profile individuals face a strong temptation on a daily basis.  We lawyers generally like to talk, since we talk for a living.  And we lawyers generally like to make a name for ourselves, since making a name for ourselves is a much more respectable way to attract potential clients than, say, producing television commercials featuring a talking dog or dancing bears.

But while it's usually in the lawyer's own self-interests to get his or her name in the paper, it's not always in the client's best interests for the lawyer to be blabbing.

As to Titans cornerback Rain Man Jones, lawyer Manny Arora seems to be holding daily press briefings.  And we've yet to come away from any of the articles containing Arora quotes thinking, "Wow, we think that's a great point and it makes us feel a lot better about his client."

This time around, Arora tells Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper that Jones could be facing a suspension from the NFL.

"Based on NFL policies, it may be a realistic possibility," Arora said. "We're hoping for the best, but we're prepared for the worst, because we don't want to get caught off guard."

Good point, Manny.  But keep it to yourself.  Jones' past unpredictability could be making the NFL and the union ponder this issue a bit more carefully, since a stiff suspension could prompt Jones to engage the league in a nasty public grievance process.  With Arora making it clear that Jones already has his tail between his legs, the league is more likely to smack him hard.

In our view, it would be far better for Arora to be talking not to the media but to the league.  If he realizes that Jones is likely to be suspended, Arora should be negotiating an agreed suspension on Jones' behalf.  The gesture could prompt the NFL to conclude that Jones is finally willing to take responsibility for his actions, and it could salvage a career that is in danger of going down the drain forever. 

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BELICHICK GEARING UP FOR ONE FINAL RUN?

With the contractual status of Pats coach Bill Belichick always a matter of speculation and debate, some are looking at the team's current offseason spending spree as preparation for a run at one final Super Bowl before Belichick packs it in as coach of the Pats.

In the past ten days, the Patriots have signed linebacker Adalius Thomas, tight end Kyle Brady, and running back Sammy Morris.  They also sent a second-round pick and a seventh-round pick to the Dolphins for receiver/kick returner Wes Welker.

The moves add punch to an already stout defense, and address the most glaring weakness on the team last year, at the receiver position.  The fact that they gave up so much for Welker and took a calculated risk on Stallworth could fuel an argument that Belichick is willing to throw a little caution to the wind in order to win it all one more time.

Or maybe two more times.  

Intentional or not, Belichick's approach to his contract and the media has created a mystique that some find intriguing, and that others find maddening.  Still, as Belichick enters his eighth year with the same team in a profession where the average tenure falls somewhere between the life expectancy of a sheep dog and a mayfly, it's pretty safe to say that Belichick is closer to the end than he is to the beginning. 

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The city of San Diego lost money on the Chargers.  (Next time, they'll bet on the Pats.) 

The signing of RB Dominic Rhodes may indicate the Raiders will return to the West Coast offense.

Former Bears DL Ian Scott will visit the Broncos.

The Raiders are a potential landing spot for Texans QB David Carr.

The Seahawks have re-signed offensive lineman Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack.

Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander claims that he didn't lose his virginity until he was 24.  (Coincidentally, Rain Man Jones claims that he didn't punch his first stripper until he was 12.)

The Texans are high on DB Von Hutchins.

Packers LB Nick Barnett wants a new deal, but promises not to hold out.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers says he's fine holding a clipboard while another year of his NFL career evaporates.

The Vikings are interested in DT Ian Scott.

Is Lions GM Matt Millen letting coach Rod Marinelli do all the grocery shopping?

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POSTED 8:30 a.m. EDT, March 12, 2007

THE PISS MEN WINNETH

In a rare off-field loss for the National Football League, the IRS has ruled that the league's "Drug Program Agents" (more commonly known as the "piss men") are not independent contractors, but are employees of the NFL.

The February 27 letter means, per the New York Times, that the league could be responsible for "tens of millions of dollars" in employment taxes, pension payments, and other benefits.

Since the issue first arose, the league has opted to get rid of its in-house urine collection program, and has outsourced it to a separate company.  The former piss men, however, have been offered work for the outside company, at less money.  

The question of whether a person is a contractor or an employee is commonly litigated, in various contexts.  The analysis often turns on the extent to which the employer can control the person providing services, and/or whether the person is available to provide similar services to other employers at the same time.

Even though the NFL has lost, it's only round one.  The league also dropped the first round of the Maurice Clarett litigation; in the end, however, the league won the fight.  Based on the past performances of the NFL's only team that doesn't play on the field -- the Covington & Burling Hammerheads -- we wouldn't bet against the league just yet. 

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POSTED 9:02 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:22 p.m. EDT, March 11, 2007

FISHER, ADAMS AT ODDS ON RAIN MAN?

David Climer of the Nashville Tennessean writes that there are rumors that the latest problems involving cornerback Rain Man Jones have owner Bud Adams and coach Jeff Fisher taking different positions on how to deal with Jones.

Adams, as the theory goes, thinks that there is too much time and money invested in the talented but troubled two-year pro to justify cutting him.  Fisher, on the other hand, is supposedly ready to move on.

Climer also suggests that Jones' failure to disclose his February 2006 and March 2006 arrests could be a violation of Jones' contract, and that as a result the team could possibly "jettison Jones without taking a significant financial hit."  

Frankly, this makes no sense to us.  The CBA makes it clear that a team's options for disciplining a player are limited, and any clause in an individual player contract to the contrary is generally prohibited.  Also, there's no provision in the CBA (to our knowledge) that would give a team cap relief if it elects to launch a turd.

So, if the Titans choose to cut Rain Man, they'll take the full acceleration of his unallocated signing and option bonus money.  And they'd potentially face a grievance alleging that the release violates the CBA.

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GINN DOESN'T WORKOUT -- HALL DOES

Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn Jr. didn't participate in Saturday's Pro Day workout at Ohio State, due to a high ankle sprain suffered while celebrating a kick return for a touchdown at the outset of the national championship game.

Ginn plans to hold a private workout in early April, after his injury further heals.

Meanwhile, another Buckeye receiver could be climbing the ladder.  Receiver Roy Hall, who wasn't invited to the scouting combine, ran a sub-4.4 in the 40-yard dash.  But because the track at OSU is regarded as fast, the time will be adjusted, reportedly to the high 4.4s.  Hall is six feet, three inches tall, and he weighs 238 pounds.

"I didn't know anything about him until I got here," said Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz.  "He did a nice job."

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POSTED 8:06 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 8:36 p.m. EDT, March 11, 2007

A GIANT LONGING FOR ACCORSI?

A league source tells us that some in the New York Giants front office are expressing regret that former G.M. Ernie Accorsi left, given the apparent lack of any direction under new G.M. Jerry Reese.

"They have no game plan," said one league insider.

The other problem is that coach Tom Coughlin, essentially a lame duck for 2007, has no juice in the personnel department.

Bottom line?  The Giants seem to have taken a huge step backward since the end of the 2007 season.

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FOWLER PICKS EAGLES OVER TITANS

Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper reports that linebacker Ryan Fowler opted to sign an offer sheet with the Eagles over an identical offer sheet that had been offered up by the Titans.

The deal is a four-year, $10.5 million contract.  The Cowboys have seven days to match.  If they choose not to, the Cowboys receive no compensation.

"Tennessee was very competitive with Philadelphia.  The offers were identical," agent Alan Herman said.  "But in the end, Ryan decided to go to Philadelphia, because he thought that would be a better situation for him."

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MORE PROPS FOR THE CARDINALS

We gave the Arizona Cardinals a rare round of praise on Saturday for the comments of V.P. of football operations Rod Graves regarding the team's reluctance to burn a bunch of money on free agents in lieu of investing it in quality players already on the team.

But the Cards are also being praised for the quality of the players whom they have added in free agency.

"They have signed guys that can play football and not just have names," said one league source.  "There is no way the Colts would have let Edgerrin James go if he was good.  The guys the Cards are signing this year have the ability to help the team.  Al Johnson and Rod Hood are solid players."

So good for the Cardinals.  Maybe, just maybe, they'll finally turn this thing around. 

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POSTED 7:56 p.m. EDT, March 11, 2007

ZGONINA CLOSE TO DEAL WITH TEXANS

A league source tells us that veteran defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina is close to striking a deal with the Houston Texans.

Zgonina, who has spent the last four seasons with the Dolphins, has played with a total of six franchises.  He appeared in 14 games in 2006, with two starts.

In our view, the no-nonsense veteran could help to light a fire under the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft, defensive end Mario Williams.

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POSTED 7:48 p.m. EDT, March 11, 2007

BEARS PLAYERS STILL NOT HAPPY

Although coach Lovie Smith recently landed a long-term extension, we're hearing that some Bears players are still unhappy with the organization, based on its perception for being cheap.

The latest lightning rod is linebacker Lance Briggs, the team's 2007 franchise player.

The Bears are playing hardball with Briggs, refusing to sign him to a long-term deal and resisting Briggs' request to be traded.  Other players are taking notice, we're told, and the situation continues to make some veteran players inclined to tell free agents to stay away.

Though the Bears might contend that they're not really trying to land any free agents, perhaps they realize that their best bet for now is to continue to try to grow through the draft, since incoming players have no choice in whether or not they come to Chicago.

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POSTED 6:59 p.m. EDT, March 11, 2007

RUMORS PERSIST THAT PLUMMER ISN'T DONE

Although quarterback Jake Plummer has said that he's retiring, plenty of league insiders aren't buying it.  The thinking in some circles continues to be that he'll be back.

If, however, he follows through on his intent to retire, Plummer will owe someone a big chunk of money.

It's currently unclear whether the money would be owed to the Bucs or to the Broncos.  On one hand, there is a belief in Tampa that the Bucs acquired the rights to pursue any previously paid signing bonus money.  On the other hand, we're hearing scuttlebutt that the Broncos retained the rights to pursue Plummer for plenty of pesos if he calls it quits.

Regardless of the team that holds the rights to a refund, the decision in the Ashley Lelie matter limits the ability of the Bucs or the Broncos to recover unallocated signing bonus money only.

In Plummer's case, there is $3 million in signing bonus money that covers the final three years of his contract.  Although there's another $5.56 million in unallocated bonus money, the fact that these amounts were option bonuses and other guaranteed amounts most likely precludes pursuit thereof.

In Lelie's case, it was determined under the new CBA that the remaining $220,000 in unallocated option bonus money could not be pursued by the Broncos, since it wasn't a signing bonus.  In Plummer's case, then, only signing bonus money can be pursued.  Based on his contract, that amount is $3 million.

So once Plummer files his retirement papers or fails to report for a mandatory practice, the Bucs or the Broncos (whoever holds the right to repayment) will have the ability to file a non-injury grievance seeking repayment of the money.

Meanwhile, the trade of Plummer resulted in a cap charge of $8.56 million to the Broncos, and a net cap hit in 2007 of $3.06 million.

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POSTED 1:23 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 1:43 p.m. EDT, March 11, 2007

STALLWORTH SIGNED A "PROVE IT" DEAL

As we guessed several days ago, the contract that receiver Donte' Stallworth has inked with the New England Patriots is a one-year "prove it" deal.  If he is effective, and if he doesn't get suspended for violation of the substance abuse policy, the team will likely pay him $8 million in 2008 bonus money.  If he is not effective, or if he gets suspended, the team can walk away.

And if Stallworth is a training camp train wreck, the team is out only a $1 million signing bonus and $300,000 workout bonus.

So why didn't Stallworth just sign a one-year deal and head back to free agency in 2008?  If he plays well enough for the Pats to happily hand him $8 million by early March, he'd likely get much more than that on the open market.

The glitch, as one league insider has explained it to us, is the franchise tag.  Under a one-year deal, the Pats would still have the ability to restrict Stallworth's movement by extending an offer with a one-season salary equal to the average of the five highest-paid receivers in the game.

And with Stallworth set to earn $11 million in 2008 if the Patriots like what he does in 2007, they surely would have been willing to use the franchise tag -- which will be several million bucks less than his currently scheduled pay -- if Stallworth had played like a star under a one-year deal.  (The structure of the contract prevents the Pats from passing on the option bonus but then tying Stallworth's hands -- and saving a lot of money -- with the franchise tag, since the option bonus is due after the last day for using the franchise or transition tags.)

So why not ask the team to agree not to use the franchise tag?  As the source explained, it's hard to get a one-year deal worth much more than the veteran minimum if the team then has no way to extend the player's tenure with the team.  

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POSTED 12:24 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 12:59 p.m. EDT, March 11, 2007

STALLWORTH TO PATS, BUT NOT FOR $12 MILLION GUARANTEED

Michael Smith of ESPN.com reports that receiver Donte' Stallworth has agreed to terms with the Patriots.  But, contrary to the report, the deal does not include $12 million in guaranteed money.  And it is not a straight six-year deal.

[Editor's note:  ESPN.com has pulled a Tribune-Review, changing its story without acknowledging that the prior report was incorrect as to the amount of guaranteed money.]

Instead, a league source tells us that it's a one-year deal with an option for a second year, and then an option for four more years.

In year one, Stallworth gets $1 million to sign, a workout bonus of $300,000, a base salary of $700,000, and a $1.6 million roster bonus payable if he makes the 53-man roster at the start of the season. 

Stallworth also can earn up to $400,000 in incentives.  He'll get $100,000 if he catches 70 passes, another $100,000 if he catches 75 passes, another $100,000 if he catches 80 passes, and $100,000 if he is on the Pro Bowl team.

A $6 million option bonus is due shortly before the start of the 2008 league year, but after the deadline for designating franchise players.  This requires the team to either pick up the option, or to allow Stallworth to hit the market unfettered by the franchise tag. 

In 2008, there's also a $2 million roster bonus due on the first day of the league year, a $400,000 workout bonus, a $1 million base salary, and a $1.6 million roster bonus payable if he makes the season-opening 53-man roster.

In 2009, there's a $2 million option bonus, payable after the franchise tag deadline but before the start of the league year.  If the option is exercised, the deal runs through 2012.

Also in 2009, Stallworth will receive a $400,000 workout bonus, a $1 million base salary, and a $1.6 million roster bonus based on making the season-opening 53-man roster.

In 2010 through 2012, the deal has the same terms in each year:  $500,000 workout bonus and $4 million salary.

In all, it's a one-year $3.6 million deal that can be worth up to $4 million, or a two-year, $14.6 million deal that can be worth as much as $15 million, or a three-year, $19.6 million deal that can be worth as much as $20 million.

The Pats can then add on additional years at $4.5 million each, with a maximum contract value of $33.5 million.

But the only truly guaranteed money is $1 million.  Not $12 million.

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SCHLESINGER TO FINS

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that the Miami Dolphins have signed veteran fullback Cory Schlesinger to a two-year deal.

The 12-year veteran spent his entire career with the Lions.  Once Mike Martz arrived with his pinball machine offense, the bruising bumper back no longer had much of a role.

In Miami, Schlesinger could be the Lorenzo Neal for Ronnie Brown.  Neal opened holes effectively in San Diego under offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, who is now the head coach of the Dolphins.

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T.O. DIDN'T KNOW THE WHOLE PLAYBOOK

Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News reports that Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens did not know the entire offensive playbook in 2006.

"I knew my plays," T.O. told Taylor via a text message. "I put everything I love on that."

Though the article contains no definitive admission from Owens that "I knew my plays" means that he knew less than all of the plays, we don't doubt Taylor's assertion.  At all.

The guy fell asleep in meetings, and is a card-carrying narcissist.  Gee, who would have ever dreamed that the guy only knows the specific details of the plays that are designed to get the ball in his Ray McKigneys?

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POSTED 11:23 p.m. EST, March 10, 2007

RAIN MAN THREATENED WITH A KNIFE

NewsChannel 5 in Nashville reports that a man threatened Titans cornerback Rain Man Jones with a knife at a bowling alley on Friday night.

Jones reportedly was at the bowling alley with family and friends when Clayton Smith allegedly approached, threatening Jones before pulling a knife.

Smith was arrested on Saturday and charged with aggravated assault.

We assume that Jones was completely blameless, and that he neither said nor did anything to provoke the incident.

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SATURDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The Titans have promoted Chuck Cecil to defensive backs coach and named Marcus Robertson assistant secondary coach.  (We predict that, every time one of the safeties makes a hit, the bridge of Cecil's nose will start bleeding.)

Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith has a brown nose.

The Cowboys' new stadium is large.

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POSTED 9:08 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 10:38 p.m. EST, March 10, 2007

DO THE CARDINALS FINALLY "GET IT"?

We've been saying all week that teams carrying plenty of cap space should consider reinvesting some of that cash in guys already on the roster.  With free agents who were in the right place at the right time landing on teams with better players who have signed lesser deals, plenty of friction could be coming.

On this topic, the Arizona Cardinals apparently share our views.

"I would rather re-invest that money in Anquan Boldin or Larry Fitzgerald or players of that nature," V.P. of football operations Rod Graves recently said, according to the East Valley Tribune.  "I'd see that rather than chasing guys who you don’t even know if they will line up for you but yet they are getting multi-million dollar deals."

Amen.

Graves also said that he prefers using roster bonuses when signing new players in order to "take the medicine now," thereby preventing cap problems later.

Amen, again.

Maybe there's hope for this franchise, despite only one playoff win since Harry Truman was the president.

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NEGOTIATION 101

One thing we've noticed over the past week or so is that several teams have given players a bunch of money, even though the teams who signed them weren't, by all appearances, bidding against other suitors.

Case in point -- the decision of the Dolphins to pay Joey Porter $20 million in guaranteed money. 

Was there another team poised to pay Porter $19.75 million in guaranteed money?  How about $19.5 million?

How about $12 million?

Frankly, we doubt that anyone else was ready to give Porter anything close to $20 million.

Ditto for the Vikings and their two free-agent investments on offense -- tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and receiver Bobby Wade.  The talk in league circles is that they were the only serious contenders.  So why did they fork over so much money?

Sure, some teams spend it because they have it.  But, as Rod Graves aptly notes above, isn't it better to invest some (or most) of that money in guys already on the team?

Speaking of the Cardinals, the fact that coach Ken Whisenhunt didn't make a play for a guy he knows well should have been a red flag to the powers-that-be in Miami.  Indeed, the word on the street is that some in the Steelers organization are glad that Porter -- regarded as a locker-room lawyer -- is no longer a part of the team.

This isn't a knock on Porter.  He should be thrilled with the deal that he got.  If, as multiple teams believe, he is finished, he'll exit the game with one helluva retirement package.

As to the Dolphins and any other team that was bidding only against itself, it might be time to go to a seminar or something on how to best spend your owners' money.

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SATURDAY SIGNINGS

We spent much of Saturday in the first-ever PFT board meeting (all two of us).  Then, Florio Jr.'s hoop team had a doubleheader.  So we missed out on several of the free-agent signings.  Here's what went down.

The Chiefs signed linebacker Donnie Edwards.  Per Adam Schefter of NFL Network, Edwards will receive $14 million over three years, with $7.5 million guaranteed.  The deal brings Edwards back to K.C. after five seasons in San Diego. 

Also, the Steelers inked offensive lineman Sean Mahan to a five-year deal.  It was the Steelers' first foray into free agency in 2007.  Mahan is expected to compete with Chukky Okobi and Kendall Simmons to replace retired center Jeff Hartings.

The Cardinals have signed cornerback Roderick Hood to a five-year deal.  Hood also can return kicks.

The Seahawks signed safety Brian Russell, formerly of the Browns.  Russell is the second safety signed by the Seahawks this week.  As Adam Caplan of Scout.com explains, either Russell or Deon Grant could push Michael Boulware to the bench at strong safety.

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MULITALO RELEASE CREATED NO IMMEDIATE CAP ROOM

We received plenty of nasty e-mails from Ravens fans who criticized our criticism of the team for cutting Edwin Mulitalo nearly a week into free agency.  Our argument was/is that, if the Ravens care so much about their players to refrain from using the franchise tag on a guy like Adalius Thomas, why not cut a guy like Mulitalo as early as possible in free agency, so that he'll have a maximum opportunity to get paid handsomely by a new team?

The rebuttal from Raven Nation?  "Hey, you idiot.  The Ravens obviously were clearing cap room for the Willis McGahee contract."

But we've confirmed that Mulitalo was released under the new twist in the CBA that permits the move to be processed as a post-June 1 transaction, thereby spreading the cap hit over two years.

But, under the CBA, any net cap space created by such a move won't apply until June 2.

In other words, a total of zero dollars and zero cents was created when Mulitalo was released.

Of course, we can't blame Ravens fans for thinking that the move immediately freed up cap room.  After all, they were getting that information from their hometown newspaper.

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POSTED 11:34 a.m. EST, March 10, 2007

VIKES TANKING IT?

Tom Powers of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that there is growing suspicion in the Twin Cities that Vikings owner Zygi Wilf is purposely running the franchise into the ground in an effort to set the stage for a move to greener pastures.

Although we find it highly unlikely that any NFL team would try to lose in the short term in the hopes of killing local interest so that a move would be met with cheers instead of jeers, there's evidence that a relocation could be in the team's future.

Though Wilf expressed a strong desire to keep the team in Minnesota when he purchased the property from Red McCombs in 2005, Wilf's minions are now singing a slightly different tune.

The team's V.P. in charge of stadium development, Lester Bagley, recently had this to say about the sputtering efforts to build a new venue:  "At some point [Governor Tim Pawlenty] is going to have to help us find a solution to this long-standing issue.  He has long told our ownership that he wants to work with us to solve the Vikings' stadium problem, to keep us healthy and in this state."

If the team is never moving out of Minnesota on Wilf's watch, the phrase "in this state" has the same meaning in that passage as would the terms "in this country" or "on this planet."  As we see it, then, those last three words were intended to put the people on notice, implicitly for now, that the Minnesota football team could soon join the former Minnesota basketball team in Southern California, if a new stadium isn't built.

But making the team into a stinker isn't the way to leverage a new deal.  Especially since the fickle L.A. fan base wouldn't be too keen on a team that has zero prospects under Zygi of delivering victory on a consistent basis.

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POSTED 10:07 a.m. EST; UPDATED 11:16 a.m. EST, March 10, 2007

NEW DEAL FOR GORE COMING?

It's no secret that the 49ers are trying to work out a new deal with running back Frank Gore.  Now that the market has been established via deals for Travis Henry and Thomas Jones and Ahman Green and Willis McGahee, look for the process to accelerate soon.

If/when Gore signs, look for his guaranteed money primarily to come from a signing bonus, which hits the cap over multiple years, and not from a large roster bonus, which counts against the salary cap in the year in which it is paid.  Why?  Because the Niners have already burned up $26 million of their $38 million in cap room via the acquisition of guys like Nate Clements and Michael Lewis and that reincarnation of Ray Nitschke known as Tully Banta-Cain.  With only $12 million remaining, the Niners need to hold back some money for draft picks and any needs-based signings.

Gore was a third-round pick in 2005, and he is signed through 2007.  His salary for 2007 will be $435000. 

Gore would be a restricted free agent in 2008, and an unrestricted free agent in 2009. 

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POSTED 9:52 a.m. EST, March 10, 2007

NO DEAL YET FOR STALLWORTH

Although receiver Donte' Stallworth was expected to have a new team by the end of the work week, negotiations between Stallworth's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and multiple teams did not result in a Friday agreement.

Stallworth, we're told, has been talking with four teams -- the Eagles, Titans, Dolphins, and Patriots.  Stallworth recently spoke directly with Philly coach Andy Reid, who is currently on a leave of absence.

Stallworth previously received offers from the Eagles, Patriots, and Titans.  The Miami Herald confirms that he has gotten an offer from the Dolphins, and that the Fins are still in the mix.

The 49ers, who popped onto the scene a couple of days ago, are no longer regarded as a serious contender for Stallworth's services. 

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POSTED 9:33 a.m. EST, March 10, 2007

PACK FANS MOON MOSS

Although we've received numerous e-mails over the past several weeks from Green Bay fans who claim that the Cheeseheads will embrace the player who once pretended to show them his butt, a lot of the folks who showed up at the team's annual Fan Fest voiced their views on the matter.

Via a series of boos and hisses.

Though G.M. Ted Thompson has said that there have been no talks with the Raiders about a trade for receiver Randy Moss (liar!), CEO Bob Harlan "hinted strongly," per the AP, that the team has been engaged in the same risk-reward analysis that was performed before Koren "Rum and Coke" Robinson joined the team last year.

But Harlan acknowledged that he has heard from some fans who don't want the team to acquire Moss.

"I don't want to say it's been overwhelming, but there have been a few fans who [complained]," Harlan said.  "And the thing they basically say to me is, 'You guys have so much class.  Don't lose class now.'"

Class?  We're not saying that the Packers are less classy than any other NFL team.  But they aren't choir boys, either.   If bringing into a relatively rural community a guy who raced from cops on relatively rural roads at over 100 miles per hour isn't enough to prove the point, they drafted in this decade a guy who took a crap in someone's hamper, to serve as the backup to a guy who allegedly beat up his wife.

Moss, for all of his warts, has had only one brush with the law since joining the NFL, and that came when he brushed his Lexus against a traffic control officer in 2002.

And for what it's worth, former Packers G.M. Ron Wolf thinks that Moss should be pursued.  "You have to know what you're getting, but if he can help you win, there's no question that you go after him," Wolf said. "Guys like Randy Moss don't walk down the street every day.  You cannot discount that.  From the time he took the field for Minnesota, he was a Packer killer."

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POSTED 10:01 p.m. EST; UPDATED 10:31 p.m. EST, March 9, 2007

PLUMMER OFFICIALLY RETIRES, WE THINK

Quarterback Jake Plummer has announced his retirement from the NFL.

"I wanted to come in and tell you guys on camera and face-to-face that the speculation can stop tonight," Plummer said.  "You can know by the looking in my face and hearing my words that I am retiring from the NFL.  At 32 years old, I'm running away from the game.  Not in fear or fright, but health-wise.  I'm healthy.  I'm happy.  I have a lot to look forward to in my life."

Reports of Plummer's retirement surfaced not long after reports surfaced that he had been traded by the Broncos to the Buccaneers.  The timing prompted speculation that Plummer was trying to engineer his arrival in Houston.

We've since heard that Plummer isn't serious about retiring.  If he is, he'll potentially be required to cough up a portion of his signing bonus money.

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OUR NFLN EXPERIENCE

It was an unusual day, to say the least.  Six years after doing a couple of live spots on CourtTV during the unfortunate State v. Carruth and State v. Chmura episodes while affiliated with the now-defunct NFLtalk.com, it was time for yours truly to make a return appearance on national television.

Because we do 10-15 radio spots a week, I figured it would be a breeze.  But there's something very different about staring into the business end of a camera, especially when you're told to be sure to make constant eye contact with the lens.

It's like being told not to look into a solar eclipse.  The harder you try to comply, the harder it is to succeed.

And it's impossible to appreciate how difficult it is to be even moderately articulate on camera until you're sitting in that chair, straining to simultaneously think and talk and maintain eye contact with something that has no eyes. 

It was almost enough to get us to swear off the practice of criticizing the sock puppets.

Almost.

Still, we really enjoyed it.  Though we will continue to call it as we see it when it comes to all matters of pro football, appearing on the network owned by and named after the football organization I've been following closely since I was eight years old was extremely cool.  Thanks to the folks at NFLN for the opportunity.

So what did PFT Planet think about all of this?  We've posted several of the e-mails we've received in our e-mails we like segment, which has been updated less frequently during the hectic early days of free agency. 

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POSTED 9:31 p.m. EST, March 9, 2007

DUCKETT TO DETROIT

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that running back T.J. Duckett has agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions.

Duckett will sign a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Lions.

The maneuver gives the Lions three starting-caliber tailbacks -- Duckett, Tatum Bell, and Kevin Jones.  We've previously heard that Bell, who was acquired recently from the Broncos as part of the Dre' Bly trade, is a candidate to be traded again.

Duckett did the deal with Detroit after visiting the Seahawks.

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POSTED 8:59 p.m. EST; UPDATED 9:23 p.m. EST, March 9, 2007

TITANS TRYING OUT LIFE WITHOUT RAIN MAN

The Tennessee Titans will reconvene on March 19 for the start of their offseason conditioning program.  Cornerback Rain Man Jones won't be invited to attend.

"I don't see him coming back on the 19th," coach Jeff Fisher said at an informal media gathering on Friday.  "It depends on the conclusion (of legal matters) and at what point we’re able to finish the fact gathering process."

The Titans went through a similar episode last year, when they refused to allow former quarterback Steve McNair to participate in the offseason program, ostensibly in order to avoid being on the hook for McNair's full salary if he would have dropped a dumbbell on his foot, or some other appendage.

This time around, though, it's unlikely that anyone will be taking up the cause for one of the least sympathetic figures in all of sports.  Rain Main deserves anything and everything he gets, and we think it's wise for the Titans to keep him away from the rest of the roster while the team and the league figure out what to do with this guy.

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TURD WATCH UPDATE

We've given serious consideration to the problem presented by the delayed reporting of two 2006 arrests of Titans cornerback Rain Man Jones.  Technically, points apply only to arrests or convictions occurring after Super Bowl XLI and before Super Bowl XLII.

But, in this case, Jones' failure to disclose the arrests to his team prevented the arrests from being reported in 2006.  So since the arrests first came to light in March 2007, we've decided in this case to apply the points to the current Turd Watch year.

So Jones "earns" a whopping total of 16 points for the Titans, due to felony obstruction charges, two misdemeanor obstruction charges, and misdemeanor marijuana charges.

Also, assistant coach Richie Anderson has earned three points for the Cardinals, and Bengals cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Deltha O'Neal have chalked up one point each for their team.

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POSTED 7:52 p.m. EST; UPDATED 8:42 p.m. EST, March 9, 2007

RICHIE GETS BUSTED

Cardinals assistant Richie Anderson, considered a rising star in coaching circles, has been arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution.

The arrest came as part of a sting operation in Phoenix.  Anderson allegedly solicited an undercover officer.

We assume the officer was a female, but nothing would surprise us at this point.

Anderson, a former Jets assistant, was hired by the Cardinals in January.  He spent thirteen seasons as a player with the Jets and the Cowboys.

The entry page to the team's web site declares:  "2007 Arizona Cardinals Football.  Smart.  Tough.  Disciplined."  It might already be time for a revision.

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CHARGERS UNVEIL NEW UNIS

A day after images of their new home jerseys inadvertently were posted on their web site, the Chargers have acknowledged that their uniforms will receive a makeover.

We hadn't previously noticed that the lightning bolts have changed from white back to yellow.  The full shot of the jersey also shows that the numerals have changed -- and there appears to be some powder blue in the outline. 

Also, the Chargers will change the color of their helmets to metallic white, onto which the new yellow bolt will be applied.

"All of those guys had their identity, their kind of uniform that made it unique for their teams," running back LaDainian Tomlinson told Casey Pearce of Chargers.com.   "Well, I think it is time for us to have our identity, with our jerseys.  This is our era.  We've got great guys on this team and this is going to be the San Diego Chargers for years to come.  So I think it is only right to have our own new jerseys and create our own era and our own identity."

The uniforms were scheduled to be revealed on March 14.  Thursday's gaffe resulted in the pre-unveiling unveiling.

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

BROWNS TRY TO BAG A BENGAL

The Cleveland Browns reportedly have signed restricted free agent defensive tackle Shaun Smith to an offer sheet.  Smith, who currently players for the Bengals, was tendered at the lowest level of $850,000. 

Because Smith was not drafted, the Bengals will receive no compensation if they choose not to match the offer. 

The offer sheet has a four-year duration, but the other terms are unknown.  It remains to be seen whether the offer includes a poison pill aimed at making it impossible, as a practical matter, for the Bengals to match.

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POSTED 7:29 p.m. EST, March 9, 2007

DROUGHNS TO THE GIANTS

We missed some of the developments this afternoon due to the trip to the 'Burgh for our first appearance on NFL Network (more on that later), and we're commencing the process of catching up.

For starters, the Browns traded running back Reuben Droughns to the Giants for receiver Tim Carter.

Droughns, who was due to receive a $1.75 million roster bonus on March 17, became expendable when the Browns signed Jamal Lewis on Wednesday.  Droughns is signed through 2009.

Carter has been with the Giants since 2002.  He is under contract through 2007.

Since the Browns were going to cut Droughns, why did the Giants give up anything for him?  The move allows the Giants to get his rights without having to pursue him as a free agent, where in light of recent deals his price might go up.

For example, tight end Randy McMichael will earn $500,000 more this year from the Rams than he would have earned under his prior contract.

In New York, Droughns will likely share touches with Brandon Jacobs, who is presumed to be the heir apparent to TiVi Barber.

The Browns also have released cornerback Daylon McCutcheon.

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POSTED 7:09 p.m. EST, March 9, 2007

RAIDERS RAMP UP OFFENSE

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Oakland Raiders reached an agreement with free-agent fullback Justin Griffith.  The deal is worth $3.8 million over three years, and it hinges on Griffith passing a physical.  Griffith previously played for the Falcons, who signed Ovie Mughelli earlier this month.

In all, the Raiders acquired four new offensive players on Friday -- Griffith, former Colts running back Dominic "Poppie" Rhodes, former Cardinals tight end Fred Wakefield, and former Bengals tight end Tony Stewart.  They also re-signed receiver Alvis Whitted.

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POSTED 10:32 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 11:46 a.m. EST, March 9, 2007

POPPIE TO THE RAIDERS

Running back Dominic "Poppie" Rhodes, who not long ago was reportedly urinating all over himself after a DUI arrest, will now have a chance to soil some silver and black.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Rhodes has agreed to terms with the Raiders.  The deal is worth $7.5 million over two years.  Mike Garafalo of the Newark Star-Ledger suggests that the base value could be lower than that; he says that the contract is worth "up to" $7.5 million.

In an unrelated story, all couches at team headquarters will be covered in plastic.

Rhodes gave an MVP-caliber performance in the Colts' Super Bowl victory over the Bears.  His numbers for the game were better than those of Super Bowl XXV MVP Ottis Anderson -- and Super Bowl XLI MVP Peyton Manning's were worse than those of Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler in the same game.

DUI charges against Rhodes are unresolved.  For Turd Watch scoring purposes, the Raiders will acquire any points from a conviction, guilty plea, or plea of no contest.  The Colts, however, keep the existing points, since he was their property when he went pee-pee in a police car.

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EAGLES KEEP JAMES

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that they have signed cornerback William James to a one-year contract. 

The unrestricted free agent, formerly known as William Peterson, signed with the Eagles during the 2006 season.  He played in three regular-season games and one playoff contest. 

James was a third-round pick in the 2001 draft, and spent five season with the Giants.  He signed a contract extension but was released after missing most of the 2005 season with a back injury.

He has started in 40 NFL games in his career.

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FRIDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

RB Jamal Lewis claims that he's been unsuccessful over the last couple of years in Baltimore because the Ravens haven't made a commitment to upgrading their offensive line.

Meanwhile, one guy in Baltimore thinks Jamal Lewis got screwed by the Ravens, another guy thinks that the Ravens got screwed on the Willis McGahee trade, and USA Today thinks that McGahee will have a much better season than Lewis.  (We agree with the last proposition only.) 

Bengals CB Johnathan Joseph has been admitted into a diversion program related to marijuana possession charges. 

The Saints are close to signing Bengals S Kevin Kaesviharn.  (He'll get $1 million per vowel.)

The Steelers are sniffing around some free agents; Seahawks G Floyd Womack and WR Alex Bannister visited Thursday, and OL Sean Mahan will be in on Friday.

POSTED 10:21 a.m. EST, March 9, 2007

STALLWORTH TO GET A "PROVE IT" CONTRACT?

With questions swirling regarding both the status of receiver Donte' Stallworth in the NFL substance abuse program and his physical durability, his next contract could be, in essence, a one-year deal with a team option on the remainder.

The reason?  It's now harder for teams to recover bonus money when a player is suspended.  So teams will be less inclined to pay the money until they are confident that the player won't be a problem.

Usually, these one-year "prove it" deals are used for players signed after recovering from a significant injury.  Last year, the Saints gave quarterback Drew Brees a contract with a low signing bonus paid in 2006 and a high option bonus due in 2007.  Likewise, the Broncos did a similar deal with receiver Javon Walker.  Both players were successful, and in both cases the teams picked up the option.

With teams facing greater restrictions on the recovery of bonus money, we expect that this device will be used more frequently with players who face other potential impediments to their availability.

But why would players want to agree to such contracts?  Why not just sign a one-year deal and then hit the market again, when the salary cap is higher -- and when your services might be in greater demand?

If Brees or Walker had been ineffective in '06, they would have been out on their ears.  So why shouldn't they have put themselves in position to cash in even bigger if they had exceeded expectations? 

Though we suspect that teams don't want the distraction that comes with having, for example, a starting quarterback who walks in the door as a lame duck, the fact that the team has the ability to say "thanks, but no thanks" before paying him big money in 12 months makes him a potential lame duck, anyway.

The agents might want to be able to trumpet the value of long-term deals to the media and recruits, and the players might be swayed by the lure of the big money in the future years, even if they never see it.  Still, a guy like Drew Brees would have a lot more money in his pocket right now if he had insisted on a one-year contract instead of a "prove it" deal that put all of the leverage in the hands of the team.

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POSTED 9:55 a.m. EST, March 9, 2007

NO BUNDCHEN IN THE OVEN

According to the Boston Herald, Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen is not the latest lady to be carrying the spawn of Pats quarterback Tom Brady.

The denials come from a couple of Bundchen's family members.  Neither Brady nor Bundchen have said anything publicly about the situation.

Even if Brady isn't two-thirds of the way to a hat trick, we suggest that he consider taking the kinds of, um, precautions against such outcomes that are widely available in most drug stores, truck stop bathrooms, and Rosie O'Donnell's wallet. 

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POSTED 9:08 a.m. EST, March 9, 2007

SNEAK PEEK AT CHARGERS UNIS?

Several readers have informed us that, through an apparent glitch on the Chargers.com web site, an image of the team's new, slightly-modified home jersey was displayed on Thursday.

The shirt isn't much different than the prior model.  The two most noticeable changes are the shifting of the sleeve numbers to the tops of the shoulders, and the addition of a white background panel behind the lightning bolts over each arm.

The team logo also has been tweaked a bit.  Here's the new one:

Here's the old one:

The best news?  We'll all get to continue to hear Chris Berman pining for the powder blues.

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POSTED 7:21 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 8:25 a.m. EST, March 9, 2007

GRANT SIGNS WITH SEAHAWKS

On the same day that defensive end Grant Wistrom was sent packing in Seattle, the Seahawks agreed to terms with safety Deon Grant.

Per John Clayton of ESPN.com, the deal is worth more than $30 million over six years.  The signing bonus reportedly is in excess of the $11.1 million received by Roy Williams of the Cowboys.

Usually, the big money has begun to dry up after the first week of free agency.  But because many teams have been cautious -- and possibly because the Seahawks swung and missed on Kris Dielman -- Seattle was still in a position to drop some more of that Microsoft money.

The addition of Grant means that safety Ken Hamlin most likely won't be back.  And, surprisingly, Hamlin has drawn little interest in free agency, having a cup of coffee with the Saints but not much more than that.

Clayton characterizes Grant's package as the third-richest in the league at the safety position.  Three others -- Chris Hope of the Titans, Adam Archuleta of the Redskins, and Michael Lewis of the 49ers -- have six-year, $30 million deals.

But as Howard Balzer of the Sports Xchange pointed out last night, the premature release of Wistrom illustrates that there is a lot of potential fluff in these free-agent deals.  The key focal points are, and should be, the guaranteed money and the payout over the first three years.  After year three, there's a chance that the guy won't be around.

Just ask Wistrom.

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PFT ON NFLN TIME CHANGE

Attention, PFT Planet -- the first (and surely last) appearance of PFT on NFL Network will not be at 6:30 p.m. EST but at 6:00 p.m. EST. 

Florio will be talking with Adam Schefter and Jamie Dukes during a segment of Point After:  Free Agency.

If, of course, Florio can:  (1) drive his Yugo to Pittsburgh without wrecking it; (2) find the place where the video uplink will be made; and (3) not break the camera or any other equipment before the thing starts.

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TGIS . . . THANK GOD IT'S A SPRINT PHONE

Because the official PFT Yugo will be making the 100-mile drive -- in roughly 3.5 hours -- to Pittsburgh on Friday for a special appearance on NFL Network, it'll be useful upon arrival to get a quick refresher as to any developments in the league that might have occurred as the little engine that couldn't made its way north.

Enter the Sprint phone, which is exclusively equipped with NFL Mobile.  It's the quickest and easiest way to scan the pro football headlines when away from a computer. 

And NFL Mobile is completely free.  All you need is a Sprint phone with Power Vision.  There's no reason for any NFL fan not to have NFL Mobile, so there's no reason for any NFL fan not to have Sprint.

After scanning the NFL news via NFL Mobile, the Sprint phone then will display any messages that have dropped into the official PFT e-mail box, which might include news links from readers or nuggets from sources.  Or yet another reminder of how stupid we are.  Either from a complete stranger or from a family member.

Regardless, the ability to get up to date via the Sprint phone will make us look slightly less stupid on the air.

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POSTED 11:43 p.m. EST, March 8, 2007

RAVENS TIPTOEING AROUND RAY?

There's scuttlebutt in league circles that Ravens G.M. Ozzie Newsome is spreading the word that the reported numbers as to the Willis McGahee deal are too high, and that the contract is actually worth less money.  However, we're extremely confident in the accuracy of the figures, and ESPN.com's numbers are identical to the amounts we reported earlier on Thursday.

So why would Newsome be putting out lowers numbers?  Here's our take:  He's trying to keep linebacker Ray Lewis from causing a scene.

Lewis has been posturing for a raise for a while now, and he's entering the final two years of what was supposed to be his retirement contract.  Due to earn $6.5 million this year and $6.5 million next year, Lewis might not be pleased to learn that McGahee will pocket $1.7 million more than him over the same period of time.

And make no mistake about it.  The Ravens can't reach their maximum level of achievement as a team unless Lewis is at least marginally happy.  The arrival of quarterback Steve McNair helped to keep Lewis placated in 2006.  But now Lewis is one year closer to the end of his career, and one year farther removed from his one big NFL payday.  With lesser players getting windfalls in other NFL cities, keeping Lewis from erupting could be an iffy proposition.

As we see it, then, Lewis might not react well to the notion that newcomers to the team are being handed that which he has been coveting.  So while Lewis is, on the surface, happy to have another guy from the "U" to help carry the load, it can't hurt the greater good if word gets back to Ray that McGahee's deal isn't worth as much as the newspapers and web sites claim.

Sure, the real numbers will eventually be available for perusal by Lewis' agent.  But we generally think that agents are in a position to be far more pragmatic than their clients, while at the same time saying all of the things that the clients want to hear.  Thus, we tend to believe that David Dunn (or whoever at Athletes First is handling Lewis during Dunn's suspension) is smart enough not to unnecessarily stir up Lewis at a time when, no matter what Lewis wants, the Ravens likely won't give it to him.

Meanwhile, could the decision of the Ravens not to pursue linebacker Adalius Thomas have been the direct result of a realization by the team that there was no way that they could pay Thomas market value -- i.e., $20 million guaranteed -- without sending Lewis into a tizzy?

It could also be that the decision not to slap the franchise tag on Thomas was a product of the franchise's uneasy deference to Lewis.  If, after all, Thomas had been tendered a $7.2 million salary for 2007, Lewis wouldn't have been the highest paid player on the team at his position. 

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POSTED 10:26 p.m. EST; UPDATED 10:39 p.m. EST, March 8, 2007

WISTROM DONE?

The talk in league circles in the immediate wake of the release of defensive end Grant Wistrom by the Seahawks is that Wistrom is done.

Physically, the belief is that he's shot.  In fact, there are concerns that he would not be able to pass a physical.  There also are concerns regarding whether Wistrom even has the desire to play.

With that said, Wistrom started in all 18 regular-season and playoff games last season. 

Wistrom, a nine-year veteran, had 11.5 sacks in three seasons with the Seahawks.  And he received $14 million in guaranteed money.

Hey, in some cities, that's worth another $12 million up front. 

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ZGONINA KEEPS ON TRUCKIN'

After 14 NFL seasons and stints with six different teams, defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina is still going.  On Thursday, the free agent who played in 2006 with the Dolphins visited the Texans.

Per a league source, more visits are coming.

Zgonina is regarded as a strong locker room presence and a solid mentor for young players.

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POSTED 5:08 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 6:32 p.m. EST, March 8, 2007

SEAHAWKS SLICE WISTROM

POSTED 3:13 p.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 4:05 p.m. EST, March 8, 2007

McGAHEE DEAL:  SEVEN YEARS, $40.12 MILLION

We're told that the Ravens and running back Willis McGahee are very close to agreeing on a seven-year deal worth $40.12 million.

As we previously explained, McGahee will receive $7.5 million to sign, an initial option bonus of $6 million, and a second option bonus of $1.5 million.  The salaries are $595,000 in 2007, $605,000 in 2008, $620,000 in 2009, $3.6 million in 2010, $6.0 million in 2011, $6.5 million in 2012, and $7.2 million in 2013.

Since McGahee was due to earn $2.155 million in 2007, the deal is essentially a six-year extension worth $37.965 million.

If the Ravens cut McGahee before the back-end salaries kick in, he will earn a total of $20.42 million over four years.

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EAGLES BRACING FOR STALLWORTH LEAVING?

With receiver Donte' Stallworth visiting his third potential suitor of the week, the Eagles are apparently making plans for life without him.

Earlier on Thursday, the Eagles announced that they have signed receiver Bethel Johnson.  The Eagles are now announcing that receiver Kevin Curtis will visit the team on Friday, March 9.

Despite conflicting media reports, we're told that the Eagles recently offered Stallworth a one-year contract. 

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THURSDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

The Chiefs have signed long snapper Jean-Philippe Darche, formerly of the Seahawks.  (Maybe he can play tackle, too.) 

Raiders WR Jerry Porter claims that his suspension was the result of trash-talking while playing defense during practice.   

QB Jake Plummer could be included in any trade that the Bucs make for WR Randy Moss.  (And the fact that Moss would be gone might be enough to persuade Plummer to accept a deal to Oakland.)

The agent for Chiefs QB Trent Green spoke with the Dolphins on Wednesday.

Newly-acquired Broncos DL Dan Wilkinson is unsure if he wants to continue playing football.  (Um, wouldn't that pretty much describe the past eight seasons of his career?)

Broncos running backs coach Bobby Turner has opted to remain with the team. 

The Bears might actually give their biggest scoring threat some chances to score on offense.

Bears players have been barred from playing charity basketball this offseason because of naming rights issues and fear of player injuries.  (In other news, the front office has instructed Rex Grossman to perform charity alligator wrestling.) 

There is much confusion in Detroit over why the Lions would bring in running Chris Brown when they have Kevin Jones and Tatum Bell.

Detroit has re-signed RB Aveion Cason and DT Cleveland Pinkney to one-year deals.

Former Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke wants his hometown Vikes to give him a job.  (Unfortunately, all of the hot dog vendor positions are filled.)

POSTED 3:06 p.m. EST, March 8, 2007

McMICHAEL AGREES WITH RAMS

A league source tells us that tight end Randy McMichael has agreed to terms with the Rams.  Under the three-year, $11 million deal, McMichael will receive a $3 million signing bonus, and salaries of $1.5 million in 2007, $2.9 million in 2008, and $3.6 million in 2009.

Given that McMichael was due to earn $4 million from the Dolphins this year, the release resulted in $500,000 in extra money for the veteran tight end.

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POSTED 2:49 p.m. EST, March 8, 2007

EARLY NUMBERS ON McGAHEE DEAL

Though the deal is not yet final, we're told that the contract will most likely include a three-tiered signing bonus worth $15 million.

Under those terms, he would get $7.5 million to sign, an initial option bonus of $6 million, and a second option bonus of $1.5 million.

Stay tuned.

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POSTED 2:25 p.m. EST; UPDATED 2:36 p.m. EST, March 8, 2007

TITANS MAKE OFFER TO STALLWORTH

Receiver Donte' Stallworth now has three offers, and could end up with more.

Per a league source, Stallworth has received a contract offer from the Titans.  He previously has received offers from the Eagles and the Patriots.

Despite claims that the Eagles have not made Stallworth an offer, we're told he was offered a one-year deal, possibly with a value of $1.5 million.

Stallworth currently is visiting the Dolphins.  Miami G.M. Randy Mueller drafted Stallworth when Mueller held the same position with the Saints.

And we're hearing that the 49ers are now interested in Stallworth.  At this point, it has not yet been decided whether Stallworth will visit San Fran.

We'd previously heard that Stallworth planned to make a decision by Friday.  The arrival onto the scene of the Niners could change those plans.

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BRADY'S BOYS CAN SWIM

We received a couple of e-mails from folks telling us that Pats quarterback Tom Brady has gotten his girlfriend pregnant as we were heading out the door for some day-job stuff.  We assumed that the messages were from folks who are three or so weeks behind in the flow of the news. 

Now that we're back to PFT headquarters, we've realized that this is (or at least could be) pregnancy number two.

This time around, the initial reports are more equivocal than was the news of Brady's impending fatherhood with former girlfriend Bridget Moynahan.  But there are indeed reports that Brady's new squeeze, Gisele Bundchen, might have a Bundchen in the oven, courtesy of Brady.

Maybe he really is putting those things on the wrong head.

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POSTED 2:14 p.m. EST, March 8, 2007

McGAHEE TRADE HINGES ON NEW DEAL

We were caught up in some day-job stuff earlier today, and we're catching up on the flow of the NFL info.

Here's what we know about the McGahee deal, plenty of which is already reported elsewhere.  The Ravens sent a third-round pick and a seventh-round pick in 2007 and a third round pick in 2008.  The deal hinges on the Ravens working out a long-term extension with McGahee, and the deadline is March 13.

Stay tuned.

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POSTED 2:08 p.m., March 8, 2007

McMICHAEL TO RAMS?

A league source tells us that the St. Louis Rams are close to an agreement with free-agent tight end Randy McMichael.

McMichael was released by the Dolphins earlier this week.  Rams coach Scott Linehan previously was the offensive coordinator in Miami, and knows McMichael well.

Last year, the Rams spent draft picks on two tight ends -- Dominique Byrd and Joe Klopfenstein.  The team's pursuit of McMichael could be bad news for Byrd, who has been arrested twice in the past several months.

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POSTED 9:17 a.m. EST, March 8, 2007

TITANS DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT RAIN MAN'S '06 ARRESTS

The Tennessee Titans admit that they did not know about the two early 2006 arrests of cornerback Rain Man Jones for obstruction and marijuana possession.

"We were unaware of what happened over a year ago," coach Jeff Fisher said in a radio interview.

And, as we explained last week, the fact that Jones didn't disclose the charges puts him in line for potential discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy, regardless of the outcome of the cases.  The marijuana possession charges previously were dismissed, after two other people (including Jones' mother) persuaded authorities that the pot found in Jones' Fayette County, Georgia house was theirs.  Felony and misdemeanor obstruction charges, based in part on allegations that Rain Man went Pacman on a police offer in February 2006, are still pending.

The fact that Jones didn't fess up to the charges gives the league an easy way to take serious action against him.  An NFL player's failure to report a criminal arrest is, in the Internet age, unprecedented, since word of the incident inevitably makes its way to those like us who are inclined to publicize it.  So the NFL can basically pick the penalty, since there's no past event to which this one could be compared. 

Though on one hand Jones' failure to report the alleged crimes gives the NFL a silver bullet, if it chooses to use it, for ridding the league of a guy who could find trouble in a convent, taking a firm stand on this point would send a strong message to every other player about the importance of owning up to their transgressions.  

Bottom line -- if you fail to come clean, you face serious consequences.

And this is no mere technicality.  If/when an active player is accused of a crime, the league wants to be able to evaluate the situation early, long before the Cheese Whiz is made.  (If you don't get that one, scroll down.)  More importantly, failure to disclose the arrest undermines the integrity of the system.  How, after all, can the league take appropriate action against a criminal offender if no one bothers to tell the league that there was a criminal offense?

It really isn't a problem that will come up very often, and we're amazed that the story went undetected for as long as it did.  But that's all the more reason for the league to make an example out of Rain Man -- especially since making an example out of him will in this specific case save the Titans and the league from all of the future embarrassments that he is sure to cause.

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POSTED 6:38 a.m. EST; LAST UPDATED 7:30 a.m. EST, March 8, 2007

BEARS PLAYING HARDBALL WITH BRIGGS

Linebacker Lance Briggs wants the Bears to rescind the franchise tag or trade him.  The Bears plan to hold his rights, at least for 2007.  If/when he signs the franchise tender, Briggs will make $7.2 million this year.

"We feel that we're treating him very good," G.M. Jerry Angelo said.  "That's a lot of money he's making on a one year-deal.  The strain really comes to us in terms of our cap and what we have to do for a one-year deal."

But despite that strain, the Bears say that they no longer plan to work out a long-term deal with Briggs.  A multi-year deal undoubtedly would drop his $7.2 million cap number.

Publicly and privately, the Bears claim that they offered Briggs a six-year, $33 million contract in 2006, which they characterize as a deal that reflects fair market value.  But a league source tells us that the offer was for a six-year extension, which means that it was a seven-year deal.

The difference is significant.  It takes the average value of the package from $5.5 million down to $4.7 million.

With that said, the Bears have every right to keep Briggs' rights via the franchise tag.  It's part of the CBA to which the union agreed, and it is an appropriate device to be used by any of the 32 NFL teams. 

The Bears have the right to use the tag on Briggs again next year.  Early indications are that they will.  And that's good news for any other guy on the team who is scheduled to become a free agent in 2008, since a team can use the tag on only one player.

Thus, cornerback Nathan Vasher (whose rookie contract expires after this season) will be allowed to walk, absent a long-term deal.  Ditto for quarterback Rex Grossman, who could (in theory) show enough improvement next year to make him an attractive option on the open market.

Regardless, high-end players throughout the league need to be prepared to be saddled with the franchise tag.  With the market going haywire, it makes more sense to pay the guy the average of the top five highest-paid players at the position from the prior year than it does to pay him market value in the current year.  Especially if the market will continue to be driven by second-tier talent.

And as more of the best players are hit with the franchise tag, it will be.

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BIG CHANGES IN MIAMI

The 2007 Dolphins will look much different than the 2006 version of the team.  Gone are guys like Randy McMichael, Joey Harrington, Bennie Anderson, Seth McKinney, Kevin Carter, Jeno James, Damion McIntosh, and Wes Welker.  Of 14 unrestricted free agents, none have re-signed -- and several are landing elsewhere, including running backs Travis Minor and Sammy Morris.

The latest departure is fullback Darian Barnes.  We're told that Barnes has reached an agreement with the Jets, where he will replace B.J. Askew, who bolted for the Buccaneers.

Some members of the media believe that the purge represents an effort by new G.M. Randy Mueller to finagle some short-term job security, since the exodus will as a practical matter reduce expectations. 

And if Mueller's goal is to ensure that he'll be around for more than a year or two, that could make him more likely to push for quarterback Brady Quinn in the draft, since it will then be hard to evaluate the overall success of Mueller's first draft until Quinn has a chance to develop.  Or not. 

All things considered, the organization is in dramatically different condition than it was last year at this time, when optimism was building for a highly successful season.  Now, the winds of change are blowing like a Category 4.  Whether the end result will be better or worse remains to be seen.

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'SKINS DIDN'T WANT PORTER

Need more evidence that the Fins overpaid for linebacker Joey Porter?  We're told that the Washington Redskins, who never met a big-name free agent to whom they didn't want to give a sack full of large bills, had zero interest.

The mere fact that the Redskins didn't bust their butts to get the guy who was once shot in the butt under contract confirms this, since when the 'Skins want a guy, they go and get him.

Multiple teams were convinced based on Porter's performance in 2006 that he doesn't have it anymore.  Of such talk, Porter claims that it was due to the fact that the entire team didn't have it last year.

"The reality of last year, our whole season last year, the team didn't get it done," Porter said.  "We didn't play well enough to be successful.  I think as a whole team we never had that many third downs; we never were ahead of a team to get after the quarterback like we normally would.

"As far as my play, my play will be there.  I am not worried about it.  If they look at it as a down year -- we had a whole down year as a team so we all failed in getting the job done that we wanted to get done, but I feel like I can still play this game at a Pro Bowl level, and that's the type of player I am."

But should the Dolphins have handed this guy $20 million in guaranteed money when, by his own admission, there's a question as to whether he still has it?

We think the answer is no, and plenty of folks around the league feel the same way.  

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THURSDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

The Fins have signed K Jay Feely to a three-year, $6 million deal, with $2.5 million guaranteed.

Colts QB Peyton Manning denies that he appeared at a "Sweet Sixteen" party for $200,000. 

The Redskins have $6.7 million in cap room.  (We suspect that this is a March 8 record for the big-spending franchise.)

Edwin Mulitalo could be headed to D.C.

The Texans are expected to take QB Brady Quinn, if he's on the board at No. 8.

The Fins don't plan to dump WR Chris Chambers, despite a $7.9 million cap number.

RB Chris Brown will visit the Lions.

CB Jamar Fletcher visited the Titans on Wednesday.

The Titans are in the market for RB Willis McGahee, who currently is expected to be traded to Baltimore.

Florida S Reggie Nelson reportedly improved on his 4.5 from the combine by churning out a sub-4.4.

As noted by ESPN Radio's Dan Patrick after an on-air interview with Bucs QB Chris Simms on Wednesday, Simms doesn't sound like a guy who has the right frame of mind to win the starting job from newcomer Jeff Garcia. 

Long-time Lions FB Cory Schlesinger will visit Miami on Thursday.

New Falcons FB Ovie Mughelli was blown away by his new deal. 

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