RUMOR MILL ARCHIVES

By Profootballtalk Editor Mike Florio

POSTED 1:10 a.m. EDT, June 12, 2002 (WEDNESDAY)

MATHIS A BETTER 'BURGH FIT THAN MOORE?

Following up on a developing story in Pittsburgh, a league source tells us that, even if the team decides to augment its receiving corps with a veteran pass-catcher, it's possible that the team will pick free-agent Terence Mathis over free-agent Herman Moore.

According to the source, Moore left town on Monday after passing a physical and meeting with team officials.  (Scroll down for more.)  He has not yet received a contract offer from the team.

The source says that the Steelers primarily are looking for a guy to man the slot and work the middle of the field, and that they see Moore as more of an outside guy.  In Hines Ward, however, they've already got a receiver who can handle this aspect of the position more than capably.

Enter Terence Mathis, who'll visit the Steel City on Wednesday.  Unlike Moore, the Steelers view Mathis as an inside guy, which potentially gives him the inside track for a job in Pittsburgh.

McCARDELL WANTED MORTON MONEY IN K.C.

Despite the Chiefs' hot pursuit of former Jags receiver Keenan McCardell, a league source tells us that the Chiefs passed when the free-agent made clear his financial expectations.

According to the source, McCardell wanted to be paid on par with Johnnie Morton, to whom the Chiefs paid a $5 million bonus earlier in the off-season.

But the source says that Chiefs couldn't afford to invest so much money into two thirtysomething receivers, especially with franchised tight end Tony Gonzalez wanting to be paid like an elite wideout.

On a more sinister (and, from our viewpoint, delightful) note, the source tells us that some members of the Chiefs' front office suspect that the Bucs had a deal in place with McCardell before he was released by the Jags, and that the whole meet-and-greet in K.C. was mere window dressing in order to avoid allegations of tampering.

Indeed, even though McCardell wanted a $5 million bonus from the Chiefs, he took only $2 million up front on a $10 million deal to stay in Florida with the Buccaneers.

Is there anything to it?  Who knows?  But this here joint is called a rumor mill, and the rumor in K.C. right now is that the fix was in.

GIANTS EXPECT TO LOSE STRAHAN, COLLINS

A league source tells us that the New York Giants are resigned to the likelihood of losing their two highest-profile free-agents-to-be after the 2002 season.

According to the source, management holds out little hope of reaching new contracts with quarterback Kerry Collins or with defensive end Michael Strahan either before or after the completion of the coming campaign.

The Giants had hoped to extend Strahan's contract this year, in order to reduce his big cap number.  But Strahan reportedly wanted a $20 million bonus, and no real progress ever was made on getting something done.

As to Collins, it has been reported that he asked for a big-money deal, and that the team simply isn't ready to commit that kind of money to a guy who still hasn't demonstrated a consistent ability to earn it.

POSTED 4:15 p.m. EDT, June 11, 2002 (TUESDAY)

MOORE PASSES PITTSBURGH PHYSICAL

A league source tells us that free-agent receiver Herman Moore has passed a physical with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that he is still in the 'Burgh meeting with the team.

As we recently reported, the Steelers were concerned that Moore's history of injuries might keep him from obtaining medical clearance to resume his career.  According to the source, however, Moore has gotten the thumbs up to play.

So at this point the question becomes whether the team and the player can get together on a contract.  And, according to the source, there's a mild difference of opinion between director of football operations Kevin Colbert and the coaching staff regarding the question of whether Moore or any other veteran receiver is needed.

Indeed, coach Bill Cowher might be inclined to stick with Troy Edwards as the team's third receiver.  In Tuesday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Cowher said that Edwards "has had a very, very good off-season.  He's been out here, hasn't missed a practice, has looked very good."  Though Edwards thinks he still deserves a roster spot, he admits in Tuesday's Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that "[s]ometimes, I would have cut myself the way I played."

In the past, we've reported that Cowher's big-money contract and his relationship with owner-in-training Art Rooney, II typically enables his opinions to prevail, if/when push begets shove.  For now, it remains to be seen whether Cowher will try to veto the addition of Moore -- and whether Cowher's position and influence will trump Colbert's.

POSTED 8:06 a.m. EDT, June 11, 2002 (TUESDAY)

NO NEW DEAL FOR KORDELL, FOR NOW

A league source tells us that, despite the express desire of quarterback Kordell Stewart for a contract extension, no new deal is on the horizon for the signal-caller who turned his career around in surprising and dramatic fashion last season.

According to the source, the team wants Kordell to demonstrate another season of confidence and consistency before they'll toss in his direction an extended deal -- and the multi-million-dollar bonus that undoubtedly will come with it. 

Though it's possible that the Steelers will give him a new contract before the end of the current season, it's more likely that they'll do so after 2002.

In Sunday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Stewart postured for a new deal now, cloaking his wishes for a huge payday in a stated preference to remain with the team for the long haul.  (Scroll down for the story.)   

Though in our view the Steelers are doing the right thing in waiting for Kordell to show that he can put together two straight solid seasons (something he hasn't done previously in his career), the omission of Stewart from the parade of new contracts could, at some point, trigger a negative reaction. 

Last year, for example, linebacker Earl Holmes publicly bristled when cornerbacks Chad Scott and DeWayne Washington got new, big-money deals during training camp.  In the end, Holmes opted out of the 'Burgh after his contract expired.

Another factor is the ongoing effort of the team to lock down the various players whose contracts will expire after this season, including running back Amos Zereoue and safety Lee Flowers.  Since Stewart is carrying a $6.9 million cap number, a new deal in 2002 would free up short-term cap space -- which in turn would create some additional room for other signings.

ANOTHER JET BITES THE DUST

A league source tells us that Jets offensive lineman Randy Thomas suffered a shoulder injury last week in practice.

According to the source, Thomas might need surgery for damage that occurred when a helmet slammed into his shoulder during "Organized Team Activity," which is the current buzz word for voluntary off-season practices that in reality are anything but optional.

Off-season workouts typically are conducted in helmets, T-shirts, and shorts.  Since these sessions often are intense, the absence of shoulder pads should, as logic and common sense suggest, create injuries to the exposed bodily areas that are struck by hard plastic hats mounted on each player's grill.  

Thomas, the team's starter at right guard, will at a minimum miss the next two weeks of off-season workouts as the shoulder heals.

Thomas's injury -- which has not been reported elsewhere -- is the latest blow to the Jets' offensive line.  Two weeks ago, left guard Dave Szott tore an ACL in practice.  Prior to that, center Kevin Mawae went under the knife with a rotator cuff injury.  And as we've also reported, left-right-left tackle Jason Fabini is fighting through injury problems with both of his shoulders, which injuries the team has kept tightly under wraps throughout the current off-season.

SPURRIER, WILKINSON AT ODDS

New coach Steve Spurrier is doing his best to fit in with the NFL coaching fraternity.

Case in point -- he's made his first public comments of disappointment regarding a player's decision to stay away from optional off-season workouts. 

The subject?  Defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson. 

"Dan's the one that hasn't been coming very regularly," Spurrier said, according to the Washington Times.  "He's about the only one on the whole team."

According to the Times, Wilkinson responded by reminding Spurrier that the workouts aren't mandatory.  Moreover, Wilkinson said he's concerned that excessive off-season practice will sap his strength in November.

"Coaches have told me I'm wrong; I tell them I'm right," Wilkinson said.  "My focus is on training camp.  As coaches, their focus is on right now.  How can we get better today?  That's not particularly mine."

Spurrier's reply was even more pointed.  "I guess we're running all the other guys into the ground.  If the whole team had his attitude, we'd been in trouble, wouldn't we?" Spurrier said. "It's something new to me.  I've never had a guy not wanting to practice with his teammates."

Spurrier's comments represent, in our view, a clear violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, but we expect that the NFLPA once again will do/say nothing in response. 
 
Also, there's a subplot here.  Compare the coverage of this story by the Times and by the Washington Post.  The Times gave this story the headline that it deserves -- but the Post buried it within a piece regarding Bruce Smith's knees, and the Post's tone regarding Spurrier's statements was akin to a shoulder shrugging explanation that "boys will be boys."   

Throughout the journalism industry the buzz is/has been than the Post is serving as a mouthpiece for Redskins owner Dan Snyder.  We'll leave it for you to decide whether the handling of this specific issue suggests the Post subtly is slanting its coverage of the team in order to curry favor with the front office, which surely does not want Spurrier's comments to be emphasized, or criticized.      

POSTED 8:20 a.m. EDT, June 10, 2002 (MONDAY)

BILLICK MUZZLED ON LEWIS, BOULWARE?

As the Baltimore Ravens convene for a mandatory mini-camp, coach Brian Billick suddenly is taking the Seargeant Schulz approach to the lingering contract negotiations with linebackers Peter Boulware and Ray Lewis.

"We're not going to negotiate through the media," Billick told the Baltimore Sun on Sunday night.  "How they [Lewis and Boulware] will answer your questions, I don't know.  But we're not going to comment.  It's a mandatory workout, they're here, and we're pleased that they are.  So, there's really nothing to talk about."

Billick's singing a far different tune than he was last week, when he said bluntly that, if extensions aren't completed, either or both of the players could be slapped with the "franchise" tag.  As we reported exclusively on Friday, Billick's comments upset the front office, and he privately expressed regret for using the "f" word.

In our estimation, then, someone apparently has instructed Billick to stifle his pie hole.  Of course, it remains to be seen whether Billick can indeed keep quiet about the negotiations once a microphone is shoved into his all-too-eager yap. 

Meanwhile, the agent for both players shrugs at the possibility of the "franchise" designation.  "The franchise tag doesn't scare me," Roosevelt Barnes told the Sun.  "It's a tool they use.  The team has the right to use it to their advantage, and so does the player.  That's why you always save your money to become financially independent.  It always gives you options."

Still, owner Art Modell doesn't like any of it.  "I have seen a tremendous change in players and coaches," Modell tells the Sun.  "There is no loyalty."

STEELERS TAKING CARE OF THEIR OWN

Despite the fact that quarterback Kordell Stewart apparently won't be getting a new contract until he can prove that his confidence is intact after a disastrous performance in the AFC Championship, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the process of locking in guys whose contracts expire after the 2002 season.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are working on an extension for Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca, who'll become an unrestricted free agent in March 2003.

Another current candidate for a new deal is defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen.  "I think we're close with both of them," said the agent for both players, Mark Bartlestein.

As to Faneca, the numbers could be big, especially in light of his accomplishments.  But it should come as no surprise -- the Steelers of the post-Three Rivers era have demonstrated a willingness to pay competitive signing bonuses, and they reportedly are discussing with other current players contracts that will keep them in town for the foreseeable future, including running back Amos Zereoue, defensive end Aaron Smith, tackle Wayne Gandy, and safety Lee Flowers.

Still, the decision to pursue Faneca with a big-money deal well in advance of the 2002 season is somewhat surprising, given that first-round draft pick Kendall Simmons supposedly was taken as a hedge against Faneca's possibly departure. 

ADAMS' PRICE IS DROPPING

He once wanted a signing bonus of $8 million, and we reported last week that he turned down a package in February from the Ravens that would've gotten him 75 percent of his goal.  But now, it appears that the realities of the market will force free-agent defensive tackle Sam Adams to aim even lower.

According to the Washington Post, Adams is now looking for a $4 million signing bonus.  The information comes from an NFL exec whose team has pulled out of the running for Adams.  At this point, both the Redskins and Ravens are most seriously interested in Adams.

The Redskins likewise have an interest in a pair of defensive ends, Marco Coleman and Rob Burnett.  The Post reports that the 'Skins are willing to pay Coleman a one-year minimum deal of $750,000, which under the CBA will cost only $450,000.  As we recently have reported, Coleman's expectation for a $3 million bonus has scared many teams away, and he's gotten no serious interest despite being on the market for a full week.

Burnett remains close to signing with Miami.  According to a league source, however, the sides are haggling over incentives.  With Jay Williams now apparently out of the picture, the Dolphins might turn to Coleman, who got his start in Miami.

POSTED 10:35 p.m. EDT, June 9, 2002 (SUNDAY)

WILLIAMS, PANTHERS STAY THE COURSE

The Sunday summit between the Carolina Panthers and defensive end Jay Williams resulted in no new deal, but there likewise will be no impending release of the eight-year veteran.

According to Williams' agent, Ron Del Duca, the Panthers will proceed under the terms of the original contract, which will pay Williams $1.65 million in 2002. 

However, G.M. Marty Hurney and coach John Fox made it clear that Williams is in the team's plans beyond 2002, according to Del Duca.  In fact, Del Duca says there's a chance that discussions eventually will commence on a new multi-year deal that would replace the final season of the current contract -- and presumably give the Panthers some short term cap relief. 

Del Duca also said that Williams will continue to report for voluntary workouts.  Previously, Williams had said that he would not participate in non-mandatory drills until his contract situation is resolved.

The problem first arose when Del Duca realized that the Panthers wouldn't be able to justify paying Williams $1.65 million given his present status on the depth chart behind second overall pick Julius Peppers.  Peppers, who originally was slated to play right defensive end, was moved to the left side by Fox in off-season practices.  As the defensive coordinator with the Giants, Fox turned Michael Strahan into a superstar from the side of the line that typically forces the rusher to get past the right offensive tackle and the tight end.

As we initially reported, Del Duca forced the team's hand because he feared that the Panthers would release Williams after other teams signed available free-agent defensive ends, possibly forcing Williams to take a low-money deal, either with the Panthers or elsewhere.

And as we previously have reported, there was/is interest in other cities for Williams' services.  We reported on Sunday that the Dolphins had offered a low-round draft pick for Williams, and we previously have reported rumblings that the Chiefs and the Ravens were interested in him.

For now, it appears that Williams will remain squarely within the Panthers' plans.  Though no one expects the Panthers to admit it, they surely realize that they need to have a guy like Williams on the roster in the event that Peppers can't make an immediate impact in the NFL.

CORNERS IN HIGH DEMAND, LOW SUPPLY

In an off-season that has seen a glut of free-agent receivers, especially in the wake of the June 1 cap cuts, the market for cornerbacks has been thinner than John Clayton's Bert-and-Ernie hair tuft.

A league source tells us that several teams are still hoping to upgrade the position with one or more late acquisitions, including the Colts, the Panthers, the Lions, and perhaps the Bengals.

At this point, the best option might be to wait until the training-camp cuts commence.  Still, the guys who get Turkified typically realize that fate for a reason, and no amount of spit and polish will transform a turd into a tulip.

Ironically, both the Lions and the Panthers could've had cornerback Quentin Jammer in the upper reaches of the first round of the draft, but both passed in order to take players at positions that arguably were covered adequately by current personnel.  Jammer ultimately went to San Diego with the fifth overall pick.  

BODY WEIGHT VS. BODY FAT

An issue that rarely gets much attention in the NFL are the two schools of thought regarding the kind of size that matters when it comes time to determine whether a big guy is too big.

Some coaches focus on overall body weight when assessing whether a guy's rump needs to be shaved.  Other coaches focus on total body fat.

A league source tells us that new Colts boss Tony Dungy is a disciple of the total body weight approach, which likely will force some of the Indy holdovers to shrink down to a certain number -- regardless of whether the pounds they're shedding are muscle or fat.

According to the source, Dungy applied the same approach in Tampa, which helps to explain the physique of Warren Sapp, who was chiseled like a bowl of pudding, and who never, ever should prance around without a shirt (or at least without a bra).

POSTED 10:26 a.m. EDT, June 9, 2002 (SUNDAY)

KORDELL WANTS AN EXTENSION

One of the biggest questions swirling around the Pittsburgh Steelers is whether the disappointing performance of quarterback Kordell Stewart in the AFC title game loss to New England will be the trigger for another sideline-sobbing decline into mediocrity.

And it was Stewart's erratic play in the fateful January game that immediately silenced whispers in the front office that the quarterback formerly known as Slash should get another big-dollar contract extension.  After all, Stewart's last new deal came after the 1998 season, when Stewart's initial downturn already had begun, and the new deal was followed by a collapse that nearly resulted in his exile from Pittsburgh.

But as the team prepared for its final pre-training camp workouts, Kordell told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he wants an extension.  Said Stewart, "When you have success the way we had this past year and knowing the makeup of the team is going to be here strong for the next two, three years, you want to be part of that. You want to know that you're going to be here for a long time."

Stewart didn't mention the obvious fact that a new contract also would result in a multi-million-dollar check with his name on it.

Of course, a contract extension could help the team in the short term.  Past published reports indicate that Stewart's cap number for 2002 is $6.9 million, the highest on the team, and his current contract expires in two years.

Still, for now, it appears that talks on an extension will be on hold as the 2002 season approaches and unfolds.  The team took plenty of flak for giving him a big pile of money at a time when he was showing signs of regression, and there surely is reluctance to pay him again until he shows that his performance against the Pats was an aberration.

In the interim, Kordell will try to focus not on last year's successes, but on the failures that drove him to re-elevate his game.  "I already had an attitude, but I had to get to the point where I had an I-don't give-a-damn attitude, basically, to the extreme, and having that chip on my shoulder.  I still do have it and I won't stop having it.  You have to keep it that way because you can't forget where you came from."

Truth be told, few in Pittsburgh have forgotten about the place from which Stewart came last season.  And many fans think he could be heading back there for a not-so-short visit before taking the team back to the heights it reached in 2001.

ALEXANDER OFF TO SLOW START?

Newly-signed receiver Derrick Alexander, the man who supposedly will enjoy single coverage across from the constantly-blanketed Randy Moss, joined the Minnesota Vikings at practice on Saturday.

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, however, Alexander has a long way to go before he'll be filling the role of Cris Carter in the supercharged Minnesota offense.

Alexander ran "a number" of deep sideline routes at practice on Saturday, but he never came down with the ball.  He acknowledges that he it'll take some time before he's on the same page as his teammates.  "I haven't done anything football-wise since basically January," Alexander said. " It's going to take me a little bit just to get back to playing football again."

The Star-Tribune says that the Vikes insisted upon Alexander staying in town for off-season conditioning as part of contract negotiations, and Alexander plans to comply.  (We smell a potential CBA violation here, Mr. Upshaw.)

POSTED 2:32 a.m. EDT, June 9, 2002 (SUNDAY)

O.J. SUES DOLPHIN DOCS

As expected, former Miami receiver O.J. McDuffie has filed a malpractice action against current and former team doctors based on their treatment of a 1999 big toe injury, which ultimately resulted in his retirement.

According to the Miami Herald, the suit names orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Uribe and various other doctors and hospitals for what McDuffie's lawyer calls a "betrayal of trust."

The basic legal theory is medical negligence, and the argument apparently will be that Uribe and others told McDuffie his toe would heal without a complete cessation of activity, and that McDuffie's efforts to return to play based upon this advice caused damage that prematurely drove him from the game.

The case could prompt further exploration of the inherent conflict of interest between teams who want their players on the field and doctors who want to be paid by the teams.  Though McDuffie hasn't named the club or any members of the staff as defendants yet, the doctors could join one or more Dolphins employees to the action as "third-party" defendants.  However, it's difficult to envision a legal theory pursuant to which the doctors could avoid liability to McDuffie based on the actions of the team, since the docs necessarily would be acknowledging violations of that Hippocratic Oath if they claim that pressure from the team compromised the care that McDuffie received.

Also, any claim against the team or its employees will be required to overcome the tort immunity that undoubtedly is available under the Florida workers' compensation laws.  Like the Korey Stringer litigation against the Vikings, McDuffie most likely will be compelled to prove something other than mere negligence in order to put the legal squeeze on 1999 coach Jimmy Johnson, current coach Dave Wannstedt, etc.

DOLPHINS CHASING JAY WILLIAMS

Try as we might to pry details out of Profootballtalk contributor Ron Del Duca, he's not saying much more about Sunday's upcoming meeting between himself, client Jay Williams, and Panthers bigwigs, G.M. Marty Hurney and coach John Fox.

So we put the moles to work on this one, and a league source tells us that the Miami Dolphins are hot on the trail of Williams.

According to the source, the Dolphins have offered a low-round 2003 drat pick in exchange for the veteran defensive end.  The source says that, for now, the Panthers aren't interested in talking trade.

We'll be pestering Del Duca for details on the meeting -- and we'll be keeping our ear to the ground for more behind-the-scenes poop on possible suitors for Williams, if a deal ultimately can't be reached to reduce his $1.65 million salary for 2002.

AGE BIAS SQUEEZES OUT LEVY?

Though Marv Levy surely realized that his recent posturing for another shot at an NFL head-coaching gig weren't likely to succeed in light of his seventy-something age, he likely didn't expect that he'd get the boot from his TV job with Fox Sports based on his date of birth.

"Age is inevitable, aging isn't," Levy told the Buffalo News. "I hate to yell [ageism] out.  You come to expect it is an age factor.  It makes me sad if age is the only factor."

Under federal law and the law of many states, employment decisions motivated in whole or in part by age are illegal, where the person about whom the decisions are made are over the age of 40.  The fact that networks justify such moves based on  issues such as advertising demographics and other media-related issues doesn't alter the reality that, if age was a factor, the law was broken.

It appears unlikely that Levy will sue Fox.  Still, it doesn't make it right (or legal) if the decision truly was influenced by the fact that Levy has been on the planet for nearly three-quarters of a century.

Levy isn't the first football TV personality who has been put out to pasture this year.  Veteran play-by-play man Pat Summerall got booted from the Fox "A" team.  Sure, he still has a job with the network, but demotions based on illegal factors are illegal, too.

And don't forget about Nick Buoniconti and Len Dawson, who were mainstays on HBO's "Inside the NFL."  They're both floating on an iceberg in lieu of newcomer Cris Carter, who in our opinion should be floating under an iceberg.  

POSTED 11:00 p.m. EDT, June 7, 2002 (FRIDAY); UPDATED 8:08 a.m. EDT, June 8, 2002 (SATURDAY)

HASLETT GETTING MORE JUICE?

A league source tells us that the New Orleans Saints and coach Jim Haslett currently are engaged in contract negotiations that would extend Haslett's tenure with the club -- and grant him complete authority over the team's football operations.

According to the source, Haslett would not supplant G.M. Mickey Loomis.  Instead, Loomis would stay in the position, but his jurisdiction would be limited to the area of "cap and contracts," like former Atlanta G.M. Harold Richardson.

The source also tells us that owner Tom Benson opted not to clean out the entire personnel department in conjunction with the recent firing of G.M. Randy Mueller because each employee is in the last year of his contract.  If they had been cut loose relatively late in the off-season, most (if not all) of these guys would have been tempted to take a year off, at Benson's expense.

So if Haslett ends up with absolute power as far as the on-field product is concerned, the question will become whether and to what extent Haslett might keep the other football-related front-office employees after the 2002 season.

The primary hurdle to completing a deal is the level of compensation.  Though Haslett wants the added responsibilities, these duties in turn will prompt him to ask for more money.  At this point, it's not clear whether he'll end up with the same kind of deal as other big-money dual role coaches.  However, it's fairly certain that he'll be in a position to get significantly more money than he'll see if his contract extension limits his assignment to coaching only.

WILLIAMS, PANTHERS MEETING SUNDAY

It appears that a resolution to the Jay Williams contract situation could be coming soon.

Williams' agent, Ron Del Duca, tells us that Williams and Del Duca will meet on Sunday with Carolina G.M. Marty Hurney and head coach John Fox in an effort to determine whether an agreement on a restructured contract can be reached, enabling the Panthers to free up some cap room while at the same time keeping Williams on the roster.

The problem in Carolina is that second overall draft pick Julius Peppers is slated to start at Williams' position of left defensive end.  As a result, the Panthers don't think they can justify paying  to Williams the $1.65 million he's scheduled to earn in 2002.

Del Duca tried to bring the issue to a head before June 1, since the Panthers would have derived no cap benefit from cutting Williams, who is in the final year of his deal.  But Del Duca had been rebuffed for weeks, and only recently have numbers been exchanged between Hurney and Del Duca.

Though possible numbers haven't been divulged, it's clear that the Panthers need to create some space under the 2002 cap.  The team has a rookie pool of $5.07 million, but only $1.5 million in cap space.

STEELERS WORRY ABOUT MOORE'S HEALTH

Despite their interest in veteran receiver Herman Moore, the Pittsburgh Steelers are concerned that the former Lion might not pass a physical.

Moore has had a variety of injuries over the past few years, and specific concerns about his knee, hip, and shoulder could keep him from getting a clean bill of health.

Regardless, Moore is coming to Pittsburgh on Monday, which will be the first stop on his free-agent tour.  Of course, the if Steelers docs give Herm a thumb's down, Moore's tour could be a short one.

VIKES GET ALEXANDER

Though it appeared iffy for a couple of days, the Minnesota Vikings finally corralled free-agent receiver Derrick Alexander on Friday.

Alexander is now on the receiving end of a three-year, $5.1 million contract, and he'll likely be making many more receptions this fall.

"We need two vertical guys," coach Mike Tice said, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.  "If [defenses] try to double-team Randy Moss, and you don't have anyone that can run by somebody in single coverage on the other side, you've got problems. Now, we have that guy."

Alexander will join the team on Saturday, which currently is in the midst of a three-day mandatory mini-camp.

The addition of Alexander completes an overhaul of the Minnesota receiving corps.  Gone are Cris Carter and Jake Reed.  The new regime consists of holdovers Randy Moss, Chris Walsh, and Cedric James, and newcomers Alexander, D'Wayne Bates, and Sean Dawkins. 

Our guess is that Moss, Alexander, and Bates will win the top three spots, Dawkins and Walsh will battle for a roster spot at the fourth position, and Cedric James will continue his development in the five hole.

BUCS GET KEENAN -- OR DO THEY?

The red-carpet treatment worked for Gruden and his boys in Pewter.  The Buccaneers apparently have won the tug-o-war with the Kansas City Chiefs for free-agent receiver Keenan McCardell.

According to the Tampa Tribune, McCardell will get a four-year, $10 million deal, with a $2 million signing bonus.

The team has not yet confirmed the deal.  "There's nothing official,'' Gruden said.  "We're working all angles. As soon as we know something, we'll let you know.  I hope it's in the near future.''

The Bucs reluctance to announce the deal possibly could be the result of several incidents this off-season of guys reneging on verbal agreements.

Earlier, the Chiefs swiped tackle Marcus Spears from the Ravens after an agreement in principle had been reached.  And a few weeks back, the Bucs kept quiet about the addition of tackle Roman Oben until the ink was dry on his deal.

Frankly, we wouldn't be surprised if the Chiefs make a final run at McCardell.  From McCardell's perspective, anything that drives up the bottom line is a good thing. 

POSTED 7:22 a.m. EDT, June 7, 2002 (FRIDAY)

BILLICK REGRETS USING "F" WORD

Some guys are just too smart for their own good.

Take Brian "the Brain" Billick, for example.  He fancies himself as this generation's Bill Walsh, and he loves the sound of his own reverberating vocal cords.

As a result , Billick has developed and demonstrated over the past few years a case of verbal diarrhea that is as pleasing to the ear as John Randle's unintelligible pre-game, in-game, and post-game jibber-jabber.

Earlier this week, Billick was popping off about the potential impasse in discussions with Roosevelt Barnes and Eugene Parker, agents for Ravens linebackers Peter Boulware and Ray Lewis, regarding a contract extension for one or both of this dynamic duo.  And in response to a suggestion that Boulware and Lewis will honor their current deals without agreeing to cap-friendly extensions, Billick said, "If that's their stance, what's staring them at the end is franchise."

Of course, Billick was referring to the franchise tag.  In theory, the Ravens could use it on both players, since Boulware's contract expires after the 2002 season and Lewis's runs out the following year.

Regardless, Billick's unauthorized comments sent shock waves through the team's front office, according to a league source.  In fact, the source tells us that Billick privately is admitting that he shouldn't have used the "f" word.

Though it's hard to fathom Billick ever admitting he said or did something not indicative of a super genius, we're hoping that he'll eventually acknowledge the root cause of the problem.

Put simply, he's incapable of merely giving the media a concise sound bite that oozes insincerity (a la Lou Holtz), that says a whole lot of wide-eyed nothing (a la Steve Mariucci), and/or that consists mainly of incomprehensible grunts and saliva spray (a la Bill Cowher).

As we've noticed recently, Billick's ramblings eventually will produce a statement or two that provide a direct window into his soul.  Of course, we like the fact that the guy doesn't know when to quit, but he's surely smart enough to realize that his stray comments could have direct or indirect consequences.

Or is he?

CHIEFS, BUCS WRESTLE FOR McCARDELL

If you listen to Dick Vermeil, the addition of receiver Keenan McCardell is virtually a done deal, despite his Thursday visit to Tampa.   

"We're still No. 1 on his list," coach Dick Vermeil said in the wake of McCardell's Tampa trip.

"There has been a proposal presented," Vermeil said.  "Now we have to wait and see what he decides."

Not so fast, Dick.  McCardell reportedly wants a $5.5 million bonus.  The Chiefs gave only $5 million to WR Johnnie Morton when they signed him earlier this year, and it's unlikely that they'll put that kind of money on the table for McCardell, especially with a guy like tight end Tony Gonzalez still unsigned.  According to the Great Gazoo, the Chiefs have only $2.729 million in cap room currently available.

Meanwhile, the Bucs are making a huge push for McCardell.  According to the Tampa Tribune, coach Jon Gruden took nearly the whole team to Raymond James Stadium, where they ran highlights on the jumbotron and they fired the cannons on the pirate ship (oh, wait -- that was only Warren Sapp breaking some wind). 

In contrast, receiver Derrick Alexander got no such treatment when he visited the Bucs on Wednesday.

And it's clear that the decision will turn in the end on dollars and cents.  "It would be nice," McCardell said, referring to possibly staying in Florida, "but I've got to see who is going to step up to the plate (in salary offer and other issues) because I'm going to step up to the plate on the field."

FINS FRUSTRATED WITH BURNETT'S AGENT

A league source tells us that the Miami Dolphins gradually are getting miffed at the sssslow progress of their discussions with free agent defensive end Rob Burnett.

Burnett, formerly of the Ravens, is represented by Jim Sims.  According to the source, Sims has been dragging his feet in connection with the negotiations, and it could prompt the Dolphins to look elsewhere for help at the position.

You'd think that the guy would be demonstrating a slightly greater sense of urgency, especially since his client is unemployed -- and has been since he was released by the Ravens.  With guys like Marco Coleman on the market and Jay Williams waiting in the wings (read more on both of them below), it makes no sense for Sims to lollygag.

WILLIAMS TO PANTHERS:  POOP OR GET OFF POT

It's decision time for the Carolina Panthers.  After nearly three weeks of discussions with defensive end Jay Williams on a possible extension, Williams is turning the heat up a notch.

Williams' agent, Ron Del Duca, tells us that he is taking one last run at working out an acceptable restructuring with the Panthers and that, if there is no deal, Williams will refuse any change in this current contract -- which likely will set the stage for the veteran's eventual release.

Also, Del Duca tells us that Williams will cease involvement in any voluntary workouts after June 7 if no compromise is reached.

Sure, Del Duca has a connection to the site (he's the only sports agent dumb enough to give us columns).  Still, we'd like his approach on this one even if he didn't share with us keen insights on matters such as the mating rituals of his clients. 

The Panthers apparently want to keep their claws on Williams long enough to the market to dry up, which then would enable the team to cut him loose and offer a one-year, minimum-salary deal.  Del Duca, however, knows that there are other options now for his client -- and he's trying to put Williams in a position to land somewhere else for a salary more than the bargain-basement bottom line.

In the Panthers' defense, however, they have every right to hold onto Williams as long as they want.  It ain't fair, but there's nothing improper about it. 

Really, the Panthers know that they need a proven veteran in place in the event that Julius Peppers struggles in his rookie year.  Though they arguably could be (and should be) handling it better, it's hard to blame them for wanting to keep Williams around -- and for not wanting to admit publicly that they need to.

COLEMAN "ISN'T GETTING A SNIFF"

Of the defenders who were released on June 3, defensive end Marco Coleman arguably is the most attractive candidate for a free agent deal.

According to a league source, however, Coleman "isn't getting a sniff" from other teams.

The problem, as we reported earlier this week, is Coleman's stated desire for a $3 million signing bonus. 

If Coleman is serious about getting signed soon, he needs to get the word out that he's willing to take far less up front -- and he needs to hope that the teams out there believe him.

SAL PAL BLASTS THE INQUIRER

Frequent visitors to this site know that we like to twist the tails of the various ESPN.com personalities.  However, one guy who has received immunity on this here page is Sal Paolantonio. 

On the surface, it might appears that our affinity for Sal Pal arises from the fact that he shares the same ethnic origin as nearly every contributor and employee of this site.  But we like Sal primarily because he's got a knack for that Cosellian cliche of telling it like it really is. 

According to one of our moles with an ear poised to Philly talk radio, Paolantonio blasted on Thursday his former employer, the Philadelphia Inquirer, for its seemingly too-cozy relationship with the local NFL team.

We mention this because it meshes with one of our recent beefs regarding the cadre of journalists known as "beat" writers.  Among other things, Paolantonio suggested that the Inquirer secured the recent scoop regarding that sale of the naming rights to the team's new stadium as a result of the mutual back-scratching that often occurs when a writer wants access and the team wants favorable copy.

Sal pointed to past stories which indicate that the Inquirer could be serving as a mouthpiece for the team.  For example, when Tom Modrak unceremoniously received a shoe in the butt as a reward for his efforts to turn around the franchise, the Inquirer reported that Modrak was fired was based on his lack of "loyalty" and that there never was "good chemistry" between Modrak and owner Jeff Lurie or president Joe Banner, which statements presumably were made to defray some of the local heat that was generated by the seemingly unjustified move.

Likewise, the Inquirer rushed to the defense of the team for removing the franchise tag on linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, which enabled him to sign with the Redskins.  The Inquirer announced in a headline that "it's time to move on" in the wake of the Trotter debacle and the Inquirer picked apart the deal Trotter signed with Washington, both of which stories came at a time when the Philly faithful were up in arms regarding the handling of the Trotter situation.

We're not saying here that all beat writers are unduly beholden to the teams that they cover.  But the comments of Paolantonio, a veteran newspaper guy, shows that this is a real dynamic in the world of print journalism.

Even though the writers don't work for the team, it doesn't take a Brian Billick to know that, when your ability to gather information can be affected by your relationship with the team, there's an alliance in place that can cause the writer to shade his or her stories in a manner that makes the local team look good.

POSTED 12:20 p.m. EDT, June 6, 2002 (THURSDAY)

VIKES BLOWN OUT IN STRINGER RULING

It seems to happen whenever a ruling in a high-profile piece of sports litigation is announced.  The journalists report the official outcome in a "Joe Friday" narrative, and the readers are left trying to figure out what it all really means.

The latest example is Wednesday's decision in the wrongful death lawsuit brought by the estate of Korey Stringer against the Minnesota Vikings and various individuals (including current coach Mike Tice and former coach Dennis Green).

Though the headlines on ESPN.com suggest that the ruling delivered the Vikings a victory of sorts, the truth is that they took a beating almost as bad as the one they suffered in Giants Stadium at the 2000 NFC title game.

The final score that day 41-0.  If we were to put a score on the most recent developments in the Stringer suit, it'd be something like 38-7.

Sure, it wasn't a total blowout for the Vikings, but only because the Court ruled that the Vikings didn't actually intend to kill Stringer (duh) and because the Court ruled that only the administrator of his estate can pursue the remaining legal claims.

The fact, however, that Stringer's wife and son can't pursue claims directly against the various defendants means nothing, since any recovery ultimately will be paid to them.

The bigger issue is that the Court essentially has guaranteed that the substantive claims against the Vikings will go to trial.  Most significantly, the Court ruled that the claim for wrongful death damages will proceed, even though the workers' compensation system generally makes employers immune from negligence lawsuits when an employee dies on the job.

Under Minnesota law, the immunity disappears in cases of "gross negligence," and as we predicted, the Court concluded that only a jury can determine in the end whether the alleged misconduct rises to the level of "gross negligence."

Also, the Court preserved a claim of medical negligence against the independent physicians who treated Stringer and a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress, which is connected to the alleged statements made by team officials linking Stringer's death to his alleged use of fat-burning substances.

So, in all, it was a resounding victory for the Stringer estate.

The matter eventually will proceed to trial, absent an out-of-court settlement.  Thus, the question for the organization becomes whether to duke it out with Kelci Stringer and her lawyers, or whether it makes sense to work out an acceptable compromise.

POSTED 7:45 a.m. EDT, June 6, 2002; UPDATED 8:43 a.m. June 6, 2002 (THURSDAY)

'SKINS SAY THERE'S NO CASH CRUNCH

In response to Wednesday's story that owner Dan Snyder is having cash flow problems, the Redskins say that the rumors of money troubles are way off the mark.

In a phone interview, Redskins Senior Vice President Karl Swanson told Profootballtalk that the team and its owner are in sound financial shape.

The rumors apparently started when reports surfaced regarding a refinancing effort in which Snyder and the 'Skins were engaged.  According to Swanson, however, the refinancing had been planned from the time Snyder bought the team.

Basically, the goal was to shift the team's debt from short-term notes to long-term notes, and the move formally was announced and approved by the NFL in December.

As to the reports that Snyder's creditors are attempting to put a leash on his spending, Swanson said that Snyder's financial decisions regarding the team are independent of any specific creditor.  Instead, the refinanced debt applies to the 1999 purchase price of the team and the stadium -- not the team's operating expenses.

Ironically, Snyder truly has been insulated from the current downturn in the stock market and in the economy.  When he sold Snyder Communications to Havas in 2000 for $2.1 billion, he cashed the bulk of his stock soon thereafter -- and he is holding only a "token" 1 million shares.  Swanson said that, as of last year, Snyder's liquid net worth was "well in excess" of $500 million.

So, Swanson said, there is and should be "no question" regarding Snyder's ability to generate sufficient cash to keep the team going.

Of course, there's no guarantee that Swanson's efforts to clear the air will quell the rumors.  Regardless, the facts speak for themselves -- Snyder is still filthy-phat rich, and no one is in a position to put any clamps on his ability to spend money.

VIKES SHIFT FOCUS TO FREE?

With receiver Derrick Alexander visiting the Patriots and the Bucs despite strong interest by the Vikings to get him signed as soon as possible, the team is making plans to host Antonio Freeman next week.

"I'm not going to play games with this," coach Mike Tice told the Minneapolis Star Tribune, explaining that he'll be happy if the team signs any of the "Big Three" free-agent pass-catchers:  Alexander, Freeman, and Keenan McCardell.

If Alexander continues to dilly-dally, Freeman could be the man to fill the vacuum across from Randy Moss.  "He's very interested in the Vikings," said Freeman's agent, Joel Segal.  "There's no question they're one of his top priorities."

Meanwhile, Alexander spent Wednesday in Tampa, and it sounds like his agent is trolling for the biggest payday, not the best fit.

"As soon as the right deal comes in," Peter Schaffer told the Tampa Tribune, "we'll make our decision."

But the Bucs won't be throwing out any numbers until after they finish their visit with McCardell, who arrived on Wednesday night.  McCardell reportedly wants a five-year deal with a $5.5 million bonus, and Alexander is looking for slightly less than that.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs patiently are waiting for McCardell to make his decision.  "My advice to Keenan was that he go down there, take a look around like he did here, then go home and make a decision," agent Carl Peterson said. "The bottom line is that he needs to make a decision he is going to be happy with."  (Hey, Carl -- does that advice also apply to Tony Gonzalez?)

STEELERS INTERESTED IN MOORE

Last year, when the Lions nearly released received Herman Moore after June 1, word circulated that the Pittsburgh Steelers were interested in bringing in Moore as a mentor for youngster Plaxico Burress, whose size and skills in many ways parallel those of Moore.

This time around, a league source tells us that the team again has an interest in Moore, who finally was cut loose after a long career in Motown. 

The catch, however, is that the Steelers aren't in a position to offer him much more (if any more) than the one-year, $750,000 minimum, which would result in a cap charge (and a real cost) of only $450,000 under the new CBA.

So if another team is willing to go above the $750,000 ceiling, the Steelers might not have a chance at him.  But, all things equal, heading to the 'Burgh would give Moore a chance to provide some leadership and support for a still-maturing passing game -- and it could help Herman get his hands on a trophy that he hadn't and never would've sniffed in Detroit.

FERGUSON, GRAVES WILL STAY IN 'ZONA

Despite some recent confusion in the Arizona Cardinals' front office, a league source tells us that both Rod Graves and Bob Ferguson will remain with the team for the foreseeable future. 

Ferguson is team's the General Manager, and his contract expired not long ago.  There was speculation that Ferguson might move on, especially in light of an apparent power struggle with Graves.

According to the source, however, the duo apparently will coexist, for now.  Despite Ferguson's title, Graves is running the show behind the scenes.  Ferguson is focusing more on dealing with the media.

News flash -- we still don't expect the on-field product to be much better.

TITANS DEFENSE DISAPPOINTS

Not long ago, the primary strength of the Tennessee Titans was its defense.  However, there is concern Nashville that the team's defense has taken a huge step backwards.

As we previously have reported, the belief was that the defense's struggle in 2001 resulted from the complex schemes instituted by new coordinator Jim Schwartz.  The supposed solution was to simplify the approach for 2002.

Regardless, there have been too many blown assignments during off-season workouts, according to a league source.  The source also tells us that many of the players are now attributing the overall decline to the recent departures from the defense.

Since the 2000 season ended, the Titans have lost S Marcus Robertson, DE Kenny Holmes, DT Jason Fisk, LB Eddie Robinson, and LB Greg Favors.

Of course, the infusion of new blood could make things different in time.  Rookie defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth showed his feisty side on Wednesday, getting into scraps on consecutive plays at mini-camp.  The first scuffle was with guard Benjo Olson, and the second was with guard Zach Piller.

''I got thrown on the ground on a play and the next play [Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn] said 'Don't put up with it,' '' Haynesworth said. ''So I didn't.''

POSTED 7:16 a.m. EDT, June 5, 2002; UPDATED 8:28 a.m. EDT, June 5, 2002 (WEDNESDAY)

FABINI, McKENZIE SWITCHING BACK

Okay, Jets fans.  Many of you doubted us before we broke the story regarding Dave Szott and his formerly intact ACL.  Plenty of you still doubt us even though we proved that our Gotham sources are more solid than that pizza bubble on Hasim Rahman's grill.

Well, here's the next dose for all yous Doubting Thomases.  Our sources tell us that the temporary McKenzie-Fabini flip-flop is over, and that tackle Jason Fabini will move back to the left side, and tackle Kareem McKenzie will slide back to the right. 

Why?  The word is that McKenzie has been manhandled at the left tackle position in off-season workouts. 

But here's the kicker.  According to a league source (and despite all public and private denials by the team, the coaching staff, and the players), both of Fabini's shoulders are still injured.

Again, Jets fans, we're not making this stuff up.  We've got better things to do with our time, like play the fiddle and guzzle moonshine.  So if/when the truth on this comes out, remember where you heard it first.

PLAYER DUES SKYROCKETING

A league source tells us that the NFLPA will be increasing its dues by a whopping 100 percent, from $5,000 per year to $10,000 per player.

The NFLPA's spin on the move?  The players will make it all back in licensing revenues.

Our response:  So what?  If the PA wasn't sucking $10,000 off the top, the players would be making even more in licensing revenues from trading cards, video games, etc. that bear their names and likenesses. 

With 53 active players on 32 teams, the total dues income for the NFLPA will shoot to $16.9 million dollars in 2002.

And what is the NFLPA doing for all of this money?  Let's consider just a few of our recent reports.

First, the NFLPA is stretching its resources to serve the rank-and-file of the Arena Football League.  We still don't know why the NFLPA isn't using the money it's getting from the AFL (if any) to increase its ability to handle issues both for the AFL and the NFL. 

Second, the NFLPA continues to ignore the seemingly clear violations of the rules regarding "voluntary" workouts.  Coaches routinely make statements suggesting that these workouts aren't optional, and we're aware of no efforts by the NFLPA to address this.

Third, the NFLPA has taken no action against Sean Jones for his blatant refusal to enter into a standard representation agreement with second overall pick Julius Peppers, even though the rules clearly require that a rep agreement be signed and filed before the relationship can commence.

Okay, Gene.  We now understand why you guys need $16.9 million in revenue directly from the guys whom you're supposed to be serving.

SNYDER GETTING CRUNCHED BY CREDITORS?

A league source tells us that the folks who bankroll the activities of Redskins owner Dan Snyder are quietly putting the squeeze on his free-spending ways.

As we previously have reported, the buzz is that Snyder is having cash flow problems in the wake of the downturn in the economy.

According to the source, the delayed signing bonus to be paid to linebacker Jeremiah Trotter resulted directly from Snyder's cash crunch.  As we first reported after Trotter was signed, his $7 million bonus is split into two payments -- $1 million up front and $6 million next year.

Also, the word is that Snyder's creditors have cautioned him that his heavy spending will end after this season -- unless his overall financial condition improves dramatically.

RAVENS HOPE TO SIGN BOULWARE, LEWIS SOON

A league source tells us that despite the recent rancor between coach Brian Billick and the agent for linebackers Peter Boulware and Ray Lewis, the team hopes to reach an agreement soon on contract extensions for both players.

The agent isn't nearly as optimistic.  According to the Baltimore Sun, Roosevelt Barnes says that doesn't think the extensions will come this year.

"I don't anticipate anything happening," said Barnes. "The Ravens are happy with the team they have now, and my guys can live with the salaries the way it is."

Billick's response?  "If that's their stance, what's staring them at the end is franchise."

Rhetoric aside, however, it seems that the framework of a new deal quietly is in place.

"We have an offer on the table that would give them all the cap room to sign players," Boulware said. 

"This deal is imminently close to getting done," Billick conceded in the midst of one of his trademark long-winded quotes.

Extensions could free up more than $6 million in 2002 cap space for the Ravens, which would enable them to replace some of the many players who were exiled before March 1.

The problem is that some of the players in whom the Ravens are interested might end up elsewhere unless the extensions get done soon. 

COLEMAN'S EXPECTATIONS WON'T BE MET

Though he figures to be one of the most heavily pursued post-June 1 free agents, a league source tells us that defensive end Marco Coleman's expectations might be too high.

According to the source, Coleman wants a $3 million signing bonus -- and he'll be hard pressed to get it.

The book on Coleman is that he's adequate against the run and below average in pass rushing situations.  Still, he's likely to have opportunities in Miami and Baltimore -- and he could get a sniff from the team that just released him, the Redskins. 

However, strike the Eagles from the list, despite reports elsewhere that the team is interested in signing a defensive end.  A league source tells us that the Eagles are looking at no defensive linemen, and that any reports to the contrary originated with agents representing defensive ends who are or will be trolling for work.

DOLPHINS WORRIED ABOUT GARDENER

Speaking of defensive ends, a league source tells us that the Miami Dolphins quietly are concerned about the decision to slide defensive tackle Daryl Gardener outside. 

According to the source, the Dolphins fear that the injury plagued Gardener won't hold up at the end position -- and that he might not be able to complete half of the season.

The necessity to shift Gardener resulted from the departure of two defensive ends via free agency.  Both Kenny Mixon and Lorenzo Bromell fled Florida for Minnesota earlier this year.

Of course, Gardener's reps at the position could be minimized if the Dolphins are able to sign someone like Rob Burnett, Marco Coleman, or Jay Williams (if he's ultimately released by the Panthers).

SMITH IS STILL RETIRED

Eighteen months after his stunning decision to retire while he stood on the cusp of his biggest NFL payday, running back Robert Smith remains retired.

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Smith's agent, Neil Cornrich, says that more than one NFL team has contacted him in recent weeks regarding the possible availability of the straight-up speedster whose value to the Vikings offense wasn't truly appreciated until he was gone.

"If anyone could come back to the NFL and do well, it would be Robert," Cornrich said.  "But the guy's just totally enjoying life after football. I don't see [a return] happening."

Cornrich wouldn't identify the teams who have expressed an interest in Smith.  Our guess would be that, at a minimum, Tampa, Detroit, Philadelphia, Houston, and Baltimore have considered the potential benefits of adding Smith to their roster. 

POSTED 11:45 a.m. EDT, June 4, 2002 (TUESDAY)

CARDS-BRYANT FEUD HEATS UP

It's getting downright blatant.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, coaches can't say or do anything to suggest that voluntary workouts are anything but.

Many coaches have ignored this rule over the past few years, making express and implied references to a player's decision to exercise his contractual right to stay home.

The problem, of course, is that the organization that is paid to enforce the rights of the players (the NFLPA) has said and/or done jack-diddly-squat about this problem.  As a result, the coaches have become emboldened to the point where the whole issue is a complete joke.

The most recent example comes from Dave McGinnis, coach of the Arizona Turdinals.  According to an AP story that is reprinted at ESPN.com, McGinnis is griping about the decision of first-round pick Wendell Bryant to stay away from mini-camp.

"He needs to be here,'' McGinnis said Monday.

Hello?  Mr. Upshaw?  Are you awake?  Alive?

McGinnis's comments are even more problematic, given that Wendell hasn't opted to stay home and play video games -- he's staying away because the Cards won't guarantee his rookie signing bonus if he gets injured while working for free.

The issue speaks to even deeper problems within the worst organization in the NFL.  Several days ago, G.M. Bob Ferguson told reporters that, until the injury waiver issue is resolved, "I'd rather him not be here."

The whole thing stinks, and the NFLPA should be ashamed of itself for failing to enforce the deal that it brokered.

As for the Cardinals, they're only solidifying their status as the kings of the Dirty Dozen.

POSTED 7:13 a.m. EDT, June 4, 2002 (TUESDAY); UPDATED 9:45 a.m. EDT, June 4, 2002 (TUESDAY)

FAULK "HASN'T CHANGED", BUT WILL HE?

In the wake of recent reports that Rams running back Marshall Faulk is unhappy in St. Louis (scroll down for the full story) and his public denial of the same (scroll farther), we put our moles in Missouri on the case.

We've learned that, outwardly, Faulk's hasn't changed in any way, which suggests that he really is content in St. Louis -- and that he has no plans to void his contract after the season and declare himself an unrestricted free agent.

Still, the numbers suggest that Faulk might decide in the end to nullify the final three years of his deal and seek a new contract, either in St. Louis or elsewhere.

Under the current package, Faulk will receive a base salary of $4.2 million in 2002, with a workout bonus of $250,000.

Next year, his salary shoots to $7 million, and he's eligible for a $5 million roster bonus -- if he does not elect to void the deal.

If he stays, his 2004 salary will be $7 million, and his 2005 salary will be $7 million.

The key here is that the $6.5 million signing bonus Faulk received prior to the 2000 season will be fully counted against the cap as of 2002, given that the last three years of the deal are voidable. 

Thus, after Faulk receives his $5 million roster bonus in 2003, he has no further guarantees under the deal -- and there will be no looming cap charge to deter the Rams from deciding that it's time to nudge the then-thirtysomething back out of the spotlight.

The X factor here is the Rams' overall cap situation.  One league source tells us that, after 2002, the Rams prolonged cap honeymoon will end, and they'll be fighting just like most of the other successful teams to hold the roster together. 

So, after 2002, Faulk might be looking for a big signing bonus not out of greed, but in order to get some of that fat future salary in hand on a guaranteed basis.  And the Rams might want to do the same in order to reduce Faulk's big cap numbers for 2003, 2004, and 2005.

The reality is that the issue is far more complex than it appears on the surface, and the manner in which it is resolved likely depends on whether Faulk can sustain in 2002 the excellence that he has demonstrated since coming to the Rams in 1999.

If he can't, he'll likely snatch up the $5 million and wait for the Rams to make their next move.  If he can, he might start thinking about that huge payday he could get on the open market.

ADAMS SPURNED BIG MONEY IN BALTIMORE

As the post-June 1 cap purge creates enough cap room for a team like the Redskins to squeeze defensive tackle Sam Adams under the salary cap, a league source tells us that the payday Adams ultimately receives will be nothing like the chunk of change he woulda/coulda/shoulda banked if he'd taken the offer that his former team placed on the table before March 1.

According to the source, Baltimore offered Adams a signing bonus of $6 million on a deal that averaged $5 million per year.  (We're still trying to figure out how the Ravens were going to fit that contract under the cap.)

But Adams' agents, Roosevelt Barnes and Eugene Parker, wanted $12 million up front.  So they passed on the offer.

And with Adams generating less interest than expected, the source tells us that Barnes and Parker recently told the team that Adams will take the pre-free agency offer.

The problem, of course, is that the Ravens yanked the offer off of the table faster than your pudgy cousin bogarts the last piece of pizza.

Since Barnes and Parker also represent Peter Boulware and Ray Lewis, the question becomes whether the Ravens' decision to pull back on the Adams offer will affect (directly or not) the agents' handling of the Boulware/Lewis negotiations -- especially since a renegotiation of these contracts is critical to the Ravens short-term cap health.

As always, stay tuned. 

POSTED 8:29 a.m. EDT, June 3, 2002 (MONDAY)

IS FAULK REALLY FUMING?

On Sunday, we commented on Bernie Miklasz's report that Rams running back Marshall Faulk isn't disgruntled.

Faulk spoke out in response to a report on an Internet site, the address for which Miklasz curiously failed to provide.

We've tracked down the report in question and, frankly, we think the story has some credibility.  Michael Jessen of the Great Blue North Draft Report posted the blurb on May 22, and it contains the kind of detail that folks don't make up unless they are pathological.

If, as Miklasz noted in his Sunday story, Faulk can void his Rams contract after this season or insist on a $5 million balloon payment, why wouldn't the 2000 MVP be angling for a big-money deal now?  As he approaches the age of 30, this could be the last chance for one of the best running backs in recent memory to nail down a huge contract. 

Most guys make their money, and then go for the Ring.  Faulk has the Ring -- why not make the money? 

Also, the rumor that Faulk wants a $10 million signing bonus isn't unreasonable, especially since he's already entitled to half of that after the season, if he chooses not to void his contract.

Think about it -- is Faulk off base in wanting $10 million in guaranteed coin?  Moss got $17 million.  Jonathan Ogden got $17 million.  Even overrated defensive back Jason Shoehorn got $10 million. 

And the current elite who are closing in on becoming unrestricted free agents after this year are shooting for even more.  Michael Strahan wants $20 million.  Ray Lewis wants $25 million.

Hell, getting Marshall re-upped for a $10 million bonus would be a steal for the Rams, and perhaps Faulk's frustration flows from the fact that the team hasn't approached him about re-doing his deal in order to pay him something closer to what he's worth.

But what about Faulk's public denial of any rift?  Good question.  However, we don't give much credence to the public statements made by players and coaches who have a clear desire to project an image of unity.  Faulk won't help his prospects in 2003 with the Rams or with any other team if he becomes a public bellyacher, especially in the wake of New England's "team first" Super Bowl-winning attitude. 

Also, by shooting down these rumors unequivocally now, Faulk is generating even more evidence in support of his argument that he's been a trooper for the Rams, and that he should get paid accordingly.

And consider this.  Monday's St. Louis Post-Dispatch addresses the efforts of the team to put the Super Bowl loss to the Patriots behind it.  Based on some of the quotes, it appears that the overall atmosphere in Mizzou is anything but blissful.  There has been much soul-searching in St. Louis since the loss that no one on the Rams believes should have occurred.

So Jessen's suggestion that Faulk harbors some resentment due to coach Mike Martz's failure to run more often against a Patriots defense that was designed to stop the pass seems, under the circumstances, reasonable.  Faulk was ready and willing to carry the load, and he wasn't given the opportunity to do it.

Anyone who believes that thoughts like this don't creep into a guy's mind in the quiet hours doesn't have a pulse. 

Bottom line -- we think Jessen is onto something, and it'll be interesting to see what Faulk does after the 2002 season.  In the interim, it'll be even more interesting to listen to what he says, both publicly and privately. 

MAWAE EYES MID-AUGUST RETURN

A source close to Jets center Kevin Mawae says that the Pro Bowler is telling folks that he hopes to return for the second or third exhibition game.

Mawae recently had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff, and official reports on the date of his potential return have been vague, at best.

The Jets will be pressed to get their offensive line in order before the regular season opens.  Starting guard Dave Szott is gone for the year, Mawae will be catching up from day one, and question marks swirl over tackles Kareem McKenzie and Jason Fabini.

POSTED 7:58 a.m. EDT, June 2, 2002 (SUNDAY)

RAVENS ROOST IN TURMOIL

We all know by now that the Baltimore Ravens specifically accepted the reality that efforts to re-tool the team for another Super Bowl run with 10 returning starters on defense and a supposedly upgraded offense (with Elvis Grbac supplanting Trent Dilfer) would lead to serious cap consequences in 2002.

But the depth of the problems that the Ravens are now facing make us wonder whether it would have been a good idea even if it had resulted in a second Lombardi Trophy.

The pressures of serious cap mismanagement and failed expectations in 2001 have created serious friction in the front office, according to a league source.  The source tells us that the situation only will get worse as the team piles up losses this fall.

The current catalyst of elevated blood pressure is the status of defenders Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware.  The Ravens are pressed so tightly against the cap that they simply can't make any meaningful acquisitions until one of this pair signs a new deal that will reduce his 2002 cap number.

The problem is that both want a big pile of money -- and that both are represented by the same teams of agents, Roosevelt Barnes and Eugene Parker.  Since three percent of two big piles of money equates to a nice little pile of money in and of itself, and since Barnes and Parker know that the Ravens desperately need cap relief in order to field a team in 2002, Barnes and Parker are putting the screws to the Ravens.

And we can't say we blame them for doing it.  The agent's job is to get the most money for his player, and if a team specifically creates a situation where it will be relying upon a player to re-do his deal in order to create cap room, the team should know that price of tea in China will be adjusted accordingly. 

It's basic economics.  Then again, the Ravens have demonstrated little appreciation for these principles, which in time could earn them a spot on the Dirty Dozen, Super Bowl title notwithstanding.

TEXANS HYPE IS FADING

The word around the league is that the early wave of rave reviews regarding the manner in which the Houston Texans were building their team was overblown, and that recent events demonstrate that the team will not be an immediate competitor in the NFL.

Though the media generally engaged in a mass butt-kiss-fest when the Texans selected their initial slate of players in the expansion draft, we were sharing at the time concerns from around the league that the bulk of the players they took would not ultimately contribute in a significant way.

For example, already cut by the team are ninth pick Matt Campbell, eighteenth pick Brian Allen, nineteenth pick Johnny Huggins.

Seventeenth pick Danny Wuerffel was shipped to the Redskins for peanuts, and fourth pick Gary Walker and sixth pick Jermaine Lewis have had injury problems since they arrived. 

And don't forget about top pick Tony Boselli, who was damaged goods from the minute the Texans took him.

Other personnel execs realize that the Texans have made a few good moves via the expansion draft, free agency, and the college draft.  However, the feeling throughout the league is that the Texans are still an expansion team, and that when the games start, they'll struggle.  As one league source put it, the team "will suck and get blasted."

Stay tuned.

FAULK SAY HE'S HAPPY IN HORNS

Rams running back Marshall Faulk has responded to an Internet report (which never ran here) regarding his alleged dissatisfaction with the team.

The rumor was that Faulk isn't happy, that Faulk had refused to speak to coach Mike Martz until recently, that Faulk wants a $10 million signing bonus, and that Faulk will bolt from the Rams if his demands aren't met.  (Faulk can void his current deal after the 2002 season.)

But Faulk tells Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that it's not true.  "When that came out and got passed around, I was like, 'What?'  And I wanted to talk to Martz about it," Faulk said Saturday.  "I actually brought it up to Mike.  I heard about it, he'd heard about it, and we were like, 'Hey, we know each other better than that.'  I don't know how this gets started.

"I'm in for the long haul," said Faulk.  "This is it for me.  This is the place.  This is where I'm going to play."

Of course, Miklasz couldn't resist the opportunity to diss generally the availability of NFL rumors on the Internet, referring to the industry at one point as "trash."  While the Faulk rumor (did we mention it never ran here?) might have been off base, we get a charge out of the superficial manner in which the "real" journalists often try to ignore the 600-pound gorilla that makes their print product less timely, informative, and/or desirable.

The biggest culprits seem to be the newspaper "beat" writers.  They have a symbiotic relationship with the teams that they cover, and if they start speaking the truth regarding any dirty laundry or closet skeletons within the organization, their access will evaporate faster than a puddle of gin on hot asphalt.   

The easiest way for these guys to get paid on a regular basis is to continuously kiss the butts of the teams they cover.  And by shooting down Internet sites that (God forbid!) might actually have a grain of truth (and zero fluff) in the reporting, dudes like Miklasz curry even more favor with the NFL organizations that indirectly help pay for their houses, cars, food, etc.

POSTED 8:50 a.m. EDT, June 1, 2002 (SATURDAY)

STEELERS SAY BETTIS IS PHAT, NOT FAT

A league source that the Steelers dispute media reports that the tail end of star tailback Jerome Bettis has grown to epic proportions.

According to the source, the Steelers say Bettis is only ten pounds overweight, and that the Bus has not yet made his annual visit to his personal trainer to get in shape for the season.

Bettis has been ripped recently by the local media for ballooning in the off-season.  Put simply, the Steelers think the criticism is not justified.

So as far as the team is concerned the Bus will be ready to roll again in 2002, and he won't have any excess baggage when September comes.

"OTHER" LOMBARDI HITS A GLASS CEILING

The buzz around the league is that Raiders personnel executive Mike Lombardi is highly talented, but that his career options have been limited based upon a grating personality that has turned some folks off.

Lombardi, who is no relation to Vince, has been around the league for several years, and he likely has the raw ability to become a top notch G.M.  But the current word is that he needs a Dale Carnegie course (or two) before he'll be ready to say and do all of the little things necessary to continue his climb up the NFL ladder.

POSTED 3:45 p.m. EDT, May 31, 2002 (FRIDAY)

MANNING GETS SERVED . . .

and it isn't a plate of steaming bruschetta.  Instead, Peyton's place has been invaded by the sue bug, courtesy of Jamie Naughright.

Naughright is a former UT trainer (and we're not talking about that kind of "train"), who has taken great exception to Manning's reference to her as having a "vulgar mouth" in the 2001 father-son autobiography, Manning.  (Archie Manning co-wrote the book, and he also has been named in the complaint.)

Naughright has sued the Mannings for defamation, which by definition is a claim that they lied when they said she has a "vulgar mouth," and that the fib has damaged her reputation, etc. 

News flash No. 1 -- most people connected to the game of football have a vulgar mouth.

News flash No. 2 -- most people not connected to the game of football have a vulgar mouth.

Of course, the irony of the situation is that the lawsuit and the attention it generates will make far more people aware that Manning attributes to Ms. Naughright a "vulgar mouth," given that the sales of the book have been tepid, at best.  (It's currently outpacing Quarterback of the Future, but that isn't saying much.)

More importantly, truth is an absolute defense to any claim of defamation.  Thus, if Manning can parade a few former teammates onto the witness stand who'll testify that Ms. Naughright had a flair for the the profane, he wins and she loses.

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