HEAV
03-17-2006, 09:23 AM
The Dolphins intensified efforts at landing a premium linebacker, making a personal pitch to linebacker LaVar Arrington to come to Miami. The team believes Arrington could be as significant to the Miami defense as quarterback Daunte Culpepper will be to its offense. But the Dolphins are going to be forced to fend off other suitors for Arrington. The San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals have closely been monitoring Arrington's schedule, and the New York Giants are thought to covet the former Redskin.
A source with the Dallas Cowboys tells KLBK-13 in Lubbock, Tx that a deal between the team and wide receiver Terrell Owens has apparently been reached. Terms of his contract have not been disclosed. The Cowboys plan to announce the signing of Owens officially in a press conference on Monday.
Former Jets WR Keyshawn Johnson, released by the Cowboys earlier this week, is interested in returning to the area -- this time with the Giants. Johnson told SI.com the Giants are one of the teams he would consider joining. The Seahawks, Chiefs, Dolphins and Eagles round out his top 5, though the 10-year veteran said whoever contacts him had better be willing to meet his demands. "I know exactly what I'm worth," Johnson said, "and it's not $2.5 million a year. I know what I bring to a team, and if somebody comes calling who is willing to compensate me accordingly, I'm available."
Quarterback Brett Favre's $3 million roster bonus is due from the Green Bay Packers on Monday, but all indications are that the deadline for paying it will be pushed back while he considers whether to retire. Under terms of the contract, Favre would become an unrestricted free agent if the Packers did not pay the bonus. But the sides have an understanding that the payment deadline will be pushed back if Favre needs more time to decide on his future. According to a National Football League source with knowledge of the deal, the payment is due 10 days after the start of the new salary cap year, which began Saturday. How much longer Favre will take to decide his future is anyone's guess. The Packers will not pay the roster bonus until he commits to coming back, and Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, said several weeks ago that he would have no problem pushing the deadline back.
Top Falcons officials met and dined with New York Jets defensive end John Abraham in Atlanta Thursday, trying to work out contract terms to acquire the three-time Pro Bowler, team officials confirmed. New York wants Falcons backup quarterback Matt Schaub. Atlanta won't part with him. Draft picks might do, but the Falcons don't want to trade their first-round selection — the No. 15 overall pick.
The New York Jets, Buffalo and Oakland are in the market for starters. With Joey Harrington available, other teams could show an interest, either for an immediate starter, backup insurance or to develop as a future starter. Harrington, 27, still has plenty of football left. He has more ability than the Lions ever got out of him, with a strong arm and quick release, and he is mentally tough enough to succeed in the pros.
As for Troy Brown, contrary to published reports, his representatives at Las Vegas-based Premier Sports Management said he did not meet with the New York Jets yesterday. Brown’s reps declined comment when asked what visits he has scheduled. Multiple sources close to Brown said the receiver has yet to hear from the Patriots and is miffed at a perceived lack of respect after 13 years of service to the organization. Those sources say he’s prepared not to duplicate last offseason, when he spurned more money from the New Orleans Saints to return to the Pats.
Gus Frerotte is leaning toward signing with the St. Louis Rams, turning down the Broncos for a second consecutive year, according to a source close to the quarterback. The Broncos still could be in the mix, but it appears Frerotte is interested in reuniting with former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, head coach in St. Louis. Frerotte played under Linehan the last three seasons, in Minnesota and Miami. The Dolphins, who cut Frerotte this week, have expressed interest in re-signing him.
New England finally is getting busy with its own free-agent visitors. On March 16, the team hosted visits with Pittsburgh's free-agent cornerback Deshea Townsend and San Diego free-agent wide receiver Reche Caldwell. Those won't be the last visitors that pass through the doors at the Patriots training facility.
Where will Keyshawn Johnson end up? How about Seattle? The Seahawks need someone to replace Jurevicius. How about Carolina? Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning used to work with Johnson when they were with the Jets.
Former Broncos starting right cornerback Lenny Walls is scheduled to visit Oakland on Monday. The Raiders claimed Walls off waivers from Denver in November, but he failed a physical with a groin injury.
Running back Quentin Griffin is expected to sign with Kansas City today. Griffin, formerly a starting tailback with Denver, was cut twice by the Broncos in 2005. The fourth-round pick in 2003 did not finish the 2005 season with a team. He's expected to vie for a backup role in Kansas City behind Larry Johnson.
The Falcons should have a deal in place with former Buffalo and New England safety Lawyer Milloy, who would be handed a multi-year contract and a starting job. Those close to Milloy believe he will wind up in Atlanta, playing in the NFC for the first time in his 10-year career. The only way the deal doesn't get done is if the Seattle Seahawks step up with a last-minute offer that would prevent the 32-year-old Milloy from signing with Atlanta.
Adam Vinatieri, one of the best pressure kickers in National Football League history, arrived in Green Bay on Thursday night to see if he might be willing to fill out a change of address slip from his New England Patriots residence. The big question facing the Packers is, will they get him to sign it?
The Steelers have talked to the agent for Tim Dwight, an unrestricted free agent from the New England Patriots, about making a visit next week. If he joined the Steelers, he could play in the slot, which is where Antwaan Randle El played when three receivers were on the field. He also was used on reverses during his career.
The Texans won't likely have voids at receiver for long, though. They are still awaiting word on whether Cincinnati will match their offer sheet of $6.4 million over four years to Kevin Walter, a restricted free agent. The deadline is Sunday at midnight. Early next week, Minnesota Vikings restricted free agent Nate Burleson, 24, also will visit the Texans, whose offseason program starts Monday. Burleson is just two years removed from a 1,000-yard season. The Texans also will visit with former Denver Broncos tight end Jeb Putzier next week.
New Orleans is now expected to entertain trade offers for the No.2 pick. Depending on whether they have their hearts set on a specific member of the trio, the Raiders may covet that second pick. Although Josh McCown did not specifically say the Raiders flat-out told him they would draft a quarterback — and in reality, their quarterback of the future may well be Andrew Walter, a third-round pick last year — he hinted at it.
Packers officials have denied an ESPN report that Brett Favre told them he would return if the club became more active in free agency and they have been adamant that they plan to attack the off-season in a way they think will best serve the long-term plans of the organization.
The Eagles may be present when their late star, Reggie White, gets inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. According to a report on their Web site, they will play the Oakland Raiders in the Hall of Fame preseason game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 6. The game comes a day after an enshrinement ceremony for White and the other five inductees at the same site. White, Troy Aikman, Harry Carson, John Madden, Warren Moon and Rayfield Wright comprise this year's Hall of Fame class. The Eagles also are rumored to be headed to China next summer for a preseason game against the Denver Broncos.
The Dolphins plugged one of several holes in their secondary by agreeing to a contract with Raiders free-agent defensive back Renaldo Hill, according to agent Jack Bechta. A source said the contract will be for three years at $6 million, including a $2 million signing bonus. The Dolphins didn't confirm the acquisition Thursday night, but a source said the signing was contingent upon Hill passing a physical today.
The Jets have other options at quarterback. Several veterans are on the market, including Aaron Brooks, Kerry Collins and Brian Griese, while Joey Harrington is expected to be released. And, the club could draft Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler at No. 4 or trade up to No. 2 and select USC's Matt Leinart.
Some members of the Bears' organization clamored for Brian Griese three years ago. They might get their man this time. Griese, a former starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos, is scheduled to visit Halas Hall, perhaps as soon as the end of the weekend. If he signs with the Bears, Griese would begin as the No. 2 quarterback behind Rex Grossman but eventually might push him for the starting job. The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings also are believed to be suitors for Griese, and the Bucs have expressed interest in re-signing him, though Chris Simms looks to be the starter in Tampa.
If the Lions trade Joey Harrington, his total cap number hits immediately and $7 million would come off Detroit's cap this season. In 2006 salary and bonuses, the Lions will pay Kitna ($4.5 million) and McCown ($4 million) about the same money they were going to pay Harrington this season. The Lions know they aren't going to get great value for Harrington, but the team has only six draft choices this season so they're eager to add whatever they can -- even if it's late-round picks on the second day of the draft. The Lions are in no financial hurry to deal with Harrington.
The agent for defensive tackle Sam Adams indicated that the Dolphins remain interested in his client. Agent Angelo Wright said he was hoping to receive an offer from Miami as early as today.
Some quietly are predicting Browns cornerback Gary Baxter will have a breakthrough 2006 season. Baxter should avoid the injuries (concussion, chest) that limited him to five games. But equally important, Baxter won't put as much pressure on himself as he did last season, when he joined the Browns after signing a $30 million free-agent deal.
Three weeks ago, as he was ready to head into free-agency, fullback Tony Richardson wasn’t certain he would be able to finish his career with the Chiefs. Thursday, after almost a week as a free agent, Richardson was more encouraged about ending his career where it started. “We’re making headway,” Richardson said about his contract talks with the Chiefs. “They’ve got an offer on the table. We still have a little work left to do, but I feel better about the chances for getting something done.
The Vikings had no interest in Drew Brees, and they should have first-hand information because new vice president of player personnel Fran Foley was with the Chargers for the past three years as director of pro scouting and certainly knew the seriousness of Brees' shoulder operation.
Fullback William Henderson is expected to make a decision on where he'll play next season before the weekend is over. The Minnesota Vikings made an offer to Henderson, but his demands might be too high for them. The Packers are unwilling to pay Henderson significant up-front money to return.
The Packers have expressed interest in Kansas City reserve receiver Marc Boerigter and had tentatively planned to bring him in for a visit next week. However, after re-signing receiver Rod Gardner, the Packers don't have much of a need for another No. 3 receiver.
Return specialist Michael Lewis, 34, suffered torn anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee last September, but he is expected to be healthy enough to return this season. The Saints would be interested in bringing him back for two reasons: First, the New Orleans native has long been one of their most popular players. Second, they learned how much his return skills were missed after the injury last year.
New Orleans also brought in Vikings tailback Michael Bennett for a visit this week. Tailback was not expected to be an area of focus for the Saints. But Bennett, 27, is one of the league's top speedsters at the position and might be considered as an upgrade over current change-of-pace back Aaron Stecker.
The Saints are in the market for a starting center to replace departed free agent LeCharles Bentley. They brought in two centers for visits this week, Miami's Seth McKinney and Minnesota's Melvin Fowler. They will look at cornerbacks who could start -- such as the New York Giants' Will Allen, who visited this week -- to replace departed Fakhir Brown.
Released this week by the Ravens for the second time in a year, linebacker Peter Boulware said last night that he would like to remain with the team in some capacity if his NFL career is over. Boulware, 31, didn't rule out a return as a player, either, although he indicated it would take a special situation. "If it is the end of my career, I'm fine with it," said Boulware, the Ravens' all-time leader in sacks with 70 over nine years. "I'm not telling my agent, 'Please find me another team.' "If something comes up and it's a great situation, I'll look at it. [But] I'm not going to say I'll do it."
Jets TE Chris Baker, who has visited Miami, Carolina and Oakland, is said to have narrowed his choices to the Jets and Miami. ... Ex-Jet LT Jason Fabini visited Buffalo yesterday.
Pats WR/PR Tim Dwight may visit the New York Jets in the coming days.
Tampa Bay is likely to be seeking quarterback help in the near future, which may provide an avenue in Washington's attempts to trade backup Patrick Ramsey, a former first-round pick.
The Redskins have contacted the agent for free agent linebacker Keith Adams, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, but had yet to schedule a visit, and may opt not to. Adams, who started at weak-side linebacker for Philadelphia, has other visits planned.
Free agent offensive lineman Jonathan Goodwin is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins on Monday, team and league sources said, as the club executes its second wave of offseason maneuvering to add depth. Goodwin, 27, has spent his four-year career with the New York Jets since being selected from Michigan in the fifth round of the 2002 draft.
Daunte Culpepper took a hit from Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw during a Thursday interview on 790 The Ticket. "I am not sold on him being a top quarterback," said Bradshaw, an NFL analyst for Fox Sports. "I never was really. ... His best years were with [former Vikings wide receiver] Randy Moss. "Plus, we have the leadership problems now being on the boat. Quarterbacking entails maturity level, teamwork, keeping teammates together and having the respect of them. There's a lot of mending to do here."
Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. will be the lord of the rings when the San Francisco 49ers' five Super Bowl championship teams reunite in Las Vegas next weekend. He's inviting players, coaches and others connected to those teams. During DeBartolo's 22-year run as owner, starting in 1977, the 49ers won Super Bowls XVI, XIX and XXIII with Bill Walsh as coach, then two more under George Seifert, XXIV and XXIX. Nobody throws a party like DeBartolo, his former players say. "They're a lot of fun, and there's no expense spared," former tight end Brett Jones told the San Jose Mercury-News. "And the beautiful thing on this one? There's no salary cap on this, baby."
The Saints hosted a visit with Minnesota's free-agent running back Michael Bennett, who won't be back with the Vikings next season. But Bennett could be the ideal back in New Orleans, where the Saints are awaiting the return of the injured running back Deuce McAlister.
The Dolphins also have scheduled a visit with San Francisco free-agent linebacker Julian Peterson. After visiting with the Seattle Seahawks on March 16, Peterson is now scheduled to visit Miami on March 20. Peterson could be just as difficult to lure to Miami as Arrington. But the Dolphins are making sure they are in the game.
The Lions have initiated efforts to trade Joey Harrington, seeing if there would be any takers around the league. The Lions lost any remaining leverage they had of dealing Harrington when they signed their third quarterback in recent weeks, adding former Arizona Cardinals starter Josh McCown, who reached agreement on a two-year deal worth $6 million. A team that shelled out $5.5 million in signing bonuses this week does not intend to pay out another $4 million bonus to Harrington. It can't. This is why the Lions have begun shopping Harrington. This is one of many reasons he is not expected to return to Detroit.
The Packers think they're a long shot to lure Adam Vinatieri away from New England, where he is the second most popular Patriot, behind only quarterback Tom Brady. The feeling is, the Patriots like and respect Vinatieri too much to allow him to leave like the rest of those Patriots.
A source with the Dallas Cowboys tells KLBK-13 in Lubbock, Tx that a deal between the team and wide receiver Terrell Owens has apparently been reached. Terms of his contract have not been disclosed. The Cowboys plan to announce the signing of Owens officially in a press conference on Monday.
Former Jets WR Keyshawn Johnson, released by the Cowboys earlier this week, is interested in returning to the area -- this time with the Giants. Johnson told SI.com the Giants are one of the teams he would consider joining. The Seahawks, Chiefs, Dolphins and Eagles round out his top 5, though the 10-year veteran said whoever contacts him had better be willing to meet his demands. "I know exactly what I'm worth," Johnson said, "and it's not $2.5 million a year. I know what I bring to a team, and if somebody comes calling who is willing to compensate me accordingly, I'm available."
Quarterback Brett Favre's $3 million roster bonus is due from the Green Bay Packers on Monday, but all indications are that the deadline for paying it will be pushed back while he considers whether to retire. Under terms of the contract, Favre would become an unrestricted free agent if the Packers did not pay the bonus. But the sides have an understanding that the payment deadline will be pushed back if Favre needs more time to decide on his future. According to a National Football League source with knowledge of the deal, the payment is due 10 days after the start of the new salary cap year, which began Saturday. How much longer Favre will take to decide his future is anyone's guess. The Packers will not pay the roster bonus until he commits to coming back, and Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, said several weeks ago that he would have no problem pushing the deadline back.
Top Falcons officials met and dined with New York Jets defensive end John Abraham in Atlanta Thursday, trying to work out contract terms to acquire the three-time Pro Bowler, team officials confirmed. New York wants Falcons backup quarterback Matt Schaub. Atlanta won't part with him. Draft picks might do, but the Falcons don't want to trade their first-round selection — the No. 15 overall pick.
The New York Jets, Buffalo and Oakland are in the market for starters. With Joey Harrington available, other teams could show an interest, either for an immediate starter, backup insurance or to develop as a future starter. Harrington, 27, still has plenty of football left. He has more ability than the Lions ever got out of him, with a strong arm and quick release, and he is mentally tough enough to succeed in the pros.
As for Troy Brown, contrary to published reports, his representatives at Las Vegas-based Premier Sports Management said he did not meet with the New York Jets yesterday. Brown’s reps declined comment when asked what visits he has scheduled. Multiple sources close to Brown said the receiver has yet to hear from the Patriots and is miffed at a perceived lack of respect after 13 years of service to the organization. Those sources say he’s prepared not to duplicate last offseason, when he spurned more money from the New Orleans Saints to return to the Pats.
Gus Frerotte is leaning toward signing with the St. Louis Rams, turning down the Broncos for a second consecutive year, according to a source close to the quarterback. The Broncos still could be in the mix, but it appears Frerotte is interested in reuniting with former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, head coach in St. Louis. Frerotte played under Linehan the last three seasons, in Minnesota and Miami. The Dolphins, who cut Frerotte this week, have expressed interest in re-signing him.
New England finally is getting busy with its own free-agent visitors. On March 16, the team hosted visits with Pittsburgh's free-agent cornerback Deshea Townsend and San Diego free-agent wide receiver Reche Caldwell. Those won't be the last visitors that pass through the doors at the Patriots training facility.
Where will Keyshawn Johnson end up? How about Seattle? The Seahawks need someone to replace Jurevicius. How about Carolina? Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning used to work with Johnson when they were with the Jets.
Former Broncos starting right cornerback Lenny Walls is scheduled to visit Oakland on Monday. The Raiders claimed Walls off waivers from Denver in November, but he failed a physical with a groin injury.
Running back Quentin Griffin is expected to sign with Kansas City today. Griffin, formerly a starting tailback with Denver, was cut twice by the Broncos in 2005. The fourth-round pick in 2003 did not finish the 2005 season with a team. He's expected to vie for a backup role in Kansas City behind Larry Johnson.
The Falcons should have a deal in place with former Buffalo and New England safety Lawyer Milloy, who would be handed a multi-year contract and a starting job. Those close to Milloy believe he will wind up in Atlanta, playing in the NFC for the first time in his 10-year career. The only way the deal doesn't get done is if the Seattle Seahawks step up with a last-minute offer that would prevent the 32-year-old Milloy from signing with Atlanta.
Adam Vinatieri, one of the best pressure kickers in National Football League history, arrived in Green Bay on Thursday night to see if he might be willing to fill out a change of address slip from his New England Patriots residence. The big question facing the Packers is, will they get him to sign it?
The Steelers have talked to the agent for Tim Dwight, an unrestricted free agent from the New England Patriots, about making a visit next week. If he joined the Steelers, he could play in the slot, which is where Antwaan Randle El played when three receivers were on the field. He also was used on reverses during his career.
The Texans won't likely have voids at receiver for long, though. They are still awaiting word on whether Cincinnati will match their offer sheet of $6.4 million over four years to Kevin Walter, a restricted free agent. The deadline is Sunday at midnight. Early next week, Minnesota Vikings restricted free agent Nate Burleson, 24, also will visit the Texans, whose offseason program starts Monday. Burleson is just two years removed from a 1,000-yard season. The Texans also will visit with former Denver Broncos tight end Jeb Putzier next week.
New Orleans is now expected to entertain trade offers for the No.2 pick. Depending on whether they have their hearts set on a specific member of the trio, the Raiders may covet that second pick. Although Josh McCown did not specifically say the Raiders flat-out told him they would draft a quarterback — and in reality, their quarterback of the future may well be Andrew Walter, a third-round pick last year — he hinted at it.
Packers officials have denied an ESPN report that Brett Favre told them he would return if the club became more active in free agency and they have been adamant that they plan to attack the off-season in a way they think will best serve the long-term plans of the organization.
The Eagles may be present when their late star, Reggie White, gets inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. According to a report on their Web site, they will play the Oakland Raiders in the Hall of Fame preseason game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 6. The game comes a day after an enshrinement ceremony for White and the other five inductees at the same site. White, Troy Aikman, Harry Carson, John Madden, Warren Moon and Rayfield Wright comprise this year's Hall of Fame class. The Eagles also are rumored to be headed to China next summer for a preseason game against the Denver Broncos.
The Dolphins plugged one of several holes in their secondary by agreeing to a contract with Raiders free-agent defensive back Renaldo Hill, according to agent Jack Bechta. A source said the contract will be for three years at $6 million, including a $2 million signing bonus. The Dolphins didn't confirm the acquisition Thursday night, but a source said the signing was contingent upon Hill passing a physical today.
The Jets have other options at quarterback. Several veterans are on the market, including Aaron Brooks, Kerry Collins and Brian Griese, while Joey Harrington is expected to be released. And, the club could draft Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler at No. 4 or trade up to No. 2 and select USC's Matt Leinart.
Some members of the Bears' organization clamored for Brian Griese three years ago. They might get their man this time. Griese, a former starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos, is scheduled to visit Halas Hall, perhaps as soon as the end of the weekend. If he signs with the Bears, Griese would begin as the No. 2 quarterback behind Rex Grossman but eventually might push him for the starting job. The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings also are believed to be suitors for Griese, and the Bucs have expressed interest in re-signing him, though Chris Simms looks to be the starter in Tampa.
If the Lions trade Joey Harrington, his total cap number hits immediately and $7 million would come off Detroit's cap this season. In 2006 salary and bonuses, the Lions will pay Kitna ($4.5 million) and McCown ($4 million) about the same money they were going to pay Harrington this season. The Lions know they aren't going to get great value for Harrington, but the team has only six draft choices this season so they're eager to add whatever they can -- even if it's late-round picks on the second day of the draft. The Lions are in no financial hurry to deal with Harrington.
The agent for defensive tackle Sam Adams indicated that the Dolphins remain interested in his client. Agent Angelo Wright said he was hoping to receive an offer from Miami as early as today.
Some quietly are predicting Browns cornerback Gary Baxter will have a breakthrough 2006 season. Baxter should avoid the injuries (concussion, chest) that limited him to five games. But equally important, Baxter won't put as much pressure on himself as he did last season, when he joined the Browns after signing a $30 million free-agent deal.
Three weeks ago, as he was ready to head into free-agency, fullback Tony Richardson wasn’t certain he would be able to finish his career with the Chiefs. Thursday, after almost a week as a free agent, Richardson was more encouraged about ending his career where it started. “We’re making headway,” Richardson said about his contract talks with the Chiefs. “They’ve got an offer on the table. We still have a little work left to do, but I feel better about the chances for getting something done.
The Vikings had no interest in Drew Brees, and they should have first-hand information because new vice president of player personnel Fran Foley was with the Chargers for the past three years as director of pro scouting and certainly knew the seriousness of Brees' shoulder operation.
Fullback William Henderson is expected to make a decision on where he'll play next season before the weekend is over. The Minnesota Vikings made an offer to Henderson, but his demands might be too high for them. The Packers are unwilling to pay Henderson significant up-front money to return.
The Packers have expressed interest in Kansas City reserve receiver Marc Boerigter and had tentatively planned to bring him in for a visit next week. However, after re-signing receiver Rod Gardner, the Packers don't have much of a need for another No. 3 receiver.
Return specialist Michael Lewis, 34, suffered torn anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee last September, but he is expected to be healthy enough to return this season. The Saints would be interested in bringing him back for two reasons: First, the New Orleans native has long been one of their most popular players. Second, they learned how much his return skills were missed after the injury last year.
New Orleans also brought in Vikings tailback Michael Bennett for a visit this week. Tailback was not expected to be an area of focus for the Saints. But Bennett, 27, is one of the league's top speedsters at the position and might be considered as an upgrade over current change-of-pace back Aaron Stecker.
The Saints are in the market for a starting center to replace departed free agent LeCharles Bentley. They brought in two centers for visits this week, Miami's Seth McKinney and Minnesota's Melvin Fowler. They will look at cornerbacks who could start -- such as the New York Giants' Will Allen, who visited this week -- to replace departed Fakhir Brown.
Released this week by the Ravens for the second time in a year, linebacker Peter Boulware said last night that he would like to remain with the team in some capacity if his NFL career is over. Boulware, 31, didn't rule out a return as a player, either, although he indicated it would take a special situation. "If it is the end of my career, I'm fine with it," said Boulware, the Ravens' all-time leader in sacks with 70 over nine years. "I'm not telling my agent, 'Please find me another team.' "If something comes up and it's a great situation, I'll look at it. [But] I'm not going to say I'll do it."
Jets TE Chris Baker, who has visited Miami, Carolina and Oakland, is said to have narrowed his choices to the Jets and Miami. ... Ex-Jet LT Jason Fabini visited Buffalo yesterday.
Pats WR/PR Tim Dwight may visit the New York Jets in the coming days.
Tampa Bay is likely to be seeking quarterback help in the near future, which may provide an avenue in Washington's attempts to trade backup Patrick Ramsey, a former first-round pick.
The Redskins have contacted the agent for free agent linebacker Keith Adams, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, but had yet to schedule a visit, and may opt not to. Adams, who started at weak-side linebacker for Philadelphia, has other visits planned.
Free agent offensive lineman Jonathan Goodwin is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins on Monday, team and league sources said, as the club executes its second wave of offseason maneuvering to add depth. Goodwin, 27, has spent his four-year career with the New York Jets since being selected from Michigan in the fifth round of the 2002 draft.
Daunte Culpepper took a hit from Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw during a Thursday interview on 790 The Ticket. "I am not sold on him being a top quarterback," said Bradshaw, an NFL analyst for Fox Sports. "I never was really. ... His best years were with [former Vikings wide receiver] Randy Moss. "Plus, we have the leadership problems now being on the boat. Quarterbacking entails maturity level, teamwork, keeping teammates together and having the respect of them. There's a lot of mending to do here."
Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. will be the lord of the rings when the San Francisco 49ers' five Super Bowl championship teams reunite in Las Vegas next weekend. He's inviting players, coaches and others connected to those teams. During DeBartolo's 22-year run as owner, starting in 1977, the 49ers won Super Bowls XVI, XIX and XXIII with Bill Walsh as coach, then two more under George Seifert, XXIV and XXIX. Nobody throws a party like DeBartolo, his former players say. "They're a lot of fun, and there's no expense spared," former tight end Brett Jones told the San Jose Mercury-News. "And the beautiful thing on this one? There's no salary cap on this, baby."
The Saints hosted a visit with Minnesota's free-agent running back Michael Bennett, who won't be back with the Vikings next season. But Bennett could be the ideal back in New Orleans, where the Saints are awaiting the return of the injured running back Deuce McAlister.
The Dolphins also have scheduled a visit with San Francisco free-agent linebacker Julian Peterson. After visiting with the Seattle Seahawks on March 16, Peterson is now scheduled to visit Miami on March 20. Peterson could be just as difficult to lure to Miami as Arrington. But the Dolphins are making sure they are in the game.
The Lions have initiated efforts to trade Joey Harrington, seeing if there would be any takers around the league. The Lions lost any remaining leverage they had of dealing Harrington when they signed their third quarterback in recent weeks, adding former Arizona Cardinals starter Josh McCown, who reached agreement on a two-year deal worth $6 million. A team that shelled out $5.5 million in signing bonuses this week does not intend to pay out another $4 million bonus to Harrington. It can't. This is why the Lions have begun shopping Harrington. This is one of many reasons he is not expected to return to Detroit.
The Packers think they're a long shot to lure Adam Vinatieri away from New England, where he is the second most popular Patriot, behind only quarterback Tom Brady. The feeling is, the Patriots like and respect Vinatieri too much to allow him to leave like the rest of those Patriots.