Chris Mortensen: Roger Goodell initiating a review of incidents involving Plaxico Burress under the personal conduct policy

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Friday notified Plaxico Burress that his office is initiating a review of incidents involving Burress under the personal conduct policy, league spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed.

Burress

Burress, who shot himself in the thigh Nov. 29 in a Manhattan nightclub, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 3 years in prison.

He made a brief appearance in court Monday, where Judge Felicia Mennin adjourned the case until Sept. 23, enabling the former Giants receiver to continue negotiations with several NFL teams in hopes of returning to the field in 2009.

Goodell had been waiting for the legal process to be complete, but as it is delayed with no clear indication of when it will be concluded, the commissioner decided to take the initiative, league sources said.

The NFL's vice president of labor and law policy, Adolpho Birch, notified Burress of the commissioner's review on Friday.

The Giants signed Burress to a five-year, $35 million contract extension in September. The team later withheld $1 million after the shooting and the NFL Players Association filed a grievance on Burress' behalf. A special master ruled the Giants had to pay Burress because the money was a signing bonus he earned upon agreeing to the contract extension and could not be withheld for future conduct.

Burress has 505 career receptions for 7,845 yards and 55 touchdowns in nine seasons with the Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Plaxico Burress of New York Giants appears in court, gun case adjourned until September 23

John Clayton: Jacksonville Jaguars trade wideout Dennis Northcutt to Detroit Lions

The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded wide receiver Dennis Northcutt to the Detroit Lions in exchange for safety Gerald Alexander, according to multiple sources.

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Northcutt was informed during the week he was going to be traded. The Lions showed interest but didn't want to give up a draft choice. Once they talked to the Jaguars, the Lions decided to offer Alexander in a straight player-for-player deal.

The trade was agreed to on Friday and is expected to be finalized next week. The irony of the trade is that Northcutt and Alexander are represented by the same agent, Jerome Stanley, who was surprised to find out Alexander was involved in the trade.

Northcutt was the most productive remaining wide receiver on the Jaguars. Northcutt caught 44 passes for 545 yards last season in Jacksonville. Also gone from the Jaguars receiving corps are Matt Jones and Reggie Williams.

The 31-year-old Northcutt will be joining his third team. He has been with the Browns and Jaguars.

Alexander, 24, is entering his third season. He started 16 games in 2007 but only started one game last season.

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Center Dominic Raiola gets multiyear deal from Lions

Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola signed a four-year extension Thursday that will keep him under contract through the 2013 season.

Raiola

Raiola, 29, is entering his ninth season and, as their starting center since 2002, is one of the Lions' most tenured players.

According to a source, Raiola became the fifth-highest-paid center in the NFL by agreeing to a four-year, $20 million deal, of which $9 million is guaranteed. With the new contract, Raiola will make $13 million this year.

Detroit sent Raiola a strong vote of confidence with this deal. Raiola was entering the final year of his contract and would have been a free agent next season. He was scheduled to make $4 million. Despite an 0-16 season and some questions about the team's offensive line blocking, the Lions stepped up to give him a new contract and job security.

Raiola was a second-round choice of the Lions in 2001. He didn't start as a rookie but became a fulltime starter after his rookie season.

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Green Bay Packers, Greg Jennings agree to contract extension

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers have accomplished perhaps their most important goal of the offseason: signing wide receiver Greg Jennings to a contract extension.

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The Packers announced Wednesday that they had struck a new deal with Jennings, a second-round draft pick in 2006 who has blossomed into one of the league's most dangerous receivers.

Terms were not disclosed, but the new deal was expected to put Jennings among the NFL's highest-paid receivers. Jennings originally was due to make $535,000 in 2009, the final year of his rookie contract.

ESPN.com's John Clayton reported Tuesday night that according to a source, Jennings could make $27 million in new money with the deal, but if he performs at a Pro Bowl level, his new contract could be worth as much as $30 million.

Jennings will earn slightly in excess of $16 million in guarantees, a source told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli. The source also said that the structure of the contract is more front- than back-loaded.

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Agent: Jacksonville Jaguars trying to trade WR Dennis Northcutt

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to trade veteran receiver Dennis Northcutt, the most productive receiver they have left from last year's team, Northcutt's agent confirmed.

"They have indicated that they intend to trade him and are trying to do so," agent Jerome Stanley said in an email exchange with ESPN.com.

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Northcutt joined the Jaguars as a free agent in 2007 and in 29 games caught 88 passes for 1,146 yards and six touchdowns. He also did some work as a return man. He came into the league as a second round pick by Cleveland out of Arizona in 2000.

The Jaguars have already parted ways with two receivers who they once valued as first-round draft picks. They were uninterested in re-signing Reggie Williams, a free agent, and released Matt Jones, who'd gotten in off-field trouble. They also cut 2007 free agent signee Jerry Porter.

Jones, Northcutt and Williams combined for 146 of the team's 335 receptions in 2008.

Rebuilding Jacksonville signed Torry Holt, after he was released by St. Louis. First-year general manager Gene Smith also spent three of the team's nine draft picks on receivers: Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard and Tiquan Underwood.

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Sources: Green Bay Packers close to new deal with WR Greg Jennings

The Green Bay Packers and wide receiver Greg Jennings are in the process of finalizing a three-year extension that will keep him with the team through 2012.

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According to a source, Jennings could make $27 million in new money with the deal, but if he performs at a Pro Bowl level, his new contract could be worth as much as $30 million. Jennings was in the last year of his rookie contract and was scheduled to make $535,000.

Jennings will earn slightly in excess of $16 million in guarantees, a source told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli. The source also said that the structure of the contract is more front- than back-loaded.

Though both sides have come to an agreement on the numbers, a couple things have to be worked out as far as the language of the contract. First, it must be approved by the NFL Management Council. Second, it has to be signed by both parties. The plan is to try to get the final draft ready in the next couple of days.

Jennings is coming of an 80-catch, 1,292-yard season in which he caught nine touchdown passes and was a Pro Bowl alternate. He was a second-round choice of the Packers in 2006 and has developed into one of the top young receivers in the game.

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Pittsburgh Steelers sign Max Starks to four-year contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed left tackle Max Starks to a $26.3 million, four-year contract, according to a source.

Starks

Included in the deal is $10 million in guaranteed money, the source said. The Steelers announced the deal Tuesday but did not give financial details. Starks is signed through 2012.

The agreement between the Steelers and Starks ends a two-year stretch in which Starks, a transition player in 2008 and the franchise player in 2009, ate up a lot of Pittsburgh's cap room.

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By getting a long-term deal, Starks was able to get a good read on his future. Even though the Steelers gave him the transition tag in 2008, he didn't open the season as a starter. Left tackle Marvel Smith's back problems led to Starks getting the chance to be the left tackle in the second half of last season. The 6-foot-8, 345-pound Starks remained at left tackle through the Super Bowl.

Starks had been an unsigned franchise player with an $8.451 million tender. His agreement is expected to save the Steelers about $3 million in salary-cap space.

The 27-year-old Starks started 45 games during his first five seasons in Pittsburgh. He was a third-round draft pick of the Steelers in 2004.

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Donte Stallworth of Cleveland Browns suspended indefinitely by NFL

Cleveland Browns receiver Donte' Stallworth was suspended by the NFL indefinitely without pay following his guilty plea to DUI manslaughter in the death of Mario Reyes, the league announced Thursday.

Stallworth was sentenced in a Miami court Tuesday to 30 days in jail, a controversial ruling that drew a great deal of criticism.

Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote a detailed letter to Stallworth explaining the stiff penalty levied by the league.

"The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable," Goodell wrote. "While the criminal justice system has determined the legal consequences of this incident, it is my responsibility as NFL commissioner to determine the appropriate league discipline for your actions, which have caused irreparable harm to the victim and his family, your club, your fellow players and the NFL."

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The suspension is effective immediately, although Goodell still plans to schedule a meeting with Stallworth to determine the length of the suspension. But now it appears the team will have no choice but to cut ties with the seven-year veteran.

Stallworth's lawyer, David Cornwell, released a statement late Thursday expressing confidence that Goodell would take Stallworth's acceptance of responsibility, and his cooperation with authorities and the family, into consideration.

"Consistent with the wishes of Mr. Reyes' family not to relive a tragedy through the public scrutiny of criminal and civil trials, we look forward to addressing these matters privately with commissioner Goodell," Cornwell said. "When [Roger Goodell] has the opportunity to review the 'unique facts involved,' ... we fully anticipate that the factors that supported the 'just resolution' of the criminal matter will be equally persuasive with Commissioner Goodell."

The last indefinite suspension handed down by Goodell was to Adam "Pacman" Jones of the Dallas Cowboys in October 2008. That punishment turned into a six-week ban.

Browns general manager George Kokinis said in a statement: "We support the action taken by the commissioner today and will continue to work closely with the league regarding this matter."

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The NFL Players Association had no comment.

In a memo sent to all 32 NFL teams, obtained by ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen from a team source, Goodell sought to reinforce the league's policy on "alcohol-related misconduct."

"DUI is a serious matter which poses great risks to both those who drive under the influence, and innocent third parties. This truth was tragically underscored in Mr. Stallworth's case," Goodell wrote in the memo.

"In the past few years, I have not hesitated to impose discipline, including suspensions, on club and league employees who have violated the law relating to alcohol use. Every club should advise its employees of their obligations and our commitment to hold people accountable for alcohol-related violations of law."

After a night of drinking at a bar in Miami Beach's Fountainebleau hotel, police said Stallworth hit the 59-year-old Reyes, a Miami construction worker, who was rushing to catch a bus after finishing work at about 7:15 a.m. Stallworth told police he flashed his lights in an attempt to warn Reyes, who was not in a crosswalk.

Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level well above Florida's legal limit. He stopped after the crash and reported the accident. Police estimated Stallworth was driving about 50 mph in a 40 mph zone.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle cited Stallworth's cooperation and willingness to accept responsibility as factors in the plea deal. Rundle also said the Reyes family -- particularly the victim's 15-year-old daughter -- wanted the case resolved.

“

There is no reasonable dispute that your continued eligibility for participation at this time would undermine the integrity of and public confidence in our league.

”-- Commissioner Roger Goodell

Stallworth also must undergo drug and alcohol testing. His driver's license was suspended for life and he must perform 1,000 hours of community service.

Stallworth told Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy that he hopes to get involved in drunken driving education programs.

"I accept full responsibility for this horrible tragedy," Stallworth said. "I will bear this burden for the rest of my life."

Stallworth signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Browns before last season but was injured much of the year, finishing with 17 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown. A star at the University of Tennessee, Stallworth has also played in the NFL for New England, Philadelphia and New Orleans.

The night before the crash, Stallworth earned a $4.5 million roster bonus from the Browns, whose offseason moves since have indicated they were not counting on having him available.

They added free-agent wide receiver David Patten this spring and then drafted Ohio State's Brian Robiskie and Georgia's Mohamed Massaquoi. Patten is in his second stint with the club after stops with New Orleans, the New York Giants, New England and Washington.

The Browns also released receiver Joe Jurevicius three days before the accident.

Stallworth began serving the sentence Tuesday. He also was sentenced to two years of house arrest following his release from jail, and will be on probation for eight years. He had faced 15 years in prison.

But Goodell showed no mercy in the wording of his letter to Stallworth.

"There is no reasonable dispute that your continued eligibility for participation at this time would undermine the integrity of and public confidence in our league," he said.

And in his memo to the teams, Goodell made his message quite clear: "Let's make sure that the 2009 season does not bring more tragedy or embarrassment to ourselves and our employees."

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Chad Ochocinco predicting Cincinnati Bengals will make playoffs

CINCINNATI -- Optimism is running extremely high with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.

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But leave it to receiver Chad Ochocinco to take the team's optimism several notches higher.

"It's going to be a great year; we're going to the playoffs," Ochocinco guaranteed during Thursday's opening of mandatory minicamp. "We're going ... We're making progress. I mean, I see it, and I can come out on a limb and say what we're going to do."

Ochocinco said he's happy, his mind is clear and everything feels right with the 2009 Bengals. The former Pro Bowler spent most of the offseason working out independently in Los Angeles before joining the team and looks in great shape.

Ochocinco also said this year's team has as much or more talent than the 2005 Bengals, which was the last time Cincinnati made the postseason.

Quarterback Carson Palmer and other members of the Bengals have expressed similar excitement -- minus the playoff guarantee of course. But based on his comments and loose demeanor in the locker room Thursday, it appears Ochocinco is feeling like his old self again.

"I got to go back to having fun, and I'm going to have fun this year," Ochocinco promised. "I'm telling you that ahead of time."

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Reports: Kris Brown gets contract extension from Houston Texans

HOUSTON -- Clutch Houston Texans kicker Kris Brown will be with the team through the 2013 season after getting a four-year contract extension worth $10 million, the Houston Chronicle and KRIV-TV are reporting.

Brown

The contract includes $2.5 million in guaranteed money, according to the reports.

Brown made 29 of 33 field goals last season and accounted for 124 points. While the offense is emphasizing scoring more touchdowns on possessions inside the 20-yard line, Texans brass clearly wants to be sure it has a dependable field goal kicker in tight situations.

Brown started his NFL career in Pittsburgh, but moved to Houston in 2002 and has played in every game for the Texans since they entered the league. In his 10-season career, Brown has hit 78.6 percent of his field goals with at least one of 47 yards or longer every season.

The contract tacks four years onto the one season that remained on Brown's previous deal.

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Brandon Marshall agent says Denver Broncos trade was requested

The Denver Broncos said they are aware of a radio report that said holdout receiver Brandon Marshall asked team owner Pat Bowlen for a trade during a meeting Friday.

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Adam Schefter, who will join ESPN in August, reported Monday on KOA in Denver that Marshall requested the trade during a meeting Friday.

Marshall's agent, Kennard McGuire, confirmed that to ESPN's Michael Smith on Tuesday: "There was a meeting with Mr. Bowlen and Brandon did ask to be traded. He was told by ownership that the team would do everything in its power to accommodate those wishes. We do feel that a change of scenery is not only important but necessary."

According to a source, Smith reported, Marshall has met with Bowlen more than once in the past week and on both occasions expressed his desire to be dealt.

McGuire had no comment on the number of meetings that took place.

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels would not say whether Marshall requested a trade, but he told ESPN's Ed Werder on Tuesday that internal meetings conducted after the holdout receiver's discussions with Bowlen suggest Denver plans to keep the player.

"We met after Pat's meeting with Brandon Marshall, and we've decided that we will continue to have a dialogue with Brandon and his representative, but we are looking forward to having Brandon at training camp," McDaniels said to Werder.

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Marshall skipped Denver's mandatory minicamp Friday through Sunday. He is protesting because he has medical trust issues and he also wants a pay raise. Marshall's contract expires after next season.

The receiver had hip surgery in March and won't be able to practice until training camp starts late next month. Still, he was required to rehabilitate at the facility during minicamp. Denver can fine him for missing the sessions.

Marshall is entering his fourth season and made his first Pro Bowl in 2008. He has had back-to-back 100-plus catch seasons.

The Marshall situation is another issue for McDaniels. The former New England offensive coordinator took over in the offseason for Mike Shanahan, who was fired after 14 years with the Broncos.

McDaniels' tenure in Denver got off to a rocky start when Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler was traded to Chicago. The saga began when Cutler caught wind that the new coach was considering trading him in a package for Matt Cassel, who starred for McDaniels in New England last season.

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Plaxico Burress of New York Giants appears in court, gun case adjourned until September 23

NEW YORK -- The weapons possession case against former New York Giants player Plaxico Burress has been adjourned until September, and his attorney said he didn't see any reason the wide receiver couldn't play this fall.

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Burress made a brief appearance in court Monday, accompanied by his wife and attorney Benjamin Brafman. Judge Felicia Mennin adjourned the case until Sept. 23.

Burress shot himself in the thigh Nov. 29 in a Manhattan nightclub. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 3 years in prison. Burress has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail.

Burress caught the game-winning touchdown for the Giants in the 2008 Super Bowl. He is a free agent after the team released him April 3.

Outside court Monday, Brafman said several teams were trying to sign his client, and "physically he's in the best shape of his life. He's ready to play."

Regarding the NFL's policy ...

The key to the possible suspension of Plaxico Burress (right) is a paragraph on the second page of the NFL's four-page "Personal Conduct Policy 2008." It states, "a first offense will generally not result in discipline until there has been a disposition of the proceeding." Disposition is defined elsewhere in the policy as a conviction or an admission of guilt in a plea bargain. There is only one exception to this provision -- "bodily injury." The bodily injury exception does not apply to Burress' self-inflicted injury. If commissioner Roger Goodell suspends Burress, this language is enough for the union to prevail in a grievance. There will be a revised personal conduct policy for 2009, but this is the policy that applies to Burress. In the new version of the policy, it can be expected that Goodell will add language that would allow him to suspend Burress before the receiver's trial.

Brafman also said he didn't think the case would be resolved through a plea agreement, that prosecutors would take it to a grand jury, and that Burress would plead not guilty if the case went to trial.

"There is not a victim in this case except Plaxico Burress," he said.

While Burress is free to sign with any team, the unresolved legal matter could make teams reluctant to add him. In addition, even if he ultimately does not serve jail time on the weapons charge -- most first-time offenders in similar cases in New York City do not -- he could face disciplinary action by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell under the league's personal conduct policy.

But veteran 6-foot-5 receivers with a proven ability to stretch a defense are a valuable commodity in the NFL. The New York Jets acknowledged publicly they had contacted Burress' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to inquire about him before the NFL draft in April.

On Sunday, Rosenhaus told WSVN-TV in Miami he's optimistic Burress "will be able to play unobstructed" this year. Rosenhaus is hopeful that Goodell will not suspend the former Giants star, noting he was suspended for five games by the Giants last season.

"In talking to [Brafman], his feeling is that a trial is not going to take place until after the season," Rosenhaus said. "He believes that after all these delays -- again, Plax hasn't been indicted yet, either -- it's going to be a very lengthy process to get to trial, and that will take place after the season.

"Our hope is, based on this information, that he will be able to play unobstructed this year, without having a trial, and he can get a season in and then deal with the legal issues after the season. This is the hope, and this what I'm communicating to the rest of the NFL teams."

The Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears are interested in Burress.

But an NFL spokesman, asked about Rosenhaus' comments, said the league still reserves the right to suspend Burress, 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand reported.

"We are not going to speculate on that," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "We reserve the right to act accordingly at the appropriate time."

With the criminal case dragging on at least three more months and possibly longer, establishing Burress' value may be a challenge for interested teams.

The Giants had signed Burress to a five-year, $35 million contract extension in September. The team later withheld $1 million after the shooting and the NFL Players Association filed a grievance on Burress' behalf. A special master ruled that the Giants had to pay Burress because the money was a signing bonus he earned upon agreeing to the contract extension and could not be withheld for future conduct.

Burress has 505 career receptions for 7,845 yards and 55 touchdowns in nine seasons with the Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Linebacker Greg Ellis agrees with Oakland Raiders on three-year deal

Ellis

Linebacker Greg Ellis has agreed to a three-year deal with the Oakland Raiders.

Ellis was released June 2 by the Dallas Cowboys.

Ellis, the Cowboys' first-round pick in 1998, has played in 162 games, all with Dallas, starting 156. He has 634 career tackles, including 77 sacks. He won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2007, the same season he was named to the Pro Bowl.

He had 36 tackles, 8 sacks and 1 interception last season.

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Ex-Oakland Raiders C Barret Robbins moves to halfway house

Former Oakland Raiders center Barret Robbins is in a halfway house following court-mandated drug rehabilitation and said in an interview with Fox 26 in Houston he's finally "sick and tired of being sick and tired."

Robbins disappeared from the Raiders two days before Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, and said he now blames himself for the team's 48-21 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Robbins said he was responsible for the pass-protection calls and also was key for the Raiders' running attack.

"It's a hard thing to look back on because it was such a hard thing to overcome," Robbins said in the interview.

[+] Enlarge

AP Photo/J. Pat CarterBarret Robbins says he's done with court appearances and arrests and is focused on maintaining his sobriety.

"It was such a hard thing to forgive myself for. As much as you want to do it, forgive yourself that is, it's the hardest thing in the world to do.

"I felt that if I had played that game, we had a lot better chance to win. I felt we would have been able to win that game. It was an extremely exhausting event and put me down as far as I probably ever had to go at that point in my life."

Robbins was diagnosed as bipolar after that incident, but regained his spot in the starting lineup the next season after undergoing treatment at an alcohol rehabilitation center. However, the Raiders released Robbins in 2004 after he tested positive for steroids.

In addition to stays in alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs, Robbins has had several run-ins with law enforcement. He was ordered into the last rehab center following a probation violation in the spring of 2008.

Now, he says, he's straightened himself out and doesn't want to re-enter the haze of those days.

"When you get to a point where you are sick of jails, institutions, near-death experiences, things of that nature, God allows you to see things in a different light and he has for me," Robbins said to Fox 26.

Robbins faces many changes beyond just his sobriety. He was shot three times and seriously wounded during the 2005 brawl with police, who were answering a burglary call at a Miami Beach building.

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Three police officers were injured in the melee, including one whose head was rammed into a wall. There's pending litigation for that run-in, and two bullets remain inside his body. Robbins has filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit alleging the police used excessive force.

The millions he earned as an All-Pro center are gone.

"When you are not responsible for your money as an adult, it shows how much you care about your life," Robbins said to Fox 26. "Obviously back then I didn't care that much about my life."

Robbins said he feels "real good" about the fact he's still alive to tell his story. One thing he says that would make him feel better about what he's been through is serving as both a warning tale and an inspiration to others.

"That would mean a great deal," Robbins said to Fox 26. "I would love for people to be able to look at my life and be able to get something out of it where they didn't have to make the mistakes I made or do some of the things I've done.

"If someone can look at me and say, 'Man, if he can do it, I can do it,' then I would be real happy about that."

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb has Super Bowl, not raise, on mind

PHILADELPHIA -- Donovan McNabb mentioned the Super Bowl five times in a 14-minute news conference discussing his reworked contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

McNabb got a big raise. Now he wants to deliver that elusive championship.

"With the type of team that we have, I think it's important that we focus in on what we have to do in order to achieve that common goal, and that's obviously to win a Super Bowl," McNabb said Friday.

McNabb and the Eagles agreed late Thursday to restructure the final two years of his contract instead of extending his current deal.

The five-time Pro Bowler was due to make $9.2 million this season and $10 million next season. ESPN's Michael Smith reported the two-year deal is worth $24.5 million, with another $1 million in incentives.

McNabb

"Both sides wanted to get something done," coach Andy Reid said. "We thought it needed to be done. Donovan warranted this. There are very few players or situations where a player is far enough along in his career, and then his contract, where he warrants something like this. We felt Donovan was in that situation."

McNabb made it clear last season he wanted a new deal. The two sides agreed on a pay raise instead of an extension mainly because of the uncertainty surrounding the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, which expires after the 2010 season.

"What goes on in the NFL over the next couple of years here, that's an unknown right now," Reid said. "Rather than to do [an extension], let's take care of it right now with the years remaining on his contract. We'll worry about the future as we come up here."

The message is simple: The time to win is now.

McNabb is up for the challenge. With third-year pro Kevin Kolb waiting in the background, the 32-year-old McNabb may not be on the verge of retirement, but he knows the window of opportunity doesn't stay open forever in the NFL.

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"I looked at it in the sense that it's in these two years, our focus is to win the Super Bowl and anything past that, it will take care of itself," McNabb said. "At this particular point, in these two years, we feel like we can get the job done."

The Eagles have come close several times in McNabb's 10 seasons in Philadelphia. He's led the Eagles to the NFC championship game five times, including last season. They've advanced to the Super Bowl once with McNabb at quarterback, losing to New England in 2005.

McNabb has an improved supporting cast to work with this year. It could be Philadelphia's best all-around offense since Terrell Owens played here. The Eagles, who scored a franchise-record 416 points last year, added three weapons in the draft: wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, running back LeSean McCoy and tight end Cornelius Ingram. They also acquired two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters and signed versatile offensive lineman Stacy Andrews.

"It's hard to really assess that at this particular point," McNabb said when asked about the new-look offense. "Everybody looks good in shorts. It's going to take time."

Seven months ago, it was difficult to imagine McNabb and Reid would be sitting together talking about a new contract. McNabb's future with the team seemed in doubt after he was benched for the first time in his career during halftime of a 10-7 game at Baltimore on Nov. 23. With McNabb watching from the sideline, the Eagles completely unraveled and were routed 36-7.

But McNabb returned for the next game against Arizona and was outstanding down the stretch. He helped the Eagles overcome daunting odds to make the playoffs, and took them to the NFC title game against the Cardinals after two road victories against Minnesota and the New York Giants.

The Eagles fell short in Arizona, losing 32-25. Though he was sensational in leading the team back from an 18-point halftime deficit, McNabb took heat for the loss because of a poor first half.

He's put that game behind him and is eager to finish the job.

"I'm comfortable at this point because of the team that we have and the confidence level in which we're continuing to have at this particular point," McNabb said. "Going into training camp, guys are excited about what we can do."

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Deion Branch of Seattle Seahawks: Knee will never be 'normal'

RENTON, Wash. -- Just because Deion Branch is back on the field doesn't mean he's back to normal. As in, how he felt in 2006 when the Seattle Seahawks traded a first-round draft choice to New England to get the former Super Bowl MVP, and signed him to a $39 million contract with $13 million guaranteed.

“

You will never be back to normal once you have this type of procedure done. I actually feel stronger, but it's not normal. Something has been done that removed [parts] of my knee. My biggest thing is to continue to strengthen it.

”-- Deion Branch

That was before he destroyed his knee.

"You will never be back to normal once you have this type of procedure done. I actually feel stronger, but it's not normal," said Branch, who turns 30 next month. "Something has been done that removed [parts] of my knee. My biggest thing is to continue to strengthen it."

Still, Branch said he will attempt to play the same way and make the same moves that made him a star earlier this decade with the Patriots.

"I'll be OK. I'll never think about my knee once I take the field," he said.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said everyone -- trainers, teammates, even offensive coordinator Greg Knapp -- razzed Branch in the meeting room, in the locker room and on the field during his first day back.

"I think I'm like the jumper cable for the team," Branch said. "All the guys, I think they were way more excited, screaming in the locker room when they saw me trying my helmet on."

Wednesday's workout, which was limited to position drills, was Branch's first practice of any kind with the team since the days leading into last season's finale Dec. 28 against Arizona. He then elected to have a second, clean-out surgery on his reconstructed left knee.

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What he called a "minor, routine" operation in early March was his second on the knee in 13 months since he shredded it making a cut on a snowy field at Green Bay in the playoffs in January 2008.

"It was just good to be back out there with the guys. The biggest thing was doing more team things, and not being off secluded with the rest of the injured guys," Branch said. "It was cool."

Cornerback Kelly Jennings, returning from shoulder surgery, and recently acquired defensive lineman Cory Redding, coming back from a dislocated knee cap, joined Branch in practicing for the first time this offseason.

"Man, I felt like I was back at home, on the field. Been a long time coming," said Redding, acquired in March from Detroit for Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson.

Coach Jim Mora said all injured veterans and those who had offseason surgery should be ready to fully participate when training camp begins the last week of July. That includes: Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones (microfracture surgery on his knee); defensive end Patrick Kerney (a third shoulder surgery in 13 months); starting guards Mike Wahle (shoulder surgery) and Rob Sims (torn pectoral muscle); and center Chris Spencer (back).

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Brad Childress of Minnesota Vikings on Favre situation: 'Stay tuned'

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Can Brett Favre still be a great quarterback? Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress says he doesn't know, but to "stay tuned."

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Childress says he called Favre last week. That's the latest update from Minnesota's coach, who didn't elaborate on the conversation. Childress sidestepped most questions about the quarterback's status Thursday, refusing to speculate while Favre officially remains retired.

The Vikings have one more organized practice this week, their last scheduled activity until training camp begins July 31. Childress declined to answer when asked if he needs clarity on the situation before then.

In a radio interview Wednesday, the coach said he's eager to see what Favre has left in his arm, which was surgically repaired after the end of last season, sources told ESPN.

"If in fact he had that surgery," Childress said Wednesday on Minneapolis-St. Paul radio station KFAN, "I'm anxious to see exactly what he has left in that cannon because he has a great arm."

ESPN reported Monday that Childress had established a deadline of this week for Favre to make a decision on whether to be the Vikings' quarterback this season. Favre declined to make a commitment because he remains uncertain that the surgery has been completely successful.

During the interview on KFAN, Childress called the reporting of the deadline "very questionable." ESPN has left numerous messages for Childress, who did not respond for comment. Childress has not publicly acknowledged Minnesota's courtship of Favre.

The Vikings' depth chart at quarterback includes Tarvaris Jackson and veteran Sage Rosenfels.

Asked if the Favre story has affected them, Childress told KFAN: "They are competitors. Do they like any of the conversation? Absolutely not. But, they know this -- I'm charged with adding and subtracting players to make this team better. If this is going to make us better down the road, I'm going to take care of the Minnesota Vikings."

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New York Jets top QB pick Mark Sanchez reaches agreement

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets and quarterback Mark Sanchez reached an agreement on a multiyear contract Wednesday.

[+] Enlarge

David Drapkin/Getty ImagesNo. 5 draft pick Mark Sanchez has reached a multiyear agreement with the Jets.

The Jets and Sanchez agreed to a five-year deal worth $50 million, with $28 million in guarantees, a source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. The deal could be worth as much as $60 million.

Sanchez was the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft in April after leading Southern California to a Rose Bowl victory over Penn State with a record-setting performance. The quarterback is competing with veteran Kellen Clemens for the Jets' starting job, up for grabs after the retirement of Brett Favre.

The Jets made the announcement while Sanchez was still at practice during the afternoon session of minicamp.

New York's last two top picks, linebacker Vernon Gholston and cornerback Darrelle Revis, reported to training camp late while trying to negotiate deals.

Sanchez has impressed at times during organized team activities and minicamp practices, showing lots of poise, confidence and good decision-making skills. He and Clemens have been about even in their competition.

"You gain confidence as you go," Sanchez said earlier Wednesday. "Now I am starting to really feel the defense and see what is going on. As difficult as our defense can be I am starting to get an idea."

The Jets made a bold draft-day move to get Sanchez, acquiring the fifth overall pick from Cleveland and former coach Eric Mangini for their first-round pick, their second-rounder (No. 52), and defensive end Kenyon Coleman, safety Abram Elam and quarterback Brett Ratliff.

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Sanchez went 14-2 as a starter with the Trojans, including the Rose Bowl win in January. His lack of experience -- he had only one full season as a starter -- had some questioning whether he was truly ready for the NFL, but the Jets loved what they saw of him in private workouts and a classroom session in a hotel room at the owners' meetings in California in March.

After drafting Sanchez, coach Rex Ryan said there would be an open competition for the quarterback job.

"We've got two really good quarterbacks, and the competition is going to be fierce," Ryan said on the first day of minicamp Tuesday. "At training camp, it's going to be a great battle."

Sanchez already is becoming a fan favorite, with several fans in the crowd at minicamp wearing his No. 6 jersey. He also has gotten lots of attention, befitting that of a budding star in New York, with a swimsuit spread in GQ magazine, throwing out the first pitch at a Mets game and tabloids wondering about his love life.

But Sanchez says he's concentrating on his game on the field.

"I think that more than anything, the next couple of days are vital," he said. "I have to show that I'm really coming along from rookie camp. Then next week, we have rookie OTAs for first- and second-year guys and rookies. With all of the veterans gone, that is my chance to really take charge and assume command of the offense."

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Sources: Favre a no-show, Vikes temporarily stop pursuit

The Minnesota Vikings have at least temporarily suspended their pursuit of Brett Favre after the retired quarterback failed to report to organized team activities that began Tuesday as head coach Brad Childress had mandated, team and league sources said.

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The Vikings conveyed their decision in a phone call from vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski to Bus Cook, the agent who represents Favre.

An eventual agreement returning Favre to the NFL for a 19th season, this time in Vikings purple, remains a possibility. He was encouraged to continue rehabilitation; sources said he had arthroscopic surgery two weeks ago to repair a partially torn biceps tendon.

According to sources, no time frame has been discussed for the Vikings and Favre to reconsider their positions.

"If in fact he had that surgery," Childress said Wednesday on Minneapolis-St. Paul radio station KFAN, "I'm anxious to see exactly what he has left in that cannon because he has a great arm."

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ESPN reported Monday that Childress had established a deadline of this week for Favre to make a decision on whether to be the Vikings' quarterback this season. Favre declined to make a commitment because he remains uncertain that the surgery has been completely successful.

During the interview on KFAN, Childress called the reporting of the deadline "very questionable." ESPN has left numerous messages for Childress, who did not respond for comment. Childress has not publicly acknowledged Minnesota's courtship of Favre.

The Vikings' depth chart at quarterback includes Tarvaris Jackson and veteran Sage Rosenfels.

Asked if the Favre story has affected them, Childress told KFAN: "They are competitors. Do they like any of the conversation? Absolutely not. But, they know this -- I'm charged with adding and subtracting players to make this team better. If this is going to make us better down the road, I'm going to take care of the Minnesota Vikings."

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Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco reports to Cincinnati Bengals organized team activities

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco reported to organized team activities Tuesday and is expected to be on the practice field.

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Ochocinco took an all-night flight from Los Angeles to Cincinnati to arrive. He also took a physical Tuesday morning. Tuesday's OTA is closed to the media.

The receiver's return comes earlier than expected, because the Bengals' mandatory minicamp begins on June 18. If Ochocinco practices Tuesday, it will mark the first time Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer and his top receiver will work together since Palmer was shut down last October with a season-ending elbow injury.

The two have been at odds over Ochocinco's lack of attendance this offseason. But the receiver has been working out independently and his return would mark the start of Ochocinco attempting to make amends with his Bengals teammates, coaches and fans.

Following a series of public trade demands last year, Ochocinco had one of his worst NFL seasons, recording just 53 receptions for 540 yards and four touchdowns. With an ailing Palmer and an unfocused Ochocinco, the Bengals finished 4-11-1 last season.

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Report: Jerry Jones considering Adam "Pacman" Jones return

Is there going to be an Adam "Pacman" Jones sequel in Dallas? According to a published report, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently said he's considering bringing the controversial cornerback back, although he calls it a long shot.

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Reached by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after the George Strait concert that opened the new Cowboys stadium on Saturday night, Jones asked the reporter: "Would you beat me up too bad if I brought back Adam?"

The Cowboys released Pacman Jones in February. Jones was suspended for six games by the NFL after an alcohol-related scuffle in October with a team-provided bodyguard at a Dallas hotel.

In the Star-Telegram report, Jones said he now blames the fight on the bodyguard. He also reportedly said that he's not worried about any off-the-field issues with Pacman Jones.

The cornerback came to Dallas after being suspended for the entire 2007 season following multiple off-field incidents while with the Tennessee Titans. The Cowboys acquired him in a trade during the draft in April, and commissioner Roger Goodell cleared him to play at the end of the preseason.

Expected to give the Cowboys a boost on defense and special teams, Jones had 31 tackles and no interceptions in his nine games (six starts). He averaged only 4.5 yards on his 21 punt returns, with a long of 18 yards.

However, in the Star-Telegram report, Jones said that Pacman Jones graded out as the Cowboys' best cornerback.

Before coming to Dallas, Jones was arrested six times and involved in 12 instances requiring police intervention after Tennessee drafted him in the first round in 2005.

The Cowboys traded for him anyway, despite the 2007 suspension.

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Sources: Brett Favre given deadline by Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress has imposed a deadline of this week for Brett Favre to decide whether he will be the team's quarterback for the upcoming season, according to two sources.

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Favre, however, is apparently reluctant to commit to playing a 19th NFL season without first being more confident the arthroscopic surgery performed recently on his throwing shoulder has succeeded in eliminating all of the problems related to a torn biceps tendon. Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery.

It would seem reasonable that both Favre and the Vikings want to know his shoulder is healthy before reaching an agreement, and the team is virtually certain to insist on seeing the 39-year-old quarterback throw before any contract is signed. Minnesota has four organized team activity sessions this week, beginning Tuesday.

While sources say Favre has done some throwing since the surgery, they describe him as being unconvinced that his passing arm is game-ready. Favre has always been unpredictable when making major career decisions, so only he would know what he will do if he believes the Vikings are forcing him to make a decision before he is fully prepared. Favre has claimed he did that two years ago in retiring from the Green Bay Packers even though he had doubts at the time, and he made a decision to leave the game that he began to regret even as he was announcing it.

According to sources, Favre is conflicted between his desire to provide the Vikings with the quarterback he believes is the only thing they lack to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender and his resolve to feel confident enough in his shoulder that it will not undermine his performance, which eroded under a league-high nine interceptions the final month of last season when the Jets faded from playoff contention. Favre took personal responsibility for the Jets' failure, blaming his painful shoulder for creating a random lack of arm strength and throwing accuracy.

Favre

Childress

The Vikings are the Packers' rivals in the NFC North, and the team that Favre wanted to play for last season after deciding to come out of retirement. But the Packers controlled Favre's rights, and general manager Ted Thompson refused to consider trading Favre to Minnesota. Not only that, but Thompson was so determined to ensure the Green Bay icon could not play for the Packers' hated rival twice a year that he included a clause in the trade agreement with the Jets that the Packers would be compensated with three first-round draft choices if Favre were dealt to the Vikings.

But Favre effectively circumvented that when he retired in February for a second time and later received his unconditional release from the Jets after they traded up to select USC quarterback Mark Sanchez in the first round of the draft in April. That created the opportunity for Favre and the Vikings to discuss a partnership that could damage the quarterback's legacy in Green Bay.

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Source: Attorney seeks way for Plaxico Burress to play in NFL in 2009

With 10 days to go before a critical appearance in Manhattan criminal court, the attorney for Plaxico Burress is working feverishly behind the scenes to find a negotiated settlement that would allow Burress to play football in 2009 -- either by reaching a plea deal with minimal jail time or by postponing a possible trial until after the 2009 NFL season with the hopes of playing this fall, a source with knowledge of the case said Friday.

After months of discussions with the Manhattan district attorney's office, attorney Benjamin Brafman thus far has failed to reach a plea agreement on the felony weapons charges against Plaxico Burress (right), primarily because the former New York Giants wide receiver has been adamant about avoiding jail time, according to sources with knowledge of the case.

"Right now, everything is speculation, but I will know more on Monday," Burress' lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said Friday.

After months of discussions with the Manhattan district attorney's office, Brafman thus far has failed to reach a plea agreement on the felony weapons charges against Burress, primarily because the former New York Giants wide receiver has been adamant about avoiding jail time, according to sources with knowledge of the case.

Any jail time no doubt would be followed up by a visit to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who could impose a penalty, including a suspension, under the league's personal conduct policy.

One way to avoid all that, at least this year, is to try to get the trial postponed to early 2010, allowing Burress to perhaps play football in the coming season.

But that possible plan has three hurdles:

•The district attorney's office would have to agree. So far, sources say, the DA's office is determined not to allow Burress to get any special treatment. A spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney declined to comment.

"Timewise, it is not an unusual delay -- the purpose of the delay is unusual," said John M. Caher, director of public information for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

•The Manhattan criminal court judge hearing the case June 15 would have to approve the deal.

•Goodell would have to decide not to punish Burress in the interim.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Friday that, in the event of a trial postponement, Goodell has not decided what to do.

"Whether the personal conduct policy would be applied in that case hasn't been determined, but it hasn't been ruled out," Aiello said.

He said Burress, who was released by the Giants on April 3, is a free agent. "A team can sign him," but it's up to the commissioner whether Burress can play, Aiello said.

Under the personal conduct policy, the commissioner has broad powers to impose a penalty "even when the conduct itself does not result in the conviction of a crime," according to the personal conduct policy.

Three teams are believed to be serious enough about considering Burress for the 2009 season that they have contacted his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to inquire about his legal status: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets.

After accidentally shooting himself in a Manhattan nightclub Nov. 29, Burress was arraigned Dec. 1 on two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a loaded and unlicensed weapon, a Glock semi-automatic pistol, charges that carry a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 3 years.

The most common way to avoid the mandatory minimum is to get the charge lowered to third-degree possession. But last year in New York City, nearly 80 percent of those convicted of a third-degree charge still ended up behind bars, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services. Of those people who went to jail, 41 percent ended up serving at least a year's time.

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Joseph Addai of Indianapolis Colts had offseason knee surgery

Indianapolis Colts starting tailback Joseph Addai said he had recent arthroscopic surgery to clean debris from a bothersome knee.

Addai

Neither Addai, who is currently being held out of practice sessions, nor team officials, would divulge which knee underwent the procedure.

A team official told ESPN.com that he was "very confident" Addai will recover in time for training camp.

Addai also reiterated that his rehabilitation is going well. "It's feeling good right now," Addai said.

The team's first-round choice in the 2006 draft, Addai is coming off an injury-filled 2008 season. The former LSU star started 12 games, and carried 155 times for 544 yards and five touchdowns. All represented career lows for Addai.

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It marked the first time Addai had failed to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, and his 3.5-yard average was nearly a full yard less than his career average entering the 2008 season.

It was also the second consecutive year in which Addai's rushing yardage declined. He ran for a career-best 1,089 yards as a rookie in 2006, despite not starting any games and sharing time with Dominic Rhodes. Addai rushed for 1,072 yards in 2007.

Although he has been the Colts' starter since 2007, Addai typically has shared the tailback spot with a second player. The Colts invested their first-round choice this year in Donald Brown, and the former Connecticut star is expected to spell Addai -- and, in the eyes of some, contend for the starting job.

"He's working through a bit of a rehab situation, but he's in fine physical condition," Colts coach Jim Caldwell said of Addai. "He's been lifting, doing all the things that have been required of him."

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Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall's trial pushed back to August

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall's trial for two misdemeanor battery charges in Atlanta has been postponed until August, ESPN's John Barr reported.

Marshall was expected to go to court June 11 for two misdemeanor counts of battery, stemming from a March 2008 arrest involving his former girlfriend, Rasheeda Watley.

Marshall

The outcome of the case could subject Marshall to punishment from the NFL even though it was part of what triggered his summons to commissioner Roger Goodell's office last summer, when Marshall was suspended for the season opener after a series of police-related incidents involving Watley.

"The discipline he received last year [one-game suspension without pay plus an additional fine of one game check] did not include the resolution of the March '08 incident, which is pending," league spokesman Greg Aiello told The AP.

"The pending case will be subject to review when appropriate. The notification he received from our office [Tuesday] applied only to the March 1 incident of this year," Aiello said.

In that case, Marshall and his new fiance, Michi Leshase Nogami-Campbell, got into a fight in Atlanta on March 1. Charges of disturbing the peace were dropped the next day when Marshall and Nogami-Campbell refused to testify against each other.

Denver coach Josh McDaniels demurred when asked what he thought of the potential punishment still hanging over Marshall's head forrepeated violations of the league's code of conduct.

"It's out of our control. That's something that's a league issue and whatever they come down with or whatever they decide, then we've got to deal with it and we'll do it at that time," McDaniels said. "But there's nothing we can worry about."

Marshall is rehabbing from March 31 hip surgery and hopes to be ready by training camp in late July. Marshall is due $2.2 million this season in the final year of a four-year contract he signed as a rookie. Although he's had back-to-back 100-catch seasons and made the Pro Bowl this year, there are questions about what kind of player he'll be coming off hip surgery.

Marshall caught 104 passes for 1,265 yards and six TDs last season. But he dropped 18 on-target passes, something he blamed on the nerve damage in his right arm, which he said he put through a television set while horsing around with his brother a year ago in the offseason.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook has surgery

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook had surgery on his right ankle on Friday and is expected to be ready for the regular season.

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The procedure was done in Baltimore by specialist Dr. Mark Myerson. He removed scar tissue and bone fragments from the ankle, which Westbrook initially injured last season in Week 3 against Pittsburgh.

"Brian is doing well, he texted us and said he's doing well," trainer Rick Burkholder said. "We feel pretty comfortable that he'll be back by the beginning of the season. Whether he'll be back for training camp or not, it's too early to tell."

According to ESPN 950 Philadelphia, Westbrook cannot put weight on his leg for two weeks. After that, the Eagles will take a week-by-week approach to his rehabilitation.

Veterans are to report to camp on July 29.

This is the second offseason surgery for Westbrook, who also had his left knee cleaned out shortly after the Eagles' lost to Arizona in the NFC Championship Game.

He experienced pain in the ankle while rehabbing the knee.

"Most of this came from trauma from the ankle sprain," Burkholder said. "I'm not worried in the least about these injuries. He's going to be in really good shape come the season."

Meanwhile, rookie running back LeSean McCoy, a second-round pick, sprained a thumb in practice Friday, but could return to practice when the team resumes its organized team activities next week.

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Arizona Cardinals agree to terms with Adrian Wilson

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Cardinals have signed safety Adrian Wilson.

The deal is worth $39 million, with $18.5 million guaranteed.

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reported the new contract is actually a four-year extension, added to the one remaining season on Wilson's previous contract. And under some formulas used in characterizing contracts, Wilson will become the highest-paid safety in the league.

Wilson was scheduled to make $4.75 million in 2009.

"The main point was we wanted to extend our relationship with a great football player," general manager Rod Graves said after a news conference to announce the signing.

"But I think the signing does indicate in many other ways the idea that you want to reward players who do things the right way," Graves said, "who are committed to excellence and who represent your organization exceptionally well."

Wilson

Wilson is the hard-hitting leader of the Cardinals' defense and was a Pro Bowl selection in the 2006 and 2008 seasons. His old contract was due to expire after the coming season, and re-signing him was the Cardinals' top offseason priority.

With his wife and two young children looking on, Wilson thanked those who had helped him along the way and outlined his goals for what he said probably will be the final contract of his career.

"I can't put into words exactly how I feel right now," Wilson said. "Every time I step on the field at the new stadium I look at all the names, the Ring of Honor and all that, and always say that one day I want my number up there, I want my number up there beside Aeneas [Williams], I want my number up there next to Pat [Tillman]."

The 29-year-old, entering his ninth NFL season, has 18 career interceptions and 18 sacks. Only eight players in NFL history have at least 20 interceptions and 20 sacks.

His top goal, though, is to win a Super Bowl, something that would have seemed ridiculous before the team's surprising near-miss last season.

"We as a team worked so hard to get to where we were last year," Wilson said, "and to not be able to finish it, I think it makes us that much hungrier to get back to where we were and finish the deal."

Next on Arizona's list is a long-term deal for linebacker Karlos Dansby, who has been designated the team's franchise player for the second year in a row.

"He paved the way for us. He's been here the longest and he's just shown us how to get it done," Dansby said, "how to get it done the right way, and everybody's taking note right now. It's a blessed day for him and his family."

Dansby said he's hopeful "to follow maybe in his footsteps and do the things the right way."

Once that happens, Graves has said he will turn his attention to trying to work out a new deal with disgruntled Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

Boldin, who has asked to be traded, recently fired agent Drew Rosenhaus. While the NFL Players Association said Thursday that Boldin had not officially hired a replacement, Graves said he already has talked with agent Tom Condon about Boldin, indicating Condon would be the receiver's new agent.

In 2006, Wilson became the first defensive player in NFL history with two touchdown plays of at least 99 yards in the same season, one on an interception and another on a fumble return.

Wilson has been with the Cardinals longer than any other player on their roster, experiencing some rough years of losing before the team's unexpected run to the Super Bowl last season. Arizona drafted him out of North Carolina State in the third round in 2001. He signed a five-year deal with the team in 2005.

He's started 110 of his 118 games, compiling 651 career tackles, 481 of them solo, along with 63 pass deflections, 10 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. Last season, Wilson had 85 tackles, 2 sacks and two interceptions.

In the team's four playoff games last season, the had 20 tackles and two forced fumbles.

A fierce pass rusher, he knocked Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards out of the game with a concussion on the third play of Arizona's 41-17 victory over the Bills last Oct. 5.

"I think in the end," Graves said, "he'll be recognized as not only one of the best players today, but one of the best players to have played the game."

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones keeps tabs on former receiver Terrell Owens

CARROLLTON, Texas -- Terrell Owens has departed Valley Ranch, but his former employer is still keeping track of him.

Owens

Speaking at an organized team activities session Thursday, Jerry Jones told reporters that he "reads very carefully" what Owens has been saying from Buffalo.

Asked if he was interested in Owen's recent comments, Jones said, "The answer is yes. He's credible with me."

That led to the obvious question: Is there credibility to Owen's steadfast belief that quarterback Tony Romo and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett ran him out of town?

"Of all the people on the planet that know why he's not here, it's me," said Jones.

Jones said he had a "good relationship" with Owens, but kept reiterating that he's the only one who knows the "rationale" behind the decision. Jones went on to say that Owens's assertions that Romo and Garrett were co-conspirators may have been "news to them."

Owens told AOL Fanhouse he isn't sure about that.

"Maybe it was out of his hands a little bit," Owens said of Jones. "Maybe it was conspired to get me out of there. But I went through this little period of being down about it [and] now I'm gone and will never forget it."

Owens has been discussing his farewell from Dallas via Twitter and the media in Buffalo. Even his house-shopping has become a news story in recent days.

"I'd say it hurt," Owens told AOL Fanhouse. "I was very disappointed, especially when you established a lot of trust gained for three years that I was there, and when somebody blatantly tells you you're not going anywhere on two different occasions, and you've established that bond. If you don't have a man's word, and it doesn't stand for anything, there's really nothing left and there's not a whole lot of trust."

Jones said he sought advice before making the decision to release Owens, but he reminded reporters that he was the one who pulled the trigger. He also admitted he enjoyed all the attention that Owens received when he was with the Cowboys.

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Short in backfield, the New England Patriots sign veteran RB Patrick Pass

Short at fullback, the New England Patriots on Thursday welcomed back a familiar face, signing versatile free agent running back Patrick Pass, who has not played in a game since 2007.

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ESPN.com's Tim Graham writes about all things AFC East in his division blog.

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Pass, 31, has played tailback and fullback, and contributed on special teams for the Patriots in the past. He is likely to fill the same role in 2009.

Contract details were not yet available, but it is believed that Pass signed a one-year deal for at or near the league minimum salary.

In seven seasons with the Patriots (2000-2006) and New York Giants (2007), Pass carried 128 times for 526 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 66 receptions for 570 yards and four scores. Pass returned kickoffs in New England as well .

The former University of Georgia star, a seventh-round pick of the Patriots in 2000, signed with Houston in 2007 as a free agent, but was cut before the season began. He then signed with the Giants, for one game in 2007, and was out of the NFL in 2008.

Pass has not played in more than three games since 2006. But with the Patriots losing Heath Evans to New Orleans in free agency, there was a need for a veteran back who could play several positions.

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Brian Westbrook of Philadelphia Eagles to undergo surgery, says agent

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook will have surgery Friday to clean up some bone spurs in his right ankle, according to his agent, Todd France.

Westbrook

Dr. Mark Meyerson will perform the operation in Baltimore. The Eagles called the procedure "a debridement" of the ankle.

France had no timetable for Westbrook's return but characterized the procedure as minor. Another source, however, said the surgery could sideline Westbrook well into training camp. Eagles veterans report to training camp on July 29.

"We talked about it when he was at the doctor's office and went through the options and decided it was better to clean it up," France told ESPN. "The ankle has been bothering him since last year."

NFC East blog

ESPN.com's Matt Mosley writes about all things NFC East in his division blog.

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The Eagles sent Westbrook to Baltimore on Wednesday to see Myerson, the ankle specialist who treated Terrell Owens five years ago.

According to sources, Myerson recommended several options, including surgery and playing through the pain with a series of cortisone shots. France said that if this were the regular season, Westbrook probably would not have surgery.

Westbrook aggravated a previous sprain in his right ankle while working out in the past few weeks, a team source said. It is the same ankle that Westbrook injured last year and bothered him throughout the 2008 season.

"It has nothing to do with the high ankle sprain," France said. "It's just some bone spurs."

Westbrook, who will turn 30 in September, also had surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee in February.

Westbrook had 936 yards rushing last season, caught 54 passes for 402 yards and had a career-best 14 touchdowns.

The Eagles drafted running back LeSean McCoy in the second round to provide insurance for the injury-prone Westbrook.

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