Chicago Bears' defensive end Mark Anderson signs one-year tender offer

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The Chicago Bears announced Friday that restricted free-agent defensive end Mark Anderson signed his one-year tender offer of $1.75 million.

A fifth-year veteran, Anderson has started in 17 of 62 games for the Bears, contributing 120 tackles, 21.5 sacks, in addition to five forced fumbles, 13 tackles for lost yardage and seven pass breakups.

As a rookie, Anderson racked up 12 sacks, most ever by a Chicago rookie since 1993, when Richard Dent tallied 13.5 sacks.

Anderson received a second-round tender offer from the team, which means if he would have signed an offer sheet with another team during the free-agency period, the new club would have been required to give the Bears a second-round draft pick in 2011 as compensation.

Barca voice Uefa dismayDallas Cowboys sign defensive lineman Stephen Bowen to tender

Kevin Kolb of Philadelphia Eagles gets one-year contract extension

NFC East blog

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

•Blog network: NFL Nation

The Philadelphia Eagles have given quarterback Kevin Kolb another vote of confidence, extending his contract by one year, the team announced Thursday.

The deal is worth $12.26 million, all of it guaranteed, over the next two seasons. Included in that sum is a signing bonus of $10.7 million, a source close to the player told ESPN.com's Matt Mosley.

Kolb, who became the Eagles' starting quarterback when Donovan McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins, was previously under contract through the 2010 season.

"I'm not trying to prove anybody wrong, I'm trying to prove this organization right for making this move," Kolb said in a news conference. "I know there are a lot of expectations. When you get an extension and you get the starting quarterback position, regardless of where you're at, there's a lot of pressure and responsibility."

Kolb spent his first three seasons with the Eagles behind McNabb, but stepped in when McNabb was injured in the season opener last year at Carolina. The 2007 second-round draft choice promptly became the first NFL quarterback to throw for 300 yards in his first two starts.

He threw for 391 yards against New Orleans and 327 yards a week later vs. Kansas City.

"We're happy to have Kevin under contract for the next two seasons," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "When given the chance, Kevin has proven to have good command of this offense and we're looking forward to having him operate as the No. 1 quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles."

His emergence made McNabb expendable, and the No. 2 overall pick in the 1999 draft was traded to the Washington Redskins earlier this month for a pair of draft picks.

Kolb, whose contract was set to expire at the end of this season, was glad an extension could be worked out before minicamp opens.

"I want to be here long term and I think the Eagles want me here long term," Kolb said.

There was one hitch. The Eagles and Kolb did not work out a long-term deal because of the expiring collective bargaining agreement, meaning the two sides were restricted by a rule that limited annual raises in base salary to 30 percent.

The 25-year-old Kolb said minicamp begins what he hopes is a successful starting career with the Eagles. He recently became a father for the second time, adding to a whirlwind of an offseason. He feels the time is right to take control of a young offense that features blossoming receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

"It will be a different feel but, at the same time, it feels right," Kolb said. "It feels right to be the starter, it feels comfortable being out there doing the different things, running the practices that we're running right now together."

The Eagles also have Michael Vick on the roster. Vick played a limited role in short-yardage situations in his first year back in the NFL after sitting out two seasons for his role in a dogfighting operation.

This move guarantees there will be no competition for the No. 1 spot in training camp.

"I think everybody can kind of sense that there's this united feeling between everybody," Kolb said. "We're all kind of young and even though we haven't hit the field together yet as a core group, you can just kind of sense that we have this energy that we're just going to go out there and prove a lot of people wrong."

Source: Washington Redskins begin talks with Donovan McNabb on contract extensionRaul not retiring yet

WR Patrick Crayton stops working out with Dallas Cowboys, wants trade

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IRVING, Texas -- Wanting a trade, receiver Patrick Crayton has decided not to attend any more voluntary offseason workouts with the Dallas Cowboys until something can be worked out, according to his agent, Fred Lyles.

Crayton has requested a meeting with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, but that may not happen until next week.

Crayton and backup receiver Sam Hurd had asked to be traded after the Cowboys used their first-round pick in last week's draft on receiver Dez Bryant. There has been some interest in the receivers from other teams but apparently not enough for the Cowboys to warrant making a deal.

Although he will not show up for the voluntary workouts, Crayton will attend mandatory workouts at Valley Ranch.

Last season, Crayton had 37 catches for 622 yards with five touchdowns.

Albin quiet on MagpiesSources: Receiver Miles Austin working out with Dallas Cowboys teammates

Source: New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper making visit to Jacksonville Jaguars

Nearly two months after the NFL's free-agent signing period kicked off, New Orleans' Pro Bowl safety Darren Sharper is taking his first visit this offseason.

Sharper

Sharper visited with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday, according to a league source. Jacksonville did not draft a safety last weekend, and Sharper is searching for another opportunity aside from the one he already has in New Orleans.

The Dallas Cowboys, who didn't draft a safety last weekend and released Ken Hamlin also might eventually become a suitor for Sharper.

However, multiple team sources told ESPNDallas.com on Wednesday afternoon that the Cowboys are not interested in Sharper right now.

Sharper, who intercepted nine passes last season, turns 35 in November and he underwent knee surgery this offseason. But he is expected to be ready in time for training camp.

Sharper sat out two regular-season games last season and missed periodic practices because of knee swelling. Still, he tied for the league lead with his nine interceptions -- returning three for scores.

Sharper has said he's hoping to return to New Orleans, but is keeping his options open.

The New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with WR Torry Holt.Primera Liga round-up

Report: Denver Broncos All-Pro Ryan Clady has knee surgery

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady has undergone surgery to repair a torn left patellar tendon and will be out for several months, according to The Denver Post.

Clady suffered the knee injury playing basketball, two league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

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Clady has told people he will miss three months, according to the sources.

Team spokesman Patrick Smyth declined to comment on the report when reached by The Associated Press, saying only that veterans were participating this week in the team's offseason training program. Clady's agent, Pat Dye Jr., didn't immediately return a phone call.

Clady was the 12th overall pick out of Boise State in the 2008 NFL draft. He allowed the fewest sacks among tackles as a rookie and last year became the 11th tackle to earn Pro Bowl honors in his second season.

Albin quiet on MagpiesSource: Denver Broncos’ Kyle Orton signs free-agent tender

NFLPA president Kevin Mawae puzzled he's still free agent

Kevin Mawae is still out of work and the president of the NFL Players Association revisited the idea Wednesday that it's more than his age holding him back.

"I am unemployed and hoping someone will call," Mawae, 39, told "3 Hour Lunch" on 104.5 in Nashville. "It's kind of befuddling to me that I just came off my eighth Pro Bowl and a 16-game season and I can't get one phone call.

“

Alan Faneca gets cut two days ago and yesterday he signs a contract with another team. And not to take anything away from him, we have the same agent, we're friends. But something tells me that there is something going on beside me just being 39 years old

”-- Kevin Mawae

"Alan Faneca gets cut two days ago and yesterday he signs a contract with another team. And not to take anything away from him, we have the same agent, we're friends. But something tells me that there is something going on beside me just being 39 years old.

"I've said in the past that I hope our management and the owners can look past the fact that I am president of the PA. But right now it's not looking that way. I'm looking for a job. I've made no secrets about wanting to be back here in Tennessee and I've yet to receive a call from anybody."

After the Titans decided they would play both Eugene Amano and Leroy Harris at guard and center in a combination to be determined, coach Jeff Fisher indicated there would be a spot for Mawae as a backup if he wanted it.

But it does not appear a concrete offer was ever made and as an unrestricted free agent,Mawae continues to wait out the market.

Mawae said he's staying in shape, working out and planning for his camp for offensive linemen.

He thought there might have been a chance with Denver, but said he watched the Broncos take two centers and a guard in the draft.

"I look on the rosters and I know there are teams that are hurt and struggling on the offensive line and yet I still haven't got a call," he said. "Part of me wants to say, yeah, I think my position with the union is a problem for a lot of management people. But at the end of the day I would hope they'd be able to overlook that for making the team better . . .

"It's a position that I chose and one that I accepted and I knew going into it that this could be the case. If that is, then so be it. Because ultimately my goal is to help the other players in the NFL make the right decision to do what's best for them, and if I lose my job because of that, then it is what it is and I can move forward knowing that I can do my best."

Agent - No Villa talksDallas Cowboys guaranteed amounts of tender offers to restricted free agents Miles Austin and Gerald Sensabaugh should they get injured during voluntary workouts, according to players’ agents

Sources: Oakland Raiders getting set to release JaMarcus Russell

The Oakland Raiders are preparing to release quarterback JaMarcus Russell but have to await the final word from owner Al Davis before they can do so, according to sources.

Russell is on the books for $9.45 million this season, including $3 million in guaranteed money. Since trading for former Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell on Saturday, the Raiders have studied Russell's contract and tried to figure out ways to release him to save the organization some money.

JaMarcus Russell has been paid more than $5 million per win, more than $2 million per touchdown pass and more than $100,000 per completion.

If he gets the $3 million (and sources expect that he will), Russell will have been paid $39 million since going to the team as a first-round pick in 2007.

The Raiders showed their confidence in Campbell by extending his contract through 2011, giving him a $4.5 million deal that season on top of the $3.14 million he is owed this season.

The Raiders have a minicamp Friday and it's possible Russell could be released before then. If Davis doesn't give the go-ahead to release him before Friday, Russell might attend the minicamp, but the team might not let him practice, fearing that he would suffer an injury and leave the team liable for the entire $9.45 million in salary.

Russell, who will turn 25 in August, has won only seven of his 25 starts as the Raiders extended an NFL-worst streak to seven straight seasons with at least 11 losses in 2009. He has completed just 52.1 percent of his passes in his career with 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and a passer rating of 65.2.

That means Russell has been paid more than $5 million per win, more than $2 million per touchdown pass and more than $100,000 per completion.

Russell's tenure in Oakland got off to a rough start and never got much better. He held out in his first season, and did not sign a contract until after the first game of the regular season. That made his rookie season almost a complete loss, as he started only one game.

He showed some signs of progress in his second season, especially in winning the final two games of the year against Houston and Tampa Bay.

But the problems with his work ethic and weight never disappeared, and his third season was an utter disaster. He was fined for being overweight when he showed up at training camp. He then put together one of the worst seasons in recent memory for an NFL quarterback. He completed 48.8 percent of his passes, with three touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 50.0 passer rating that was the lowest since Ryan Leaf, Bobby Hoying and Craig Whelihan all finished below 50 in 1998.

Raul not retiring yetOakland Raiders get quarterback Jason Campbell in trade with Washington Redskins

Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland apologizes to Dez Bryant for asking if his mother was a prostitute

Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland apologized to Dallas Cowboys first-round draft pick Dez Bryant on Tuesday for asking during a pre-draft visit whether his mother was a prostitute.

Mike & Mike in the Morning

Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic discuss the controversy surrounding Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland and Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant. Ireland had asked Bryant if Bryant's mother was a prostitute in a meeting the two had before the NFL draft.

David Wells, Bryant's adviser, told ESPNDallas.com Tuesday that the former Oklahoma State wide receiver was asked about his mother during a visit to the Dolphins in March, prior to the NFL draft.

Yahoo! Sports, which was first to report the story, also revealed that it was Ireland who asked the question of Bryant.

Wells and Bryant declined further comment.

"My job is to find out as much information as possible about a player that I'm considering drafting. Sometimes that leads to asking in-depth questions," Ireland said Tuesday in a statement released by the Dolphins. "Having said that, I talked to Dez Bryant and told him I used poor judgment in one of the questions I asked him. I certainly meant no disrespect and apologized to him."

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Ireland received permission from the Cowboys' front office Tuesday to speak with Bryant.

Yahoo! Sports reported that during one of his pre-draft visits, Bryant was asked by a high-level executive of one NFL franchise -- during an extensive conversation about Bryant's past -- whether his mother, Angela, was a prostitute.

"No, my mom is not a prostitute," Bryant told Yahoo! Sports. "I got mad -- really mad -- but I didn't show it. I got a lot of questions like that: Does she still do drugs? I sat and answered all of them."

The background of Bryant and his mother was widely reported prior to the draft. Angela was only 15 when Dez was born, and she served time in jail for selling crack cocaine.

Source insists Miami Dolphins made offer to Jason Taylor

Carolina Panthers deal safety Chris Harris to Chicago Bears

The Bears and Carolina Panthers completed a trade that sends safety Chris Harris to Chicago for linebacker Jamar Williams, the team confirmed.

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For Harris, it is a return to the place his NFL career started, and he fills a need in the Bears' secondary.

"It's great," Harris said on "The Afternoon Saloon" on ESPN 1000. "The tradition Chicago has is second to none. It's an organization that's been around since the beginning. To play for a team with that tradition feels good.

"It felt great to hold up that George Halas trophy in '07 after we beat the Saints [for the NFC title], so I'm hoping we could take it a step further and hold up the Lombardi Trophy."

Williams is a restricted free agent who hasn't been able to crack the starting lineup because of Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs.

Harris' contract was restructured in the deal, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. It was trimmed by a year and now ends after the 2011 season. It's worth $3.5 million with a $500,000 roster bonus due on March 5, 2011.

Williams is signed for the 2010 season only.

"Chris is going back to an organization where he has familiarity and we wish him the very best," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement. "He has done everything we have asked and has been a valuable member of our team. Right now we have some young safeties who will get the opportunity to continue to earn playing time."

Harris recently informed linebacker Brian Urlacher that he was on his way back to Chicago, according to a team source.

The Bears told Williams on Tuesday that he will be dealt, according to the source, and that he wouldn't be needed at team facilities for voluntary workouts.

The 25-year-old Williams has played in all 16 games in each of the past three seasons with the Bears, and had a career-high 43 tackles last season.

"Jamar is a versatile linebacker who brings experience, athletic ability and can help on special teams as well as compete for time at linebacker," Hurney said.

Harris will be reunited with former Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers, whom the Bears signed in the offseason.

"I think he'll be a great impact," Harris said. "He's an excellent edge rusher. That's one thing he brings is constant pressure."

After two seasons with the Bears, Harris was traded to Carolina in 2007. Harris has made 338 career tackles to go with 10 interceptions, including five in the past three seasons.

Harris was deemed expendable by the Panthers after he struggled some in 2009 and Carolina added depth at safety.

He joins starters Jake Delhomme, Brad Hoover, Muhsin Muhammad, Damione Lewis, Maake Kemoeatu and Na'il Diggs who have moved on because of Carolina's youth movement.

A sixth-round pick of the Bears in 2005, Harris likely will be paired as a starting safety with this year's third-round pick, Major Wright.

A fourth-year veteran, Williams recently signed a one-year, restricted free-agent tender, which opened the door for the trade. Williams spent his entire career with the Bears as a reserve, but started in two games last season, and finished the year with 49 tackles and two pass breakups.

The Bears also announced Tuesday they will not renew the contract of director of college scouting Greg Gabriel.

Ronaldo - Jose is Real dealChicago Bears tight end Desmond Clark skips voluntary workouts on Monday

Seattle Seahawks acquire running back LenDale White from Tennessee Titans

NEW YORK -- The Seattle Seahawks grabbed the spotlight as the final four rounds of the NFL draft began Saturday, acquiring running backs LenDale White from the Tennessee Titans and Leon Washington from the New York Jets.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll dealt for one of his mainstays at USC, getting White along with defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson from the Titans for Seattle's fourth- and sixth-round picks.

"Just a great one-two punch to add to our team," Carroll said of the new runners, both of whom come with question marks. "We're real excited about Leon Washington. Our guys loved him."

The Titans selected UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner with the fourth-round pick acquired in the deal.

White

The burly and bruising White helped Carroll win a national championship with the Trojans. But he lost his starting job to Chris Johnson in 2009, and had problems with being late for meetings.

"As far as LenDale falling out of favor, he practiced," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "He was prepared to play. I think I can't blame him for wanting to play more. That's the kind of players you want on your roster. Considering the circumstances, he handled things. There were issues I don't need to bring up. I thought he handled things reasonably well."

The Seahawks also acquired the versatile Washington, who is recovering from a broken right leg, and a seventh-round pick from the Jets for a fifth-round pick. Washington recently re-signed with the Jets, for whom he has starred as a kick returner, runner and receiver.

"It's a great opportunity," he said. "I'm just excited."

Vickerson was suspended for four games in 2008 for violating the NFL performance enhancers policy. He's been a situational player for Tennessee.

Washington became expendable when the Jets moved up to Carolina's spot to draft USC's Joe McKnight, further loading up the team's backfield.

"Whatever Coach [Rex] Ryan wants me to play, I'll play whatever," McKnight said by phone from his home in River Ridge, La. "Whatever role he has for me in the package or whatever he wants me to do on the field, I'm going to do whatever."

The Jets also have last year's playoff sensation as a rookie, Shonn Greene, and LaDainian Tomlinson, whom they signed after San Diego released the veteran star.

Kuharsky: Zero sum deal for Titans

Tennessee didn't get much in return for running back LenDale White and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson. But at this point, you take what you can get, ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky writes. Blog

•Fantasy impact: Christopher Harris

"I've got some toughness to my game and I think I showed people this past year that I can work between the tackles somewhat," McKnight said. "I did a decent job with that."

Cincinnati receiver Mardy Gilyard was chosen by St. Louis to begin the fourth round as the Rams further bolstered their anemic offense.

St. Louis made quarterback Sam Bradford the first overall selection Thursday night and began the second round Friday by choosing offensive lineman Rodger Saffold from Indiana.

Gilyard was pick No. 99 overall and one of the most high-profile players still available. He should help the Rams on kick returns, too.

"It's like slim to none that kids actually get to go pro," Gilyard said. "My mom, she's bananas right now. She's going to call me about eight times in a row."

All-American tight end Aaron Hernandez of Florida went to New England, the second tight end chosen by the Patriots.

The first Ohio State player chosen was linebackerThaddeus Gibson, 116th overall by Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh's fifth-round deal brought back cornerback Bryant McFadden, who won a Super Bowl with the Steelers in 2008. Arizona drafted quarterback John Skelton of Fordham with the pick it received in the trade.

Southern Cal tight end Anthony McCoy, who tested positive for marijuana earlier this year, went 185th overall, also to Carroll in Seattle. McCoy was academically ineligible for the Emerald Bowl last season, the last game Carroll coached for the Trojans before taking the Seahawks job.

All-American tight end Aaron Hernandez of Florida went to New England, the second tight end chosen by the Patriots. When DE Eric Norwood of South Carolina was taken by the Panthers at No. 124, every eligible All-American except placekicker Leigh Tiffin had gone.

Wide receiver Tim Toone of Weber State was Mr. Irrelevant, the 255th and final pick. Unchosen were Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended for most of last season after punching a Boise State player in the opener; wideout Danario Alexander of Missouri, who led the nation with 1,781 yards receiving; and quarterbacks Jevan Snead of Mississippi and Max Hall of Brigham Young.

Primera Liga round-up2010 NFL Draft: St. Louis Rams take QB Sam Bradford with No. 1 pick

Cleveland Browns won't play quarterback Colt McCoy in 2010, team president Mike Holmgren says

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren says the team has no plans to play Texas quarterback Colt McCoy as a rookie after selecting him in the third round of the NFL draft.

McCoy

Though Cleveland fans may already be clamoring to see McCoy play, Holmgren cautions that it would be a mistake to put him on the field before he's ready.

Holmgren said he made a phone call to the Rams 20 minutes before the draft began on Thursday and offered a package for the No. 1 pick.

Instead, he waited it out and took McCoy 85th. Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford was chosen first overall by St. Louis.

Holmgren said he made the offer to Rams general manager Billy Devaney "at the limits of what I was willing to do."

Holmgren says Devaney "finally said we're going to take him [Bradford]." Holmgren would not specify what he offered the Rams.

Holmgren, who has coached Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Steve Young and Brett Favre, said teams run the risk of "scarring" a young quarterback by playing him too soon.

Cleveland signed free agent Jake Delhomme during the offseason as its starter and acquired Seneca Wallace from Seattle to be his backup.

Jonas - Messi won’t leave BarcaPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown shipped to Cleveland Browns in trade

Oakland Raiders get quarterback Jason Campbell in trade with Washington Redskins

The Oakland Raiders, after making a deal that shipped out their leading tackler for the past four years, added a possible starting quarterback Saturday in a deal with the Washington Redskins for Jason Campbell.

In acquiring Campbell, the Raiders added a year to his existing contract, the quarterback told ESPN.com's Matt Mosley. He will make $4.5 million in 2011.

"I look at this as getting to start over," Campbell told Mosley via phone. "I talked to Mr. [Al] Davis, and he wanted me for two years. He wants me to help their team to a new level."

Campbell had already signed the Redskins' tender offer worth $3.1 million for 2010. Campbell said he and his agent, Joel Segal, had received interest from the Carolina Panthers on Friday until they selected Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen with the No. 48 overall pick.

“

"Had I stayed [in Washington], there was no guarantee I was going to be the backup. Now I have a chance to go play for a team that really wants me.

”-- Quarterback Jason Campbell

When asked if he was promised the starting position by the Raiders, Campbell said he "got that feeling."

"I'm going to work hard to make sure that happens," said Campbell, who will compete with former No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell, who was benched last season.

The Redskins, who earlier this month acquired Donovan McNabb from the Philadelphia Eagles, received a fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft.

"Had I stayed [in Washington], there was no guarantee I was going to be the backup," Campbell told Mosley. "Now I have a chance to go play for a team that really wants me."

Campbell started 52 games for Washington since being a first-round pick in 2005. He has thrown for 55 touchdowns, 38 interceptions and has a career passer rating of 82.3. Campbell has been sacked 102 times since the start of the 2007 season, tied for third-most in the NFL in that span, behind Ben Roethlisberger and David Garrard.

Campbell is coming off his best season, completing 64.5 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and a passer rating of 86.4. But the Redskins went 4-12 last season and coach Mike Shanahan was brought in to turn the team around. Shanahan decided to go with McNabb instead of Campbell.

Campbell has been hurt by the constantly changing offensive coordinators and schemes since his time in college at Auburn. Campbell will be playing in his ninth different offensive system and under his 10th coordinator since entering college.

Williamson: Raiders pull off smart deal

Oakland's acquisition of Jason Campbell from the Redskins is a viable short-term solution for a club in need of a difference-maker at quarterback, ESPN.com's Bill Williamson writes. Blog

•Fantasy impact: Christopher Harris

Russell completed 48.8 percent of his passes, with three touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 50.0 passer rating that was the lowest in the league in 11 years. He has struggled with his weight and questions about his work ethic throughout his career and never developed into the franchise quarterback the Raiders expected when they drafted him in 2007.

In 31 career games, Russell has completed 52.1 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and a 65.2 passer rating.

Russell has already been paid more than $36 million since being drafted in 2007. The Raiders still owe him $3 million in guaranteed money. If he makes the team, Russell will be paid $9.45 million next season.

The Raiders currently have five quarterbacks on the roster, with Russell, Campbell, Bruce Gradkowski, Charlie Frye and Kyle Boller.

Gradkowski had been expected to compete with Russell for the starting job before the trade for Campbell. Gradkowski hurt himself lifting weights this offseason and recently had surgery. He is expected to be fully recovered by training camp.

Meanwhile, the Raiders sent their starting middle linebacker, Kirk Morrison, to Jacksonville as the bartering got heavy in Round 4.

Oakland selected one of the draft's fastest players, wideout Jacoby Ford of Clemson, with the pick acquired from the Jaguars.

After the Raiders drafted Rolando McClain in the first round to take over at middle linebacker, Morrison became expendable.

"For me, it's a new beginning. I feel like I was drafted all over again," Morrison said. "I definitely didn't see a slip in my play. Now I can move to Jacksonville and show what I can do."

Washington Redskins source: Albert Haynesworth is our starting defensive tackleRaul not retiring yet

Quarterback Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress in contact, but no word on status

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The latest word from Brett Favre was about lawn care.

So much for deciding about next season.NFC North blog

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The Minnesota Vikings are still waiting for an announcement from the quarterback about whether he will be back, although coach Brad Childress has been in regular communication with him.

Childress said he spoke with Favre on Monday, when the 40-year-old grandfather told him he was "spraying weeds" at his home in Mississippi.

"I didn't ask if was DDT, RID or whatever they spray weeds with down there," Childress quipped. "He seems to be doing well."

NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci, Favre's first quarterbacks coach with the Packers, said on WFAN Radio in New York on Thursday that Favre was still hobbled by the ankle injury he sustained in the NFC Championship Game loss to the Saints.

"He's trying to heal up. His body is recovered except for that ankle," Mariucci said on WFAN. "That's not quite ready yet. It's an ankle that he had surgery on twice before and it's still pretty puffy. You remember he came out of that game with the ankle and went back in, but it's still swollen.

"He's trying to determine: Is his body telling him something here? Or is he going to be feeling better in due time?" Mariucci said. "He still hasn't made up his mind, and the Vikings are not rushing him. That's what's a little bit crazy about it. I thought maybe they'd say, 'Listen, could you tell us by draft day please so we could determine where we're going to go?' But I don't think their draft needs are having to do with Brett. I think they are OK at quarterback. If he plays or if he doesn't play it doesn't matter. I think Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels will be there to play."

Childress said he followed up their conversation by sending Favre a cell phone picture of the practice fields outside Vikings headquarters to show off the recent sunny weather in Minnesota.

"It's so green and warm here that you almost think you're next to the equator," Childress said.

Then on Tuesday, Childress said he sent a text message to Favre after learning the Vikings are scheduled to open the season Sept. 9 in New Orleans in a rematch with the Saints.

Might that be extra motivation for Favre to return and avenge that defeat?

"There's no sense in killing an ant with a sledgehammer. I think he'll be able to connect the dots," Childress said.

Brett Favre welcomes first grandchild to familyClemente takes Valladolid job

2010 NFL draft: Dallas Cowboys bestow No. 88 to receiver Dez Bryant

IRVING, Texas -- Soon after the Dallas Cowboys traded up to draft Dez Bryant, owner/general manager Jerry Jones told the equipment managers to get No. 88 ready.

The Cowboys have assigned Bryant that number, which was worn by Cowboys receiving legends Drew Pearson and Hall of Famer Michael Irvin. In fact, Bryant No. 88 jerseys were already for sale on the team's website Friday morning.

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"I think that Dez has a chance to make the kind of impact of people that have worn this jersey before," Jones said during the press conference to introduce the 24th overall pick. "Personally, I think it has a nice synergy for our fans."

Pearson wore No. 88 from 1973 to 1983. The number was vacant until Irvin wore it from 1988 to 1999. Wide receiver Antonio Bryant and tight ends Jackie Harris and Brett Pierce have worn the number briefly since Irvin retired. Overall, 10 Cowboys players have worn No. 88.

Bryant, the former Oklahoma State star, said he didn't know much about the history of the number for the Cowboys' franchise until he was told about it. He hadn't heard of Pearson, who retired five years before Bryant was born.

Jones, who hopes Irvin will become a role model for Bryant, emphasized to his first-round draft pick that No. 88 represented an outstanding work ethic in his mind.

"I know me having a chance to put on No. 88 really means a lot to Mr. Jerry Jones," Bryant said. "I feel like I'm excited to wear it, and I'm very excited that he thinks I can be a great player and wear that number."

Pearson saw Bryant play on television a few times during his college career and believes Bryant has the talent to add to the legacy of No. 88. He hopes Bryant is humbled and hungry after being suspended for the final 10 games of his college career for lying to NCAA investigators about a meeting with Deion Sanders that otherwise didn't violate any rules.

"I guess in Jerry's eyes, it says a lot about him -- that he can handle the pressure of wearing the double-8s," said Pearson, a member of the 1970s All-Decade team. "Most of the time, you say, what's in a number? In this case, there's a lot of history and production.

"For Jerry to anoint him with that number, it indicates that Jerry sees a lot of potential."

Antonio Bryant brought some attention to the 88, but for the wrong reason. He was best known for throwing his No. 88 jersey into the face of then-coach Bill Parcells during an offseason workout.

Dez Bryant hopes to live up to the Cowboys' lofty expectations.

"Me falling to the Cowboys, that's the best thing that could ever happen to me," Bryant said Thursday night. "I'm so happy. I'm excited. I'm ready to go to work."

Bob Lilly's No. 74 is the only number that has been worn solely by one player in Cowboys history.

The selection of the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Bryant means the Cowboys will have a top-three receiving corps of Miles Austin, coming off a 2009 Pro Bowl year; Roy Williams, who has struggled in his two years with the Cowboys; and veteran Patrick Crayton.

The Cowboys also have young receivers Sam Hurd and Kevin Ogletree.

"If all goes well -- not trying to talk noise -- but if all goes well, we'll have the best wide receiving corps in the league," Williams said. "Dez is a big dude, he can play. He will help us win some ballgames."

Source: Jerry Jones calls Bill Parcells to discuss video

2010 NFL Draft: St. Louis Rams take QB Sam Bradford with No. 1 pick

NEW YORK -- Starting with quarterback Sam Bradford going to the St. Louis Rams, the first NFL draft in prime time was a showcase for the Big 12.

The Oklahoma junior became the eighth quarterback since 2001 taken atop the draft. He was immediately followed Thursday night by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska, the AP player of the year; and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and offensive tackle Trent Williams, Bradford's teammates with the Sooners.

"You have no idea how excited I am just to have the opportunity to come to St. Louis and play my NFL career there," Bradford said in a conference call. "It's just a blessing and I can't wait to get there and get to work."

Bradford, the 2008 winner of the Heisman Trophy appeared in three games in 2009, his junior year, before undergoing right shoulder surgery. His recovery has been so complete that the Rams, who went 1-15 last season and scored a league-low 175 points, didn't hesitate to make him the future face of the franchise.

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After trading down twice, the Denver Broncos traded up in the draft to take Tim Tebow with the Ravens' 25th pick.

The selection of the Florida quarterback drew the loudest reaction -- a mix of cheers and boos -- from the audience. Denver gave up picks in the second, third and fourth rounds.

"I want to be a great quarterback," Tebow said. " ... For the next few years, my mindset is going to be to repay [Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels] for what he did for me, believing in me. Just like it was when I was at Florida. My biggest joy was doing things for Coach [Urban] Meyer, winning championships, being able to help him."

Tebow was the third Florida player chosen -- and by far the most controversial selection. A winner for four years with the Gators, including two national championships, his unorthodox style and strange throwing motion made for widely divided opinions on him.

Although it's highly unlikely he'll be the starting quarterback in five months' time, Tebow will begin his NFL career Sept. 12 in his hometown of Jacksonville when the Broncos play the Jaguars in their season opener.

In the end, nine first-rounders and five of the top six picks came from the Big 12.

"That's pretty cool because I know the Big 12 has been getting a lot of slack lately," Bradford said. "People for some reason didn't think that we played much football in the Big 12 and sure didn't think we played much defense, so for two defensive tackles to go in the first three picks is a credit to the Big 12."

Nebraska's Suh went to the Detroit Lions with the second pick and was greeted by "SUH, SUH," as he walked onto the stage holding a Lions jersey.

The Heisman Trophy finalist becomes the first defensive tackle to be drafted among the top two picks in the NFL draft since Oakland took Darrell Russell in 1997.

The 6-foot-4, 307-pound Suh was the first defensive player to win the AP player of the year award since its inception in 1998. He had 4 sacks against Texas in the Big 12 title game and finished with 12 sacks for the season.

NFL Draft

The Rams made Sam Bradford the 14th quarterback taken with the No. 1 pick in the last 24 years.

Player Team 

1. Sam Bradford, QB Rams 

2. Ndamukong Suh, DT Lions 

3. Gerald McCoy, DT Bucs 

4. Trent Williams, OT Redskins 

5. Eric Berry, S Chiefs 

6. Russell Okung, OT Seahawks 

7. Joe Haden, CB Browns 

8. Rolando McClain, LB Raiders 

9. C.J. Spiller, RB Bills 

10. Tyson Alualu, DT Jaguars 

•Draft Order | Trade Tracker

"He made it an easy pick for us," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "He's not just a one-year wonder. He's strong. He's good versus the run. He's good versus the pass. He's very intelligent."

Detroit has a lot of needs after becoming the first team in NFL history to lose 30 games in two seasons.

The 6-foot-4, 295-pound McCoy wept after his selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the third pick.

McCoy should boost a Tampa defense that once was feared but flopped last season when it yielded 400 points last season. He displayed his Buccaneers jersey to the crowd and pumped his fist high in the air as "Pirates of the Caribbean" played on the loudspeakers.

McCoy's selection marked the first time in the common draft that the top three picks were all from the same conference.

The Big 12 bonanza kept rolling when Washington took Williams, an All-America, to fill a huge hole at tackle left by the retirement of Chris Samuels. Williams engulfed commissioner Roger Goodell in a hefty bear hug onstage.

"It's insane isn't it?" McCoy said with a huge smile. "We can't play football in the Big 12, but the first four picks went out the Big 12? Mmmmm -- three of 'em from Oklahoma, by the way."

Tennessee safety Eric Berry, also an All-American, went fifth to Kansas City, breaking the Big 12 stranglehold. Berry, noted for his versatility, also has the potential to play cornerback.

Then it was back to the Big 12 for Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung, who went to Seattle, where perennial Pro Bowl blocker Walter Jones is expected to announce his retirement on Thursday.

Florida cornerback Joe Haden was chosen by Cleveland, followed by Alabama inside linebacker Rolando McClain to Oakland. Both were All-Americans last season.

That also gave the Southeastern Conference three picks in the first eight, showing how highly the NFL regarded those two conferences.

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Clemson's C.J. Spiller went to the Buffalo Bills with the ninth pick, becoming the first running back taken in the draft and prompting plenty of "Oh, no" responses from Giants fans in the packed theater. McClain and Spiller were considered main targets for the Giants.

The ACC player of the year, Spiller scored 51 touchdowns and set or tied 31 school records in four seasons at Clemson. He's listed at 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds.

The Bills overlooked needs at offensive line and quarterback in selecting Spiller. His arrival leaves in question the future of Marshawn Lynch, the subject of trade speculation this offseason.

Jacksonville took California defensive tackle Tyson Alualu, projected as a second-rounder by many, Jaguars with the 10th pick, a surprising move for a franchise that desperately needed a big-name player to boost sagging ticket sales. The Jaguars blacked out nine of 10 home games last season because they could not sell out the games.

The Broncos traded down two picks in the draft, swapping the No. 11 selection with San Francisco for the 49ers' No. 13 pick. The Broncos also received a fourth-round pick (No. 113 overall) from the 49ers in the trade, the first draft-day deal.

The 49ers used the 11th pick to select Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis.

The Broncos then sent the 13th overall choice they got from the 49ers to Philadelphia, which grabbed Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham.

The Broncos took Demaryius Thomas with the 22nd pick. Thomas was the first wide receiver taken in the draft, surprising some by going ahead of Dez Bryant.

The Dallas Cowboys traded up for the 24th pick to select Bryant. After playing in Oklahoma State's first three games in 2009, Bryant was ruled ineligible for the rest of the 2009 season on Oct. 7 for lying to the NCAA about his activities with former NFL receiver Deion Sanders.

"I'm not disappointed at all," said Bryant, who grew up two hours away in East Texas. "Me falling to the Cowboys, that's the best thing that could ever happen to me. I'm so happy. I'm excited. I'm ready to go to work."

Bryant was considered by many the best receiver in this draft, an All-American in 2008 when he turned 87 receptions into 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns.

The Chargers moved up from 28th overall to 12th in a trade with Miami to select Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews. Mathews, the nation's leading rusher at 150.7 yards a game, is expected to replace LaDainian Tomlinson, who was released in February after nine brilliant seasons in which he became one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

2010 NFL Draft on ESPN Radio

Lions draft pick Ndamukong Suh says he's looking forward to playing in Detroit and talks about his relationship with Gerald McCoy.

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The Seahawks selected Texas safety Earl Thomas with the 14th overall pick. The second move by new coach Pete Carroll and new general manager John Schneider targeted the biggest need on Seattle's defense. The Seahawks had two safeties on the roster present for last week's minicamp.

Jason Pierre-Paul, who played one season at South Florida after two years at a junior college, went to the Giants -- a choice that generally drew cheers from the blue-clad New York fans in the crowd.

Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan went to the Titans and the 49ers added Idaho guard Mike Iupati in a strong effort to solidify their offensive line.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who are dealing with the fallout from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's suspension, selected Florida center Maurkice Pouncey.

Despite the Steelers fielding phone calls from other teams about Roethlisberger's availability over the past couple of days, it is extremely unlikely a trade will occur, sources told ESPN.com's John Clayton on Thursday.

Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon went to Atlanta, followed by Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson to Houston and Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham was selected by Cincinnati.

Iowa offensive guard Bryan Bulaga was taken by the Green Bay Packers with the No. 23 pick, Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams went to the Cardinals with the 26th pick and Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty went to the Patriots at No. 27.

Miami selected Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick with the 28th pick, which they received from the Chargers. The Dolphins moved down 16 spots in the first round to acquire a second-round choice and reserve inside linebacker Tim Dobbins from the Chargers.

The Jets then selected Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson at No. 29. California running back Jahvid Best, the 30th pick, joins Suh in Detroit.

TCU linebacker Jerry Hughes went to the Colts with the 31st pick. Hughes was a consensus All-American and the Mountain West conference player of the year.

Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees announced the champion Saints' pick to finish off the showcase, Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson. The swift round lasted 3 hours, 28 minutes.

St. Louis has the opening pick of the second round Friday night, but there could be plenty of bartering ahead as teams ponder all the talent left, including Texas defensive end/linebacker Sergio Kindle, Southern Cal safety Taylor Mays, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.

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Tim Tebow decides not to attend NFL draft

Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has decided not to attend the NFL draft in New York City, and instead will watch it at his home with family and friends in Jacksonville, Fla.

Tebow

"It was exciting to think about walking up [on stage], shaking the commissioner's hand and holding up my jersey," Tebow told FoxSports.com. "That would have been the coolest thing. It made my decision that much harder.

"But I thought it was best to be home with my friends and family. It's not just an award for me being drafted. It's for all the people who invested in me during my life. I want to be able to celebrate with those people."

It is possible the former Heisman Trophy winner won't be taken Thursday, because the second round doesn't start until Friday.

Tebow helped Florida win two national championships in the Gators' run-heavy system, but his skills may not translate to some NFL teams' passing-centric offenses.

Tebow has worked on his mechanics before the draft and unveiled his new look at Florida's pro day last month. The biggest difference is that he has shortened his throwing motion to get rid of the ball quicker.

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Lito Sheppard excited for chance to start for Minnesota Vikings

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Lito Sheppard was looking for more than a run at a Super Bowl when he decided to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. He was eyeing a starting job as well.

The cornerback signed a one-year deal with the Vikings on Wednesday, in part because he was joining a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations and in part because the Vikings are banged up in the secondary.

The one-year deal is for $2 million, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

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"I definitely wanted to go in and start," Sheppard said during a conference call on Thursday. "And given this situation, the predicament, I definitely have that opportunity."

Starting cornerback Cedric Griffin tore the ACL in his left knee in the NFC title game loss at New Orleans in January. The Vikings have been encouraged by his performance in rehab, but it would be a surprise if he is back to 100 percent by the start of the season.

The other starting cornerback, Antoine Winfield, missed six games last season with a foot injury and will turn 33 in June, so the Vikings made adding depth at the position a priority this offseason.

Sheppard spent the first seven seasons of his career in Philadelphia, where Vikings head coach Brad Childress and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier got their first looks at him.

"Coach Frazier and I have seen him up close and personal and we know what he can bring to our team on and off the field," Childress said in a statement. "We look forward to him being a Viking."

Sheppard intercepted 18 passes during his time with the Eagles and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2005 and 2006. But he missed 10 games with injuries the past three years, including five in his only season with the New York Jets in 2009.

The Jets benched him in the AFC title game in favor of second-year cornerback Dwight Lowery, then cut him in March before he could earn a $10 million roster bonus.

"My past three years have been a tough road as far as off-the-field situations, and I think with this situation, this predicament, I think I can put all that behind me and we can move forward," said Sheppard, who will wear No. 29 in purple. "But those guys'll be able to tell you once the season starts and they see me out there."

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Source insists Miami Dolphins made offer to Jason Taylor

Jason Taylor had his Florida farewell news conference to tell his side of the story. And now, someone else is telling Miami's.

A source close to the situation insisted that the Miami Dolphins did in fact make an offer to Taylor after the 2009 season that even included an $850,000 raise that would have boosted his salary to more than $2 million per year.

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The Dolphins did this despite the notion they were thought to be disappointed with Taylor's play, which had him on the field for more than 800 plays, yet he accounted for fewer than 30 tackles.

Taylor, who had spent 12 of his 13 seasons with the Dolphins, agreed to a two-year contract with the New York Jets on Tuesday. League sources said Taylor could make as much as $3.75 million in the first year.

Because of the league's "Final Eight" restrictions, the Jets could pay Taylor only $1.75 million in base salary this season -- the amount unrestricted free-agent and former Jets kicker Jay Feely signed for with the Arizona Cardinals.

The second year has a $750,000 guarantee, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton. The first year is guaranteed, so Taylor receives a $2.5 million guarantee in his deal. The deal could be worth a total of $13 million if he meets all of the incentives in the contract.

During a 30-minute news conference Tuesday night at his foundation's offices in Weston, Fla., Taylor said the Dolphins offered him an extension this past November, but withdrew the proposal before the season ended.

He said Miami made no offer since and gave him no reason for the lack of interest in a new deal. Taylor said he had a meeting scheduled last week with coach Tony Sparano, but the Dolphins canceled it.

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"If I was important enough that you wanted me in November, why wouldn't you want me now?" Taylor said Tuesday night. "If I was good enough then, I just don't understand why I wasn't good enough now. But that's their prerogative. They're allowed to make that decision. There is a business side to football, and if they feel that it's better for their team to not have me, that's fine. I have no problem with that. That's part of the game. Just let me know."

Still, the Dolphins were willing to bring him back and even asked Taylor to undergo shoulder surgery immediately after the season. Taylor declined the Dolphins' contract offer, and opted to have the shoulder surgery a month later.

The source claimed this put the Dolphins in a position in which they were unsure whether Taylor wanted to continue playing.

Miami then communicated to Taylor's camp that it would wait until after the draft to re-evaluate Taylor rejoining the team. But once the Jets made the contract offer to Taylor, the Dolphins reiterated to Taylor's camp that they were focused on the draft and would talk to him after the draft was completed.

Taylor, 35, signed with the Jets on Wednesday, a day before the draft.

"This is where I'm supposed to be right now," Taylor said Wednesday in New York. "I'm here for one reason, and I'm here to play football the best that I can and help this team win a Super Bowl. If that happens here, people in Hollywood spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to end a movie, or people try to figure out how to end a book. What better ending is it than to win the Super Bowl?

"To do it here, it would be pretty ironic, but it would be awesome."

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Philadelphia authorities keeping Marvin Harrison probe alive

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia police are hoping a grainy surveillance video will help them find the killer of a man who alleged before he died of gunshot wounds last year that former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison helped arrange the hit.

No other evidence has surfaced to support the claim of Dwight Dixon, a 33-year-old ex-con who lapsed into a coma after he was shot July 21, 2009, and died six weeks later. But police are hoping that the video, taken by a store camera located near the shooting scene, will lead them to the killer.

Harrison

According to two law enforcement sources, the July 21 video shows a gunman approach the driver's side of Dixon's Toyota Camry and shoot him five times. The gunman then went to the passenger's side of the car and fired two more shots. After that, the assailant walked out of camera range, removed a sweatshirt hood and returned to the scene just as a crowd was beginning to gather.

"It's eerie because Dixon is ready to pass out," said a source who saw the video. "The shooter comes back and starts talking to people in the crowd. He blends right in."

The shooting occurred shortly before noon on the corner of 28th Street and Girard Avenue in North Philadelphia, roughly a block from Playmakers, a bar owned by Harrison.

Police say Playmakers was the site of a dispute between the two men in April 2008 that allegedly started when Harrison refused to allow Dixon to enter because he was with an armed associate.

Three weeks later, the men ran into one another again near a garage Harrison owns in the neighborhood. According to an account that Dixon gave police, their jawing led to a fistfight that eventually was broken up by bystanders.

After Harrison retreated to his garage, Dixon got into his truck and backed up the street. The confrontation continued and an associate of Harrison's, Stanley McCray, told detectives that gunshots rang out in the middle of the argument.

"I called the cops," he said in a police interview obtained by "E:60." "After that I ducked." When asked who fired the gun, McCray replied, "I don't know, cause we was, I was up at the garage."

Dixon was shot in the hand. When "E:60" interviewed Dixon in February 2009, he identified Harrison as the shooter who wounded him.

"He raises the guns up and started shooting," Dixon said. "He had two guns in his hand. I'm furious, like the fact that Marvin Harrison's standing there with two guns. We arguing, and before I could pull off, he raises the guns up and started shooting."

Police later matched five shell casings found at the scene to a Belgian-made 5.7-caliber semiautomatic pistol that Harrison owns. Ballistics tests indicated it was the gun used in the crime.

"E:60" on ESPN

For more on this story, watch "E:60" (Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPNHD).

In an interview with police a day after the April 2008 shooting, Harrison claimed the gun had been locked away at his home in suburban Jenkintown that day and hadn't been fired in months.

On Jan. 6, 2009, then-Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham held a news conference to say that she was "pretty comfortable" after a 10-month investigation that she knew who fired the gun. But she cited contradictory accounts from Dixon, who gave a false story about how he was shot when he initially sought medical help, and information from a second eyewitness as reasons she would not bring charges.

"I have to prove a case," she said. "With these witnesses, I don't think so."

Harrison was released by the Colts in February 2009 and disappeared into private life without talking to the media. Dixon was shot again five months later and eventually died.

Seth Williams, who took office in January as district attorney of Philadelphia, told "E:60" that he has reviewed the same statements as Abraham and is holding open the possibility that charges could still be filed against Harrison.

"We could prosecute Mr. Harrison for lying to the police officers and giving false statements if we had enough information," he said. "I know that's something [that has] been considered by prosecutors here in my office, and it's something that we will consider in the future."

But Williams, who called Harrison a "person of interest" in the 2008 case, said he's reluctant to consider charges before the 2009 shooting is investigated fully.

"E:60" has learned that police have information that suggests Dixon tried to implicate Harrison in that case, as well.

According to a copy of a police report obtained by "E:60," a police lieutenant told Dixon as he was being wheeled to the operating room of Hahnemann University Hospital, "You may not live. You should tell [me] who shot [you]."

Dixon's reply: "You know what it is. It is the same thing from last time, Marvin Harrison."

In the report, Lt. Marty Bernard wrote: "I stated again who shot you today as we were entering the surgery door. Dixon then replied, 'I will handle it myself.'"

Williams said Dixon's statements "seem like very powerful information." He also told "E:60" that "a layperson would jump to the conclusion that it's likely" the two shootings of Dixon are linked.

A lawyer for Harrison, Thomas Wagner, said that his client "emphatically denies" the allegations but would have no comment because of two pending civil suits from the 2008 incident.

One civil suit was filed by Dixon and is being pursued by his family. The second was filed by Robert Nixon, a bystander who claimed to see the shooting and was injured when a stray bullet lodged in his back.

Efforts to reach Harrison were unsuccessful. When an "E:60" camera crew filmed outside Playmakers in early April, an employee turned out the lights and dropped the bar's security gate.

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The New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with WR Torry Holt.

The Patriots signed veteran wide receiver Torry Holt on Tuesday, the team annouced.

The deal is for one year and could be worth as much as $1.7 million, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton.

Holt

The 33-year-old Holt played for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, totaling 51 receptions for 722 yards and zero touchdowns. Holt, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the St. Louis Rams, is entering his 13th NFL season.

Holt adds a veteran presence at receiver, where the Patriots have Randy Moss atop the depth chart, with second-year players Julian Edelman and Brandon Tate projected to have expanded roles as Wes Welker recovers from torn ligaments in his left knee.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady likes being around veteran receivers at this point of his career, and Holt joins David Patten as more experienced options at the position.

Holt is now on the other side of an interesting matchup. He had five receptions for 49 yards and no TDs in the Patriots' stunning 20-17 Super Bowl upset of the Rams in 2001.

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Eric Foster of Indianapolis Colts faces allegations of sexual assault in lawsuit

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Eric Foster faces allegations that he sexually assaulted a 22-year-old college student before the AFC Championship Game.

Foster

In a civil lawsuit, the woman accuses Foster of sexual assault, battery, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Her suit alleges the assault happened Jan. 24 at University Place Hotel at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. The woman is a student at the school and a receptionist at the hotel.

In February, Marion County (Ind.) prosecutor Carl Brizzi said he would not file criminal charges against Foster.

The suit alleges that Foster assaulted the woman when she delivered dental products to his room.

The Colts were staying at the hotel before hosting the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium.

"We will look at the facts but will not speculate what, if any, action could be taken" against Foster under the league's personal conduct policy, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday.

Colts spokesman Craig Kelley declined to comment Tuesday on the lawsuit.

The victim's attorney, April Board, told the Chicago Sun-Times that the IUPUI police department mishandled the case, forcing her client to turn to the civil courts.

"It's so far afield from the standard operating procedure of any police department -- I don't care if it's the tiniest town in Indiana or New York City," Board said, according to the report.

"They didn't take [the victim's] uniform. They don't talk to Eric Foster. They don't look at surveillance film. They don't cordon off the room and look for evidence, either," Board said, according to the report. "These cases are hard enough to prosecute when you do everything right."

An IUPUI dispatcher said a spokesman would not be available for comment until Tuesday morning, according to the Sun-Times.

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Rehabbing Bears center Olin Kreutz on track for camp

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Nearly three months after undergoing surgery to remove a bone spur near his Achilles, Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz said his offseason rehab program is going well, and he is expected to be ready for training camp.

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"Rehab is going fine and the surgery went good," Kreutz said Tuesday morning after winning his fourth Brian Piccolo award. "I expect to be ready to go."

Kreutz was asked if he was near 100 percent.

"Getting close to it," Kreutz said. "Getting close to it."

With all of the changes made to the Bears' offensive coaching staff since the end of last season, Kreutz said he is eager to start fully participating with his teammates, who are in their fourth week of voluntary workouts.

"Real anxious to work with them," Kreutz said. "[Offensive coordinator] Mike Martz and [offensive line coach] Mike Tice have been everything as advertised. They are two of the top offensive minds in the business, and it's been obvious since we started."

Kreutz and wide receiver Johnny Knox are the 2009 recipients of the Brian Piccolo Award, given annually to a veteran and rookie who best exemplify the qualities Piccolo stood for before his untimely death in 1970.

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Dallas Cowboys guaranteed amounts of tender offers to restricted free agents Miles Austin and Gerald Sensabaugh should they get injured during voluntary workouts, according to players' agents

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin and safety Gerald Sensabaugh had financial reasons for returning to Valley Ranch after missing portions of the team's voluntary offseason workouts.

The players reached agreements with the Cowboys to guarantee the amounts of the tender offers they received should they get injured during voluntary workouts, according to the agents of both players.

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Austin and Sensabaugh, who are restricted free agents, have yet to sign their tender offers and are seeking long-term contracts with the Cowboys.

In what's called an offseason workout agreement, Sensabaugh will receive $1.809 million (second-round tender) and Austin $3.168 million (first- and third-round tender) from the Cowboys should they get hurt and be unable to return for the 2010 season.

Sensabaugh arrived for Valley Ranch workouts Monday after missing the first two weeks while he worked out on his own. Kevin Conner, Sensabaugh's agent, said his client would like a long-term deal.

Last season, Sensabaugh finished sixth on the team in tackles with 81, according to the coaches film, and third in pass breakups with 10.

Austin missed nearly two weeks of workouts before showing up late last week. Austin had been working out on his own in California and noted that his weight is down from last year.

A phone call from quarterback Tony Romo also prompted Austin to come back to Valley Ranch. Romo said recently he wasn't concerned about Austin not being at the workouts because he knew his absence was about business, not that he wasn't a hard worker.

Agent David Dunn said he held preliminary talks with the team about a long-term deal for Austin, who reached the Pro Bowl in his first season with a full-time role with the club.

Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones and coach Wade Phillips have said they want Austin with the club long term.

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Sources: Donovan McNabb encouraging Washington Redskins to consider signing Terrell Owens

Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb has encouraged the team's coaching staff to consider signing free-agent wide receiver Terrell Owens, despite the acrimony that marked their time as Philadelphia Eagles teammates, according to multiple sources.

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Coach Mike Shanahan told Werder that the Redskins are not actively pursuing Owens. A team source said the Redskins have made upgrading their wide receiver position a high priority, but prefer to avoid bringing Owens into their locker room if another solution can be found.

A source close to McNabb told Paolantonio that McNabb and Owens recently talked about the possibility of reuniting while shooting an episode for a television show in Los Angeles. The "Pros v. Joes" episode features McNabb and Owens playing together on the same basketball team. The episode is scheduled to air in July on Spike.

Whatever potential there is for a McNabb-Owens reunion would serve to further heighten interest in the two regular-season games between the NFC East rival Redskins and Eagles this season. At their pinnacle, McNabb and Owens were Super Bowl teammates; in the end, Owens hinted vaguely that McNabb suffered a failure of nerve that cost Philadelphia a Super Bowl ring and suggested the quarterback contributed to the Eagles releasing him.

Owens spent the 2009 season with the Buffalo Bills, the fourth team of his NFL career, finishing with the worst stats of his career as a starter. While Owens is widely viewed as a player in decline, Shanahan's first minicamp with the Redskins provided some insight into the Redskins' concerns at that position. Veterans Jerry Porter and Marques Hagans participated, and the team on Monday signed Hagans and Roydell Williams, who hasn't played since 2007 with the Tennessee Titans.

McNabb

Owens

The Redskins are a four-win team with limited resources to acquire talent in this week's NFL draft. Trading a second-round pick to the NFC East rival Eagles for McNabb left the Redskins with an NFL-low four picks.

The Redskins have the No. 4 overall pick on Thursday, and Shanahan and Redskins general manager Bruce Allen will have to get creative to improve their roster. There is potential for the team to trade the fourth pick, defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth and former starting quarterback Jason Campbell, which could open the door for them to sign Owens.

While coach of the Denver Broncos, Shanahan was among the few coaches interested in signing Owens when the Eagles released the receiver. The two met and Shanahan was willing to offer him a contract.

But Shanahan was wary of Owens' problems with his two previous teams and wanted to structure the deal with limited guaranteed money so that the team could financially control his behavior if necessary. Shanahan considered it an enormous mistake when the Dallas Cowboys provided Owens with a contract that included significant upfront guaranteed money.

Owens has a history of toxic relationships with all of his former quarterbacks, and McNabb was a central figure in one of them. According to Owens' 2006 autobiography, "TO":

With the Eagles were cruising along with a 10-1 record in 2004, Owens became increasingly unhappy because McNabb refused to constantly feed him the ball, or simply misjudged where to throw the football -- depending on one's interpretation of events.

On Nov. 28, 2004, at Giants Stadium, Owens finally said something to McNabb in the huddle after a play that was designed to go to Owens but resulted in a short incomplete pass to a running back.

Owens wrote that he said, "I was open. Dude, you missed me."

McNabb's reply, according to Owens, "Shut the [bleep] up."

Owens wrote that he was deeply offended by what McNabb said. "I felt like he had no right to talk to me that way," Owens writes. "After what happened on the play and in the huddle, I began to think that maybe he didn't want a co-host and maybe he didn't like me getting more attention."

From that point on, McNabb and Owens barely spoke to each other -- for the remainder of the 2004 season, throughout the playoffs while Owens was injured and in rehab for a broken leg, and in Jacksonville, Fla., for Super Bowl XXXIX against the New England Patriots.

In the spring of 2005, Owens held out of camp, demanding the Eagles redo his seven-year contract. He lashed out at McNabb, primarily because the leader of the team refused to come to his aid for more cash. Owens also told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, "I wasn't the guy who got tired in the Super Bowl."

After a summer of dysfunction, the 2005 season devolved into a divided locker room that culminated in a fight between Owens and retired defensive end Hugh Douglas, whom coach Andy Reid had just named "team ambassador."

After the fight, on Nov. 7, Reid sent Owens a letter outlining six charges against the receiver and sent Owens home for the remainder of the season. Owens filed a grievance with the players' union and the hearing was scheduled for Nov. 18 at the Marriott.

"[Andy Reid] ended the conversation by telling me to stay by the phone and he would call me back. He called back about an hour later. I don't know who he spoke to, but somebody killed it."

Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter was among those players who did not want to see Owens go. Owens glances over this fact in the book, but anybody who was around the team then knows that there was deep resentment -- some of it not too hidden -- toward McNabb about the way he was treating Owens.

On that team, McNabb was viewed as an extension of Reid, in terms of management, and Trotter and many others had seen the callousness of the front office when it came to contract renegotiations.

During the Super Bowl in Detroit, McNabb claimed in an interview with ESPN's Michael Smith that what Owens did to him amounted to "black-on-black" crime.

But McNabb said something else to Smith that may be far more telling about the dynamics within the Eagles' locker room:

"It put something in the back of my mind that you really learn a lot about people when things aren't going good," McNabb told Smith. "Comments, answers to questions, reactions -- you learn about people. I'm not here to call players out. They know who they are. That nobody really came to my defense, that showed me something."

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Source: Denver Broncos' Kyle Orton signs free-agent tender

Orton

Denver quarterback Kyle Orton signed his restricted free-agent tender, according to a league source.

Orton was given a first-round tender. By signing his tender, Orton is now under contract, and it removes all concern that the quarterback could hold out from minicamps and training camp.

Orton signed an injury waiver to participate in the Broncos' offseason workout program, indicating there would not be any issues between him and the team. Orton said he needed to take part in the workouts because of his leadership position.

Orton is entering his second season in Denver. Coach Josh McDaniels has said Orton deserves to remain the starter despite Denver acquiring Brady Quinn this offseason. Last season, Orton threw for 3,802 yards and 21 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.

McDaniels added that Orton will have to keep his starting job through performance and continued improvement or Quinn could supplant him.

Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil has yet to sign his tender. The restricted free-agent signing period ended Thursday night.

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Pittsburgh Steelers face fine for players' bad behavior, source says

Just as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be held accountable for his actions, so will the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If (and when) Roethlisberger is punished, the franchise is facing a fine upwards of six figures -- possibly in the neighborhood of $200,000 -- for the behavior of Roethlisberger and former Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes, according to a league source.

Clayton: Rooney fumes

Ben Roethlisberger has two strikes against him in the eyes of Steelers ownership. The next off-field incident will be strike three, likely leading to a trade or release, John Clayton writes. Story

Two seasons ago, when the NFL implemented its personal conduct policy, it also mandated that teams would be responsible for their players' off-the-field transgressions. If any player ran afoul of the policy's personal conduct guidelines, a team also would be accountable.

How much the Steelers will be penalized won't be determined until after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decides on any punishment for Roethlisberger, which is not likely to come until after next week's draft. Sources both in and around the league believe Roethlisberger will receive a suspension of between two and four games.

Roethlisberger was accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old college student early in March. He was not charged in the incident. Holmes, traded by Pittsburgh to the New York Jets for a draft pick earlier this week, faces a lawsuit in Florida from a woman who accuses him of throwing a glass at her in an Orlando nightclub. He was also arrested for marijuana possession in 2008 and was involved in a domestic violence indicent in 2006 (misdemeanor charges in that case were dismissed).

When a player forfeits salary during the time of a suspension, a team must forfeit a percentage of the money it no longer is paying the player. There is a ceiling on how much a team must pay the NFL, which is why the Steelers fine could top out at about $200,000. But it is the NFL's way of reinforcing how important it is to protect its image.

Ronaldo calm ahead of ClasicoSources: Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged

Dallas Cowboys WR Miles Austin said absence from team workouts wasn't about contract

DALLAS -- Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin denied that his absence from the first two weeks of voluntary workouts had anything to do with his contract status and declared that he'd have perfect attendance for the rest of the offseason.

Austin, a restricted free agent who emerged as a Pro Bowler despite not starting until October, showed up at team's Valley Ranch practice facility this week and plans to participate in the rest of voluntary workouts, organized team activities and minicamps. He said he would sign his tender offer for $3.168 million before the deadline and wouldn't have a problem playing for that salary in 2010, although he would prefer to sign a long-term contract before the beginning of training camp.

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"I would love it really, but that's stuff I can't control," Austin told ESPNDallas.com while watching Wednesday night's game between the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks. "I can just go out and be a player and play as hard as I can. That's what I love to do."

Austin spent the first two weeks of the Cowboys' voluntary workout program in Los Angeles. He returned to Valley Ranch after receiving a phone call from quarterback Tony Romo requesting he do so, but Austin said that was in his plans anyway.

"I'm going to continue to do the things that I've been doing and be the guy that I have been and show up, do what I have to do," said Austin, 25, who had 81 catches for a NFC-high 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns in his breakout season. "I was out in L.A. working. To be honest, I was really working hard. I came back the lightest I've ever been, in shape already. I'm feeling really good and looking forward to the year."

The perception has been that Austin's absence was an attempt to create some leverage in his contract negotiations, which haven't advanced past the preliminary stages despite owner/general manager Jerry Jones saying the week after the season ended that he was interested in locking up Austin to a long-term contract.

Austin said he felt working out with a personal trainer in Los Angeles was the best way that he could begin preparing for next season.

"Not a power play, nothing like that at all," said Austin, who has slimmed down to 207 pounds. "It just came down to when I was working out there, I was really buying into the workouts. Not only was I working out with a personal trainer, but I was running hills, running Runyan [Canyon], a lot of things.

"It was just a good thing out there. I was getting good work in, shedding weight, running fast. I just wanted to be ready when I came back here, and I'm ready now."

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Witness: Ben Roethlisberger bodyguard 'dragged' woman

A friend of the woman who accused Ben Roethlisberger of sexual assault told authorities that Roethlisberger's bodyguard "dragged" the woman into a bathroom where the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and woman had sexual relations.

In 500-plus pages of documents released Wednesday, Nicole Biancofiore told investigators from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations that her friend, a student at Georgia College & State University, "was dragged by a bodyguard to the back room in Capital [City, a local nightclub]. She was extremely intoxicated and not aware of what was happening."

Steelers: Roethlisberger to be punished

Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II says the team is ready to discipline Ben Roethlisberger but the punishment will be coordinated with the NFL and won't pre-empt any league action. Story

"He had sex w/me and meanwhile his bodyguards told my friends they couldn't pass them to get to me," the accuser wrote in her statement, which was reported in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The woman also told him "no, this is not OK," according to the statement.

Roethlisberger was not charged in the incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of March 5 in Milledgeville, a central Georgia college town about 30 miles from where Roethlisberger owns a lake home.

Ocmulgee Circuit District Attorney Fred Bright said Monday that after exhaustive interviews and inconclusive medical exams, the student's accusations could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. He also revealed the young accuser no longer wanted him to prosecute.

Thursday, Steelers president Art Rooney II says the team is ready to discipline Ben Roethlisberger but the punishment will be coordinated with the NFL and won't pre-empt any league action. Rooney expects NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to spend several weeks reviewing the recent accusations. Rooney probably won't decide on any action until after next week's three-day draft.

Rooney said the Steelers' image and Roethlisberger's have been damaged because of the incident.

"I have made it clear to Ben that his conduct in this incident did not live up to our standards," Rooney said. "We have made it very clear to Ben that there will be consequence for his actions, and Ben has indicated to us he is willing to accept those consequences."

In the Milledgeville incident, Roethlisberger was out drinking with friends to celebrate his 28th birthday and bumped into the student and her sorority sisters throughout the night. They linked up at Capital City, where he invited them to a VIP section and bought them a round of shots.

Later, the accuser said Roethlisberger had sex with her in a bathroom adjacent to the VIP room.

The initial police report said that "One of the suspect's bodyguards escorted her to a back room/hallway area where the suspect was. Once there, she stated, the suspect asked her for sex. At this time it is unclear to what happened after this point due to the complainant's recollection being foggy from her intoxication level. However, she did write a statement of what she thought happened."

Scott Van Pelt

Steelers WR Hines Ward shares his thoughts on the Santonio Holmes trade and the Ben Roethlisberger situation. Ward says the players will stand behind whatever decision the team makes regarding Roethlisberger.

Another friend of the accuser, Aliesha Scholten, told investigators that she tried to open a locked door, but "she was taken away by a bodyguard of Ben's."

A third friend, Ann Marie Lubatti, told police, that she "approached the other security guard and told him that she [the accuser] was in no shape to be back there with Ben Roethlisberger. He couldn't look me in the eye, and told me he didn't know what was going on. My friend went to open the door, and it was locked."

In part, the woman's statement read: "I met Ben Rotheseburgehergh [sic] at Velvet [Elvis, a local bar]. He went to the Brick because he was [unreadable] to not be bombarded by fans. He then met us at the Brick and called me 'a tease.' Eventually we saw him at the Capital City & saw him there."

Roethlisberger met Tuesday with Goodell, who is expected to decide on punishment for the two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback.

The New York Times reported Thursday that the NFL sent a memo addressed to team owners, executives and head coaches, saying in part: "Unfortunately, in recent weeks there have been several negative incidents. These incidents include subjects that we have previously identified as particularly troublesome, such as alcohol-related offenses, allegations of violence against women, and weapons offenses."

It added: "The Policy makes clear that NFL and club personnel must do more than simply avoid criminal behavior," the memo said. "We must conduct ourselves in a way that 'is responsible, that promotes the values upon which the league is based, and is lawful."

Henry praise for MessiSources: Ben Roethlisberger will not be charged