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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.  

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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."

---

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. 

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

'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.

---

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.

---

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."

---

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.

---

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. 

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.  

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.    

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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. 

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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