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POSTED 7:21 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 7:44 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2006

FINS INK MARCUS

More than a week after bringing him in for a three day look-see, the Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Marcus Vick to a free-agent deal.

Vick officially will be listed as a wide receiver/quarterback/specialist with the Fins.

The move could be another opportunity for Miami coach Nick Saban to prove that he can get through to even the turdiest of the turds, and to coax from them a high level of performance.

But Marcus will be on a short choke chain in South Florida.

"I want to make it very clear that we will not condone any behavior issues in the future relative to Marcus Vick," Saban said "Marcus acknowledges that he has made some mistakes, all of which has [sic] resulted in severe consequences for him. They have helped him learn that he will need to make much better choices and decisions in the future or risk similar consequences that could jeopardize his career as a professional player.

"As an organization, we did an enormous amount of research, including consulting with professionals in detailed, in-depth analysis to feel comfortable that giving Marcus an opportunity as a free agent is a risk worth taking. Marcus has made a commitment to this organization and our fans to represent the Miami Dolphins in a first-class manner."

We suggested when word first broke of the Fins' interest in Vick that the younger brother of Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick would be required to humble himself before getting a chance to stick with Saban's team. By accepting a change in his primary position, Marcus might indeed be on the path toward showing that he's willing to do whatever is necessary in order to play pro football.

Of course, signing a contract and making the final 53 are two different issues. Marcus still has a loooong way to go before he dresses out September 7 in Pittsburgh, but the guy definitely has the athletic ability to pull it off.

Whether he can keep it together long enough to avoid being dumped remains to be seen.

MONDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The Fins also signed TE Keith Heinrich, LB Keith Newman, and CB Michael Lehan.

Lions OL Jeff Backus has made out like Thurston Howell with a one-year, $6.983 million contract and a promise that he won't be franchised again in 2007.

QB Craig Krenzel is the odd man out in Cincy.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers attended his first practice as the starting quarterback.

The Ravens are hosting a Fan Fest this weekend. (Is one of the activities a pretend police lineup?)

An arbitrator will hear QB Steve McNair's grievance against the Titans on Tuesday.

Coach Chin ran sprints with the troops on Monday.

The Vikings might go topless in their new stadium, in order to keep the costs down.

Jason White won't be pulling an Eric Crouch.

POSTED 1:40 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2006

FLUTIE FLIES THE COOP

Long-time pro quarterback Doug Flutie announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, more than 21 years after capping his college career with a with one of the most famous Hail Mary plays in football history -- and winning the Heisman Trophy.

And Flutie will return to his roots in the next stage of his career, working as an college football analyst for ABC and ESPN.

At the pro level, Flutie played in the CFL and the NFL. But he started out with the USFL, and Sports Illustrated asked whether Flutie could be the savior for the league with ambitions larger than its bank accounts.

After the USFL finally packed it in, Flutie landed with the Chicago Bears, where he threw 46 passes during the 1986 season. He then spent three years with the Patriots -- starting nine games in 1988 -- before trying his hand in Canada.

In eight seasons with the CFL, Flutie became a superstar with the B.C. Lions, Calgary Stampeders, and Toronto Argonauts. He was named the league's most outstanding players a record six times, and he threw for more than 6,000 in two different seasons. His teams won three Grey Cups, and he was the MVP of each game.

In 1998, Flutie returned to the NFL, joining the Buffalo Bills. He started 30 games in three seasons with the Bills, earning two Pro Bowl nods. After the 2000 season, Flutie was on the losing end of a much-publicized quarterback controversy with Rob Johnson. Flutie landed in San Diego, where he started all 16 games during the 2001 season. Thereafter, he gave way to Drew Brees but remained with the team for three more years as a backup. He returned to New England 18 years after he first signed with the Patriots, finsihing his career as the backup to Tom Brady.

Flutie punctuated one of the most unique and lengthy pro football careers by converting an extra point -- via a drop kick -- on his last NFL snap.

"If that ends up being my last play, it wouldn't be bad," Flutie said after the game.

Only days after some folks in the media debated whether Jaguars receiver Jimmy Smith should make it to the Hall of Fame, we think that Flutie merits far more serious consideration than Smith. It is, after all, the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Flutie's unique path, and extreme success, are the kinds of thing that should be inspiring kids with an interest in the sport long after we're all taking a permanent nap in a pine box.

Besides, if Flutie lands a spot in Canton, he'll likely be the only Hall of Famer who was winless for his collegiate career against the West Virginia Mountaineers. . . .

POSTED 11:33 a.m. EDT, May 15, 2006

RAMS' GIG IS WEBSTER'S IF HE WANTS IT

Multiple league sources tell us that Tampa director of player personnel Ruston Webster is getting closer to becoming the new G.M. in St. Louis. But first Webster has to decide that he wants the job.

Even as the Rams still have a G.M. in place, by the name of Charley Armey.

But we're hearing that Webster is reluctant, for a couple of reasons. First, although the move entails a promotion in name, it's still unclear whether the G.M. in St. Louis will really be the G.M., given that many believe that president of football operations Jay Zygmunt currently holds the bulk of the power -- and that team president John Shaw retains the ability to revoke and redistribute the power whenever the mood might strike him.

Second, we're told that family concerns might prompt Webster to choose to stay in Florida, with the Buccaneers.

We're told that Webster interviewed for the job on Tuesday night and Wednesday of last week, and that the Rams are waiting for Webster to make up his mind as to whether he wants the job.

Although some league insiders believe that Webster isn't a candidate for the Houston G.M. job, we continue to hear that his name is and will be on the list. And the Texans' position is the one most likely to provide Webster with the highest degree of authority over the football operations.

Finally, the Seahawks remain interested in adding Webster to the front office. Seattle's team president is Tim Ruskell, and Ruskell and Webster are very close friends.

Stay tuned. It's one of the only intriguing stories currently unfolding in the NFL.

And no one else except us is talking much about it.

POSTED 10:02 a.m. EDT, May 15, 2006

MARCUS LANDING IN MIAMI?

Alex Marvez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Greg Bedard of the Palm Beach Post report that the Miami Dolphins are negotiating a free-agent contract with former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick.

But the baby brother of Falcons quarterback Michael Vick might ultimately say "no, thanks" to the Fins' offer. Coach Nick Saban wants to move Marcus to receiver -- and the CFL's Toronto Argonauts want Vick to play quarterback there.

Vick would make much more money in Miami, if he makes the roster. The NFL minimum rookie salary is $275,000.

Marcus was an invited participant at the Dolphins' recent rookie minicamp. He took snaps both at quarterback and receiver. On the final day of the camp, he lined up exclusively as a pass-catcher.

Marvez reports that Saban is "intrigued" by Vick following the tryout.

PORTER PLANNING TO GIVE THE PREZ A PIECE OF HIS MIND

Steelers linebacker Joey Porter is looking forward to the team's visit to the White House on June 2 in celebration of their Super Bowl victory.

But not for the reasons that most folks anticipate a visit to the place when the President lives and works.

"Yeah, I got something to say to [George] Bush, I'm going to have a swagger when I walk in there, too," Porter said. "I'm looking forward to it. I have something to tell him, too. I don't like the way things are running right now. I feel like he has to give me some of my money back, so I got something to tell Bush."

Even if Porter is mildly exaggerating or completely kidding, it's not the kind of attempt humor that the men and women of the Secret Service ordinarily regard as funny. Our guess is that, at a minimum, Porter will get a stern talking to from someone in authority regarding his stated plans and, depending on what Porter says in response, he might not receive the requisite clearance to attend.

Or maybe he'll say all the right things in advance and then try to make a scene when he gets there. But the thing that Porter, who already has been shot once in his life, needs to keep in mind is that the folks in the Secret Service will be aiming a little higher than his ass if he crosses the line in the presence of the President.

Better still, perhaps Porter can display the area of his prior wound to Bush, a la Forrest Gump and LBJ.

MONDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

The Pats brought in former New England CB Ty Law for a physical on May 12.

Eagles DE Jerome McDougle has the words "true" and "story" tattooed on each side of the scar resulting from the gunshot wound and ensuing surgery he experienced in 2005. (We would have gone with something like "Do not open until Christmas.")

New Jets coach Eric Mangini won't be cutting any slack to QB Chad Pennington.

Former Lions QB Joey Harrington talks about the demise of his Detroit career.

New Falcons S Lawyer Milloy thinks the team is ready to win.

WR Andre Reed will be the 23rd member of the Bills' Wall of Fame.

Rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson is turning heads at Vikings minicamp. (He must have been prancing around the locker room in a thong.)

Uncle Rico's jersey has shot to the top of the list for rookies.

Jags WR/KR Chad Owens turned down the team's request that he play in NFL Europe, which might have been the kiss of death for his career with the team but for the recent retirement of Jimmy Smith.

We're taking bets on which Jaguar will be the first guy to poop in the team's new sandpit.

Even though he reduced his salary to stay with the team, we've got a feeling that RB Duce Staley won't be with the Steelers when the regular season starts.

Steelers S Troy Polamalu lobbied unsuccessfully for the team to keep former starting free safety Chris Hope.

A Sunday sign at the Steelers' minicamp locker room said "Call Your Mother Today."

Titans RB LenDale White is using his draft-day slide as motivation. (It would have been a lot cheaper if he would have just bought a Tony Robbins book in January. . . . Or a few less Ho Hos since then.)

POSTED 9:42 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2006

GANNON VISITING THE BUCS

Our friends at PewterReport.com reports that former Raiders, Chiefs, Redskins, Vikings, and Patriots quarterback Rich Gannon will visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, May 16.

When we first heard the news, we thought that Gannon might be mounting a comeback. But for now at least there's no plan for the former NFL MVP to come out of retirement to play for Tampa. Instead, Gannon will merely be in attendance for the team's OTA's.

Gannon last played in 2004, when a neck injury suffered in a game against the Bucs put him out for the balance of the year. Although many league insiders believed he might land in Tampa for 2005 with former Raiders coach Jon Gruden, Gannon opted instead for the broadcast booth (where, by the way, he's not very good).

In 2002, Gannon and the Raiders met Gruden and the Bucs in the Super Bowl, only one year after Gruden left Oakland. Gruden's intimate knowledge of Gannon's play enabled the Buccaneers to slice up the Raiders offense en route to a blowout win.

Gannon previously was out of football for a full season in 1994, before re-igniting his career with the Chiefs and Raiders.

POSTED 8:22 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2006

SWEET PEA GOES SOUR

Colts defensive tackle Vincet "Sweet Pea" Burns is free on bail after allegedly trying to pull a Popeye on a Kentucky police officer Friday night.

Burns was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and menacing outside a Lexington nightclub. When asked by police to leave the area for a third time, Burns "pulled his shirt off and pulled his arm into a striking position" toward the officer.

Burns was a third-round pick of the Colts in 2005. He didn't play last year due to a knee injury.

SUNDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

Redskins QB Jason Campbell is learning a new offense for the sixth straight year.

Tyrone Carter played free safety with the Steelers' first-team defense on Saturday.

So far, so good for WR Chad Jackson.

With a new shoe deal in hand (or as the case may be on foot), Pats first-round RB Laurence Maroney has turned in his Air Jordans: "I never wore Reebok a day in my life," he said. "Now I’m the biggest Reebok fan ever."

Pats K Stephen Gostkowski got drafted in the fourth round despite not having much coaching at Memphis.

New England coach Bill Belichick says it's a coincidence that five Florida Gators are in camp.

The Titans want to teach Uncle Rico how to get the ball with his hands pressed against the center's bum.

Falcons QB Mike Vick claims he stayed in the pocket so much last year because he was hurt.

Former Texas A&M QB Reggie McNeal put on receivers' gloves for the first time since 1998.

Saints RB Reggie Bush missed practice on Sunday with a tweaked hamstring.

POSTED 11:00 a.m. EDT, UPDATED 12:08 p.m. EDT, May 14, 2006

WEBSTER ON SHORT LIST IN ST. LOUIS

As the St. Louis print media continues to ignore the upheaval in the Rams' front office, we continue to hear that Buccaneers director of player personnel Ruston Webster quietly is emerging as a leading candidate to replace G.M. Charley Armey, once Armey is nudged out.

Webster's contract with the Bucs has expired, and he is considered to be a candidate for jobs in Houston, St. Louis, and Seattle. His first choice, we've heard, is Houston. The last choice presumably is Seattle, since it would essentially be a lateral move for Webster.

The strangest aspect of this story is that the Buccaneers apparently are making no effort of any kind to keep Webster. A year ago, the Bucs wouldn't let Webster interview for a position with the Seahawks, who are now run by former Tampa colleague Tim Ruskell. And the Bucs actually promoted Webster in 2005 from director of college scouting to his current gig. So our only guess is that Webster has made clear to the Bucs his desire to move on after 18 years with the same team.

We've previously heard that Rams president Jay Zygmunt wants to bring former Bills G.M. Tom Donahoe to the team. Some league insiders, however, believe that Donahoe has no chance to join the Rams.

Earlier this month, we reported that multiple scouts had been fired by the team. To date, there has been no mention of this development in the paper of record in St. Louis.

REGGIE REALIZES HE CAN'T HOLD OUT

We've recently heard that Team Bush secretly wishes the 2005 Heisman* winner hadn't been selected by the Saints at No. 2, but by the Titans at No. 3.

Why, you ask? Because Reggie and those around him realize that he cannot, under any circumstances, hold out of training camp in New Orleans.

It would be the ultimate P.R. nightmare for Bush. At a time when plenty folks in the region still don't have electricity or running water or the ability to take a dump indoors, the question of whether Bush gets $24 million or $25 million or $26 million in guaranteed money is a luxury that his new legion of fans can't fathom.

And it's the kind of thing that could cause them to turn on him, quickly.

As the third overall pick, however, Bush would have been working off of a strong contract signed by Braylon Edwards at No. 3 in 2005. And he also would have been negotiating with the Tennessee Titans, who drove a hard bargain with cornerback Pacman Jones last summer, punishing him for a string of questionable post-draft incidents by giving him only $15.1 million in guaranteed money.

So look for Bush to be in the fold when the real practices start. "I told my agent that I want be here in camp on time," Bush said on Saturday. "Whatever it takes. I don't want to get caught up in holdouts or anything. It's important to start off on a good footing, not only with the team, but with the city."

It's a clear directive to agent Joel Segal, who has a reputation in league circles of dragging his feet when it comes to working out first-round deals. League insiders expect Segal to wait until the Titans sign quarterback Vince Young at No. 3 before getting anything done with the Saints. But if Young's deal drags out due to factors such as (1) the Edwards deal from a year ago, (2) the inexperience of Young's agent, Major Adams, and (3) Adams' reliance on the NFLPA, which we hear wants agents to get 20 percent more in guaranteed money for the 2006 first-rounders than the first-rounder got in 2005, Segal might be forced to do Bush's deal without Young's contract to provide the floor.

The smart move for the Saints will be to offer a fair package to Bush, since the team indirectly will suffer if a holdout makes the locals sour on their new savior. This, of course, assumes that Saints owner Tom Benson has acquired a degree of savvy and/or generosity that he did not previously possess.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

As he trails in the polls, former Steelers WR Lynn Swann could be realizing that Pennsylvania voters won't make him their governor simply because he's famous, good-looking, and superficially "nice." (Maybe there's still hope for our system of electoral politics.)

Who's stupider? The cleaning woman who forges over the course of a year more than $250,000 in personal checks of one of her customers, or the customer who takes more than a year to figure out that more than $250,000 has been sucked out of his checking account? (In a photo finish, it's a tie.)

Rookie WR Sinorice Moss realizes that the Giants want him to make an impact now.

Vikings director of college scouting Scott Studwell has received a three-year contract extension, and owner Zygi Wilf is in no hurry to hire a replacement for Fran "I Cured Polio" Foley.

Paola Boivin of the Arizona Republic is angling for some exclusive access to Matt Leinart. (For purely journalistic purposes, we presume.)

Vikings starting QB Brad Johnson isn't griping about a contract that was signed under the assumption that he'd be a backup. Yet.

The Bengals have released undrafted rookie TE Brad Olomua, who failed his physical. (And didn't have a long enough rap sheet.)

The Saints might conduct training camp in Jackson, Mississippi.

Vikings WR Koren Robinson has switched from No. 18 to 81.

Eagles QB Donovan McNabb apparently has been eating less Chunky Soup.

With the trade for Saints LB Courtney Watson voided, the Fins are looking at Keith Newman and Darren Hambrick.

Falcons WR Roddy White was booed by fans after dropping three passes at minicamp.

Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander doesn't believe in the Madden curse. (But, curiously, Alexander does believe in the Tooth Fairy.)

POSTED 6:05 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:20 p.m. EDT, May 13, 2006

BRONCOS WON'T HESITATE TO DUMP JAVON

Although the agent for receiver Javon Walker believes that his client's 2007 payday of $10 million is protected by the fact that the Broncos shipped a second-round pick to Green Bay in order to acquire Walker's services, multiple league insiders are convinced that Denver coach Mike Shanahan won't think twice about dumping Walker if his performance, attitude, or any other factor suggests that Javon isn't worthy of the big-money portion of his new contract.

The Broncos signed Walker to a contract that will pay him $25 million over three years. Starting in year two. None of the payments are guaranteed, and Denver can dump him without consequence after the 2006 season, during which Walker will receive only $2.15 million.

Walker's agent, Kennard McGuire, believes that the lost second-rounder will be enough to dissuade the Broncos from cutting the cord. But these are the Broncos we're talking about. Coach Kevlar and company have squandered plenty of draft picks over the years, and Coack K is no closer to being on the hot seat today than he was when he won back-to-back Lombardis in the 1990s.

Just last year, Shanahan spent a third-round pick for Maurice Clarett. Since Clarett insisted on getting no signing bonus, preferring instead an incentive-laden deal, the Broncos were able to dump him without taking a cap hit. They did so, regardless of the fact that they were conceding that they'd blown a three.

Heck, Shanahan has pissed away plenty of first-round picks, and he's still standing. He drafted receiver Marcus Nash in 1998, and traded him for another stiff a year later. In 2000 and 2001, the Broncos selected Deltha O'Neal and Willie Middlebrooks, respectively, in round one. Both were later traded out of town for a bag of moldy peanuts and a block of lukewarm cheese.

Shanahan's record with drafting receivers on the first day of the draft isn't much better: Nash, Travis McGriff, Chris Cole, Ashley Lelie, and Darius Watts.

"He'll gladly give up a second-round pick for a guy that can play one year," said one league insider.

With quarterback Jake Plummer entering possibly the last year of his tenure as starter and No. 1 wideout Rod Smith on the tail end of his career, Shanahan is going for his third Super Bowl title right now -- and he'll worry about 2007 when 2007 gets here.

We're not saying that the Broncos have merely rented Walker for one season with no intention of keeping him. If he plays like a guy who deserves $25 million over three years in 2006, he'll get it.

But if he doesn't, he won't. And no one else will give it to him, either.

The other benefit that the Broncos have acquired is exclusive negotiating rights with Walker, in the event that it's obvious after the season that he doesn't deserve $25 million over three years. At that point, Walker and McGuire might decide that what the Broncos are offering by way of an adjustment to his contract is better than what Walker would get elsewhere.

Bottom line -- the "investment" of a second-round pick means squat to Shanahan, and Walker is in reality no closer to that huge payday now than he was with the Packers.

He's still got to earn it on the field in 2006.

PETERSON WON'T BE PULLING A BOZ

The Seattle media reported this week that linebacker Julian Peterson will be wearing No. 44 in Seattle.

Lost on the Seattle media was the significance -- and fallacy -- of Peterson's new number.

NFL rules prohibit linebackers from wearing numbers in the 40s. Nearly 20 years ago, another Seahawks linebacker tried to finagle No. 44, and actually was able to wear the jersey for his first regular-season game after securing a temporary restraining order in a Court of law.

Brian Bosworth was the guy who wanted to sport his college number at the pro level, and in lieu of trying to get the NFL to change its rules, the Boz took a more aggressive approach. Bosworth and company eventually caved when it became obvious that the NFL's numbering system couldn't successfully be challenged through the litigation process.

Peterson, who wore No. 98 in San Francisco, had to give up that number in Seattle because it's already been claimed by Grant Wistrom. And the team's official roster shows that Peterson's number is actually 92.

Player can wear different numbers in practice, and that's presumably what Peterson is doing. In fact, he might in the end have to pick a number from 50 to 59, since numbers in the 90s are available to linebackers only if all of the numbers in the 50s are claimed. Currently, all of the numbers in the 50s are taken.

SATURDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

Steelers WR Hines Ward will keep his last name taped above his facemask until he makes the team; "This is how I did it when I first got here, and I'm recommitting myself."

Jaguars RB Fred Taylor is back to 100 percent. (And he'll stay at 100 percent as long as he doesn't, you know, do anything.)

Lord Flutie is making a final decision on his plans for 2006 within a week; if/when he retires, he'll try his hand at broadcasting.

The Jets already like Kellen Clemens.

Jason Cole says Matt Millen must go.

Owners might be picking a location later this month for the team that eventually will play in L.A.

Rookie DT Barry Cofield could be the answer for the Giants.

The Eagles have re-signed RB Reno Mahe and S Quintin Mikell.

49ers WR Antonio Bryant is sucking up to the guy who'll be throwing him the ball.

The new Madden promises to pump up the running game.

Vikings coach Brad Childress is increasing the pace of minicamp practices.

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards has banned cell phones from the locker room, and he has also removed a pool table that Dick Vermeil had given to players.

POSTED 9:22 a.m. EDT, May 13, 2006

DRIVER GOT $4 MILLION TO SIGN

A league source has provided us with the real numbers regarding receiver Donald Driver's new four-year contract, which extends by two years his current deal. Previously, Driver's agent had disclosed the salaries and the total value only, without commenting on bonus money.

Per the source, Driver got $4 million to sign. He also will receive a $250,000 roster bonus and a $950,000 base salary in 2006.

It's a net increase of $3.49 million over his prior base salary of $1.76 million.

For 2007, Driver gets a base salary of $2.7 million and a workout bonus of $50,000. The net increase over his the base salary for 2007 from his old contract is $510,000.

So Driver gets a total raise of $4 million over the next two years and $4 million in cash now, in exchange for extending the term by two seasons.

In 2008, Driver will receive a $1 million roster bonus, a $100,000 workout bonus, and a base salary of $2.9 million. In 2009, he will get a $1 million roster bonus, a $100,000 roster bonus, and $3.9 million in base salary.

The total new money, then, is $13 million over four years, for an average of $3.25 million.

So it's a pretty good deal for Driver, since he was due to make $4 million over the next two years, but now will make $8 million. And he opted to take the $4 million signing bonus now, in the event that, when he is 33 in two years, he won't get that much on the open market.

But he still might be on the open market in 2008 or 2009, due to the $1 million roster bonus in each of the last two seasons of the deal. If the team decides that Driver no longer can play at a high level at age 33 or 34, the Packers will simply opt not to pay the roster bonus.

BUSH TO WEAR NO. 5 . . . FOR NOW

With the Saints poised to open the first minicamp of the Reggie Bush era, the rookie from USC who desperately wants to wear No. 5 will be allowed to do so.

In practice only.

It's something that Cardinals running back Edgerrin James has done for years. But when the games start, James goes back to 32. Indeed, the NFLPA's official web site still sports at the top of the page a picture of James at practice with the Colts, wearing the number he used in college.

But Bush is still holding out hope for a change to the rule that requires him to pick a number between 20 and 49. Colts president Bill Polian tells the New Orleans Times-Picayune that a revised rule might allow all skill position players to wear No. 1 through No. 49, with receivers and tight ends still allowed to choose numbers from 80 to 89.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells the Times-Picayune that the competition committee discussed the rule during a Friday conference call. We've recently learned that former Texans G.M. Charley Casserly had been lobbying the other members of the committee against changing the rule, based on Casserly's belief that Bush was not truthful in an interview with the Texans regarding allegations that he and/or his family received benefits in violation of NCAA rules.

A general change to the rule, which would apply to all players, would create the appearance to the casual observer that it wasn't about Reggie, but it's clear that if the change is made it is about Reggie.

And that's why we urge the league not to make the change.

The first overall pick in the draft, Mario Williams, wore No. 9 at N.C. State, and he's now wearing No. 90 in Houston. Will the NFL find a way to let Williams wear the number he wore in college? It's not an issue, because Williams has kept his mouth shut and accepted the rules structure already in place.

Reggie should be keeping his mouth shut, too. And if the NFL alters the rules for him before he even touches a ball in a game, Reggie will keep asking for more and more as his career unfolds -- especially if he has the impact on the field that many anticipate.

Though, to a certain extent, the "monster" already has been created, there's no reason for the NFL to feed the thing so soon after his arrival.

POSTED 9:02 p.m. EDT, May 12, 2006

WOY DEFENDS DRIVER DEAL

On Thursday, we suggested that the failure of agent Jordan Woy to disclose the bonus structure of receiver Donald Driver's new contract with the Packers was evidence that the bonus structure, well, wasn't all that good.

On Friday, we heard from Woy.

"I did give a statement to the press regarding Donald Driver's new two year extension," Woy wrote in an e-mail. "However, I was asked by Driver and the team not to disclose certain information."

But Woy was candid regarding certain other information. Here's what he had to say.

"The Driver deal was outstanding under the circumstances," Woy said. "Donald is 31 years old and had two years remaining on his contract for salaries of approximately $1.36 million and $1.86 million. After witnessing what Javon Walker went through I was amazed and very happy we were able to get accomplished what we did. We did it behind the scenes without any bad blood between Donald and the front office and no bad press for Donald in a town that idolizes their stars.

"Donald had no interest in leaving Green Bay," Woy explained. "He also told the team he would NEVER hold out. Andrew Brandt and Ted Thompson knew these things about Donald and could have really squeezed us. In fact, they did for a number of months. I had meetings with both of them several times face to face just to inch up their offers. We continued to point out over and over again why it was fair for them to take care of Donald in his final years and pay him accordingly. In the end, after a lot of debate, they did. Javon Walker was 23 with a great future in front of him but he was unable to get an extension in Green Bay. Many teams would have jumped to do an extension. Green Bay is not one of those teams. They keep their salaries tight and are no big on re-doing deals until they are up.

"Donald's deal is an outstanding deal given his age. He could have played it out and been a free agent at 33. Their is no telling what could happen in those two years and how much someone would pay a 33 year old receiver. As I told the Packers, 'It is time for the good guys to get taken care of.' I think NFL players get tired of only seeing the players who make scenes of themselves in public and fight with the teams in public get deals. Players like Donald, who came into the league as a 7th rounder from Alcorn State and who has been outstanding citizen should get taken care of. A lot of times they don't. I am happy when all players get paid large amounts of money. It is just nice when players like Donald Driver can get paid without going through a public mess and threatening to hold out or be traded."

Last month, Driver denied an ESPN report that he had asked to be traded if his deal was not restructured. The fact that the team "squeezed" Driver "for a number of months" makes us wonder whether there's any truth to the notion that Woy got frustrated during the process and asked for Driver to be dealt.

FRIDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The Lions will get a sixth-round draft choice in 2007 from the Fins for QB Joey Harrington, which will upgrade to a fifth-round selection if Harrington reaches playing-time thresholds.

Browns CB Daylon McCutcheon has graduated from college seven years after leaving it.

Team Tangini finally takes the field.

Like many pro athletes, Warrick Dunn is helping single mothers "get their start". (Unlike many pro athletes, Dunn's efforts involve no actual physical contact.)

Xbox 360 of PS3? For Madden fans, "X" marks the spot.

Holy crap -- a Titan not named Pacman Jones is facing criminal charges.

The Chiefs have signed OT Ian Allen.

"We Hosted A Super Bowl And All We Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt . . . And $20 Million in Tax Revenues."

Two former Rutgers players have been invited to the Jets' minicamp.

The Vikings reportedly won't hire a replacement for Fran Foley.

The Eagles have dumped C Dominic Furio.

Attorney Jeffrey Kessler won't say whether Fran Foley is a candidate for jobs in Houston or St. Louis. (Or maybe Kessler couldn't get out a response through the laughter at the notion that anyone would touch this guy.)

POSTED 5:12 p.m. EDT, May 12, 2006

WHIZZINATOR WON'T MAKE MUCH IN CANADA

In response to news that former Vikings running back Onterrio Smith will play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL, we're hearing that the guy who pissed away his NFL career through a Whizzinator won't make much money during his Canadian detour.

Initial indications are that Smith will receive a base salary of $60,000 Canadian, and a whopping per-game bonus of $500 Canadian.

Based on current exchange rates, that $54,000 in U.S. dollars for base pay, and $450 in U.S. currency per game.

But Smith obviously is doing this with another American payday in mind. There are NFL scouts who believe Smith can still perform effectively, and Smith's play in Canada will be monitored closely.

Smith was suspended by the league for a year in May 2005. After a recent attempt at reinstatement failed, the Vikings released him. He is now eligible to be reinstated in October.

During his limited time with the Vikings, Smith was effective. He rushed for 579 yards on 107 carries in 2003, and he ran for 544 yards on 124 carries in 2004. He also caught 36 passes for 394 yards and returned nine kicks for 155 yards in 2004, giving him more than 1,000 all-purpose yards despite serving a four-game suspension for violation of the substance abuse policy.

POSTED 12:46 p.m. EDT, May 12, 2006

TEXANS PLAYERS STUNG BY SCAM ARTIST

A 21-year-old Texas man has been charged with fleecing multiple victims out of millions of dollars.

And at least ten of his marks are members of the Houston Texans football team.

According to KTRX-TV, Darrick Moore has been arrested in connection with an investment scam that allegedly ensnared many people. Authorities claim that he operated from him home "a mortgage and auto loan scam" using "'straw buyers -- people he paid to use their credit to buy the homes or cars.'"

Texans safety Jason Simmons is one of the victims, and Simmons was at Moore's home when the fuzz hit the fan. "What are you going to do, arrest me too?" Simmons asked the law enforcement officials who arrived to retrieve Moore and to confiscate computers, file, and other items.

Simmons reportedly "invested" $450,000 in the operation.

Moore denies any wrondoing. "I'm a black guy who has helped a lot of ball players save a lot of money, invest a lot of money," he said. "And they can't deal with it."

Coincidentally, Moore is on parole for "engaging in organized criminal activity and also filing false information on a title application."

POSTED 9:42 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 12:18 p.m. EDT, May 12, 2006

STORM LOOMING OVER ROOKIE SIGNINGS

There's talk in league circles that the coming wave of rookie contract negotiations could be more contentious than any round of talks that the league has ever experienced.

The problem, as we explained a couple of weeks ago in connection with the Texans' efforts to get the first overall pick signed, is that at a time when the salary cap has surged by 20 percent over 2005, the rookie salary pool is up by only five percent.

Further complicating matters is that signing bonus money can be prorated over only five years (the limit moves back to six in 2007), and the maximum length of the deals for the top half of the round is six years. (For the bottom half of round one, the limit is five seasons.) Then there's the so-called 25-percent rule, which states that in each year after the rookie season the player's compensation can increase only by 25 percent of his first-year salary, minus signing bonus.

Meanwhile, we hear that the NFLPA is pushing agents to get a 20 percent increase on guaranteed money over what guys in the same slot received in 2005. It's asinine, in light of the limits that the NFLPA allowed to be inserted into the new CBA.

Though attempting to explain and/or digest the details can induce insomnia and/or brain tumors, the end result is that a mess is on the horizon. Signing bonuses will be small and/or nonexistent, replaced instead by roster bonuses and other devices aimed at pumping up the basis for the application of the 25 percent rule. In some cities, teams might have to choose not to sign one or more low-round picks, since it could very well require a disproportionate share of the total rookie pool allotment to sign the first-round pick.

In Houston, for example, defensive end Mario Williams' first-year cap number should have been $2.83 million, which would have represented a five-percent climb over Alex Smith's $2.7 mllion cap number in 2005. But the Williams number is $2.9 million, which means that there will be $70,000 less in first-year money for the team's other draft picks.

In theory, then, it makes sense for teams and agents to get started negotiating deals now. The problem, however, is that the agents like to wait to see how other deals turn out before pulling the trigger. This year, there could be even more guys dragging their feet.

Unlike other seasons, the guys who don't strike their deals in time could end up being forced to take a bad deal -- or worse. The team can, if it chooses, hold the player's rights through the 2006 season, forcing him to sit out and preventing him from getting paid.

HARRINGTON HEADING TO MIAMI

After weeks of discussion and debate, which included at one point accusations of a CBA violation, the Lions and Dolphins finally have reached an agreement that will send quarterback Joey Harrington, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2002 draft, to Miami.

No terms were available. The Dolphins had most recently offered a sixth-round pick in 2007.

During the draft, word broke that the Lions were trying to trade Harrington to the Browns, but that Harrington was refusing to entertain the possibility of working out a new contract with Cleveland because he already had a deal with the Fins. The Lions complained to the league, which reminded the morons in Motown that they created the situation by allowing Harrington to try to work out a deal with a new team in order to facilitate the trade.

Harrington was due to receive a $4 million roster bonus on June 15, which gave him plenty of leverage. If a trade hadn't been completed before that date, the Lions' only option would have been to cut him. For the Lions, the only leverage was that they could keep Harrington out of the offseason program in Miami until mid-June by refusing to cut him until the latest possible date.

FRIDAY EARLY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

The Jaguars claim, sort of, that WR Jimmy Smith's retirement decision had nothing to do with drug testing: "I'm not aware of any other issues influencing the decision other than what he said at the press conference," said team spokesman Dan Edwards.

At least one guy, however, is giving Smith the benefit of the doubt.

The Texans could be acquiring RB Michael Bennett from the Saints.

Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward is trying to dance around comments from this week's SI regarding his relationship with Coach Chin.

The Titans finally have met with CB Ty Law (but with only $100,000 in cap room, they can't sign him until they trade or release Steve McNair).

Jets QB Chad Pennington wants to be better than he was, before his shoulder exploded. Twice.

The Big Show has confirmed that he wants to coach the Seahawks beyond 2006.

Good news: The Jags are only 1,250 shy of selling out their season ticket allotment. Bad news: The Jags' season ticket allotment is only 10,000. (We're kidding. We think.)

Chargers G.M. A. J. Smith thinks that former San Diego WR Reche Caldwell will have an impact in New England.

The Steelers will get their Super Bowl rings on June 2, after visiting the White House. (We pieced that information together through a search of phone records.)

Giants LB LaVar Arrington is ready to defer to DE Michael Strahan.

POSTED 6:07 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 11:43 p.m. EDT, May 11, 2006

DRIVER GETS NEW DEAL

The Green Bay Packers have given receiver Donald Driver a two-year contract extension, with two years remaining on his current deal.

In total, Driver's contract is now worth $17 million over four seasons.

Driver recently denied reports that he was unhappy with his contract and wanted out of Green Bay.

Under the new contract, Driver's 2006 salary is $950,000. In 2007, he'll get $2.7 million in base pay. In 2008, the base salary is $2.9 million. In 2009, Driver gets a salary of $3.9 million.

Although the bonus money is not available, the difference between the stated value of $17 million and the base salaries is $6.55 million. This money could be paid in the form of a signing bonus, roster bonus, workout bonus, or readily attainable incentives.

It's impossible to determine whether Driver got a "good" deal without that information. Guaranteed money is the key to assessing these contracts. Likewise, the presence of a significant roster bonus in any future season of the contract often is a hint that the player could be dumped prior to the due date.

And given that Driver's agent, Jordan Woy, confirmed the extension and provided the total value of the deal to the Green Bay Press-Gazette -- but said nothing about the bonus money -- we're going to assume that the bonus structure isn't as solid as it could be.

Otherwise, Woy would be talking.

THURSDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The Seahawks' offensive linemen are glad that they no longer have to block DT Russell Davis.

Agent Kennard McGuire scoffs at the notion that the Broncos won't pay WR Javon Walker a $10 million option bonus in 2007. "The Broncos already made an investment by trading a second-round pick for him," McGuire said. "And I don't believe anyone trades someone for a second-round draft pick just to secure someone's services for one year." (Right -- but if he sucks in 2006, at least they won't have compounded the screw-up.)

Uncle Rico will have a reality show on BET. (They should call it Wonderlickin'.)

There's no progress in talks between the Pats and WR Deion Branch.

The Reggie Bush investigation is hitting a wall because folks aren't inclined to talk in the face of looming litigation.

Folks in L.A. are confident that it they build it, enough people will come.

LB E.J. Henderson is moving to the middle in Minnesota.

Seahawks LB Julian Peterson has changed his number to 44.

WR Javon Walker says he wanted out of Green Bay because G.M. Ted Thompson refused to restructure his contract.

Ralph Wilson's daughter is now the assistant director of college and pro scouting with the Bills. (When informed of her new duties she said, "When do we go on the camping trip?")

There's a movement to put a roof on the Dawg Pound.

Former Browns QB Bernie Kosar is going through an ugly divorce.

Former Raiders K Cole Ford has pleaded guilty to shooting a gun at the home of Siegfried & Roy.

Packers G.M. Ted Thompson says that the Texans have not sought permission to speak with pro personnel director Reggie McKenzie.

Kellen Clemens is getting ready to pull a reverse Green Acres.

The Big Show is getting closer to staying in Seattle beyond 2006.

The Fins are close to letting RB Ricky Williams play for Toronto Argonauts.

The thing that protects a football player's brain soon will be smarter than the brain that it is protecting (in some cases, it won't take much).

In 2007, Motorola will offer a video game headset that looks just like the ones that NFL coaches now wear.

POSTED 5:27 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 5:56 p.m. EDT, May 11, 2006

SAINTS, FINS TRADE SCUTTLED

Wednesday's trade of linebackers between the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins has been scrapped, due to the fact that one of the players involved failed a physical.

Linebacker Eddie Moore is back with the Dolphins due to lingering problems with his right knee. The Dolphins had hoped to send the second-round pick in the 2003 draft to the Saints for linebacker Courtney Watson, a second-rounder in 2004.

Our pal Howard Balzer of USA Today SportsWeekly tells us that the teams are trying to work out another plan that will allow the Fins to keep Watson.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

WR Jimmy Smith says "it's best to leave on top." (Hey, we thought he retired today, not five years ago.)

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards wants to lure CB Ty Law to Kansas City.

Bengals WR Chad Johnson thinks QB Carson Palmer will be ready to start the season.

Bengals C Rich Braham might play beyond 2006.

From the "Yet Another Pain in the Ass for the Vikings" file, WR Troy Williamson will miss this weekend's minicamp after undergoing surgery to remove an abscess from his hip.

Rick Smith and Reggie McKenzie are expected to be the leading candidates to replace Texans G.M. Charley Casserly.

At least some employees of the Houston Chronicle aren't in the tank for the Texans.

Steelers WR Hines Ward will help first-round WR Santonio Holmes, but Ward isn't going to offer after being rebuffed both by Troy Edwards and Plaxico Burress.

The Fritz Pollard Alliance has submitted a list of four minority Commissioner candidates. (That's fine with us, as long as Stu Scott isn't one of them.)

Former DT Esera Tuaolo hopes that, in his lifetime, a gay player will come out of the closet while still on an NFL team.

Vikings coach Brad Childress says that he isn't interested in handling the team's personnel duties. Yet.

POSTED 12:33 p.m. EDT, May 11, 2006

CASSERLY THINKS BUSH WASN'T TRUTHFUL

A league source tells us that former Texans G.M. Charley Casserly believes running back Reggie Bush was not truthful in a pre-draft interview with Casserly and Texans owner Bob McNair regarding reports that Bush and/or his family received benefits in violation of NCAA rules during his career at USC.

The source contacted us on this point in specific response to our recent suggestion that Casserly wanted to select Bush with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, even after McNair and coach Gary Kubiak had decided to focus on Mario Williams.

Per the source, Casserly and McNair both concluded after interviewing Bush regarding the reports that they did not believe him. Thus, they decided that they didn't want Bush to be the face of the franchise moving forward.

We're also told that Casserly, a member of the competition committee prior to his official Wednesday resignation, had been arguing vehemently against allowing Bush to wear No. 5 as a member of the Saints, and that Casserly's position was influenced by the belief that Bush had not been truthful -- and by his opinion that the situation surrounding Bush embarrassed the league in the days leading up to the draft.

Officially, the league and the competition committee have taken no action regarding Bush's request, according to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. "The jersey numbering system, which is reviewed and modified from time to time, is on the [competition committee's] agenda," he said in a Thursday morning e-mail. "Whether it will be presented for a vote at the league meeting in Denver on May 23 is TBD."

Most of the league insiders to whom we have spoken believe that Bush's request ultimately will be rejected. When one player can dictate NFL rule changes, where does the process stop? And what kind of a message does that send to guys like Edgerrin James, who has wanted to wear No. 5 since joining the league in 1999?

Also, the notion of the league bending for Bush could imply to the casual observer that Bush is somehow bigger than the league. When the USFL changed its jersey rules in the mid-1980s as an inducement to get Michigan receiver Anthony Carter (who wanted to wear No. 1), the move was further evidence that the "other" football league was a chicken sh-t operation.

Does the NFL really want to be in that same category? We doubt it. Not for Bush. Not for anyone.

MARIO WOULD HAVE FALLEN TO FOURTH

Another intriguing nugget on which we recently stumbled was that defensive end Mario Williams expected in the days prior to the draft to be taken not by the Saints at No. 2, but by the Jets at No. 4.

This expectation gave Williams an even greater incentive to ink a deal with the Texans to become the first overall pick.

Most assumed that Williams would be drafted by the Saints at No. 2, if the Texans took Bush at No. 1. But we're now told that in the days prior to the draft, the Saints opted to focus on Hawk instead of Williams.

So if the Texans had stayed with Bush, Hawk would have gone No. 2 to the Saints, Vince Young would have been taken at No. 3 by the Titans, Williams would have gone to the Jets at No. 4, and the Packers likely would have selected tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson at No. 5.

The Jets, we heard, would have tried to develop Williams into a Richard Seymour-type fixture in their new 3-4 scheme.

POSTED 8:50 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:30 a.m. EDT, May 11, 2006

JIMMY SMITH CALLS IT QUITS

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports that Jaguars receiver Jimmy Smith abruptly has decided to retire from pro football.

The Jags are expected to announce the decision at a Thursday press conference.

Smith contemplated retirement following the 2005 season, by coach Jack Del Rio asked him to give it some more time. Last week, Smith surprised the team by informing coach Jack Del Rio that the veteran wideout -- a five-time Pro Bowler -- has decided to walk away.

There were rumors prior to the 2005 season that the Jaguars might opt to dump Smith and his $3.525 million salary. He was also scheduled to earn $3.525 million in 2006.

Smith's retirement triggers no cap acceleration, since 2006 was the final year of his current contract.

If it's true that Smith didn't tell the team about his decision until after the draft, we wonder whether the team's draft-day plan would have been any different if they'd known that Smith was done. The Jags selected tight end Marcedes Lewis in round one, and running back Maurice Drew in round two. The Jaguars picked no other offensive players.

Smith's sudden decision also will prompt speculation that he has committed yet another violation of the league's substance abuse policy. In 2003, Smith served a four-game suspension. Though Smith's status with respect to the league's testing program is unknown, if he tested positive while in stage three, he would have been subject to a one-year suspension.

LEINART CASHES IN WITH NIKE

A source with knowledge of the details regarding the contents of quarterback Matt Leinart's deal with Nike tells us that the No. 10 overall pick in the 2006 draft will get $400,000 per year in cash, $100,000 per year in merchandise, $25,000 per year in merchandise for Leinart's charitable foundation.

Also, we're told that Matt was paid $140,000 by Caeser's Palace to conduct his post-draft party at the Pure nightclub. Caeser's also picked up the total tab (rooms, food, drink, private plane to and from L.A.) for all invited guests. Caeser's also sent the plane back to L.A. to get Paris Hilton.

So even though Matt lost plenty of money by deferring his entry into the NFL from 2005 to 2006, he's making some of it back through off-field pursuits.

Then again, he would have made that money as well if he'd come out in 2005. And probably more.

McCLAIN MOPS UP

Renowned and respected NFL journalist John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, who has drawn our ire of late with his decidedly un-journalistic approach to the dissolution of the relationship between Texans owner Bob McNair and G.M. Charley Casserly, finished the job in grand fashion in the paper's Thursday edition with a headline proclaiming that "McNair Rejects Reports That Casserly Was Fired."

Since we're the only quasi-publication that ever reported that Casserly was getting the heave-ho -- and since we received multiple communications from the team's front office disputing our report -- it's clear that McClain was referring to us.

McClain says that McNair "emphatically" denied that Charley got the pointy-toed boot. "No, he has not been fired, so you can forget that," McNair said during the press conference announcing Casserly's departure.

McClain also writes that Casserly is not happy with reports that his exit wasn't voluntary. "Yeah, I am upset about that," Casserly said. "I'm glad that question was asked and Bob answered it. I have not been fired. There's absolutely no truth to it. I could have stayed on but chose not to."

Apparently, however, NO ONE has asked McNair or Casserly whether there will be a buyout of the final year of Charley's deal. As we've recently explained, G.M.'s and coaches who get fired are entitled to continue to be paid. G.M.'s and coaches who quit on their own with no input or pressure from the organization are not. If (as we've heard from multiple sources) Casserly received a buyout, the implication is that the move wasn't truly a resignation.

There's more objective evidence to suggest that this wasn't Charley's decision. He wants to become the NFL's vice president of football operations, a position that was vacated earlier this year by Art Shell. But Charley hasn't applied for the job yet.

So who in his right mind quits the job he now has before finding out whether he'll get the job that he desires?

With the NFL currently in the very early stages of a search for the next Commissioner, don't you think that the folks at Park Avenue might decide to wait on permanently filling that position until, you know, the guy who'll be running the place after Paul Tagliabue steps down has a chance to provide his input? So it would have made sense for Casserly to stay put for another year, see how the Commissioner selection process plays out, work subtly behind the scenes to figure out who will likely be the next Commish, throw support and effort behind that person, and let nature take its course.

Unless, of course, Casserly was pushed.

And we firmly believe, based on everything we've heard, that he was.

An industry source informed us on Wednesday that Broncos coach Mike Shanahan warned new Texans coach Gary Kubiak that Casserly would try to claim credit if/when Kubiak turns the team around. Thus, the thinking is that Kubiak concluded that Casserly needed to go. The source also told us that Casserly still wanted the team to select Reggie Bush with the first overall pick in the draft, and that it was McNair and Kubiak who came together and decided that Mario Williams was the right call -- especially since Kubiak's offenses in Denver churned up plenty of yards with no-name tailbacks.

Why do we care about any of this? Because we've got a low tolerance for bullsh-t. And we think that's precisely what the Texans have cooked up -- and what McClain has been serving with a side of home fries.

Finally, some might wonder why McNair would be so adamant that Casserly wasn't fired. Here's our theory. McNair feels genuine gratitude for Casserly's efforts, and McNair wants him to be able to leave on a positive note -- regardless of anything that was said or done behind closed doors. Besides, successful sports franchises don't fire key employees, because successful sports franchises don't hire employees who later should be fired. We've actually heard this week that McNair didn't want to fire coach Dom Capers, and we believe that the "firing everyone will make us look stupid for hiring them in the first place" dynamic played a role in McNair's thinking. In McNair's mind, poop-canning the team's original head coach and original G.M. after a 2-14 effort in the franchise's fourth season of play could be seen as an implicit admission that, to date, the Texans have failed.

Of course, they have failed on the field. (In the bank accounts, it's a different story.) Regardless, the last guy who should be declaring defeat at a time the team is launching a new era with Reggie, er, Mario Williams is the dude who owns the joint.

POSTED 10:10 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2006; LAST UPDATED 6:49 a.m. EDT, May 11, 2006

NFL TO 86 REGGIE'S 619

One of the issues that most folks have overlooked as the debate has emerged regarding whether running back Reggie Bush will get to wear jersey No. 5 with the New Orleans Saints is that he'll have to ditch his "other" favorite number.

619.

Bush writes his San Diego area code on the black strips that he places under his eyes. It's arguably as much of a trademark for the 2005 Heisman winner as the number on his chest, back, and sleeves.

But, as NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told us on Wednesday, the NFL has a rule prohibiting the display of "personal messages." As a result, Reggie won't be allowed to write "619" -- or anything else -- on his eye strips.

NO. 5 DEBATE GOES DEEPER THAN THE NUMBER

As to the question of whether Bush should be permitted to wear No. 5 on his shirt, we need to take issue with three of the points that Peter King recently made in his most recent MMQB column. (As anyone who visits this site well knows, we like Peter King because, well, he seems to like us. And one of the other reasons we like him is because we perceive that he won't regard periodic dissent as a personal affront. We hope.)

First, King suggests that the NFL set a precedent favoring Bush by allowing receiver Keyshawn Johnson to wear No. 19 in 1996. But the NFL didn't create a special exception for Johnson. Instead, the league's rule at the time was that, if all of the numbers from 80 through 89 were taken during the preseason, a receiver could pick a number between 10 and 19 -- and then keep it.

The NFL closed this loophole not long after Johnson (who wore No. 3 at USC) squirted through it, requiring the receivers wearing one of the low numbers during the games that don't count to pick two digits in the 80s after the final cuts. But Johnson was permitted to keep No. 19, pursuant to the same "grandfathering" concept that permitted, for example, Eagles receiver Harold Carmichael to keep No. 17 when the NFL implemented the numbering rules in the early 1970s.

Case in point -- Randy Moss was required to switch from No. 18 to No. 84 at the start of the 1998 season. Of course, Moss would have preferred to wear No. 88, the number he wore at Marshall. But the Vikings had retired No. 88, in honor of Alan Page. So the often disrespectful Moss surprisingly respected the parameters of the situation into which he was arriving. (Editor's note: In 2004, the NFL allowed all receivers to wear No. 10 through 19, in addition to No. 80 through 89. The move resulted from the late of available numbers in the 80s, due to retired jerseys and the sheer volume of positions using that 10-number range.)

Second, King suggests that Packers running back Paul Hornung wore No. 5, and "the earth did not spin off its axis." But the rules at the time Hornung played permitted him to wear No. 5.

And that's what bothers us about this. Bush is the new kid on the block. He should be keeping a low profile, especially at a time when his image has taken a major hit due to questions of whether he received impermissible benefits while at USC.

Instead, Reggie Bush wants the NFL to change the rules to suit Reggie Bush.

So even though, on the surface, it's just a number, we think the issue here runs a lot deeper. The NFL has had plenty of hot-shot rookies over the years, and not once has the NFL changed a rule at the behest of said hot-shot rookie. Not for Hornung, not for Moss.

Not for Sayers. Not for Brown. Not for Simpson. Not for Bradshaw. Not for Aikman. Not for anyone.

Finally, we don't think for a moment that the NFL will sell one less Bush jersey if the number is 25, 35, or 45. It's the Bush jersey, for crying out loud. Not a single kid on this earth will say to mom or dad, "No, I don't want a Reggie Bush jersey because there's a '2' in front of the '5.'" They'll want the same shirt that Reggie is wearing on game days, even if the number is negative 43 and the name on the back is "HE LOVE ME . . . IN THE SHOWER ROOM."

Actually, the NFL could make more money on this deal by selling both the Reggie Bush practice jersey (which can bear No. 5) and the Bush game jersey. Or the NFL can not issue the Bush practice jersey as a regular item, requiring anyone who wants a Bush No. 5 shirt to pay the higher charges for a customized shirt (assuming, of course, that "Bush" isn't on the league's ambiguous list of banned phrases, like "Mexico" and "Gay").

So here's hoping, in the end, that the NFL holds firm, if for no reason other than the fact that Bush's first order of business upon getting to the NFL is trying to get his way.

MORE CANDIDATES EMERGE FOR TEXANS GIG

A source with knowledge of the inner workings of the Houston Texans' front office tells us that the list of candidates for the G.M. gig should be expanded by two.

Added to the roster, per the source, are Bears director of pro personnel Bobby DePaul and Dolphins director of pro personnel George Paton.

Other candidates include former Falcons personnel guy Ron Hill, Eagles director of player personnel Jason Licht, Bucs director of player personnel Ruston Webster, Seahawks director of pro personnel Will Lewis, Broncos assistant G.M. Rick Smith, and Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie.

Not bad for a team that supposedly hasn't started identifying potential replacements.

In response to a barb tossed earlier on Wednesday by one of our sources at current Texans' cap guy Dan Ferens, we're told has no aspiration to replace Casserly as General Manager. Per the source, Ferens realizes that he doesn't have the football qualifications to run the show.

POSTED 6:16 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2006

CASSERLY "OFFICIALLY" OUT IN HOUSTON

A day we reported that Charley Casserly was out as the General Manager of the Texans, the formal announcement has been made.

The official version of the events is that Casserly met with owner Bob McNair on Wednesday morning, and that Casserly told McNair that he wants to pursue the vacancy in the league office created by the departure of Art Shell, who has returned to the Raiders as head coach.

"The time was right to move on," Casserly said. "I have an interest in doing other things right now."

Casserly was the only G.M. in franchise history. Hell, he worked for the Texans before they were even called the Texans.

He was on the payroll as G.M. more than two years before the team played its first game, prompting yours truly to make a few smart-ass observations in one of the first columns that this here reporter ever penned in this here business, for NFLtalk.com. For example, after noting that Casserly got his start in the NFL working on an unpaid basis for the Redskins, yours truly observed: "Twenty-something years ago, Casserly gave the Redskins something for nothing. Today, he's getting a whole lot of something and what he's giving looks at least for now like a whole lot of nothing."

McNair insists that, more than six years later, Casserly was not fired. We wonder, though, whether anyone has asked McNair or Casserly if a buyout was negotiated. We've heard that Casserly indeed will get compensation of some sort for the remaining year on his contract, which is evidence that the departure was not voluntary. In the NFL business, coaches and key front office people don't get severance pay if they choose to walk away.

We've also heard speculation from league insiders that Casserly won't get the league office job, due in part to the perception that he has "pissed off" too many people. Last month, for example, Casserly accused the Patriots and agent Jonathan Hurst of steering guard Stephen Neal back to New England, spurning a more generous offer that the Texans were prepared to make. As we surmised at the time, "Casserly's decision to characterize the re-signing of Neal by the Pats as an inside job . . . has curious timing, given that Casserly reportedly is under consideration for a job in the league office. With the Krafts quickly gaining more and more influence in the NFL, why risk making enemies through a gratuitous attack on the team they own?"

As to Casserly's replacement, McNair says that he has no list of candidates -- which of course helps to perpetuate the notion that Casserly's departure wasn't anticipated. We've previously heard that the plan is to use a Minnesota-style "Triangle of Authority," with coach Gary Kubiak and contracts guy Dan Ferens sharing power with Casserly's replacement. The candidates are (as we hear it) former Falcons personnel guy Ron Hill, Eagles director of player personnel Jason Licht, Bucs director of player personnel Ruston Webster, Seahawks director of pro personnel Will Lewis, Broncos assistant G.M. Rick Smith, and Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie. Smith is believed to be the front runner, and we hear that Webster considers the position his "dream job." The Seahawks, we explained several days ago, have delayed pursuing Webster until he learns whether he'll be hired by Houston.

There's also a chance (albeit remote) that Ferens gets the G.M. job. As one league insider opined on Wednesday afternoon, "If Ferens is the replacement then give them the first pick [in the draft] for the next five years."

Ouch.

Last month, we reported that Casserly would be fired. The team vociferously claimed otherwise. In explaining the team's position, we said, "It could the Texans are denying the report so that Casserly can resign -- and so that more than a few people will believe that it was actually a resignation. Regardless, there isn't much gray on this one. Either Casserly will be the G.M. of the team at the start of the 2006 season, or he won't. We've heard from a good source that, after the draft, it's over."

So here we are, ten days post-draft, and it's indeed over. And if anyone truly believes that Casserly wasn't pushed, we've got some luxurious ocean front property in Nebraska that you might want to consider purchasing.

POSTED 10:20 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 10:36 a.m. EDT, May 10, 2006

(Editor's note: We apologize for a temporary technical gaffe that occurred earlier this morning. Yours truly accidentally uploaded an old version of the Rumor Mill. No actual time machine was involved. Thanks to everyone who sent in an e-mail advising us that our heads had been inserted into our rear ends.)

SAINTS, FINS SWAPPING LINEBACKERS

A league source tells us that the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins have worked out a player-for-player trade involving two linebackers.

The Saints will send Courtney Watson to Miami, and the Fins will ship Eddie Moore to New Orleans. The talk is that the rare swap of two players who play the same positions is the direct result of changes to the defensive coaching staffs in both cities.

Waston was the 60th overall selection in the 2004 draft. Moore was the 49th overall choice in the 2003 draft.

As NFL legend/rumor has it, the Dolphins passed on Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin when selecting Moore, because then-coach Dave Wannstedt believed that he needed a backup linebacker -- and despite the fact that the Fins had Boldin ranked higher on their draft board.

Moore is signed through 2007, at salaries of $460,000 and $545,000. Based on Moore's $1.54 million signing bonus, the trade results in a $616,000 cap charge to Miami.

Watson is under contract through 2008, at salaries of $425,000, $460,000, and $545,000. Trading Watson will likely cost the Saints even more, since he has three years remaining on his rookie deal.

Moore has appeared in 18 games, with only five coming in coach Nick Saban's first year with the team. Moore cracked the starting lineup only three times, with no starts coming during his season under Saban.

Watson has appeared in 21 games in two NFL seasons. He started eight times in 2004 and six times in 2005.

In 2005, the Dolphins sent quarterback A.J. Feeley to the Chargers for quarterback Cleo Lemon. That deal also included a draft pick. Maybe we're having a mental block (or maybe we're just stoopid), but the only straight-up, player-for-player swap at the same position that we can recall is Dan Pastorini for Ken Stabler in 1979.

We're sure that there have been more. Drop us a line if you can think of any.

(Editor's note: Within minutes after posting the story, we were reminded of the Antonio Bryant/Quincy Morgan trade from a few years back, which sent Bryant to Cleveland and Morgan to Dallas, the Santana Moss for Laveraneus Coles swap from 2005, and the Keyshawn Johnson for Joey Galloway deal. Also, the Dolphins traded running back Sammie Smith to the Broncos for running back Bobby Humphrey in 1992. Let us know if you think of more.)

POSTED 8:59 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:58 a.m. EDT, May 10, 2006

SEGAL, ORNY AT ODDS OVER BUSH?

A league source tells us that the current chatter surrounding the Reggie Bush camp is that football agent Joel Segal and marketing agent Mike Ornstein are trying to point a finger at each other for the events that marred Bush's pre-draft experience, that arguably caused him to fall from the No. 1 overall spot in the draft, and that potentially will claim his Heisman Trophy.

Speculation in league circles is that Ornstein is blaming Segal for the Texans' decision to pass on Bush with the first pick. Based on everything we've heard from our network of sources, Ornstein is right. As we understand it, Segal's foot-dragging in the days leading up to the draft created a window of opportunity for N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams and agent Ben Dogra to swoop in and get a deal done a day before the start of the draft.

And that meshes with Segal's reputation in agent circles. He's regarded as an effective recruiter, but there are questions regarding his ability to do contracts, especially for first-round picks. He tends to wait, we're told, until the guy in front of his player and the guy behind his player have signed. This year, that dynamic sets the stage for an ugly holdout between Bush and the Saints, especially since Bush and Segal will want to get something as close as possible to the package that Williams received at No. 1.

Meanwhile, we hear that Segal is distancing himself from Ornstein, telling multiple people that he and Ornstein are not "close." There's also a belief that, if Ornstein engineers Segal's termination by Bush, Segal might come clean as to everything he knows regarding the Bush situation. At this point, no one knows exactly what Segal knows about Bush and his family and New Era Sports & Entertainment and Ornstein, but based on published reports from the last two weeks it's easy to assume that, if the accounts of potential NCAA violations are indeed true, Segal should be in a good position to rat everyone out.

Insulated from the ugliness for now is lawyer David Cornwell, whom we believe bears the brunt of the blame for the entire chain of events. He could have -- and indeed should have -- managed the situation in a manner that kept it from blowing up. By failing to do so, the stream of bad press commenced, and the questions regarding Bush and his family likely were just strong enough to prompt Texans owner Bob McNair to explore doing a deal with Williams once Segal decided not to budge off of his rumored demand of $30 million in guaranteed money.

CHRONICLE CONTINUES TO CARRY TEXANS' WATER

We continue to be amazed, but not really surprised, by the coverage that the Houston Chronicle has given to imminent departure of G.M. Charley Casserly from the Texans.

Both John McClain and Megan Manfull have developed a BKC (that's "Blood Kool-Aid Concentration") in excess of 0.30 percent as to the notion that Casserly voluntarily is walking away from the job. And both McClain and Manfull continue to make sweeping pronouncements of fact regarding matters that, as anyone with a shred of common sense knows, cannot be objectively proven.

They insist that Casserly isn't being pushed out. But don't we all know that, in the real world, people who quit their jobs a lot of times really didn't quit their jobs? Isn't it the responsibility of trained journalists to explore these angles or, at a minimum, to refuse to accept at face value claims that are so commonly made in every workplace setting in the world?

"We regret to announce that John Smith has decided, on his own and without any input from management, to pursue other opportunities."

"Join us in thanking Joe Blow for his five weeks of loyal service as he prepares for the next challenge of his career, which will be finding a place of employment at which his career can continue."

"We wish our good friend and colleague Tracy Tool all the best in her future endeavors. The locksmiths will be here in the morning to distribute the new keys."

If McClain and/or Manfull were to choose to do something radical like, let's see, picking up the phone and calling a few sources, they'd learn that Casserly and the team have been negotiating a buyout. Since folks who are quitting don't typically get paid for any of the remaining time on their contracts, such information just might be relevant to the assessment of whether Charley got pushed.

Then there's the issue of timing. Although we reported on Tuesday that Casserly is already out, the Chronicle apparently is kowtowing to the Texans' desire to make the announcement on Wednesday.

So why has the Chronicle opted to handle this story so poorly? Our only guess is that they hope to maintain positive, productive relations with the Texans and with Casserly, who likely will continue to be a good source for McClain and Manfull in his next capacity.

Of course, some folks around the league believe that Casserly's next capacity will be in the media itself. There's a school of thought that Casserly won't get a job in the league office, and that he'll land with ESPN in a Tom Donahoe/Vinny Cerrato/Marty Schottenheimer role.

We've said it before and we'll say it again. We like Casserly. He's blunt and candid, perhaps at times to a fault. (Just like us.) And we understand why he'd want to create the impression that he isn't getting forced out. We might have done the same thing in the same situation. But it's the duty of the media to get to the truth, and when folks like McClain and Manfull turn a blind eye to it, we gain a better understanding of why reporters in so many newsrooms often don't regard the sportswriters as real journalists.

WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

David Climer of the Nashville Tennessean tears Pacman Jones a new Asteroid.

The Titans have yet to line up a visit with CB Ty Law.

The Big Show's agent is in Seattle, presumably working on a contract extension.

Paul Hornung, who wore No. 5 for Green Bay, says that Reggie Bush should be permitted to wear No. 5. (Why didn't they also ask Hornung if he still thinks Notre Dame should be softening its academic requirements so that it can sign up some more bad-ass black dudes?)

Uncle Rico is grousing about the rule that keeps all rookies out of their teams' facilities until May 16. (Hey, Rico -- you can thank Mack Brown and his brethren for that one.)

The Seahawks have signed DE Chris Cooper.

The Falcons have re-signed another guy who'll line up on the fringes of the offensive formation and primarily block.

The 'Skins have signed seven and scalped four.

The Rams are interested in DT Grady Jackson and DT Jason Fisk.

Fat Albert faces reality: "I'm not going to be on the cover of Men's Health."

POSTED 9:29 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:59 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2006

DUNN PAYS "COSTS OF DEFENSE" TO SETTLE STEINBERG SUIT

A source with knowledge of the terms of the settlement between David Dunn and Loring Ward International, the successor-in-interest to Leigh Steinberg, tells us that Dunn will pay an amount roughly equivalent to the anticipated cost of taking the case back to trial for a second time.

The specific amount of the payment is unknown, but our guess is that it's north of $500,000 and south of $2 million.

Dunn initially was slapped with a $45 million verdict in 2002. The award was overturned on appeal.

The settlement enables Dunn and his firm, Athletes First, to emerge from bankruptcy proceedings triggered by the initial verdict.

The suit was filed by Steinberg after Dunn allegedly left Steinberg's firm and allegedly stole Steinberg clients when Dunn formed Athletes First.

DUNN TO SUBMIT TO NFLPA DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

The settlement of the Steinberg litigation and the emergence from bankruptcy also has sparked a deal between Dunn and the NFL Players Association, which previously had imposed a two-year suspension on Dunn. Liz Mullen of the SportsBusiness Journal first reported on Tuesday afternoon the existence of an agreement between Dunn and the NFLPA.

We've since learned that the NFLPA has agreed to scuttle the two-year suspension and re-start the disciplinary process with a telephonic hearing before the Disciplinary Committee. The discipline imposed can be more than, less than, or equal to the original penalty. Whatever the outcome, Dunn will have the ability to appeal the decision to an arbitrator.

There has been some disagreement in league circles as to whether Dunn's original penalty was the result of the testimony given in the Steinberg suit or the verdict that ultimately was entered. Since the verdict has since been overturned, the thinking in some circles is that Dunn's punishment will be reduced.

TUESDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The CFLwill consider imposing drug tests on RB Ricky Williams if he signs with the Toronto Argonauts.

Toyota will be the exclusive halftime sponsor of the Sunday night NFL broadcast.

Pasadena voters will decide whether to offer a long-term lease to the NFL.

POSTED 9:07 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2006; UPDATED 10:15 a.m. EDT, May 10, 2006

WALKER'S DEAL NOT REALLY BETTER THAN OWENS'

With news that the Broncos and receiver Javon Walker are close to finalizing a new deal, we've been asked by several readers whether Walker got a better deal than Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens.

A year ago, both Walker and Owens were mired in contract disputes with the Packers and Eagles, respectively. Both were represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus. Walker has since retained Kennard McGuire. Now, they both have gotten their new deals.

In our assessment, Walker's deal isn't necessarily better than Owens' contract.

See, Owens gets $10 million in 2006, regardless of whether he's with the Cowboys in 2007. Walker gets only $2.15 million for 2006, with no guarantee beyond this season.

But if the Broncos pick up Walker's $10 million option bonus in 2007, he's likely to make $25 million over the next three years.

And the exact value of Owens' deal is $25 million over three years. However, the deal is structured to give the Cowboys the ability to walk away on an annual basis, making his package a series of one-year contracts.

But after 2008, Owens will be on the open market again, at age 35. Walker, after the three-year, $25 million portion of his contract expires, will get $13 to $15 million over the final two seasons (2010 and 2011). If the salary cap continues to skyrocket, Walker might be getting disgruntled all over again with only (only?) $6.5 million to $7.5 million a year.

Don't forget the tax angle. T.O. pays no state income taxes in Texas. Walker won't be so lucky in Colorado.

Bottom line -- neither deal is obviously better than the other. With the ability of each guy to maximize his payout is tied directly to his ability to perform and stay healthy, there's a chance that either or both of them will be cruising for another payday next year.

POSTED 2:58 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 4:57 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2006

CASSERLY OUT IN HOUSTON

A league source tells us that the Texans and G.M. Charley Casserly officially have parted ways after a six-year relationship, which preceded by more than two full years the team's official arrival to the NFL.

For now, we don't know whether the move is being characterized as a resignation or a termination. Our guess is that it will be described to the media as voluntary.

Several weeks back, we reported that Casserly would be fired after the draft. Our report prompted a strong denial from the team and from owner Bob McNair. Our prediction at the time was that all parties were hoping to preserve the appearance that Casserly's ultimate departure was not in any way forced.

His name has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Art Shell in the league office, but we've heard that the rumors of Casserly's candidacy for that specific position trace not to the Park Avenue, but to Casserly himself.

We're also that Casserly will be bought out of the final year of his contract. Typically, buyouts aren't provided when an employee resigns.

And based on things we're hearing it now appears that the Texans will make a run at Broncos assistant G.M. Rick Smith before moving on to other candidates. Some league insiders believe that the Broncos would never give Smith permission to leave, and other league insiders believe that the Texans don't (or at least shouldn't) want Smith given his close relationship with new head coach Gary Kubiak.

POSTED 1:35 p.m. EDT, May 9, 2006

TEXANS TO TRY TRIANGLE OF AUTHORITY?

As Houston Texans owner Bob McNair and G.M. Charley Casserly prepare for a meeting that most likely will result in Casserly's depature from the organization, we're hearing that the plan post-Charley in Houson will be to utilize a "Triangle of Authority" similar to the arrangement that the Vikings utilized prior to the termination of director of player personnel Fran Foley.

Per a league source, Casserly's replacement will share control with coach Gary Kubiak and V.P. of football administration Dan Ferens.

We'd previously heard that the initial candidates to replace Casserly were former Falcons personnel guy Ron Hill, Eagles director of player personnel Jason Licht, and Bucs director of player personnel Ruston Webster. We're now hearing that Seahawks director of pro personnel Will Lewis, Broncos assistant G.M. Rick Smith, and Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie are also in the mix.

But because the reconstituted G.M. gig in Houston (which might not even carry that same title) won't include final say on the roster, the draft, and who the head coach is (or isn't), front-office employees who are still under contract with other teams can leave only with permission.

Hill currently is unattached, and Webster's and McKenzie's contracts expired after the April draft. We don't know the specific status of the other potential candidates, although we assume that Smith is still under contract in Denver since he only recently was promoted to assistant G.M.

ZYGMUNT PUSHING FOR DONAHOE

We recently heard that former Bills G.M. Tom Donahoe is a candidate to join the Rams' front office. We're now told that team president of football operations Jay Zygmunt is working hard to get Donahoe on board.

And, by all appearances, Zygmunt is now the guy with the juice in St. Louis. G.M. Charley Armey is widely rumored to be on the way out, and all that's left of coach Mike Martz is the brown stain on the carpet from the day when Crazy Joe Davola (allegedly) threatened to kill him.

Donahoe draws mixed reviews around the league. Some people really like him. Some people really don't. But all it takes is one team to offer a guy a job -- even if none of the other 31 teams would touch him with a ten-yard chain.

We're also now hearing Ruston Webster's name mentioned for a position in St. Louis. He has been linked to jobs in Seattle and, as explained above, Houston. We've recently been told that Webster regarding the Texans gig as a "dream job."

POSTED 8:49 a.m. EDT, May 9, 2006

PACMAN POPS OFF

Titans cornerback Pacman Jones has explained his decision to work out in Phoenix by pointing a crooked finger at the folks in Tennessee.

"I can't even breathe in Tennessee,'' Jones said. "Everybody acts like I killed somebody or something. Everything that's happened, it's either been a rumor or I wasn't involved. But I've been a target ever since I've been there. I'm used to it. I just hope it gets better."

Jones also offered an apparent excuse for all those things that he says he hasn't done: "I have no father figure. I have no one. It is just me, man. All those other guys, when they get in stuff, they have people they can go to and all that."

But then he says he's making no excuses. "I have made it this far; I'll be all right. I really don't give a [expletive] about what a lot of people say and that is really what my attitude is right now. I am just trying to be a role model for the people that love me. I can't worry about what the media and other people are saying because if I do that I definitely won't be mentally strong. . . . But it seems like everyone wants me to snap.''

We don't think people want Jones to snap. Instead, we think that folks have accepted the reality that, sooner or later, he will snap. And some would thus prefer that he get it over with sooner before later, so that the team can move on without having to worry about when he'll finally snap.

ESPN, NFL PARTNERSHIP TURNS BIZARRE

Roughly a year after ESPN agreed to cough up a whopping $1.1 billion per year for the rights to Monday Night Football, the relationship between the party paying the money and the party getting the money has turned downright bizarre,.

Most recently, the NFL Network swiped the rights to the Insight Bowl from ESPN. Last week, there were reports that ESPN might televise college games on Sunday nights -- in direct competition with NBC's Sunday night NFL package.

Though it's not as if the Boys in Bristol have greenlighted Season 2 of Playmakers, the decision to air programming that undoubtedly will suck away some of the NFL television audience (and perhaps prop up sister network ABC's Sunday night lineup) surely isn't the kind of thing that will spark all sorts of warm and fuzzies in the league office.

Then again, perhaps the move is merely a reaction by ESPN to the huge disparity between the crap-ass Monday night package and the compelling slate of 2006 Sunday night games, which cost NBC $500 million less than the fee paid by ESPN.

The problem with ESPN's approach is that it has committed to paying the NFL $1.1 billion per year for eight straight years. ESPN won't, in our view, get a better MNF schedule in 2007 and beyond by pissing off the folks on Park Avenue. With that said, it's possible that ESPN is floating the idea of Sunday night NCAA games in order to finagle a behind-the-scenes commitment that the NFL will mete out better matchups for Mondays moving forward.

Regardless, there's a strange dynamic going on right now between these two supposed partners. Unless someone blinks soon, it could get even stranger as time goes by.

TUESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Texans owner Bob McNair and G.M. Charley Casserly will meet on Tuesday or Wednesday to discuss Casserly's future (or absence thereof) with the team.

Where have you gone, Jeff Gillooly?

Titans DT Albert Haynesworth got into an ugly incident of some sort with a couple of local yokels.

Randy Moss has fired agent Dante di Trapano (any regular readers of this here site have known that for, oh, nine days).

Redskins S Sean Taylor's trial will start on July 10.

Seahawks WR Peter Warrick says he didn't do much in 2005 because of a lingering knee problem. (So what's the excuse for the other five years of his pro career?)

The Pats have released their list of undrafted free agents.

Lord Flutie.

Although no money has changed to settle the lawsuit between the Seahawks and Texas A&M, the 'Hawks will pay to use the "12th Man" thing moving forward.

Dan Cody is on track to play outside linebacker for the Ravens this year.

Lions players are now into full-blown "It wasn't me" mode.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post says that the Broncos didn't give up a second-round pick for WR Javon Walker with the idea of only keeping him for a year. (And they also didn't give up a third-round pick in 2005 for Mo Clo with the idea of cutting him later that year.)

Broncos WR Ashley Lelie has hired agents Lamont Smith and Peter Schaffer to engineer his exodus from Denver.

RB Antowain Smith is thrilled to be playing pro ball in Houston.

Gee, who's more likely to succeed Trent Green in Kansas City -- Brodie Croyle or Casey Printers? (First, can someone tell us who in the hell Casey Printers is?)

The Eagles' fifth-round pick is getting more attention than their first-round pick.

Undrafted Alabama LB Freddie Roach picked the Pats over the Fins and others. (Ricky Williams says, "Did someone say 'roach'?")

The Packers have signed a couple of undrafted free agents after last weekend's minicamp.

POSTED 7:17 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:11 p.m. EDT, May 8, 2006

BRONCOS SECURE OPTION ON WALKER'S LONG-TERM DEAL

Michael Smith of ESPN.com reports that the Broncos are close to a new contract with receiver Javon Walker, who was acquired from the Packers during the draft for a second-round pick.

The deal is worth $40 million, and it includes $15 million in bonus money. The key, however, is that the "bonus" money is in the form of two option payments due in 2007 and 2008.

Under the agreement, there's a $10 million option bonus for 2007 and a $5 million option bonus in 2008. Unless the option bonus payments are guaranteed by base salaries (and our guess is that they aren't), the Broncos have the ability to cut the cord on Walker if, due to injury or otherwise, his performance in 2006 doesn't justify the significant investment that kicks in come next year.

To get the ability to part ways with Walker after only one season, the Broncos added a $1 million roster bonus to his $1.15 million salary. This means that his cap number for 2006 will be a manageable $2.15 million.

As Smith reports, Walker will earn $25 million from 2007 through 2009. However, Walker has to get there first. In an era where a deal primarily is judged by the amount of guaranteed money that the player gets, there's simply no guarantee that Walker will see a dime of the big-money portion of the deal.

MONDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

WR Frank Murphy, who has played in three games since 2002, has signed with the Dolphins after trying out during the recent rookie minicamp.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger's new nickname should be the "Swiss Missile" (or "Big Dumb Guy Who Was in the Right Place at the Right Time").

The Texans have signed RB Antowain Smith and OT Ephraim Salaam.

The Pats have signed LB Barry Gardner and LB Jeremy Lloyd.

The NFL Network has purchased the broadcast rights to the Insight Bowl, which will now feature teams from the Big XII and the Big XI.

The Superdome's new roof is guaranteed to not blow away (but the team that plays under it isn't guaranteed to not blow).

The Bengals have landed undrafted free agent DE Eric Henderson, who was being pursued by 20 teams.

The Bengals worked out Raiders LB Tim Johnson on Monday.

Just watched David Blaine nearly drown in an oversized fishbowl. Next time let's hope they put show host Stu Scott into the thing, and weld the lid shut.

Panthers DT Kris Jenkins is working his way back from two lost seasons.

George Shinn, owner of the NBA's New Orleans Hornets, has a poor assessment of the condition of New Orleans.

POSTED 6:57 p.m. EDT, May 8, 2006

'HAWKS, AGGIES SETTLE 12TH MAN SUIT

In one of the most significant days in the history of American jurisprudence (insert eye roll here), the Seattle Seahawks and the Texas A&M Aggies have settled their differences regarding the allegedly improper use by the Seahawks of the Aggies' "12th man" moniker.

A&M filed suit during the playoffs to block the Seahawks from continuing to use the term that the Aggies had trademarked in 1990. In 1984, the Seahawks retired jersey No. 12 in honor of their fans -- the so-called "12th man."

Under the agreement, the Seahawks will license the term "12th man" moving forward. In other words, the organization owned by former Microsoft gazillionaire will pay some of that computer geek cash to the Aggies in order to use the slogan, and any variations thereof.

The irony is that, in the only game played since the suit was filed, the Seahawks' "12th man" failed to make the trek to Detroit for Super Bowl XL. Instead, Steelers fans packed Ford Field with black and gold en route to a convincing victory for the "road" team.

POSTED 9:04 a.m. EDT, May 8, 2006

BILLS' "PROMISE" TO CLEMENTS A CBA VIOLATION?

Buffalo Bills' cornerback Nate Clements recently signed his one-year franchise tender with the team. In return, the team promised not to use the franchise tag on Clements in 2007.

But it occurred to us on Monday that any unwritten side promise to a player could potentially be a violation of the CBA.

League insiders have explained to us in the past that all compensation and/or any other items of "value" must be given by NFL teams to players pursuant only to the terms of the CBA, which among other things requires all agreements between a club and a player to be in writing. An unwritten promise to a player that his hands won't be tied again when the money starts to flow in March 2007 surely is something of significant value to Clements, and thus is something that should be reduced to writing.

Of course, if it's not reduced to writing, the Bills technically could renege in 2007, slapping the tag on Clements and then possibly trading him out from under it.

That's why, in our view, Clements' agent faces an interesting dilemma right now. Should he press the team to confirm its commitment as part of a valid NFL player contract -- or should he take a leap of faith that, come February, the team will honor its word?

If it were our call, we'd get the promise in writing. It's not that we don't trust G.M. Marv Levy or owner Ralph Wilson. It's just that both have exceeded the statistical life expectancy for American males, and if either or both of them aren't, well, on the job in a year, there's a chance that the verbal commitment made to Clements won't be honored.

CLEARING THE AIR ON ROOKIE WORKOUTS

The AP had a big-splash story last week regarding the inability of Steelers' first-round rookie Santonio Holmes to attend offseason practices before the opening of training camp, due to a rule that prohibits participation before the player's class graduates.

But the item ignored the fact that four other OSU players were drafted in round one -- and that the rule presumably applies to them as well.

So the confusion prompted us to track down the precise limitations regarding the timing of rookies' arrivals to their new teams. And we've gotten our eyeballs on a couple of memos from the NFL's player personnel department as to the rules that apply.

Here's a summary:

1. With the exception of a three-day weekend minicamp held within 15 days after the draft, rookies generally cannot report to a club's facility before May 16.

2. The May 16 rule applies even if final exams conclude prior to May 16 -- and even if the player has already left school.

3. For schools at which final exams conclude after May 16 (such as Ohio State), the player cannot report to the team until the day after final exams have ended -- even if the player has already left school.

4. For schools with exams concluding after May 16, the rookies still may attend a three-day weekend minicamp held within 15 days after the draft.

5. The schools at which final exams conclude after June 1, 2006 are Cincinnati, Northwestern, Ohio, Ohio State, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, and Washington. All NFL teams have this information before the draft.

6. Graduate students at these schools are permitted to report to their teams on May 16.

The purpose of the rules in this regard, as one league insider explained to us last week, is to keep kids from leaving school once they know they have an NFL team. But the problem is that, as the source estimated, 80 percent of the players who haven't graduated leave school after their final season ends in order to start working out for the draft, typically with an agent-paid training guru at some location other than the college campus.

The NFL agreed to these limitations, we're told, in an effort to help the college football coaches improve graduation rates. And it's another example of the lengths to which the NFL goes in order to maintain good relations with college coaches, some of whom still continue to impose unreasonable restrictions on scouting visits in the fall.

So Holmes and A. J. Hawk and any other Ohio State non-graduate students will miss any on-field work until June 9, with the exception of a three-day minicamp held within 15 days after the draft. Hawk was in Green Bay this past weekend, and Holmes will be in Pittsburgh next weekend.

MONDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Former Steelers RB Byron "Bam" Morris wants to get back into the NFL after spending time in prison and (even worse) the National Indoor Football League.

TE Vernon Davis would have cried even harder if the Packers had drafted him.

The Packers had designs on Wisconsin RB Brian Calhoun in round three, but the Lions nabbed him.

OT Ross Verba recently worked out for the Packers, but it's not expected that he'll be signed by Green Bay.

NT Grady Jackson is still waiting for his phone to ring. (He's not expecting a call from an NFL team -- he's waiting for the local grocery store to let him know that it has replenished the pig meats cooler.)

Speaking of pig meats, Pork Chop Womack will get the first crack at replacing LG Steve Hutchinson in Seattle.

The Lions and Fins are talking again about QB Joey Harrington.

Marcus Vick took no snaps at quarterback in the final day of a three-day Dolphins rookie minicamp.

The Big Show is continuing his Lord Favre routine regarding his future with the Seahawks beyond 2006: "One of two things will happen," he said. (Yeah, the rest of the world will either give a sh-t, or it won't. . . . Our money is on door number 2.)

Speaking of Lord Favre, his return will mean even less shillings for last year's draft day Wallenda, Aaron Rodgers.

The pressure is on the O-line in 'Zona.

Lord Favre will be riding the tractor during the Packers' next minicamp.

P Joel Stelly could steal Brad Maynard's job in Chicago.

S Sean Taylor's trial is scheduled to begin Monday in Miami, but is expected to be postponed again.

Ravens LB Ray Lewis is entering the "U" hall of fame.

Fins coach Nick Saban defends the acquisition of guys with checkered pasts: "At least 70 percent of the guys in the whole draft have had some issue somewhere along the line,'' Saban said. "It's not, 'Did they have an issue?' It's, 'What is the degree of the issue? What's the degree of the character, what's the degree of the attitude and personality that could affect performance or how they represent the organization?'"

The Seahawks are moving their headquarters from Kirkland to Renton in 2008, with a 120,000-square-foot facility that is nearly three times larger than the team's current digs.

The Lions plan to renew talks with OL Jeff Backus, the team's franchise player; if they sign him to a long-term deal before July 15, the Lions lose the franchise tag for 2007.

POSTED 8:00 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 9:17 p.m. EDT, May 7, 2006

ALFALFA GETS ROBBED

Joan Fleischman of the Miami Herald reports that Vikings backup quarterback Mike "Thick-Necked Alfalfa" McMahon recently was robbed of two pricey watches.

Taken from his $1.65 million Miami condo, McMahon claims, were a $21,250 Rolex and a $7,745 Chopard. Six less valuable timepieces in the same leather case as the stolen items were left behind.

Regardless of the fact that McMahon lost nearly 30 large in arm clocks, what the hell is a career backup who has never really hit the NFL lottery doing in a $1.65 million crib? Sure, he can probably sell the thing at a profit when his career ends, but he's got a lot of cash tied up in his South Florida living quarters.

McMahon signed a two-year, $2 million contract earlier this year with the Vikings. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2001 draft, and spent four total seasons in Detroit. He signed a two-year deal with the Eagles in 2005, and was released after only one year.

SUNDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

Fins coach Nick Saban said on Sunday that he's not aware of any interest by the Rams in Miami G.M. Randy Mueller.

The Colts still might be interested in QB Tim Couch, which would give them the No. 1 pick in the 1998 draft and the No. 1 pick in the 1999 draft.

Former WVU Mountaineer RB Kay-Jay Harris could help to fill the void left by Ricky Williams' one-year banishment.

Shaunard Harts and Mike Green are spltting time at strong safety in Seattle while Michael Boulware gets healthy.

Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow is confident that former USC power back LenDale White won't fumble the ball.

Our buddy Chris Havel is bitching about the Packers' decision to re-issue No. 84 a week after WR Javon Walker got traded out of town.

Former Pro Bowl KR Michael Lewis is suddenly moot in the Bayou after the Saints landed Reggie Bush.

Ditto for RB Michael Bennett.

QB Kerry Collins is still waiting for a job.

New 49ers LB Manny Lawson has never heard of Charles Haley. (Isn't he the guy who wrote Roots?)

Lions coach Rod Marinelli won't talk about the grievance filed against the coaching staff by some of his players.

49ers DB Mike Rumph is back at corner after a failed experiment at safety.

The Tuna is done talking about T.O. until training camp.

The Falcons have signed Arena League WR Troy Bergeron.

The Cowboys plan to add another quarterback.

Bills LB Takeo Spikes is "frustrated" by the dilution of the team's defense.

Vernon Davis and Eric Johnson will battle for the starting spot at tight end in San Fran (our money is on Vern).

The Tuna to rookie PR/KR Skyler Green: "You're a fat boy."

Bills WR Roscoe Parrish (hamstring) did not participate in the recently-completed minicamp.

POSTED 7:32 a.m. EDT, May 7, 2006

CASSERLY DEPARTURE COMING SOON?

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that Texans owner Bob McNair and G.M. Charley Casserly will meet soon to discuss the status of the only General Manager in franchise history.

Given that the history of the franchise has not been good, it's expected by many in the league that Casserly will emerge from the meeting as something other than the team's G.M.

But it's now obvious to us that McNair, Casserly, McClain and everyone else associated with the situation is committed to spinning this thing as a voluntary departure. Writes McClain: "There have been reports that Casserly will be fired, which isn't true. If he leaves, it will be his decision."

How in the hell does McClain know this? Do his skills now include the ability to, you know, read minds?

John, have you even considered that McNair might be throwing Casserly a bone on this one, allowing him to create the impression that Casserly is walking instead of getting run?

Reports continue to link Casserly to the position in the NFL league office that was vacated by Art Shell when he returned to the Raiders as head coach. But we've heard from at least one league source informed speculation that the rumors of Casserly's candidacy for the position were started by Casserly himself. Another source with knowledge of the team's front-office dynamics tells us that, when McNair heard about Casserly's interest in another job, McNair (a guy who is very big on loyalty) decided that it was time for the relationship to end.

To us, it really doesn't matter whether Casserly quits or is fired. We like Casserly. But we don't react well to what appears to be a concerted (and sloppy) effort to paint a set of facts as something other than it really is -- especially when journalists allow themselves to be manipulated by persons who might be trying to engineer reality.

And even if that's not going on in this case, McClain's failure to even acknowledge the possibility that McNair is merely attempting to permit Casserly to save a little face tells us that McClain is doing a disservice to his readers.

SUNDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

In tracing the surge of Nigerian NFL players back to RB Christian "The Nigerian Nightmare" Okoye, ESPN.com's Len "The Italian Idiot" Pasquarelli says that Okoye's nickname was "The Nigerian Express."

Lord Favre bristled at a reference to his 29 picks in 2005 (he might have ordered someone's execution if his proximity to George Blanda's all-time pick record had been mentioned).

Favre also has indicated that 2006 might not be his final NFL season, after all. (Great, another offseason filled with "Will he or won't he?" bullsh-t.)

Cowboys QB Drew Henson suffered a sprained MCL during a game in NFL Europe.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy is gushing about rookie OL Daryn Colledge.

Packers S Mark Roman is burning.

The Bucs have moved third-round draft pick WR Maurice Stovall from split end to flanker.

Two years after his departure, the Bucs have re-issued Warren Sapp's number.

Another day, another guy who thinks that the NFL will let him wear whatever number he wants to wear.

POSTED 8:45 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:42 p.m. EDT, May 6, 2006

VIKINGS' SEARCH FOCUSING ON FOUR?

Although the specific plans of the Minnesota Vikings for replacing former V.P. of player personnel Fran Foley, who lasted in the job for only three months, are unclear, there's talk that the new hire will come from one of four men: Jaguars pro personnel director Charles Bailey, Chiefs vice president of player personnel Bill Kuharich, Eagles vice president of player personnel Jason Licht, and Patriots director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff.

Dimitroff was a candidate the job that Foley got, but Dimitroff pulled his name from consideration early in the process. Bailey and Kuharich also were candidates as well, but both were passed over for Foley. (And that's not something to emphasize on your resume.) Licht wasn't in the mix the last time around, but his boss Tom Heckert was.

We've previously argued that the Vikes should retreat to square one, compiling a new crop of "A" list candidates -- and committing sufficient pay and authority to the job. The problem, as multiple league insiders believe, is that the team's existing power structure doesn't want someone who doesn't know his place. Indeed, it could be that Foley's failure to accept his intended role fueled the effort to get him fired.

Our guess? Guys like Licht and Dimitroff would be included in the process merely to give legitimacy to it. In the end, it will be Bailey or Kuharich, we believe.

Moving forward, it remains to be seen whether owner Zygi Wilf has hired too many captains for his ship that seemingly has no rudder. If we would have had a spare $600 million last year, and if we had decided to spend it on a team that generally has had a close-but-no-cigar existence for 40-plus years, the first order of business in the offseason would have been to hire one guy (either coach or G.M.) who would carry all the power -- and all the accountability. The problem now is that, if the team continues to dog paddle in the ocean of pro football, it'll be hard to figure out who specifically should get the blame.

Maybe they'll try to blame it on Foley.

SATURDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

Memo to Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News -- teams aren't limited to using the franchise tag on the same player more than two years in a row. (Under the new CBA, the price of the tag in year three spikes to the average of the top five salaries in the league, regardless of position.)

Memo to Mark Gaughan, part two -- if the Bills sign CB Nate Clements to a long-term extension before July 15, they don't lose the franchise tag for the life of the deal. (Under the new CBA, the team would lose the tag for 2007 only.)

From the "When I Say 'Everybody,' I Mean 'Everybody But Me'" file, Bills CB Nate Clements said on Friday, "Everybody understands how the franchise tag works. A player doesn't have to show up until training camp."

Cards coach Denny Green hopes that QB Matt Leinart won't take a snap in 2006.

Seahawks WR Nate Burleson and WR Peter Warrick flip-flopped numbers; Burleson will now wear No. 81 and Warrick gets No. 83.

Lord Favre's comments regarding the quality of the roster supposedly didn't offend any of the guys on said roster.

Packers WR Donald Driver denies recent reports that he wanted out of Green Bay.

Packers G Will Whitticker, a starter at guard as a rookie, has been moved to right tackle -- and might not make the team.

Bears S Chris Harris was ejected from the United Center on Thursday night for jawing too loudly at the Miami Heat players.

The Bengals have signed 15 undrafted free agents. (They would have more but the rest didn't qualify for work-release.)

The trade of QB Trent Dilfer out of Cleveland resulted in part from a rift between Dilfer and offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon.

49ers DB Mike Rumph has taken some pounds off of his assh.

RB Tony Hollings, a supplemental draft second-round bust, has signed with the Bears.

POSTED 8:09 p.m. EDT, May 6, 2006

NAMES SURFACING FOR RAMS' FRONT OFFICE

We've confirmed that multiple scouts were scalped by the St. Louis Rams on Friday, even though the "real" media hasn't said a peep about the transactions.

We're also now hearing that former Bills G.M. Tom Donahoe and current Dolphins G.M. Rany Mueller's names have popped up as possible new additions to the Rams' front office, in not-yet-specified roles.

Because Mueller doesn't have final say over the draft and/or the 53-man roster, and does not have the power to hire and fire the head coach, he'd need to acquire such duties in order to be able to leave Miami without the blessing of the team. So if the Fins were to allow Mueller to take a lateral move, it could be a sign that the guy who calls the shots in South Florida -- coach Nick Saban -- isn't happy with the performance of the former Saints' G.M. in less than a year on the job.

In St. Louis, Mueller would be reunited with former Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and, more significantly, former Saints head coach Jim Haslett. Mueller and Haslett had emerged as a strong one-two punch several years ago, before Saints owner Tom Benson abruptly fired Mueller.

Donahoe essentially has faded from view since being released by the Bills. We've heard that, if he join the Rams, it won't be as the G.M.

Charley Armey currently is the Rams' G.M. There has been speculation of late that he'll soon be let go.

POSTED 9:09 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 10:18 a.m. EDT, May 6, 2006

MARCUS NOT LONG FOR MIAMI?

Jason Cole of the Miami Herald reports that former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick was shaky in his debut with the Dolphins, during the first of a three-day invitation to the team's rookie minicamp.

Cole says that Vick looked "decidedly small" in the pocket, that Michael's little brother had a partial Uncle Rico release, and that some of Vick's downfield throws were inaccurate.

Vick also took some snaps at receiver.

Grilled about Vick by the media, coach Nick Saban said, ''It's a date. We're not getting married."

CRAZY JOE LANDING A JOB?

Jason Cole of the Herald also reports that Kyle Turley a/k/a Crazy Joe Davola, another invitee to the Dolphins' rookie minicamp, looked "downright graceful" and enjoyed "perhaps the most impressive day of anyone" in his first stint as a tight end.

Should it surprise anyone that a slimmed down Pro Bowl tackle can play tight end? Hell, if a college basketball player can do it, a guy who already knows the blocking side of the game should have no problems at all.

Our bigger concern is that Turley is a little loose in the screws, as he has shown with his prior two NFL teams. Although one bad apple shouldn't spoil the whole bunch, we sure as hell wouldn't want to eat a donut that came from a box with a big, fat turd in it.

SATURDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells says that he doesn't view the acquisition of T.O. as a gamble. (And we haven't heard from the Tuna earlier on the topic because it took him seven weeks of practice to say that he doesn't view the acquisition of T.O. as a gamble with a straight face.)

Uncle Rico finally makes it to the pros.

"How much you wanna make a bet I can throw a football over them mountains?"

Charles Woodson made his debut on Friday with the Packers.

Raiders OL Barry Sims, the team's left tackle since 1999, is moving inside to create a spot for Robert Gallery.

The Packers are moving around the pieces of their offensive line.

If Winnipeg signs the Whizzinator, all sorts of interesting marketing opportunities could arise for the "Blue Bombers."

New 'Skins assistant coach Al Saunders is making an impact on the boss: "He was probably the best-looking athlete out there," said coach Joe Gibbs.

The Texans are sniffing around RB Antowain Smith.

Seahawks S Ken Hamlin has returned to the practice field months after suffering a head injury in a street fight.

Vince Young, on Titans QB Steve McNair: "He'll still gonna be my Pa and I'm still gonna be his little son." (Well, Vince, your Pa is soon gonna be going out for a box of Pop Tarts and a pack of Camels, and when you see him again in November he'll have himself a new family.)

Colts RB Joseph Addai is wearing No. 29 as an homage to Eric Dickerson. (Asked about Joseph Addai, Dickerson said, "When did Joseph die?")

Several teams called the Lions on draft day about a trade for WR Charles Rogers.

POSTED 8:55 a.m. EDT, May 6, 2006

GREEN DENIES THAT A NEW JOB IS IN THE CARDS

Earlier this week, we heard that the recent termination of Cardinals pro personnel director Rodd Newhouse was a precursor to the hiring of Jeremy Green, who served in the same capacity in Cleveland through the 2004 season.

Green's father, Denny, is the head coach in Arizona.

In a Friday ESPN.com chat, Green said that he's not interested in the job:

--------------------------------------

Fred (Dallas,TX): Profootballtalk.com has you rumored to be going to Arizona as pro personnel director. Any truth to that rumor?

Jeremy Green: None at all. I have had a few offers, but I am content with what I am doing right now. I may get back in at some point, but that is not the right spot for me. I have never walked in my fathers shadow and I don't intend on starting right now.

--------------------------------------

Meanwhile, we've heard from another source that Green's arrival in Arizona is a virtual certainty.

Our guess? He's not going. There would have been no reason to deny the rumor in an on-line chat session. This wasn't a loaded question from a member of the White House press corps; it was something some guy sent in by e-mail. If Green had ignored the question (which we think he would have done if he was actually taking the job), only the guy who sent it in would have noticed.

There's also speculation in some league circles that Green is and has been helping the Cardinals out under the cover of his ESPN/Scouts, Inc. job.

"It's part of why Rodd Newhouse was run out," opined one league source. "There's no need for a formal pro [personnel] director."

POSTED 8:40 a.m. EDT, May 6, 2006

TEAM BUSH CONCEDING INELIGIBILITY?

Joe Schad of ESPN.com, who apparently has become attorney David Cornwell's hand-picked media mouthpiece, reports that Reggie Bush and his family might file suit against New Era Sports & Entertainment under a California law regulating the activities of sports agents.

The key point that Schad overlooks (presumably because he wants to preserve his pipeline to Cornwell) is that the claims Cornwell is contemplating against New Era likely would represent a concession that Bush and/or his family received benefits from New Era, making Bush ineligible.

As Schad writes, "According to the Athlete Agent Act, a student-athlete would be presumed to have been adversely affected by the acts of the 'athlete agent' if, because of those acts, he is suspended or disqualified, or suffers financial damages, or both. If it is determined that either Bush or his family received extra benefits, the Pac-10 and/or NCAA could determine that he should have been ineligible last season. In that case, the Bush camp would likely argue that it was because of actions of New Era."

In other words, if Bush loses his eligibility it's because of the money that New Era gave to him and/or his family, and thus New Era is responsible legally for the ineligibility.

But if, as Bush publicly insisted when this mess first was exposed, there have been no improprieties, an argument that any ultimate ineligibility is the result of payments from New Era makes . . . no . . . freakin' . . . sense.

It's like a criminal defendant saying, "I didn't do it, but if you ever find out that I did do it, it was because someone else forced me to do it."

So why is Cornwell contemplating a lawsuit that would essentially be an admission that Bush should put his Heisman in a big box and mail it to Nashville? The NCAA is still in the early stages of its investigation as to whether Bush or his family received benefits in violation of NCAA rules. Cornwell's stated intentions, we believe, are a last-ditch effort to get the folks from New Era to tell the NCAA, "No, we didn't give Bush nothin'."

The irony, of course, is that only a week after Cornwell spoon-fed to Schad the notion that New Era's threatened suit against the Bush family is an effort to extort money from the Bushes, Cornwell is now using a threatened suit against New Era in an effort to influence its owners and employees to tell the NCAA that Bush and his family received no improper benefits.

It's not quite the pot calling the kettle black. It's more like a gray pot calling a kettle black -- and the pot then painting itself black.

The other problem is the timing. The notion that New Era faces civil liability under California law would have been a great way to get New Era to back off before any of this stuff went public. Our guess is that, in the two weeks since the story exploded, someone with knowledge of the Athlete Agent Act fed the information to Cornwell.

If it's true that Cornwell didn't previously know about the Athlete Agent Act, it's a shame. Though Cornwell currently lives in Atlanta, he spent several years practicing in California. And if Cornwell had persuaded New Era to walk away early, this whole thing might have disappeared without incident.

And Reggie might have still been the No. 1 pick in the draft.

POSTED 10:33 p.m. EDT, May 5, 2006

REPORT JUMPS GUN ON McNAIR-TO-BALTIMORE

A reader forwarded to us a link on Friday night to a UPI story indicating that quarterback Steve McNair has signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

The report, as far as we can tell, is wrong.

Apparently confused by news that the Ravens and McNair have worked out a tentative contractual agreement in the event that McNair is traded or released, the UPI item states that McNair already is a Raven.

The giveaway? This line, which apparently was written by someone with his or her head up his or her ass:

"He became a free agent when the Titans could not trade or release him."

So although we're convinced that McNair eventually will be a Raven, he's not one yet.

POSTED 10:11 p.m. EDT, May 5, 2006

RETURN OF CRAZY JOE?

In a week that might have seen the permanent departure of Fran Foley a/k/a Meathead No. 2 from the NFL landscape, one of our old friends is back.

Former Saints and Rams offensive tackle Kyle Turley.

Also known as Crazy Joe Davola.

The "Davola" moniker was born of rumors that Turley had threatened to kill Rams coach Mike Martz. And because Kyle otherwise seems a tad unstable to us. (As most Seinfeld aficionados know, Crazy Joe was a Season 4 staple -- kicking Kramer in the head and stalking Jerry.)

Back problems ended Turley's career in St. Louis. But after a year without an NFL paycheck and more than two trips around the sun since last playing ball, Turley has a chance to land with the Dolphins.

The Fins have invited Turley to the team's three-day rookie minicamp, where he'll see if he can play tight end.

Other invited players include linebacker Barrett Green and Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick.

Though neither Turley nor Vick have been signed by the Fins, they're treading dangerous close to the "turd collector" designation if they add either or both of them. The current leaders when it comes to gathering poo are the Bengals.

POSTED 5:16 p.m. EDT, May 5, 2006

LIONS GET THEIR LOINS SLAPPED

The Associated Press reports that the Detroit Lions have lost two days of so-called "Organized Team Activities" (i.e., football practice in the spring without pads) as settlement of a complaint that was filed with the NFLPA.

In a joint statement, NFL executive vice president for labor relations Harold Henderson, and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw said the Lions broke rules pertaining to the scheduling of offseason activities.

Although the AP report contains no additional details, respected Lions beat writer Tom Kowalski writes that a "couple of" players complained about the sessions because they were "too physical."

Per Kowalski, "the players were upset at the high intensity and aggressiveness demanded in the team drills and believed the coaching staff was going over the line." Kowalski also says that "the team drills were very physical even to the point where, on at least one occasion, an offensive lineman and defensive line lineman got into a scuffle over the heavy contact."

Article XXXVI, Section 4 of the CBA prohibits "'live' blocking, tackling, pass rushing, [and] bump-and-run."

The reality, however, is that most teams' offseason workouts and minicamps feature "live" line play. We've heard in the past that the linemen generally would prefer to be in pads for the offseason drills due to all of the hitting.

So what we think happened here is that the guys who were more accustomed to the player-friendly (i.e., we suck but at least everyone likes me) approach of Steve Mariucci didn't react well to new coach Rod Marinelli's "hut-two-three-four" style.

Were the minicamp practices any more physical than before? Probably not. But was the new coaching staff a little deeper into the players' rear ends? Probably so.

Although the CBA also prohibits the imposition of discipline on any of the players who finked on Frank Barone's long lost son, we'll bet some of Charles Barkley's walking-around money that Marinelli will find out who squealed -- and that they won't be Lions come September.

POSTED 12:10 p.m. EDT, May 5, 2006

RAMS CLEANING HOUSE?

A league source tells us that there's talk on the NFL grapevine that the Rams have "cleaned house," firing multiple scouts.

We're previously heard that G.M. Charley Armey is on the outs there, leaving only team president Jay Zygmunt as the remaining prong of the Triangle of Acrimony.

In the past, Armey and Zygmunt and coach Mike Martz were constantly at odds, with any two of the trio ganging up on the other from time to time. Martz was fired after the 2006 season, with one year left on his contract.

Charley Armey is the brother of former U.S. Congressman Dick Armey. We mention that only because we wanted to type the words "Dick Armey."

Stay tuned.

POSTED 11:37 a.m. EDT, May 5, 2006

BROWNS GET ONLY A SEVEN FOR DILFER

Although there's speculation in some circles that the "undisclosed draft pick" that the Browns got in exchange for quarterback Trent Dilfer was as high as a three or a four, a league source tells us that, in reality, the Niners sent only a seventh-round selection in 2007 to Cleveland.

We're also told that the 49ers extended quarterback Ken Dorsey's contract for a year before including him in the deal, at the express request of the Browns.

Dorsey previously was operating under a one-year, $721,600 restricted free agent tender.

BAILEY IN PLAY FOR VIKINGS GIG

We're heard from several sources that Jaguars pro personnel director Charles Bailey is indeed one of the leading candidates to join the Vikings as the new V.P. of player personnel.

Bailey and Fran Foley, as we understand it, were the two finalists for the job the last time around. The job ultimately went to Foley, who was fired earlier this week.

Though we've previously lobbied for the team to hire a strong G.M., no one in Minnesota really cares about what we have to say on the matter. (So maybe there's still hope for the franchise, after all.)

POSTED 6:38 a.m. EDT, May 5, 2006

STUDWELL HAS INSIDE TRACK ON VIKES GIG?

Early indications out of Minnesota are that the team won't be pumping up the budget and aiming high for a G.M.-style personnel boss who might finally whip the dysfunctional operation into shape.

Instead, word is that the job will either go to Scott Studwell or to someone experience in pro scouting, given that Studwell's specialty is on the college side.

So it sounds as if the Vikings will simply dust off the stack of resumes (which hopefully will be examined a bit more closely this time) that were considered several months back in conjunction with the process that resulted in the arrival of Fran Foley. Indeed, Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that prior candidates Charles Bailey, Ron Hill, Bill Kuharich, and Rick Spielman could be back in the mix.

And that's a shame, in our view. Nothing against the guys who got sniffs the last time around, but this is an opportunity for the team to get it right. The hiring, in our view, of Foley was a symptom of a deeper problem. Resorting to the same approach that resulted in Foley's arrival suggests that the problem is still festering.

The thing that owner Zygi Wilf doesn't realize is that folks with far more experience in the business know exactly what's going on. The guys who already are entrenched in the organization don't want someone with a high degree of ability (and thus a high degree of influence) to come in and infringe on their fiefdom.

Instead, Kevin Warren, Rob Brzezinski, and Brad Childress hope to protect their territory -- and they'll do so only if the guy who replaces Foley arrives not with an agenda driven by a desire to improve the overall organization, but with a high degree of gratitude for those who helped him get the job.

The far better approach, as we've previously argued, would be for Wilf to hire an established football guy from an organization with a strong track record of success, pay him accordingly, and give him the keys to the car.

We were going to say "boat" but, well, you know. . . .

PROPOSED BAN ON ATHLETE CONTACT DRAWS SHARP REACTION

Two days ago, we suggested that the NCAA and the NFL Players Association should prohibit any and all contact between agents and student-athletes before the eligibility of the student-athletes has expired.

The proposal elicited strong comments from multiple agents, who believe that banning contact will make it even harder for the agents who follow the rules currently in place to do business.

The thinking is that, if the NCAA and the NFLPA prohibit contact, the guys who currently are funneling money to players (and you know who you are) will continue to do so -- and that the inability of the agents who aren't cheating to communicate with the players before their eligibility ends will make it virtually impossible to compete.

One agent also suggested that such a ban would violate First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of association. However, that's not an open-and-shut argument, since the law recognizes many situations in which restraints on speech are legitimate.

The alternative to an outright ban on communications before eligibility ends? Enforce the rules currently on the books. But our idea for changing the rule arises from the reality that the rules aren't being enforced, and that a bright line no-contact provision would be easier to police.

Another possible approach, as suggested by a reader, would be for the NFL to impose penalties on players who have received impermissible benefits while still eligible for NCAA play. This would create real consequences for a guy who suffers no downside if his conduct comes to light after he leaves school.

If, for example, former USC tailback Reggie Bush was facing a possible one-year suspension from NFL play based on the current investigation regarding whether he or his family received payments from agents, Bush and his family might have taken far more care before engaging in any conduct that might later be scrutinized by his eventual employer.

The simple reality is that the current rules aren't working, and that if the Bush matter becomes sufficiently ugly to attract the attention of Congress, the powers-that-be will be forced to beef up their rules -- or to face the prospect of federal legislation that does it for them.

FRIDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Packers G.M. Ted Thompson seems to confirm our past reports that the team knew that Lord Favre was returning weeks before an announcement of the decision was made: "He was on our team the whole spring. I felt it better it come from him, however he wanted to do it."

The Ravens and QB Steve McNair have a deal in place that will pay him an $11 million signing bonus and a $1 million salary this season, if/when a trade goes down or McNair is released.

Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz has thrown his first tantrum in Motown.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy will address his new team for the first time on Friday.

The Packers will have more than $6.6 million in rookie pool space in 2006.

Green Bay signed DT Kendarick Allen to a one-year, $800,000 contract.

As it turns out, Charles Barkley really is a role model. For compulsive gamblers.

40 players are expected to attend a three-day rookie minicamp in Indy.

Three of the Jaguars' five upcoming minicamp practices will be open to the public.

CB Ahmen Plummer has visited with the Titans.

The Whizzinator could be back in the NFL by Halloween.

Packers G.M. Ted Thompson says that the team "explored" the possibility of trading up with the Saints to get Reggie Bush.

New Pats RB Laurence Maroney earned the nickname "Kool-Aid" when he was a kid, after putting out a fire with a pitcher of the stuff. (We still prefer "T-Bone.")

Packers personnel execs John Schneider, John Dorsey, and Reggie McKenzie are expected to re-up with the team, unless they receive offers for a promotion elsewhere.

POSTED 5:21 a.m. EDT, May 5, 2006

FOLEY HEADING TO NEW ORLEANS?

Although more and more league insiders agree with the notion that former Vikings V.P. of player personnel Fran Foley has seriously damaged his chances of landing another NFL gig by filing an arbitration claim and allowing his lawyer to go public with criticism of the team, there's speculation in some circles that Foley could land with the Saints.

The business is driven in large part by relationships, and two of Foley's former colleagues in Jacksonville -- Rick Mueller and Rick Reiprish -- hold key positions in New Orleans.

Mueller is the director of player personnel, and Reiprish is the director of college scouting. Interestingly, the Saints currently have only two pro scouts -- and no pro personnel director. Since Foley's primary experience has come in that role, there's a potential for a natural fit.

The question is whether G.M. Mickey Loomis and/or owner Tom Benson would try to keep the move from happening. Our guess is that, if the price is right, Loomis and Benson will overlook Foley's recent follies.

POSTED 5:06 a.m. EDT, May 5, 2006

BROWNS SEND DILFER TO SAN FRAN

Only days after denying that quarterback Trent Dilfer was a candidate to be traded or released, the Cleveland Browns shipped the veteran signal-caller to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.

In return, the Browns received quarterback Ken Dorsey and an undisclosed 2007 draft pick.

In addition to starter Charlie Frye, the other quarterbacks on the Browns' roster are Lang Campbell, Darrell Hackney, Derek Anderson, and Dustin Almond. Over the weekend, the Browns tried to swing a trade with the Lions for quarterback Joey Harrington. In the wake of the move, we heard that Dilfer was indeed done in Cleveland.

Dilfer was a first-round draft pick way back in 1994. He has played for the Buccaneers, Ravens, Seahawks, and Browns. He has started only 23 games since leading the Ravens to an NFL championship in the 2000 season.

POSTED 9:14 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:37 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2006

SON OF DENNY GETTING A GIG IN 'ZONA?

Given the news that the Arizona Cardinals have fired pro personnel director Rod Newhouse, some league insiders believe that the Cards will offer the job to Jeremy Green, the son of head coach Dennis Green.

Green most recently was the pro personnel director in Cleveland. For the past year or so, Green has worked for ESPN and Scouts, Inc. Two weeks ago, league insiders were buzzing regarding an ESPN/Scouts, Inc. "Decision Makers" article, which some interpreted as an effort by Green and former NFL scout Keith Kidd to take shots at old foes -- and to suck up to prospective employers.

The thinking in some circles is that Jeremy Green is actually far better qualified for the job than Newhouse was. Still, folks will claim nepotism if/when Jeremy Green is hired.

But as one league source said, "What do you think kept Rod Newhouse's brother Reggie on the Cardinals' roster the last couple of years?"

THURSDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The Eagles won't be retiring T.O.'s jersey -- rookie WR Jason Avant will wear No. 81 in 2006.

RB Ahman Green and RB Najeh "Dookie" Davenport will miss the Packers' first minicamp of the offseason.

The Cards have sold out their entire allotment of season tickets for 2006. (Apparently, their new stadium has only 15,000 seats.)

The Cowboys officially are returning their training camp to San Antonio in 2007.

Chiefs RB Larry Johnson is "never happy."

The Browns have signed 16 undrafted rookie free agents.

27 rookies will be in Dallas this weekend.

The Falcons have signed K Seth Marler.

Pats QB Tom Brady wants Doug Flutie to return (not to back up Brady, but to drop kick extra points and field goals).

Nike has signed Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler to endorsement deals.

Speaking of Leinart, he's shedding his Hollywood image by canoodling with Paris Hilton in Vegas.

RB Priest Holmes will miss the Chiefs' first minicamp of the offseason.

Here's an update on the Bush investigation.

Maybe the Vikings best strategy for getting a new stadium is to generate as much pity as possible.

The Dolphins have waived TE Alex Holmes.

The Browns and 49ers are talking about a trade for QB Trent Dilfer.

Bengals DE Justin Smith thinks his days could be numbered in Cincy.

Saints QB Drew Brees insists that he'll be ready for the start of training camp. (Yeah, in 2007.)

The Cardinals, Packers, and Bucs could be interested in Ross Verba, who apparently has realized that gambling winnings only carry a guy so far.

The Colts have picked up 25 news players in one week.

Brad Childress is making more friends.

With 15 minutes (and three-plus months) remaining in the first quarter, the Pats and Falcons are deadlocked at zero.

Close to 90 rookies and first-year players will attend the Redskins' three-day Rookie Camp.

Vikings Hall of Famer Paul Krause, with little or no front office experience, wants to be the team's next V.P. of player personnel. (The sad part is that Krause would likely be an upgrade over the guy they just fired.)

The Bucs have signed two more undrafted free agents.

POSTED 8:59 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2006

CANDIDATES EMERGING FOR TEXANS G.M. GIG

Although the Houston Texans still have a General Manager, there's plenty of scuttlebutt in league circles regarding the possible folks who could take the place of Charley Casserly, if as many assume his tenure is coming to a close -- voluntarily or otherwise.

Three names initially making the rounds are former Falcons personnel director Ron Hill, Eagles V.P. of player personnel Jason Licht, and Bucs player personnel director Ruston Webster.

Indeed, word is that the Seahawks are waiting to make a run at Webster until the situation in Houston is resolved.

POSTED 6:43 a.m. EDT, May 4, 2006

FOLEY MIGHT BE BLACKBALLING HIMSELF

As if Fran Foley's escapades with his resume weren't enough to make teams less inclined to consider him for employment, there's a feeling in some league circles that his decision to file a claim against the Vikings for the balance of his contract will slam the door on his ability to secure future employment with any NFL club.

Making matters worse is Foley's decision to allow his attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, to make public comments critical of Foley's former employer.

On Wednesday, Kessler suggested that the Vikings' decision not to buy out Foleys contract was not ethical. According to the AP, Kessler continues to bash the team: "Mr. Foley had a guaranteed contract and the Vikings breached that contract," Kessler said, "They induced him to leave a job he was very happy at in San Diego by offering that guaranteed contract."

Look, the NFL is a small, tightly-knit industry. Owners generally are cautious and conservative. They prefer to avoid behavior that could be construed as disrespectful to a fellow owner (except, of course, when it comes to something important, like revenue sharing).

The question that any owner considering Foley must consider is this: Is hiring Foley worth all the headaches?

First will be the P.R. hit in the local media. Second will be the question of whether Foley can be trusted. Third will be the potential hard feelings from the Vikings (even though continued employment by an NFL club will reduce the maximum amount the Vikes ultimately might owe to Foley). Fourth will be the basic fear that, if the team that hires Foley chooses to fire him prematurely, the new employer could face an arbitration claim along with inflammatory public statements from Foley's lawyer.

Foley's best play, in our view, would have been to resign quietly, and to hope that someone like his former boss Tom Coughlin could hook him up with a new gig.

As we explained on April 22:

"After the draft, Wilf should ask Foley to step aside. And if Foley truly 'gets it,' he shouldn't have to be asked to leave."

VICK INVITE A FAVOR TO BEAMER?

There's a rumor making the rounds in league circles that the decision of the Miami Dolphins to invite former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick to an upcoming rookie minicamp was the direct result of a call from Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer to Dolphins coach Nick Saban in which Beamer either called in or asked for a favor from Saban.

Why does Beamer care? Because whether or not Vick lands with a pro team is a direct reflection on Beamer and his program, and it surely would be used against the Hokies by other teams during current and future recruiting efforts.

For the Fins, bringing Vick in for a look-see really is a no-lose proposition. Saban owes one less favor to Beamer, or Beamer owes Saban one more. And if the Fins don't like what they see, they can cut Vick loose.

Or if Saban thinks he can get the kid to straighten himself out, Marcus still could develop into a solid NFL quarterback. Though we think Michael's younger brother is a flaming butthole, the kid can play quarterback. Unlike his big brother, Marcus stays in the pocket and makes his reads before pulling down the ball and heading for daylight. That quality in and of itself already puts Marcus in a better position than Michael to be a successful passer over the long haul.

Marcus simply needs to learn how to conduct himself on and off of the field. If Saban can get through to him, it's a win-win for everyone.

TUNA TO SPEAK ON FRIDAY

The Associated Press finally has gotten Cowboys coach Bill Parcells to say something.

And what he said was that he'll say more soon.

"I'm coming out of my hole on Friday," Parcells said in response to questions about the team's draft and the controversial decision to sign receiver Terrell Owens.

Although members of the Cowboys organization and many of the team's fans have brushed off Parcells' failure to say anything in response to the signing of Owens, it was the first time in his four years with the team that Parcells said nothing at all on the weekend of the draft.

The Cowboys hold a minicamp this weekend, and Parcells will talk to the media on Friday and on Sunday.

Hey, T.O., we'll definitely have our popcorn ready for this.

FINS SHOULD LET RICKY PLAY

Alex Marvez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the Miami Dolphins might not allow running back Ricky Williams to play football with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL during his one-year NFL banishment.

"I talked to Nick this morning and the initial response was guarded," agent Leigh Steinberg told Marvez on Wednesday afternoon. "He had concerns both in terms of wear and tear and injury with respect to Ricky playing there. So he's going to have another discussion with Ricky and probably get back to me tomorrow."

Steinberg said that, if Saban doesn't want Williams to play in Canada, Williams won't try to.

But why shouldn't the Fins let him play? There was talk of a trade before the news broke of Ricky's most recent violation of the league's substance abuse policy. If, as we assume, the team would look to deal Williams again after he is reinstated, letting him showcase his talents against inferior competition could only push up his ultimate trade value.

It's a simple risk-reward analysis for Saban. Right now, Ricky might be worth a sixth-round pick at best if/when he is reinstated in 2007. If he gets blown up in Canada, his trade value drops. But if he runs roughshod over teams like the Roughriders, then maybe the Fins can deal him for a first-day pick.

We also think that the Dolphins should take into account the fact that Ricky is still subject to regular drug testing during his suspension. Under such circumstances, it makes much more sense to give him something productive to do, which surely would reduce any temptation to reunite with his girlfriend named Mary Jane.

COLTS CORRAL KORAL

On Friday, we noted that several teams were keeping a close eye on UCLA quarterback David Koral, a two-year backup to starter Drew Olson. Koral played sparingly during those two seasons, turning heads with a solid performance in the Las Vegas Bowl after Olson went down with a knee injury.

In the end, neither Olson nor Koral were drafted. After the draft, however, Koral signed with the Colts and Olson signed with the Ravens.

Koral arguably is in a better position to stick in Indy, since the Colts had only Peyton Manning and Jim Sorgi on the roster in 2005. Sorgi is scheduled to become a restricted free agent after the 2006 season, which could prompt the team to carry a third guy on the roster this year in order to ensure that they'll have at least one backup who is familiar with the system in 2007. The Colts also have signed Josh Betts of Miami (Ohio).

The Ravens, on the other hand, have Kyle Boller and Brian St. Pierre -- and likely will be adding Steve McNair. It might be a good idea, then, for Olson to ask the team to put "Camp Arm" on the back of his jersey.

And the biggest irony regarding the ultimate landing spots of Koral and Olson? Koral got $5,000 to sign with Indy. Olson, in contrast, received only $1,000.

THURSDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

The Texans have cut ten players, including four former starters.

Titans CB Michael Waddell is out for 4-6 months after sustaining a knee injury while "playing with his 2-year-old son." (So why do we have a feeling that the injury more accurately traces to a bottle of 3-year-old scotch?)

(Editor's note: That's only a joke, folks. We have no reason to believe that Waddell was injured while doing something that he arguably shouldn't have been doing, and that he came up with a facially plausible explanation after the fact. That kind of thing would be unprecedented for pro athletes.)

The injury to Titans CB Michael Waddell might force the team to dump QB Steve McNair sooner rather than later, in order to clear cap room to sign a replacement.

Southern Miss QB Dustin Almond has signed with the Browns.

Video game giant and Madden series producer Electronic Arts lost $16 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 (maybe they'd make more money if they came up with a version of the Madden game that gives a grown man a realistic chance of not being blown out by a 12-year-old).

Heath Shuler finally has won something since leaving college.

Agent Joel Segal claims that two teams planned to select QB Tarvaris Jackson high in round three of the draft; the Vikings' decision to give up two third-round picks in order to trade back into round two for Jackson has drawn heavy criticism.

The Bengals and OL Eric Steinbach are working on a contract extension.

Fran Foley reportedly told an assistant to take Monday and Tuesday of this week off because there would be a "bloodbath" in the Vikings' scouting department. (Little did Foley realize that the blood he would be bathing in was his own.)

POSTED 10:04 p.m. EDT, May 3, 2006

WILL VIKES GET IT RIGHT THIS TIME?

The most pressing question in the wake of the Vikings' stunning-but-not-surprising decision to part ways with V.P. of player personnel Fran Foley is whether, given a new chance to hire a guy with "final say" over the roster, the organization will alter the approach that resulted in Foley getting hired in the first place.

The unanimous opinion of a variety of league and industry sources from whom we've heard over the past couple of weeks is that Foley is a lightweight who never should have gotten the job.

So why did he get the job?

Several sources have opined that the move was aimed at ensuring a high level of influence for V.P. of football operations Rob Brzezinski, V.P. of operations and legal counsel Kevin Warren, and coach Brad Childress. Since, as the theory goes, Foley didn't come through the door as an ass-kicker and name-taker, Brzezinski, Warren, and Childress would have more juice.

"THIS IS ABOUT TURF PROTECTION," as one league source with extensive knowledge regarding the operation of NFL front offices has explained to us via a Wednesday night e-mail, using all caps for emphasis.

The central figure in all of this, as the source opined, is Brzezinski. It was Brzezinksi, after all, who cozied up to Zygi Wilf last season, sitting next to him in the owner's box and securing the owner's trust. So at a time when Wilf couldn't call up any of the other 31 members of the Billionaire Boys Club and ask for basic advice on how to run a pro football team, Wilf did the only thing that he could.

He gave Brzezinski a significant voice in the process.

And as another source previously has explained, part of the problem is that Wilf didn't appreciate the importance of a personnel chief to the team, budgeting something in the neighborhood of $500,000 per year for the job. Indeed, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the three-year deal is believed to be worth in excess of $1 million.

Wilf's focus was the coaching position. It appears in hindsight that he focused on it too much.

Our recommendation for a next step? Hire a respected person from an organization with a proven track record of success and give him the reins.

And spend the money necessary to make it happen.

Here's the interview list we'd compile, right now, in no particular order: Kevin Colbert of the Steelers, Jason Licht of the Eagles, Scott Pioli of the Patriots, Chris Polian of the Colts, Jerry Reese of the Giants, Dan Rooney Jr. of the Steelers, Ted Sundquist of the Broncos, Mike Lombardi of the Raiders, Eric DeCosta of the Ravens, Greg Gabriel of the Bears, Ruston Webster of the Bucs.

None have "final say" -- thus, any of them can be hired as long as they get "final say" in Minnesota.

We're not saying which one of these guys we'd ultimately hire. The final decision depends on the manner in which the candidate fits within the existing structure.

But we'd interview all of them, and we'd hire one of them.

ASAFP.

POSTED 9:28 p.m. EDT, May 3, 2006

FOLEY GOING WAPNER AGAINST VIKES

The Minnesota Vikings have terminated V.P. of player personnel Fran Foley.

And per Kevin Seifert of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Foley plans to file an arbitration claim against the team for the balance of his three-year contract, after he and the team were unable to work out a buyout.

Foley is being represented by Jeffrey Kessler, who most recently represented T.O. in his failed arbitration -- and who then stuck it to the NFL at the bargaining table regarding the new non-economic terms of the CBA.

Kessler claims that Foley was "wrongfully terminated," but the claim for the balance of the contract likely arises from the standard practice in the industry that coaching and executive contracts are honored if terminated by the club, minus any earnings that the guy realizes with another NFL team.

"The Vikings are refusing to honor his contract," Kessler said, "which we find shocking for a club who has made such a major public stance on being ethical and having a code of conduct." (Um . . . Jeff, we wouldn't hammer on that whole "code of conduct" thing, in light of your client's misadventures with, you know, the truth.)

The Vikings are taking the position that the termination was "for cause," and that the team therefore is not obligated to honor his contract. We've heard that the decision was motivated both by Foley's resume inaccuracies and by the simple fact that he couldn't get along with anyone in his short stint with the team.

Kessler claims that the move was the result "of some type of internal issue created by people who did not want Mr. Foley to have the job in the first place."

Sorry, Jeff, but your theory is too esoteric. How is it that these people who didn't want Foley in the first place were later able to run him out the door? Even if it's true, it's because Foley gift-wrapped his own pink slip via his incredibly poor handling of the resume issue.

Moving forward, look for the Vikings to dispatch an army of lawyers to gather as much dirt as possible regarding anything in Foley's resume or background that would reflect poorly on him, or that would suggest further evidence of lying. Even if not directly (or indirectly) relevant to the question of whether Foley should not get paid, the approach in cases of this nature is to get the decision-maker to focus generally on whether the claimant is worthy of the relief he or she seeks. If the Vikes can make enough poop stick to Fran, the Commish (who apparently will preside over the matter) might decide that Foley shouldn't get a dime.

And given that Jeff Kessler personally was responsible for recently breaking one off in the NFL's hind quarters, we wonder whether he's the best choice to represent Foley. The quick hiring of Kessler has prompted speculation that Foley is represented by Tom Condon and/or Ken Kremer, given Kessler's close ties to the former IMG duo that recently jumped to Creative Artists Agency. Regardless, it's not a good thing for Foley if the decision-maker is disinclined to agree with Kessler (consciously or not) given Kessler's key role on behalf of the players' union.

POSTED 7:24 p.m. EDT, May 3, 2006

THE GREATER CINCINNATI AREA IS OFFICIALLY UNSAFE

In recently discussing the Bengals' penchant for collecting players of questionable character, we recently made the following observation.

"Good news for the folks in and around Cincinnati -- your football team finally doesn't suck anymore. Bad news for the folks in and around Cincinnati -- we suggest staying indoors at all times."

We need to tweak that last part. A little.

We now suggest staying indoors at all time . . . but not with Bengals receiver Chris Henry.

Per WPCO-TV in Cincinnati, Henry is currently being investigated for an "alleged crime of a sexual nature."

"The only thing that I'm really going to indicate is Chris Henry is being investigated for potential criminal activity that occurred here in Covington," said Kenton County (Ky.) chief prosecutor Ken Easterling. "The crime is sexual in nature."

Though we don't know whether the "crime of a sexual nature" is of the Mike Tyson variety or of the Pee-Wee Herman ilk (or something in between), it's another disturbing development for Henry,

Within the past five months, Henry has been busted for marijuana possession and for aggravated assault. His next strike could be charges that he engaged in conduct that would make the misdemeanors filed against the passengers of the Love Boat look like jaywalking in a parking lot.

The reality is that the Bengals never should have drafted this guy. Several teams had him off of their boards in April 2005, but yet the Bengals took him in the third round.

Similar concerns have been raised this year by league insiders regarding the decision of the Bengals to select defensive end Frostee Rucker in round three and linebacker A. J. Nicholson in round five -- and by the signing of free-agent fullback Fahu Tahi after the draft.

At a time when character matters more than ever in the NFL, we can't understand what the Bengals are doing. And we think it's only a matter of time before the shrinking nucleus of quality individuals in the locker room start looking for a way out.

POSTED 7:51 a.m. EDT, May 3, 2006

BUSH HOLDOUT LIKELY?

We're hearing through the grapevine that agent Joel Segal has promised running back Reggie Bush that Segal will drive a very hard bargain during contract negotiations with the New Orleans Saints. Given other realities of the process of negotiating first-round picks, this likely will translate into a training camp holdout.

Segal has a general reputation of refusing to work out first-round contracts until the players before and after his guys have signed. If Segall is true to form, then he won't finalize a contract with the Saints until the Titans sign quarterback Vince Young, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft.

Rookie contracts are subject to a slotting system, with the agent trying to get for the client a deal that falls somewhere between the package of the players taken one spot earlier and one spot later. Also relevant in this regard is the deal that the player received in the same draft position in the prior year.

The fact that the Titans are working out of the No. 3 spot adds an extra layer of intrigue this year. The consensus around the league is that receiver Braylon Edwards landed an excellent contract as the third overall choice in 2005. Thus, if the Titans are forced to work off of that deal, the chances of a sssslow negotiation with Young will increase.

And that, in turn, will sssslow down the Bush deal.

Further complicating matters in this regard is the continued presence of Steve McNair on the Tennessee roster. Until his $9 million salary is dumped, the Titans can do nothing with Young. Also, the fact that Young is represented by novice agent Major Adams could cause hiccups and delays in the discussions with the Titans, since Adams likely will be clearing every single move he makes with the NFL Players Association. ("After all the pee comes out, then what do I do?")

Meanwhile, Segal will wait.

Indeed, it's our understanding that Segal's general reluctance to do a deal absent the parameters of the contract behind him contributed, as a practical matter, to the Texans' decision to opt for defensive end Mario Williams over Bush. As we hear things, Segal dragged his feet just enough to give Houston an opportunity to explore the possibility of getting something worked out with Williams.

So now Segal's only move is to thump his chest for his client and claim that he'll get a deal at No. 2 close to what Williams got at No. 1. Even if he does, the reality is that Reggie will have a lot less money in his pockets after paying Louisiana state income tax.

Williams, in contrast, will pay zero dollars and zero cents over the life of his contract in Texas taxes.

The broader question, in our view, is whether Bush or someone close to him will connect the dots in this regard, and eventually lay blame at Segal's feet for not getting the contract hammered out at No. 1. Even though the Texans insist that the decision to pass on Reggie was driven by football considerations, it's our understanding that Bush would have been the guy if Segal had only been willing to pull the trigger.

TIME FOR NEW RULES, NEW LAWS ON AGENTS

One thing that the Reggie Bush fiasco has demonstrated to us is that tough new rules and laws are necessary in the context of agents and NCAA student-athletes.

Currently, the NCAA precludes student-athletes from signing with agents and from receiving any benefits from agents prior to the conclusion of their eligibility. The NFLPA likewise prohibits agents from giving anything of value to college players as an inducement to hire the agent, either before or after conclusion of a player's eligibility.

The problem, as a practical matter, arises from the enforcement of these provisions. Or, more accurately, the lack thereof. Even if extensive contacts between a player and an agent can be established, it is virtually impossible to show that cash or other benefits changed hands, especially when agents use runners and other intermediaries to distribute the money.

And the money is indeed being distributed. In some cases, blatantly. If Bush's family didn't actually realize that getting free rent or other benefits from New Era Sports & Entertainment (assuming the allegations of New Era are accurate), there's a good reason for their ignorance. With no one doing anything to police the situation, no one is getting caught. And if no one is getting caught, the abuses will be rampant. And if the abuses are rampant, more and more people will just assume that there's nothing wrong with what's happening.

And the abuses are indeed rampant. Not just at Southern Cal, but at other programs.

Agents are paying players. Without question.

That's why we believe that the only way to keep this stuff from happening is to prohibit any and all contact between agents and NCAA student-athletes before their eligibility expires. It's a rule that needs to be passed by the NCAA, the NFLPA, and all other sports unions.

Also, the rules in this regard need to be supplemented by federal legislation that promises to throw in jail any agents who have contact with NCAA student-athletes before their eligibility expires, with increasing penalties based on the extent of the communications and whether any cash or other things of value changed hands between the agent, any intermediary, and the player or his family. And although most folks clam up whenever a rare investigation is launched by the NCAA, the feds will have the ability to squeeze the runners or the players' family members into telling the truth by, for example, offering not to prosecute them for any criminal liability of their own.

And the receipt of benefits by the player and his family should be criminalized as well, since for now the only penalty that someone like Bush will suffer is public embarrassment and, possibly, the loss of his Heisman Trophy. A deterrent such as a year in jail and the loss of NFL and marketing income that comes with it could go a long way toward getting these kids to hold off on taking money.

Hey, if the government thinks that it's proper to get involved in the manner in which sports leagues test players for steroids, it's entirely proper for Congress to take strong action to prevent activities that undermine the purposes of and public confidence in amateur intercollegiate athletics.

Especially when the stewards of the sports are doing nothing at all to clean up this mess.

BOZ PRECEDENT GIVES LITTLE HOPE FOR BUSH

Regarding the desire of running back Reggie Bush to wear No. 5 with the New Orleans Saints, we've been reminded of a dispute from nearly 20 years ago regarding another player who wanted to transport his college number to his NFL career.

Linebacker Brian Bosworth had worn No. 44 with the Oklahoma Sooners. He wanted to wear No. 44 in the NFL in order to maximize his off-field marketing potential.

To make it happen, he tried to characterize himself not as a linebacker, but as a "monster defensive back."

Although the effort to craft a new position title didn't work, Bosworth eventually won a restraining order against the NFL, which permitted him to wear No. 44 for one game. Though we're not clear on the details, Bosworth eventually ended up back in No. 55. His NFL career ultimately was cut short by injury.

So unless the NFL steps in and changes its rules regarding the numbers that running backs may wear, it's highly unlikely that any other strategy will permit Bush to keep No. 5.

And, surprisingly, some league insiders believe that the NFL might relent.

"Marketing and money are driving the entire league now," said one source. "Do you think the Tom Lewand, Paul Vance, Jay Cross, Joe Banner, Jerry Jones, Dan Snyder, John Collins-types give a flying flip about NFL rules like this or NFL tradition?"

The source added that, if the change is indeed made, "it is another sign that this league may be starting to rot from the inside out."

Still, there simply isn't enough time to get the rule changed before the 2006 season. The measure would have to move through the competition committee and then be approved by 24 of the owners.

Meanwhile, 15,000-plus folks who have ordered Reggie Bush jerseys are waiting to get what they paid for.

WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Titans CB Pacman Jones is now skipping the team's offseason workouts, in order to avoid a "media frenzy." (Hey, Pac -- all you have to do is tell any journalists who are brave enough to ask you questions that you'll f--k them up if they keep talking.)

Representatives from the NCAA, the Pac-10, and USC interviewed David Caravantes on Tuesday in connection with the Reggie Bush probe.

Here's a Fran Foley update; also, Tom Powers of the Pioneer Press has a great take on the situation, noting among other things that the Vikings' "Triangle of Authority" is now geometrically challenged.

The Big Show selected his next door neighbor in round five of the draft. (And he picked his mailman in round seven.)

Ahhnold wants two NFL teams in Los Angeles. (One for each of his gigantic, post-steroid man boobs.)

It sounds like Jags owner Wayne Weaver is second-guessing his vote in favor of the NFL's new CBA/revenue sharing plan.

RB Ricky Williams is interested in playing for the CFL.

CB Ty Law will visit the Titans next week.

The Fins have inked some more undrafted free agents.

The Dolphins, to no surprise, have been exonerated of any charges of tampering in connection with negotiations with Lions QB Joey Harrington; "If a team gives permission to a player to shop himself around or speak to other teams, the player can discuss contract issues with other teams," said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. "There's no trade and no contract until the teams agree to a trade."

Former Bowling Green QB Omar Jacobs got drafted four rounds later than he expected.

Chiefs LT Willie Roaf formally announced that he'll be back in 2006.

Steelers CB Ike Taylor has inked his one-year RFA tender.

NBC was putting together an excellent cast of characters for its Sunday night coverage -- until the network hired Sterling "I Talk Really Loud All The Time" Sharpe.

With the Steelers unable to swing a trade for Falcons RB T. J. Duckett, Verron Haynes might have a bigger role in 2006.

New Jaguars RB Maurice Drew didn't know that starter Fred Taylor is staying away from offseason workouts; "I'm on the West Coast,'' Drew said. "I didn't hear anything about that. I was 3,000 miles away. I don't think word travels that fast.'' (Hey, Mo -- if you'd take your laptop to Denny's, you'd be able to pick up info like that from sites like ours.)

New Jaguar Marcedes Lewis says that he was "probably the most complete tight end in the draft." (When informed of this, Vernon Davis started to cry.)

The hearing on QB Steve McNair's grievance against the Titans is set for May 16.

Maybe Bears coach Lovie Smith shouldn't be alone in the locker room with rookie WR Devin Hester, who had this to say about his new boss: "From the first day I laid eyes on [Smith], it's like me and a girl -- it was love at first sight.''

Rah, rah, sis boom bess!! We'll grease the local team for some more access!!

Giants G.M. Ernie Accorsi is suddenly coy about his future, even though he all but announced his retirement on ESPN during the draft.

The Cards are looking for some linebackers.

Arizona RB Edgerrin James planned on asking owner Bill Bidwill to get wireless Internet access in the locker room . . . until Edge realized that the team already has it.

The Giants remain interested in QB Jay Fiedler, who expects to begin throwing later this month.

The Pack have added eight more undrafted rookies.

POSTED 10:18 p.m. EDT, May 2, 2006

MARCUS VICK GETTING A SHOT WITH THE FINS

As it turns out, the Cincinnati Bengals aren't the only team currently collecting turds.

The Miami Dolphins have invited former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick to attend the team's rookie mini-camp. He has not been actually signed by the team -- and might never be.

Actually, we kind of like the Fins' approach here. The biggest question regarding Michael Vick's younger brother is whether he can or will humble himself. Ever.

So coach Nick Saban will get a chance to see what Marcus says and does one week after not getting drafted. Has Marcus finally realized the connection between his past behavior and his current station in life? Or will he continue to conjure excuses and/or externalize blame?

Though we don't really like Marcus, we're convinced that if he ever gets his head on straight, he could indeed be a very good NFL quarterback.

POSTED 10:04 p.m. EDT, May 2, 2006

SPIELMAN GETTING LOOKS FROM VIKES, RAMS

Word around the league is that former Dolphins G.M. Rick Spielman's name has come up in connection with openings in the Minnesota and St. Louis front offices.

In Minnesota, Spielman could replace Fran Foley, who is in the process of getting bumped out. In St. Louis, Spielman could replace G.M. Charley Armey, whose position we also hear is in jeopardy.

An obvious candidate for the Minnesota job is Scott Studwell, the team's director of college scouting.

POSTED 9:15 p.m. EDT, May 2, 2006

FRAN GETTING FLUSHED

Man, a lot can happen when a guy spends most of a day screwing around with his law practice and coaching his kid's baseball team.

Kevin Seifert of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the Vikings are negotiating a contract buyout with V.P. of player personnel Fran Foley.

That's the nicest way possible of saying that Fran's ass is getting fired.

And good for the Vikings, for owner Zygi Wilf, and for anyone else responsible for forcing Foley to be truly accountable for multiple resume embellishments and/or fabrications.

It's also a certain measure of vindication, given than we (and we alone) called for Foley's ouster after he disclosed on April 21 a wave of previously ignored resume misstatements . . . and then tried to say that one of the biggest untruths wasn't actually untrue.

As we opined at the time: "The things that we humans say and do are windows into our hearts, minds, and souls. Regardless of whether Foley is dumb, corrupt, or amoral, this entire experience proves to us that he doesn't 'get it' -- and that he therefore is unfit to be in control of the personnel department of an NFL team."

The only thing that confuses us is why in the world the Vikes would negotiate a buy out. Fire him. Let him sue for the balance of the contract. The guy padded his resume via a string of embellishments, and most companies include in their hiring materials an acknowledgement that the employee will be poop-canned if it's later determined that the employee lied about anything in the hiring process.

To the extent that the Vikes (or any other team, for that matter) haven't protected themselves with contractual language permitting a guy like Foley to be released without any further entitlement to pay, here's a sample clause . . . courtesy of your friends at PFT.

"Employee realizes that the offer of employment was made in express reliance upon the accuracy and veracity of all information provided by Employee to Employer prior to the extension of an offer. Employee acknowledges that Employer shall have the right to immediately sever the employment relationship with Employee if it is learned at any point during the term of this Agreement that Employee misrepresented any fact or facts regarding Employee's education or experience. Employee agrees to forfeit any claim to continued compensation or other benefits under this Agreement if Employer terminates the relationship based upon a reasonable, good-faith belief that Employee has misrepresented any fact or facts regarding Employee's education or experience."

POSTED 8:42 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:30 a.m. EDT, May 2, 2006

CARAVANTES, NEW ERA LINK BECOMES MORE OBVIOUS

Bernie Wilson of the Associated Press reports that promotional materials created by New Era Sports & Entertainment describe NFLPA-certified (for now) agent David Caravantes as the "nucleus" of New Era.

New Era Sports & Entertainment is at the center of a still-growing controversy regarding payments allegedly made to USC running back Reggie Bush's family, as early as 2004. Hanging in the balance are Reggie's Heisman, USC's 12 victories in 2005, and the Trojans' 2004 BCS national championship.

Wilson also reports that a letter sent by New Era lawyer Brian Watkins to Bush family attorney David Cornwell states that Watkins represents New Era and its employees, including but not limited to Caravantes.

But Watkins claims that he never actually represented Caravantes, and that Watkins only was acting as an "intermediary" to protect Caravantes from any attempts by Cornwell to contact Caravantes, who likewise says that Watkins never represented him.

All U.S. states, via published rules of professional conduct, prohibit lawyers from directly contacting parties who are represented by counsel. What Watkins is saying, then, is that he misrepresented his representation of Caravantes so that Cornwell wouldn't be able to call Caravantes and talk to him about the situation.

This assertion makes no sense to us. First of all, Caravantes is a big boy. He can fend for himself. He doesn't need Watkins to phony up an attorney-client relationship in order to keep Cornwell from extracting from him information that might damage the interests of Caravantes and/or New Era.

Second, Watkins wants us to believe that he's telling the truth when he says that he lied to Cornwell. Is Watkins serious? Sorry, but we have an old saying here in West Virginia, which is similar to the old saying that they have in Texas.

"Fool me once shame on — shame on you. . . . Fool me can't be fooled again."

So what's the truth? In our opinion, Watkins was representing Caravantes. Our guess is that, once Watkins and/or Caravantes realized that Caravantes' role in the New Era-Bush brouhaha might jeopardize his ability to represent NFL players going forward, Caravantes opted to distance himself from New Era.

Too late. Caravantes is smack dab in the middle of this, and any efforts to make it look like he isn't will serve only to piss off the folks at the Players Association who'll ultimately be passing judgment.

REGGIE HAS A LESS THAN 0.000005 PERCENT CHANCE OF WEARING NO. 5 IN 2006

At a time when Saints running back Reggie Bush should be more concerned about the potential fallout of an NCAA investigation and a looming lawsuit against him and/or his family for fraud, Team Bush continues to obsess over Reggie's ability to don No. 5 in New Orleans.

Bush's marketing representative, Mike Ornstein, expressed confidence that the NFL ultimately will allow Bush to continue to wear his number of choice, notwithstanding an NFL rule to the contrary.

"Based on the conversations I've had with members of the competition committee today, I do believe that they will allow Reggie to wear that number," Ornstein told Darren Rovell of ESPN.com.

Bush has worn No. 5 from high school through college. The problem is that NFL rules limit running backs to No. 20 through No. 49.

If Reggie thinks that the NFL will make a special exception for him, Reggie needs to think again.

Besides, the procedure for effecting rules changes surely will make it impossible for Reggie to be able to don No. 5 by September. As NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told us by e-mail on Tuesday morning, "Rule changes are proposed by the Competition Committee or individual clubs, analyzed, discussed, and then put to a vote with 24 votes (¾ of the 32 clubs) needed for approval."

Does anyone really think that 23 other teams will agree to alter between now and September the rules regarding running back jerseys, simply because Reggie Bush wants them to do so?

Although the league decided a few years ago to allow receivers to wear No. 10 through No. 19 in addition to No. 80 through No. 89, given the volume of retired jerseys in the 80s, there should be no similar problem with a 30-number range of options that currently is used only by running backs and defensive backs.

Reggie's only hope? He can try to characterize himself as an H-back, and then petition the Commish to allow him to wear No. 5. (We suggest that Bush not hold his breath -- or any other bodily function -- while waiting for an answer.)

The moral of the story? For all you kids out there who hope to play in the NFL someday, and likewise hope to wear the same jersey from Pop Warner through middle school through high school through college and through the pros in order to maximize marketing potential, pick a number now that you ultimately will be allowed to wear if/when you ever attend an NFL game without a ticket or a press pass.

POSTED 5:03 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 6:30 a.m. EDT, May 2, 2006

TITANS, RAVENS CAN'T MAKE A DEAL FOR McNAIR

A league source tells us that the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens have been unable to negotiate an agreement on a trade for quarterback Steve McNair. Per the source, the Ravens are content to sit tight and wait for the Titans to cut McNair.

But Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Titans will hold onto McNair until the eve of training camp, if for no reason other than to limit the amount of time that McNair has to get acclimated to the Ravens' offensive system.

The problem for the Titans is that, with only $500,000 in cap space, McNair's $9 million salary needs to be shed in order to permit the team to sign quarterback Vince Young, running back LenDale White, and the other guys drafted over the weekend.

Typically, efforts to sign draft picks accelerate after July 4.

The Sun also reports that the Ravens have offered a fifth-round selection for McNair, but that the Titans are holding out for a fourth-round pick.

Here's a suggestion. Why not make it a fifth-rounder that bumps to a four if McNair starts in eight or more games in 2006? (We're available to mediate this and any other trade impasse between teams, for a reasonable fee.)

The reality here is that the McNair era in Tennessee is over. The team's ejection of the veteran signal-caller from the practice facility was the last straw, and the resolution of McNair's pending grievance could force the Titans to dump him. The last remaining question is whether the Titans get anything for a guy that they're eventually going to dump.

HOLMES' INABILITY TO PRACTICE DEEMED A BIG DEAL BY THE PRESS

The headline of the AP article was jarring: "Rule Bars Holmes From Steelers Workouts."

Wow, we thought. What did the guy do? Shoot a cop?

But then it became obvious. The Steelers' first-round pick, a receiver from Ohio State, cannot participate in any workouts with the Steelers until after graduation day in Columbus, due to an antiquated NCAA-NFL rule that prohibits practice prior to the day on which the caps and gowns are donned.

Nevermind the fact that Holmes would not have been grabbing a sheepskin, given his decision to forgo his senior season to catch pigskins. Rules, after all, are rules.

Still, we're baffled by the fact that this story got picked up by newspapers throughout the country without reference to the reality that the rule affects more than 15 percent of the NFL's class of first-rounders.

A.J. Hawk, Donte Whitner, Bobby Carpenter, and Nick Mangold also played football at AN Ohio State University that doesn't graduate until June. So at least some of them can't practice until June, either. (We're told that Hawk already has graduated, which apparently makes him eligible for pre-June practice.)

We're not being critical. (Okay, maybe we are.) Regardless, shouldn't someone have connected the dots on this one?

Moreover, it's not as if the Steelers or the Packers or Cowboys or the Jets or the Bills didn't realize that the rule applied. (Okay, maybe the Bills didn't know.) It's a provision that has been in place for years, and it's a fact of life for any team that contemplates drafting a Buckeye.

And since we've yet to hear any NFL personnel guy ever express reluctance to draft an Ohio State star because the guy can't get on the field until June, we view the whole thing as a non-issue.

DILFER DONE IN CLEVELAND

Despite on-the-record statements to the contrary from all parties concerned, we're hearing that quarterback Trent Dilfer's days with the Browns are over.

On Monday, Dilfer said that he hasn't requested a trade or a release. G.M. Phil Savage also has said that, if the team acquires another veteran quarterback, Dilfer will be retained.

Our guess? If the Browns can add Joey Harrington or Marques Tuiasosopo, Dilfer will land on the trade block. And Savage needs to pretend that he wants to keep Dilfer in order to ensure that the team will get something for him in return.

Dilfer is under contract through 2008, at salaries of $1 million per season.

Meanwhile, there are already rumors making the rounds that the Broncos will exile Jake Plummer to Cleveland after trading up in round one to draft Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler. Though Plummer might no longer be the long-term answer for the Broncos, we can't imagine Coach Kevlar dumping Jake before 2007, at the earliest.

MORE TURDS FOR MARVIN

The Cincinnati Bengals didn't restrict their collection of players of questionable character to the April 29-30 draft. After the last pick was called, coach Marvin Lewis acquired running back BYU running back Fahu Tahi, who in the past has been accused of engaging in some decidedly un-Mormon activities.

In February 2003, Tahi was busted for cold-cocking another man at a movie theater. Apparently, the guy was talking during Tahi's screening of The Ring, and Tahi handled the matter in the way that guys with too much testosterone in their systems often do.

Two months later, Tahi was arrested for driving under the influence after he crashed into two parked cars. It was later determined that he had taken medication for insomnia.

Let's see if we can understand the thought process involved.

"It is now bedtime. But I continue to have trouble falling asleep. I therefore will take one of the pills that the doctor has given me in order to induce drowsiness. After doing so, I will go for a drive in my car."

Good news for the folks in and around Cincinnati -- your football team finally doesn't suck anymore.

Bad news for the folks in and around Cincinnati -- we suggest staying indoors at all times.

EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

The Colts have signed a flock of free agents, including UCLA QB David Koral.

The Ravens have signed UCLA QB Drew Olson.

Three Scarlet Knights have signed free-agent deals.

Several UConn players are heading to the NFL.

The Panthers have added 13 rookie free agents, including Northwestern QB Brett Basanez.

B.C. QB Quinton Porter got $8,000 to sign a free-agent deal with the Texans.

Lord Flutie?

Norman Chad has complied a hilarious timeline of his draft viewing.

The Browns have rounded up some guys they'll eventually cut.

The Packers released four on the same day they formally landed CB Charles Woodson.

It's time for a little schadenfreude in Westwood.

Mr. Irrelevant can run a 4.4.

USF RB Andre Hall has signed with the Bucs.

49ers TE Vernon Davis credits Chargers LB Shawne Merriman.

The 49ers found a hoopster of their own.

Princeton CB Jay McCareins has signed with the Cardinals.

A handful of Idahoans are heading to the NFL.

Fran Foley might not want to include his role in the Vikings' 2006 draft in the next update to his resume.

The 'Skins have added seven undrafted free agents.

Delaware State S/LB Sam Smith has signed with the Pats.

POSTED 8:27 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2006; LAST UPDATED 4:45 a.m. EDT, May 2, 2006

WILLIAMS CAN MAKE MORE THAN $62 MILLION

In addition to the $26.5 million in truly guaranteed money packed into the contract signed by defensive end Mario Williams with the Houston Texans, we're told that the total package can exceed $62 million based on the various incentives and escalators in the deal.

The deal has a reported value of $54 million, and we're told that the number will be hit based solely upon the achievement of so-called "falling off of the log" bonuses, which are tied in to minimal performance and play-time factors.

There's also more than $8 million in incentives based on factors such as total sacks, sack rankings, playoff appearances, and Pro Bowl appearances.

TAX FACTOR MAKES MARIO'S DEAL EVEN BETTER

There's another aspect of the deal that makes it an attractive one for Williams, and it flows from a reality about which presumptive No. 1 pick Reggie Bush joked at the scouting combine in February.

"No state tax."

So although Williams received only (only?) a 10.4 percent raise over the guaranteed money paid to 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, Smith will pay $2.232 million in California income tax (i.e., 9.3 percent) on the guaranteed money.

Subtracting that $2.232 million from Smith's package of $24 million guaranteed, Williams' total guaranteed money represents a 21.7 percent jump.

MONDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

Former George Mason hoopster Jai Lewis has signed with the Giants.

Former UConn hoopster Ed Nelson has signed with the Rams.

The Fins have signed veteran OT Mike Pearson.

Click and scroll down for some of the Bengals undrafted free agents (they thought about signing Marcus Vick but decided against his "goody two-shoes" image).

POSTED 7:54 p.m. EDT, May 1, 2006

DENZEL'S SON SIGNS WITH RAMS

According to the Associated Press, Morehouse running back John David Washington has signed a free agent deal with the St. Louis Rams.

John David Washington is the son of two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington.

Like most undrafted free agents who play positions other than quarterback or kicker, Washington's opportunity to earn an NFL paycheck will hinge upon his ability to contribute in the area of special teams. Whether he can then parlay solid special teams play into a regular gig will depend upon his ability to show something when he inevitably gets a chance to line up at running back after one of the guys in front of him gets injured.

The presence of Washington in the pool of eligible players received precious little attention prior to the draft. In fact, we were the only sports publication to even mention that the offspring of the star of Remember the Titans was hoping not to be forgotten on draft day.

Although Washington didn't expect to be included among the 255 players who were drafted, he's now got his foot in the door.

POSTED 10:07 a.m. EDT, May 1, 2006

PFT TEN-PACK: THE DRAFT

Whenever there's a big event in the NFL, you can count on PFT for one thing.

We'll make something up and pawn it off as news.

Okay, two things. We'll also put together a Ten-Pack of observations regarding whatever it is that just went down.

So here are our ten takes on the 2006 NFL draft.

1. My Name is Leigh.

One of the best shows on television is NBC's My Name is Earl. It's about a redneck who goes around righting all of his past wrongs in the name of karma. On Saturday, a non-redneck saw a couple of wrongs against him get righted via the draft status of two USC players who unceremoniously fired him prior to the draft.

Agent Leigh Steinberg, who in many ways helped get the agent business off of the ground, lost USC offensive tackle Winston Justice and USC quarterback Matt Leinart within a week earlier this month. At the time, both were expected to be taken high in the draft, with Leinart in the top four and Justice in the top ten.

Instead, Leinart plunged to No. 10 -- and Justice fell out of the round.

To his credit, Leigh likely takes no pleasure in the ultimate misfortune of the guys who mistreated him. So we'll take the pleasure on Leigh's behalf.

And, in hindsight, Leinart would have been far better off with Steinberg, since just two years ago Leigh handled the contract of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who slid to No. 11.

Frankly, we don't rule out Leinart making yet another change, especially if it's true that new agent Tom Condon guaranteed that he'd go no lower than three. Heck, we wouldn't be surprised if Steinberg's phone rings again.

If that happens, we hope that Leigh doesn't answer.

2. Why Do I Have A Craving For Fruit Stripe Gum?

We didn't realize that they still made Fruit Stripe Gum, one of our favorite ways to get a legal buzz during our younger days. And we probably wouldn't have thought about Fruit Stripe Gum ever again in our lives if we hadn't been reminded of it.

By Merrill Hoge's shirt.

Who dresses this buffoon? Willie Wonka?

3. Rich Guys Wear White.

For the first time since, well, ever we noticed that the prospects who were present for the draft festivities in New York were given white ceremonial jerseys after getting picked.

Why white? More white equals more green. For the league, that is.

Most fans that buy jerseys opt for the dark versions -- especially fans of the teams in Houston and New Orleans and Tennessee and New York and San Fran and Arizona. So why not grow the revenues by getting folks to supplement their NFL wardrobes with a white version of their favorite teams colors?

It was a subtle point, but we're certain that the overriding goal was to pump more profits into the pockets of the owners.

Since we're never subtle, we'd suggest this approach instead: "Buy your favorite team's road jersey. It now costs less than a tank of gas."

4. What the Mock?

Our final mock draft, which was updated before Mario Williams officially signed with the Texans but after word broke of a potential deal, was decidedly mediocre. Of the 32 first-round picks, we projected 24 of them. We picked seven in the right spot, got eight with the right team, and predicted five with the right team in the right spot.

Would we have liked to have done better? Sure. (Do we really care that we didn't? No.)

But, as it turns out, we did as well as Mel. He projected 26 of the first-rounders (two more than us), with six in the right spot (one less than us), seven with the right team (one less than us), and five with the right team in the right spot (same as us).

Based on those four factors, it was a wash. Sure, Mel knows more about the guys in the other six rounds. But he's now the real Mr. Irrelevant until January. We'll still be pounding out news, rumors, and analysis about all things NFL every single day of the year.

5. Len's Past Practices Make His Opinions Suspect.

It wouldn't be a Ten-Pack if we didn't pick on the guy who can't tell that he has ten toes without a shoe mirror.

Yeah, it's time to take another shot as ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli.

On Friday night, in response to the news that the Texans had reached a contract agreement with N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams, Pasquarelli mercilessly ripped the Texans for passing on Reggie Bush.

We don't necessarily disagree with Len's thoughts. But based on his pattern of greasing agents for information, and of dissing those who won't give it to him, we can't help but wonder whether Pasquarelli's opinion was influenced by both a desire to help out Bush's agent, Joel Segal -- and no reason to give an assist to Williams' agent, Ben Dogra.

Segal, after all, needs all the help he can get, given that he has presided over one of the most stunning failures in draft history. We've surmised that Segal could be fired for his role in the Bush fiasco. Although the P-man's prose will have little relevance to Bush's decision-making, Segal surely won't forget Len's loyalty at a time when the wheels are flying off faster than rims at an overloaded chop shop.

Hell, Segal might even give Len his password to the NFLPA web site.

Dogra, as we understand it, isn't tied in to Pasquarelli. So Len loses nothing by taking an implicit swipe at Dogra's client.

Again, we don't know for sure whether Len's views were influenced his by agent relations. But his extensive past practice of scratching backs now invites scrutiny of every opinion that the guy expresses.

6. So Much For The New Helmets.

The Vikings unveiled with much fanfare on Thursday their new uniform, which we hate. But we like the new helmet, which incorporates a mild changes aimed at making the horn look more like a horn and less like Sven the Aryan sperm cell.

So the Vikings' contingent at the draft would have one of the new helmets on their table at the draft, right?

Wrong.

Not a huge deal, but another example of the Wilf regime's failure to pay attention to detail.

7. Defense Wins Championships. ACC Defense, That Is.

Of the first 37 picks in the draft, 14 of them played defense for teams in the ACC.

That's 37.8 percent of the total picks. Throw in tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and tight end Vernon Davis, and the ACC produced 16 of the top 37 selections, or 43.2 percent of the total pool.

With all that beef on the defensive side of the ball, we can't quite figure out why none of the ACC teams were worth a crap in the grand scheme of things last year.

Oh well. Maybe defense doesn't win championships, after all.

8. ESPN Has Made Its Own Bed.

Speaking of that old cliche' that defense wins championships, we heard Michael Irvin spouting off over and over again on draft weekend his view that, in reality, offense wins championships.

He's right. Just look at the 2005 Steelers. The 2004 Patriots. The 2003 Patriots. The 2002 Buccaneers. The 2001 Patriots. And the 2000 Ravens.

Irvin chimed in with other idiotic remarks, prompting us to wonder why in the hell the Boys in Bristol not only extended this guy's contract, but also dropped him smack dab in the middle of the grown-ups' table for ESPN's draft coverage.

Apparently, someone concluded that the network prefers the inherent sense of conflict and drama that Irvin brings to the table, even if Irvin comes off as ignorant and uninformed.

Then again, anyone who has ever listened to one of the PFT PodCasts knows that we reached the same conclusion when we hired Dante.

9. Commish Gets Upstaged.

In what most likely will be Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's final stint walking to the podium and calling out the picks in round one (unless the owners can't agree on a replacement by next April), there are plenty of readers who complained that ESPN's Chris Berman seemed to know more than he should about each of the picks that were about to be made.

Berman often revealed the selection under the guise of a last-second prediction -- and he usually was right on the money. (In fact, we can't think of any time that he was wrong.)

Enough, Chris. We all like to hear it first from the Commissioner. (Then again, since we've recommended that Berman be the next Commissioner, maybe we'll hear all of the round one picks from Boomer in 2007 and beyond.)

And ESPN wasn't the only network guilty of giving viewers too much information too soon. On at least one occasion while watching the NFL Network, we noticed that the lips of the guy who gets the draft card easily could be read. (Pick No. 24.)

Next year, folks, please don't destroy the sense of suspense that comes from a middle-aged man in a suit walking to a podium. It's about the only time that such action ever creates any real drama, so let's not screw it up.

10. Rating the Coverage.

Most of the reader e-mails we received over the weekend favored the NFL Network's coverage of the draft. For us, it was a narrow win for ESPN.

We split-screened the two networks for both days, and we realized that ESPN was far superior in two ways. First, the graphics package constantly on the screen during ESPN's coverage was much more thorough and informative than the one-line crawl that the NFL Network employed. Down the left side of the screen was the logo of the team with the current pick, and information regarding the round and (on Saturday) the amount of time remaining to make a selection. Farther down the left column was an indication of the next few teams in line. ESPN also did a very good job of flashing every new pick.

Our only beef with the ESPN graphics was that a lot of the information at the bottom of the screen was irrelevant and or grossly superficial. Does anyone really care that Kellen Clemens is the first quarterback the Jets have selected in round two since Browning Nagle in 1991? It reminded us of a little kid who talks incessantly simply because he can.

Second, viewers who receive the NFL Network by satellite dish got the round one picks from the Commish a few seconds faster on ESPN. Because of that, we primarily listened to the audio from ESPN.

As to the talking heads, the NFL Network crew is more solid and steady. There was no one that we loved, but likewise no one that we hated. We were curious about Dan Reeves' presence on the NFL Network set, given that he's still (as far as we know) a consultant to the Texans. Adam Schefter was solid as usual with intriguing news and nuggets. And Rams safety Corey Chavous is every bit as significant as Mel Kiper, who seems to be getting marginalized by ESPN.

Or maybe it's just that ESPN is now using virtually everyone on the payroll to cover the NFL draft. At one time or another, we saw Chris Berman, Tom Jackson, Michael Irvin, Chris Mortensen, Mel Kiper, Suzy Kolber, Bob Golic, Sal Paolantonio, Ed Werder, Trey Wingo, Merrill Hoge, Mark Schlereth, Ron Jaworski, Sean Salisbury, and player-guests Trent Green, William Henderson, Mushin Muhammad, and Shawne Merriman.

ESPN also had Rachel Nichols stationed in Houston. She seems to have gotten plenty of plum assignments in her short time with the network, and we suppose she's a nice person when you get to know her. But she has the on-air demeanor of someone who is in serious need of a visit to an exorcist. We don't know whether it's the radiating red hair, with the left side always over the shoulder and the right side always behind it, or whether it's that soul-disintegrating gaze. Or whether it's a perfect storm of multiple factors. Regardless, the girl gives us the creeps.

The oddest aspect of the weekend was that the NFL Network pre-empted the first two hours of the Sunday draft coverage with (snore) an NFL Europe game. Great programming decision, fellas.

And that's the factor that prompts us to give the edge to ESPN.

POSTED 8:26 a.m. EDT, May 1, 2006; UPDATED 10:07 a.m. EDT, May 1, 2006

TAYLOR STABBED IN ROAD RAGE INCIDENT

Alex Marvez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor was stabbed on Sunday night during a road rage incident near his home in Davie, Florida.

Taylor was stabbed in the arm . He reportedly is "OK," and he is scheduled to appear in a charity golf tournament on Monday.

"My wife and I were the victims of an unfortunate incident last night but we are both fine," Taylor said, according to the Sun-Sentinel. "I truly appreciate everyone's concern."

We'll forgive him if he cringes whenever he hears the word "slice" on the links today.

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