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Let's hug it out bitch.
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Join Date: May 2003 My Local Time: 09:24 AM Location: City of Champions
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Points: 63,775, Level: 100 | | NFL ESPN Insider for St.Pattys Day Owens to Dallas? | Friday, March 17 | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Terrell Owens
Eagles | Cowboys Broncos? Chiefs? Jets? Buccaneers? | Owens-to-Dallas a done deal? A Lubbock, Texas, television station reported Thursday night that Owens already has agreed to sign with the Cowboys and would do so on Monday, but a source close to Owens told ESPN.com the report is inaccurate. However, sources have confirmed to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli that Dallas is one of the teams in negotiations to land Owens, although they say it could take some time to get a deal done.
Dallas is believed to be the most likely destination for the troubled receiver, who was released by the Eagles earlier this week. The Cowboys released WR Keyshawn Johnson the same day, fueling speculation that they were saving cash and clearing a spot for Owens. Denver, Kansas City, Miami and Tampa Bay also have been mentioned as potential landing spots for Owens. However, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Thursday that the Dolphins weren't interested in signing T.O. | | WHO | WHAT | THE SKINNY |  Brett Favre
Packers | Retirement | Favre, Packers create more time In a move that would give Favre more time to make a decision about his future, the deadline for a $3 million roster bonus due from the Packers will likely be pushed back, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Under the original agreement, Favre would become an unrestricted free agent if the Packers did not pay the bonus. The Packers will not pay the roster bonus until Favre 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.
Favre doesn't plan to make a decision regarding his future until he sees what personnel moves the Packers make this offseason.
"In some ways, I'm kind of waiting to see what we do free agent-wise and in the draft and those things," Favre told ESPN Tuesday. "And they're probably kind of waiting on me, too. So it's a little bit of a waiting game. Right now, I'm just trying to get away from it as much as I can and clear my mind, as hard as that may be."
New Packers coach Mike McCarthy recently told the Green Bay Press-Gazette he is "optimistic" Favre will return in 2006.
"I just go by the visit we had and the conversations we've had. They're all positive," McCarthy said. "I have a good feeling about it. I could be wrong, but my personality is that I am an optimistic individual."
In an ESPN interview on Jan. 29, Favre said he was leaning toward retirement, although he hadn't made up his mind. "I wish I knew where I stood," Favre told Chris Mortensen. "If I had to pick right now and make a decision, I would say I'm not coming back." | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Steve Hutchinson
Seahawks | Vikings | Hutchinson's future unclear As the Seahawks ponder whether to match the seven-year, $49 million offer sheet Hutchinson inked with the Vikings, Seattle might explore a way to retain the Pro Bowl guard without forking over all the money.
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the situation could wind up in arbitration because of several unique clauses in the deal. Seattle could decide to match part of the deal but pass on a clause that requires it to guarantee the entire $49 million if Hutchinson is not its highest-paid offensive lineman.
There is a provision in the NFL rules that allows a team to match only "principal" parts of an offer sheet, and an arbitrator would have to determine what category that clause would fall under. The Seahawks have until Sunday to make a decision. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Brian Griese
Buccaneers | Bengals? Buccaneers? Vikings? Bears? Ravens? | Griese enter Bear market Unlikely to re-sign with the Buccaneers, Griese is scheduled to visit the Bears, perhaps as soon as the end of the weekend, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Griese would likely be viewed as the No. 2 quarterback behind Rex Grossman but eventually might push him for the starting job.
Griese, who turns 31 on Saturday, will first visit the Bengals and has drawn interest from Baltimore. Griese's agent, Ralph Cindrich, also contacted the Vikings to gauge their interest in his client, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
"I can't say there's anything definitive (with the Vikings)," Cindrich said. It was believed the Bucs would try to re-sign Griese, whom they released last week, but talks have stalled in recent days. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  John Abraham
Jets | Falcons Broncos Redskins Seahawks Browns? Lions? | Falcons, Jets talking trade The Falcons hosted Abraham on Thursday, and remain interested in assembling a trade package with the Jets, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports. A stumbling block in discussions had been the Jets' desire that quarterback Matt Schaub be included in the deal, but New York opted to trade for Patrick Ramsey on Friday. Abraham visited the Seahawks on Wednesday after kicking off his free-agent tour in Washington earlier in the week. Abraham, the Jets' franchise player, has been given permission to seek a trade. If he finds a team willing to give him a long-term deal, a trade must be worked out with New York. The defensive end is also drawing interest from Denver, Cleveland and Detroit. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Adam Vinatieri
Patriots | Packers Patriots Cowboys? | Vinatieri visiting Pack Vinatieri arrived in Green Bay on Thursday night for his first official free-agent visit, according to multiple reports. After losing Ryan Longwell to the Vikings, the Packers are looking for a capable bad-weather kicker, although Vinatieri said he'd prefer a warmer climate if he decides to leave New England. Longwell's five-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings established the going rate for kickers. Only three teams -- Dallas, Green Bay and New England -- are in a position to offer the free-agent place-kicker a similar deal. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Keyshawn Johnson
Cowboys | Eagles? Seahawks? Dolphins? Giants? Chiefs? Panthers? Patriots? Cowboys? | Keyshawn eyeing Seahawks With the Seahawks in the market for a big target at wide receiver, Johnson has emerged as a possibility, the Seattle Times Reports. The 33-year-old is certainly receptive to the idea of catching passes from Matt Hasselbeck next season.
"It's a team that he would be interested in playing for," said Jerome Stanley, Johnson's business associate. "Seattle is on Keyshawn's radar, that's safe to say."
According to the Newark Star-Ledger, the Giants are one of the teams Johnson would consider joining. The Chiefs, Dolphins and Eagles reportedly round out his top five, but other teams also remain in the mix.
In two separate interviews on Wednesday, Johnson said he wouldn't mind playing for the Panthers, the Charlotte Observer reports. Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning had a good relationship with Johnson when they worked together with the Jets.
Although the Patriots are looking for a big receiver to complement the smaller, speedier Deion Branch, they have yet to schedule a visit with Johnson, according to the Boston Herald.
"Keyshawn used to play for Bill Belichick and they have a good relationship," agent Jerome Stanley said. "He likes Bill Belichick and [Belichick's assistant] Berj Najarian a lot. He's close to Bill and Berj and they communicate a lot." Johnson also hasn't ruled out re-signing with the Cowboys, who cut him on Tuesday. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Joey Harrington
Lions | | Harrington likely to be released The acquisitions of Josh McCown and Jon Kitna likely represent the end of Harrington's days in Detroit, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports.
After four disapppointing seasons, Harrington, who was the third overall player selected in the 2002 draft, is expected to be released. The 26-year-old started in 55 of 58 appearances and completed 986 of 1,802 passes for 10,242 yards, with 60 touchdown passes, 62 interception and a 68.1 passer rating. Harrington is owed a $4 million roster bonus June 15, and his base salary for 2006 is $4.45 million. Releasing Harrington, who has compiled an 18-37 record as a starter, will save the Lions about $5.4 million in 2006 cap space. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Anthony Simmons
Seahawks | Raiders | Raiders getting busy The Raiders plan to with meet with former Seahawks linebacker Anthony Simmons, ESPN.com's John Clayton reports. Simmons, a former first-round pick, missed last season because of a serious wrist problem. He's considered one of the fastest linebackers in the game. The Raiders also plan to bring in former Broncos cornerback Lenny Walls on Monday. Walls was released by Denver last season. At 6-foot-4, he's one of the tallest corners in the game. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Gus Frerotte
Dolphins | Rams Broncos Dolphins | Frerotte has options Don't be surprised if Frerotte ends up in St. Louis, writes ESPN.com's John Clayton. Frerotte had a career year with former Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan (now the Rams' head coach), and the Rams are looking for a backup quarterback to replace Jamie Martin.
The Broncos are also interested in Frerotte, and the Dolphins maintain they would like to bring back Frerotte at a reduced rate. Frerotte, who will be 35 in June, was released by Miami on Tuesday for salary-cap purposes after the team traded for Daunte Culpepper. "He did a fantastic job for us last year," Dolphins coach Nick Saban told Miami reporters Wednesday. "I also indicated to him how much we appreciated the job he did, and how much we wanted him to be back on our team next year." | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Will Allen
Giants | Saints? Chiefs? Dolphins? Seahawks? Cardinals? | Allen attracting attention After meeting with the Seahawks and Chiefs, Allen has moved on to meetings with the Saints and Dolphins, the Kansas City Star reports. Allen lost his job in New York to Sam Madison, who signed with the Giants last week. The veteran cornerback has also been contacted by the Cards. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Matt Schaub
Falcons | Vikings? | Vikings eyeing Schaub Since dealing Daunte Culpepper, the Vikings are now in the market for a quarterback and have inquired about Schaub, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Many teams have expressed interest in Schaub, but so far the Falcons have been reluctant to deal the promising backup quarterback. Atlanta doesn't consider Schaub untouchable, according to ESPN.com's Michael Smith, but they're inclined to sit back and wait for the right offer. Before trading for Culpepper, the Dolphins offered Atlanta a second-round pick for Schaub. The Jets had been pushing the Falcons to include Shaub in a potential deal involving defensive end John Abraham, but instead opted to trade for Patrick Ramsey. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Tim Dwight
Patriots | Steelers? | Steelers pursuing Dwight The Steelers, who are looking to replace the departed Antwaan Randle El, have contacted Dwight, an unrestricted free agent, about making a visit next week, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Dwight, 30, averaged 17.5 yards on 19 catches with the Patriots last season (16.0 average for his career) and scored three touchdowns. "We've talked about it; it will happen but there's nothing definite yet," agent Jack Becht said of Dwight visiting the Steelers. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Tyrone Poole
Patriots | Falcons? | Poole drawing interest Poole is getting a surprising amount of interest in the wake of his Thursday release by the New England Patriots. The 10-year veteran, viewed by teams as a nickel corner at this late juncture of his career, met with Atlanta officials on Friday and had a physical exam, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports. Three or four other teams have demonstrated varying degrees of interest as well. The 34-year-old has been limited to only six appearances in the last two seasons because of injuries. | | Thursday, March 16 | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Julian Peterson
49ers | Seahawks? | Peterson visiting Seattle According to the Oakland Tribune, Peterson is scheduled to travel to Seattle on Thursday to meet with the Seahawks. The 27-year-old was the 49ers' franchise player in 2004 and 2005, but struggled to regain his form after a torn Achilles' tendon curtailed his 2004 season.
The 49ers would prefer to retain Peterson, but assumed his price would be too high. However, the veteran linebacker has not drawn the kind of interest that was expected, and the 49ers are now optimistic he will return. Peterson's agent, Carl Poston, is adamant, however, there is plenty of interest in his client and the 49ers shouldn't feel too good. "I don't know if they have a reason to be or not to be (optimistic) at this point. The fact that he's very seriously considering a number of teams ... I don't know. That's something they control. They control their optimism or depression. Is it a possibility? Sure." | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Sam Adams
Bills | Browns Dolphins | Adams waiting on the Browns The Cleveland Browns reportedly have told Adams' agent they are waiting until after filling their need for a backup quarterback before turning their attention to bringing the veteran defensive tackle on board.
"They told me, 'Look, when we get a quarterback done, then we can get moving on that thing (signing Adams),' " agent Angelo Wright told the paer. "We won't visit. There won't be any need for that. Sam knows everybody there."
Adams, released by the Bills, played two seasons in Baltimore, where Browns GM Phil Savage worked before coming to Cleveland. Adams also has visited Miami. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Antonio Chatman
Packers | Bengals? | Bengals eyeing Chatman Chatman is set to visit the Bengals on Friday, the Cincinnati Inquirer reports. If he signs with the Bengals, Chatman could become the No. 4 receiver and punt return specialist. The 5-foot 9, 183-pound Chatman had 49 receptions for 549 yards and four touchdowns in 2005 for Green Bay. He was a restricted free agent, but the Packers did not tender him, meaning he is able to make a deal with any team. He has also received an offer from the Jets. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Ty Law
Jets | Dolphins Chiefs | Miami monitoring Law The Dolphins are keeping close tabs on Law, but won't seriously pursue him until his contract demands come down, the Palm Beach Post reports.
After playing for the discounted price of $2.5 million after foot surgery, the 32-year-old cornerback is looking for his final big payday in guaranteed money.
"I'd say around $10 million," Law has said. The Chiefs are also interested in Law, who was released by the Jets in a salary-cap move. Law, a five-time Pro Bowler, visited both Miami and K.C. last offseason before signing with New York. | | WHO | WHAT | THE SKINNY |  Ike Taylor
Steelers | Free agent ? | Taylor generating attention Taylor has attracted interest from other teams, including the Redskins, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. The veteran cornerback, a restricted free agent, received a $1.55 million tender from the Steelers. If another team signs Taylor to an offer sheet, the Steelers would have to match it or would lose him and be compensated with a first-round draft choice. | | WHO | WHAT | THE SKINNY |  Peter Sirmon
Titans | Trade?? | Titans, Sirmon to meet The Titans may not be ready to part with Sirmon. According to the Nashville City Paper, general manager Floyd Reese hopes to meet with Sirmon, presumably to try to convince him to remain in Tennessee.
Sirmon recently asked the Titans to be released. The linebacker has one year remaining on his contract, but the addition of David Thornton of the Indianapolis Colts in free agency may very well relegate Sirmon to a backup role next season.
"I have enjoyed my time here in Tennessee, but with the uncertainty surrounding my situation with the Titans, I think it's best to turn the page and move on with my career," Sirmon said from Hawaii, where he is attending NFL Players Association meetings.
Reese has indicated he is open to having all the linebackers come to training camp and compete for their positions, and there has been speculation that Sirmon might be moved to middle linebacker, but the 29-year-old is skeptical about the idea.
"I have no problem at all competing for a position, if it's a true competition. I have complete confidence in my abilities to do so, but I also know how the business works sometimes if you're the odd man out or you're a player who is only on the field for 30 or 40 percent of the snaps," Sirmon said. Rather than releasing him, the Titans could grant Sirmon permission to seek a trade. Since Sirmon is in the final year of his contract, he should have some trade value. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Toniu Fonoti
Raiders | Raiders? | Fonoti back on the market After failing a physical with the Raiders, Fonoti is again searching for a new team, the Oakland Tribune reports.
In an effort to bolster their offensive line, the Raiders had reached an agreement with Fonoti, the 39th pick of the 2002 draft. Fonoti has had a star-crossed career, battling weight and injury problems. Still, the former Nebraska player is considered among the top guards available in free agency. He joined the Vikings at 385 pounds and nursing a broken hand, then went on injured reserve with a severe groin injury. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Tom Ashworth
Patriots | Dolphins Buccaneers Jets | Dophins after Ashworth The Dolphins are making a strong push for Ashworth, but are competing against the Jets and Buccaneers for the offensive tackle's services, according to the Palm Beach Post. "If the Dolphins get [Ashworth] and move some guys around to where their strengths are utilized a little bit better, all of sudden they go from being average up front to pretty good," one league source said. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Paul Edinger
Vikings | Falcons? | Falcons consider Edinger Edinger, a free-agent kicker, has had contract discussions with the Falcons on three occasions, the Atlanta Journal-Consitution reports. Edinger played with Minnesota last season after spending five years in Chicago.
The Vikings signed kicker Ryan Longwell to replace Edinger, while Todd Peterson, the Falcons' kicker last season, is a free agent. "Right now, you've got Dallas in play with a kicker, Green Bay, Atlanta, New England if [Adam] Vinatieri leaves, and Indianapolis," said Ken Harris, Edinger's agent. "There are a lot of teams that are looking for a kicker." | | Wednesday, March 15 | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Mike Vanderjagt
Colts | Dolphins? | Dolphins meet with Vanderjagt With the future of Olindo Mare uncertain, the Dolphins had Vanderjagt in for a visit Monday, the Miami Herald reports. Mare reportedly refused the team's request to take a pay cut and asked to be released.
"Don't cry for Olindo if he gets let go," Mare's agent, Drew Rosenhaus said. "There will be plenty of takers for him if he's out on the street."
Despite being the most accurate kicker in NFL history at 87.5 percent, Vanderjagt is out of a job. The Colts opted not re-sign him, instead re-signing Jose Cortez to a one-year deal. Cortez signed with the Colts last December and handled kickoffs for the final three regular-season games and the playoffs, but will now be a given a chance to assume place-kicker duties.
In addition to his visit with Miami, his agent has contacted several teams, including Green Bay, to gauge their interest. "I'm very much up in the air as to what my future is," Vanderjagt said. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Kerry Collins
Raiders | Raiders? Ravens? | Collins still in Raiders' plans? According to the San Francisco Chronicle, there has been no dialogue between the Raiders and Collins' agent since the quarterback was released last week. The Raiders cut Collins to clear cap space, but it was believed they would consider bringing him back if their other QB options fell through. The 33-year-old's likely landing spot is Baltimore. The Ravens are looking to sign a quarterback to challenge incumbent Kyle Boller, and Collins is believed to be their top option. | | Tuesday, March 14 | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  LaVar Arrington
Redskins | Bengals? Giants Browns Eagles? Dolphins | Bengals enter Arrington chase According to the Dayton Daily News, the Bengals have contacted Arrington's agent, Kevin Poston, regarding the Pro-Bowl linebacker. While talks are believed to be in the early stages, things could heat up real soon.
"Marvin [Lewis] definitely knows LaVar and there's definitely interest there," Poston said. "Marvin not only coached LaVar, but got to know him very intimately on the defensive side of the ball. Cincinnati is a great organization under Marvin's leadership and I'm sure he would like to get LaVar in there if he could. I think Marvin will try to do that."
Meanwhile, the Giants are believed to be debating whether to seriously pursue Arrington. The 27-year-old visited New York this weekend but left without an offer. According to the New York, the Giants coaching staff is is not sure he will fit in with the defensive scheme. Arrington also met with the Dolphins over the weekend and has received interest from the Browns. The Eagles, on the market for playmakers to fortify their front seven, might also come up with an offer. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Jamie Martin
Rams | Bengals | Martin, Bengals still working on deal ESPN.com's John Clayton reports that the Bengals didn't get a deal done with Martin on Tuesday, but they will try to wrap up something Wednesday. Cincinnati turned to Martin when it became clear Jon Kitna wasn't returning. The Bengals need a backup capable of opening the season as the starter in the event Carson Palmer isn't fully recovered from the injury to his left knee suffered in a playoff game vs. the Steelers. | | Monday, March 13 | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Brad Hopkins
Titans | Falcons Jets Buccaneers Titans | Jets pursuing Hopkins; Titans return possible? The Jets were deep into discussions with agent Mark Bartelstein about bringing OT Hopkins to New York, according to a report in Newsday, but the Nashville City Paper indicates that the Titans are still in the running to re-sign the veteran. Hopkins also visited the Falcons and Buccaneers. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Ben Taylor
Browns | Packers | Packer 'backer? The Packers are interested in Taylor, and plan to meet with the free-agent linebacker in about a week, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Taylor, 27, started 16 games at weak inside linebacker for the Browns last season. "I was really, really glad when [Packers director of pro personnel] Reggie [McKenzie] called," Taylor's agent, Robert Lattinville, told the paper. "Without disparaging somebody it just seemed to us that Green Bay might be looking for a 'backer. He's a real down-to-earth guy. I think he'd be a real good fit in Green Bay." | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Az-Zahir Hakim
Saints | Bears? | Bears' backup plan? After losing out on Antwaan Randle El, the Bears might consider Az-Zahir Hakim, according to The Chicago Tribune. Hakim, a proven punt returner who played for St. Louis while current Bears head coach Lovie Smith was an assistant there, caught no fewer than 31 passes each of the last seven seasons. | | Sunday, March 12 | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Eric Moulds
Bills | | Moulds' fate sealed? Buffalo's signing of free-agent receiver Andre Davis from New England could be the final step before Moulds receives his long-anticipated release. Moulds has twice rejected the team's request to restructure his contract, which carries a $10.8 million cap number for the coming season. | | Saturday, March 11 | | WHO | WHAT | THE SKINNY |  Javon Walker
Packers | Trade?? | Walker wants out Walker has made it clear that he has no desire to ever play another game for Green Bay. Even if the Packers were to offer Walker a lucrative contract, he would not consider returning.
"If I had to go back there, I'd retire," Walker told ESPN.com's Michael Smith. "I don't have to play. I really have no interest in being in a Green Bay Packers uniform or playing for Green Bay again."
The Packers have expressed disappointment with Walker's stance and have thus far denied his request for a trade. The club issued a statement that read, in part:
"During his time as a Green Bay Packer, Javon Walker has been well thought of by everyone here. I like Javon, certainly as a person and as a player. That said, Javon is under contract ... and we expect him to honor it ... I don't anticipate us making any concessions in this matter."
Walker is entering the final year of a five-year, $6.7 million contract. He underwent reconstructive knee surgery Oct. 7 in Houston to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn meniscus cartilage. Because Walker is damaged goods, the Packers might be fortunate to get even a mid- to late-round pick in return. However, his base salary of $650,000 would be attractive for any team. | | WHO | WHAT | THE SKINNY |  Priest Holmes
Chiefs | Retirement?? | Chiefs will wait for Holmes Holmes restructured his contract by taking his 2006 salary from $3.75 million to $710,000, giving the chiefs some cap relief, ESPN.com's John Clayton reports. While such a deal is often done by a player who is going to be a June 1st cap casualty, the Chiefs have no plans to cut him.
Holmes is undergoing tests to determine if he can play. He won?t know for months and odds are starting to build up that he might have to retire, but the Chiefs plan to keep him on the roster through the season at the $710,000 number, and possibly keep him on the physically unable to return list until he's healthy. If he's not healthy, the Chiefs don't mind paying him the $710,000 for his past work. If he does comeback, the team can rework the contract later. | | Monday, March 6 | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Jay Fiedler
Jets | Giants? | Same city, different team? The Giants' search for a backup to Eli Manning might lead to Fiedler, The Star-Ledger reports. The Giants pursued Fiedler last offseason before the veteran quarterback decided to sign with the Jets. Pressed into duty early last season when Chad Pennington hurt his shoulder, Fielder suffered a shoulder injury of his own and was placed on injured reserve. | | Saturday, March 4 | | WHO | WHAT | THE SKINNY |  Russell Davis
Cardinals | Return?? | Davis' return not in the Cards Davis appears set to enter the free-agent market, as negotiations with the Cardinals have not gone well. The two sides have exchanged offers, but there is a wide gulf to bridge to consummate a deal.
"They have been very, very vocal in the desire and interest in having Russell back," Davis' agent, Pat Dye said. "Unfortunately at the end of the day, you have to measure desire and interest in dollars." Davis, the team's starting nose tackle, missed most of last season with torn biceps. | | Friday, March 3 | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Jerry Azumah
Bears | | Azumah calling it quits? After undergoing hip surgery, Azumah's future remains unclear. The cornerback is set to become an unrestricted free agent, but might be forced into retirement, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. In addition to his hip problems, Azumah also re-injured his neck in the playoff loss to Carolina. "Maybe he'll be brand new; we don't know yet," Bears GM Jerry Angelo said. "The No. 1 thing is we want to make sure, as he does, that he's healthy and can go on leading a normal life after football. That is first and foremost with his agent, with Jerry and obviously with us." | | Thursday, March 2 | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Charles Woodson
Raiders | | Woodson on his way out Woodson's days in a Raiders uniform appear to be over. The cost of placing the franchise tag on Woodson for a third straight year would be $12.6 million, and the Raiders are not prepared to dole out that kind of money to the oft-injured cornerback. In fact, the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the team will not use the franchise tag on anyone this year.
Woodson, who hasn't played a full 16-game season since 2001, made $10.529 million in 2005, more than one-eighth of the team's entire payroll. The Raiders have no interest in negotiating a long-trem deal with Woodson, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. "He's finally gone. There is no value in bringing him back, period," a source told the Chronicle. | | WHO | INTERESTED | THE SKINNY |  Derek Smith
49ers | Packers? | Packers after LB Smith Looking to upgrade their linebacker corps, the Packers are expected to pursue Smith, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. The 31-year-old Smith led the 49ers in tackles last season for the fifth consecutive year. The nine-year veteran made $2.5 million in 2005 and will likely command a similar salary on the free-agent market. |
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