Young Giants Have Big Shoes to Fill

Many teams might struggle to fill the void left by Michael Strahan -- a seven-time All-Star and a man with 141.5 career sacks, fifth-most all-time. But the Giants, say they are up to the challenge.

Matt Ryan Aims to Have Atlanta Falcons Flying High

We're not starting a new chapter here," said Atlanta Falcons owner ARTHUR BLANK. "We're starting a new book." The new Falcons book opened with a first-year general manager in THOMAS DIMITROFF, a rookie head coach in MIKE SMITH and the No. 3 overall pick in the draft – Boston College quarterback MATT RYAN. "We had options picking at No. 3," says Dimitroff. "But looking at the skill-set that Matt Ryan possessed, along with his intelligence and leadership ability, we were excited about going in that direction. "This guy is a prototypical quarterback."

AFC & NFC June Update News & Notes

The NFL Draft is in the books, organized team activities are in full swing, and National Football League training camps loom not two months away.

NFL 2008 Spring Round Up Report

The Major League Baseball season is in full swing this week now that Opening Day is behind us. The NBA and NHL are wrapping up their respective regular seasons as both leagues' playoff season are just around the bend. Yet, a lot has transpired since Super Bowl XLII and the Pro Bowl in the National Football League. So, without further delay it's to catch up with what's going on in the NFL.

NFL Free Agent Signings Update (As of April, 2008)

Brett Favre - Best Ever QB? Look Beyond the Stats. The Answer Is Yes!

This week Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre formally announced his retirement. And with that started the Great Debate -- Who is the NFL's best quarterback of all time? Granted it's a great debate -- Brady, Manning, Montana, Elway, Marino, Bradshaw, Tarkenton, Unitas, Graham, Baugh, Starr, Title. I'm sure I missed one. Who do you pick? As Number 2 to Brett Favre

Brett Favre - Career Statistics

NFL 2008 Player Free Agency Signing Period

The National Football League announced that 429 players are free agents who now can negotiate with all 32 clubs. The free agents include 10 players who this year were designated by their clubs as non-exclusive "franchise" players. A franchise player is a special category for restricted and unrestricted free agents.

NFL 2008: Player Scouting Combine and NFL Draft

The NFL Network's Mike Mayock is considered by many to be the best NFL draft analyst bar none. Over the course of last week Mike debuted his player rankings heading into the 2008 National Football League Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The guru provides a list of his top 20 and also an expert break down by position.

"One of the Greatest Games of All Time"

He ought to know. He?s a player in the NFL who knows its history. He?s another Manning maybe you?ve heard of -- Peyton -- and that was his summary of Super Bowl XLII last Sunday night in Glendale, Arizona:

"One of the greatest games of all time."

In the game, his brother, New York Giants quarterback ELI MANNING, engineered one of the most memorable late-game-winning drives in Super Bowl history for a 17-14 victory over the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. That drive included what many are calling the greatest play in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl XLII: Giants 17 Patriots 14

Road Warrior Giants Bring It Home
Undefeated Destiny Disrupted for the 18 -1 New England Patriots

With 2:49 left in Super Bowl XLII it seemed to be yet another perfectly scripted comeback victory for the New England Patriots as Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss for a 7-yard TD completion.  However, the Giants went off script as Eli Manning drove the Giants 83 yards for the game winning touchdown.

Super Bowl XLII MVP Eli Manning ended the 12 play 83 yard winning drive when he found Plaxico Burress (17) in the corner of the end zone with 35 seconds to play.

Gamble better pay off for Jones, Cowboys
Dallas is taking a big gamble on the artist formerly known as Pacman. But the potential payoffs are too big to pass up, Alex Marvez says.

Army earns black eye for Campbell situation
Call it a lesson in irony. By dashing Caleb Campbell's NFL dream, the Army blew a golden opportunity of its own, Kevin Hench says.

America's Team has become Hollywood's team
The stud QB. The diva receiver. The ex-oil baron owner. An HBO show? Yep. Alex Marvez says the Cowboys are a living soap opera.

Photo gallery: Rotter's top 10 QB
Who are the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks? Roger Rotter reveals his list, along with a possible contender to join the mix.

Favre or no Favre, McCarthy committed to Rodgers
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says even he doesn't know how the Brett Favre unretirement saga will play out over the next few days. But he does know this: Aaron Rodgers is his starting quarterback. In his season-opening news conference at Lambeau Field on Saturday, McCarthy made a firm commitment to Rodgers and reiterated that the team committed to moving forward after Favre retired in March.

Manning misses another day at training camp
Peyton Manning still hasn't made it to training camp. The two-time league MVP missed his second straight day of Colts practice Saturday as he continues to recover from knee surgery at his Indianapolis-area home. He had an infected bursa sac removed from his left knee July 14 and doctors have instructed him to stay home to avoid risking another infection.

Eagles' Samuel injures hamstring in practice
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel left Saturday morning's practice with a strained hamstring. Samuel was hurt while working in seven-on-seven drills during the team's first practice in full pads this summer. "We'll just see how he does here," coach Andy Reid said. "I won't know anything for a bit here." The All Pro signed a six-year, $57 million contract with the Eagles after spending his first five seasons with New England.

NFL buzz

Pats sign veteran ex-Raider RB Jordan
The New England Patriots have signed veteran running back LaMont Jordan a day after he was released by the Oakland Raiders. The Patriots did not disclose the terms of the deal with the 29-year-old Jordan, which was announced Saturday. The Raiders released Jordan on Friday after being unable to trade him. Oakland signed Jordan in 2005, but he never developed into the elite back the team envisioned. He had 19 carries in the final nine games last season.

No. 5 pick Dorsey leads flurry of first-rounder signings
The Kansas City Chiefs expected to have Glenn Dorsey on the practice field Saturday afternoon after signing the All-America defensive ...

Bills' top pick McKelvin signs five-year deal
First-round pick Leodis McKelvin signed a five-year contract potentially worth $19.4 million with the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, ...

Patriots sign veteran RB Jordan after release from Raiders
The New England Patriots have signed veteran running back Lamont Jordan a day after he was released by the Oakland Raiders.

Jets sign top pick Gholston
Vernon Gholston was ready to hit the books after taking the field for the first time as the New York Jets' latest millionaire.

First-rounder signs while father resigns as Arena chief
The Atlanta Falcons will have all of their draft picks on the field when camp opens Saturday after agreeing to terms with first-round ...

Cowboys sign first-round picks Jones, Jenkins
First-round draft picks Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins signed deals late Friday night, putting all of the Dallas Cowboys' selections ...

Titans sign 4.24 sprinter Johnson to five-year deal
The Tennessee Titans have wrapped up their last draft pick, agreeing to terms with first-round selection Chris Johnson on a five-year, ...

Panthers sign Stewart, bringing all draft picks to camp
The Carolina Panthers signed running back Jonathan Stewart to a five-year deal that includes $10.8 million in guaranteed money, ...

NFL: Favre hasn't petitioned for reinstatement yet
Official NFL business ended on Friday without retired quarterback Brett Favre taking any of the necessary steps toward reinstatement.

Cowboys plan to waive veteran wideout Glenn
The Dallas Cowboys will waive veteran receiver Terry Glenn. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday the team planned to let him ...

Nolan, 49ers confident they'll put 2007's strife behind them
Mike Nolan isn't fazed by talk that he's on the hot seat entering his fourth training camp as San Francisco 49ers head coach, ...

Camp notes: Harrison practices, Raiders cut Jordan and top picks sign
Indianapolis receiver Marvin Harrison walked onto the field to cheers Friday, while the Colts opened their first training camp ...

Rams' Jackson a no-show for team's opening meeting at camp
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson, entering the final year of his contract, was a no-show for the opening team meeting ...

Williams to continue 'Monday Night Football'
Hank Williams Jr., who has sang the opening theme for Monday Night Football since 1989, will continue the tradition this season.

Bills tackle Peters a no-show; could be fined
The Buffalo Bills say Pro Bowl lineman Jason Peters faces fines of up to $15,000 a day after missing the team's opening practice ...

Chadiha: Redskins' Campbell rolling with the changes
Change doesn't appear to bother Jason Campbell. That's good news for the Redskins, who are making their quarterback learn a new offense for the third time in four seasons, writes Jeffri Chadiha.

Chiefs agree to 5-year deal with top pick Dorsey
Glenn Dorsey signed a five-year, $51 million deal Saturday morning that includes an option year and more than $22 million in guaranteed money.

Manning misses another day of Colts practice
Peyton Manning still hasn't made it to training camp.

Eagles CB Samuel injures hamstring in practice
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel left Saturday morning's practice with a strained hamstring.

Cowboys to cut WR Glenn, ending waiver dispute
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday the team planned to let Terry Glenn go after weeks of a dispute over whether the 34-year-old would sign an injury waiver.

Rams RB Jackson no-show for first camp meeting
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson, entering the final year of his contract, was a no-show for the opening team meeting of training camp on Friday.

Panthers sign first-round pick Stewart
Panthers signed running back Jonathan Stewart to a five-year deal that includes $10.8 million in guaranteed money, putting all their draft picks under contract early Saturday before the team's first training camp practice.

Seahawks LB Tatupu discusses one-day jail stint
Lofa Tatupu was noticeably nervous while fielding questions about pleading guilty earlier this month to drunken driving.

Titans, Haynesworth agree on tender deal for '08
The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on Albert Haynesworth's franchise tender, his agent Chad Speck confirmed.

Holdout over as Hester reports for Bears camp
Bears kick return star Devin Hester, who skipped the team's first two practices in a holdout, was back in training camp Friday, but there's no word on whether he's signed a new contract.

Raiders cut ties with RB Jordan after three years
The Oakland Raiders released running back LaMont Jordan on Friday.

Broncos' Cutler looks good, Marshall struggles
With his diabetes and his passes both under control, quarterback Jay Cutler looked very impressive on the Denver Broncos' first workout of training camp.

Jets carve out 5-year deal with Gholston
Late-night negotiations Thursday culminated with the New York Jets reaching a five-year contract agreement with first-round draft pick Vernon Gholston that includes $21 million in guarantees.

Source: Jags Williams to start camp on PUP list
The Jaguars suffered another blow to its receiving corps. A team official confirmed that Reggie Williams suffered a knee sprain and could be placed on the PUP list before practice kicks off Saturday.

New Lions CB Bodden signs four-year extension
The Detroit Lions signed cornerback Leigh Bodden to a four-year contract extension on Friday.

Shockey attends first camp practice with Saints
When it comes to the flamboyant, outspoken Jeremy Shockey, don't mistake a fresh start for a new outlook on life.

ESPN.com has launched many new football widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

Favre Jersey Retirement Postponed
The retirement of Brett Favre's jersey, scheduled for opening night in Green Bay, isn't going to happen. At least not when the Packers face the Minnesota Vikings during week...

Super Bowl Ring Error Goes Unnoticed for More Than Three Decades
As coveted as a Super Bowl ring is to nearly every athlete who puts on a football uniform, you'd think that once received a player would spend hours admiring the...

Shockey a Saint
One day after defensive end Jason Taylor was shipped to the Washington Redskins by the Miami Dolphins, tight end Jeremy Shockey has been traded by the New York Giants to...

Dolphins Trade Taylor to Redskins
The Washington Redskins have been uncharacteristically quiet during the offseason, but circumstances Sunday forced them into a situation in which they were desperate for a defensive end, and the Miami...

Kansas City Chiefs 2008 Preview
The Kansas City Chiefs struggled through the 2007 season, limping to a 4-12 finish. And although the team added a lot of young talent through the draft, things don't...

Third Year Wide Receiver Upside List
The third year in the NFL is often a breakout season for wide receivers, so About Football has put together this list of receivers who are entering year three, along...

Be Careful What You Wish for Packers Fans
As the powers that be for the Green Bay Packers and retired/unretired quarterback Brett Favre continue to play the blame game in what has become the biggest offseason sideshow in...

Favre a Backup? Rodgers in No-Win Situation
Reports surfaced over the weekend indicating that Brett Favre would be welcomed back by the Green Bay Packers, but only as the backup to Aaron Rodgers, who has been groomed...

Packers' Options With Favre Limited
If the rumors about quarterback Brett Favre wanting to come out of his brief retirement and return to the Green Bay Packers are true, he's putting the team in a...

Washington Redskins 2008 Preview
With new head coach Jim Zorn taking over for the legendary Joe Gibbs, the Washington Redskins obviously face a period of transition from the old regime to the new. ...

Jim Trotter: Postcard from camp: 49ers
SI.com has dispatched 10 writers to report on the 32 NFL training camps across the country. For the complete schedule of postcards, clickhere.

McCarthy committed to Rodgers as Pack's QB
Read full story for latest details.

CB Samuel injures hamstring
Read full story for latest details.

Patriots sign veteran RB Jordan
Read full story for latest details.

Saints RB McAllister has MRI on swelling knee
Read full story for latest details.

K.C. inks Dorsey; more 1st-rounders land deals
Read full story for latest details.

Cowboys set to waive veteran receiver Glenn
Read full story for latest details.

Seahawks' Tatupu discusses one-day jail stint
Read full story for latest details.

Giants' Burress misses camp with ankle injury
Read full story for latest details.

Hester ends holdout
Read full story for latest details.

Browns camp tour: Will defensive girth be all it's worth?
Forget Cleveland's playmaking offense, it's good to go. Instead, Pete Prisco's attention is drawn to the defensive line, which is 700 pounds heavier and figures to be leaner and meaner.

Jets camp tour: Quarterback job up for grabs
So who will the Jets count on a quarterback? Kellen Clemens, who has the tools, but couldn't secure the job last season, or Chad Pennington? It all makes for a good race, Clark Judge says.

Belichick company line adopted instantly
Yes, they were this close to closing one incredible season. But that's all forgotten, right? Mike Freeman says the Patriots are insisting on it before launching what could be another monster season.

Patriots add Raiders castoff Jordan to backfield
The New England Patriots have signed veteran running back LaMont Jordan a day after he was released by the Oakland Raiders.

Chiefs sign Dorsey to deal with $22M guaranteed
After a brief contract holdout that essentially cost him only one practice with the Kansas City Chiefs, Glenn Dorsey signed a five-year, $51 million deal Saturday morning that includes an option year and more than $22 million in guaranteed money.

Bills reach agreement with 11th overall pick in draft
First-round pick Leodis McKelvin signed a five-year contract potentially worth $19.4 million with the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, and the cornerback is set to join the team after missing only two days of training camp.

Panthers sign Stewart, put all picks under contract
The Carolina Panthers signed running back Jonathan Stewart to a five-year deal that includes $10.8 million in guaranteed money, putting all their draft picks under contract early Saturday before the team's first training camp practice.

Titans agree to terms with speedy rookie Johnson
The Tennessee Titans have wrapped up their last draft pick, agreeing to terms with first-round selection Chris Johnson on a five-year, $12 million deal.

Samuel strains hamstring in Eagles' first full practice
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel left Saturday morning's practice with a strained hamstring.

Packers coach committed to Rodgers
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says even he doesn't know how the Brett Favre unretirement saga will play out over the next few days. But McCarthy does know this: Aaron Rodgers is his starting quarterback.

Bucs' Gruden to media: 'Talk to Brett yourself'
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still aren't acknowledging interest in Brett Favre, coach Jon Gruden said little to dispel the notion on the first day of training camp.

Bevell wants focus on Vikings, not Favre drama
Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is soft-spoken and polite, reluctant to speak out of turn. So it was strange to see him step behind a podium on Saturday, for his regularly scheduled interview session with reporters, as an alleged figure in the NFL's latest firestorm.

Focus at Jets camp is on ... Brett Favre?
With rumors swirling about Brett Favre, and the Jets emerging as potential trade partners with Green Bay for the three-time MVP quarterback, fans let New York know how they felt at training camp Saturday.

NCAA rushing leader on Jets' waived-injured list
Danny Woodhead's NFL dream will have to wait. The NCAA's career rushing leader injured a knee while practicing in training camp with the New York Jets on Friday, and the team placed him on the waived-injured list the next day.

'Looks good,' Saints' McAllister says after MRI
Saints running back Deuce McAllister sat out a practice on Saturday morning because he had fluid drained from his surgically repaired left knee, then the team sent him for a precautionary MRI. McAllister said later in the afternoon that everything appeared to be fine.

Briefs: WR Williams among five on PUP for Jaguars
Saturday's NFL news briefs: The Jacksonville Jaguars placed receiver Reggie Williams and four others on the physically unable to perform list.

WR Hackett back at practice
D.J. Hackett returned to practice for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday after sitting out with a sore knee. The Panthers signed Hackett and fellow veteran Muhsin Muhammad in the offseason to give them more options to pair with star Steve Smith. Muhammad and Hackett were expected to contend for the starting job. Hackett was the third receiver before sitting out two optional practices with a sore knee.

Gonzalez excited to be sophomore
At no point last season did Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez feel lost or alone as he experienced the NFL for the first time. But neither was the team's 2007 first-round pick totally comfortable. The transition took time, and remains ongoing as Gonzalez participates in the Colts' voluntary summer school, reports the Indianapolis Star. Gonzalez appeared in 13 regular-season games, nine as a starter. While learning on the run and dealing with a dislocated thumb suffered Nov. 4 against New England, he had 37 receptions for 576 yards and three touchdowns. "I don't want to say I feel great about everything, but I'm coming along," he said. "Every part of my game just needs to be a little bit better, a little bit sharper, a little bit crisper and a little bit faster."

Ward coming back from injury
Giants RB Derrick Ward, coming off a broken leg, took the first handoff in the team period Tuesday, reports the New York Post.

Tyree could get cut
After making the miraculous catch that helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLII, David Tyree has enjoyed an offseason full of accolades. He has made numerous television appearances and been asked hundreds of times to pose with a football perched against his head, imitating the 32-yard reception he made on the Giants' game-winning drive against New England. He even has a book coming out, "More Than Just a Catch," that will chronicle his off-field personal struggles. What the Super Bowl hero doesn't have right now is a guaranteed roster spot, reports the New York Post. The sixth-year pro out of Syracuse had arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason, which prevented him from participating in Tuesday's workout. With starters Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer entrenched in their roles and youngsters Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss and rookie Mario Manningham available, there could be a battle at wide receiver that could leave Tyree on the outside looking in.

Kiwanuka back on field
On Tuesday, the New York Post reports Giants LB Mathias Kiwanuka spent his morning on the field along with his teammates, admittedly more excited than most of them to merely be out there running around. He missed the last six games of the regular season with a broken left leg and ankle damage that required surgery, meaning he was a very interested bystander for the entire playoff run and Super Bowl glory. Kiwanuka started the first 10 games last season on the strong side and was just beginning to look like a bona fide linebacker when on Nov. 18 his left fibula snapped in Detroit. Kiwanuka said he came through Tuesday's first real test with no residual problems. For now, he remains at linebacker, although that could change if Michael Strahan retires, meaning Kiwanuka could return to defensive end.

Toomer feels stronger than ever
It's not a stretch to say the 33-year-old Amani Toomer looks way ahead of where he was at this point last year, reports the New York Daily News. One year ago, Toomer was rehabbing his way back from a torn ACL in his left knee. It was an injury that had many wondering if his career was nearing an end. But 59 catches, 760 yards, and one Super Bowl championship later, the 13-year veteran feels like he's just getting started. "It always could be better," Toomer said. "I felt like last season, I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but I felt like I didn't have the season I wanted to have at the beginning of the year. Toward the end I started coming around a little bit, but I feel like I need to put together a whole complete season." That desire is one of the reasons why Toomer never considered retirement, despite the lure of riding off into the sunset after finally winning the Super Bowl. But he said the biggest reason was that "I still enjoy it. It's not really work to me."

Moss was 'sick' Monday
The Washington Post reports Redskins WR Santana Moss was candid about the "sickness" that forced him to miss Monday's practice, admitting that a weekend of charity events and parties to celebrate his 29th birthday certainly had something to do with how he was feeling Monday morning. Coach Jim Zorn said the Redskins sent Moss home Monday with the flu, but Moss said his teammates knew better. "All they did is laugh because they knew it was going to happen like that," Moss said. "I told them, 'You think you're still young and you can still hold up,' but they all know what time it was. You have to chalk it up and be ready the next day." Moss said he felt much better Tuesday.

Springs still a no show
The Washington Post reports Redskins coach Jim Zorn had yet to make contact with absent cornerback Shawn Springs as of Tuesday. Springs has been working out in Arizona -- as he did last offseason -- and has told people that he does not intend to report to Redskins Park until the start of mandatory work in training camp. Springs has not contacted the team, however, Zorn said. "We're still wondering where Shawn is," Zorn said, "but he knows what he's doing. We're still trying to reach him." Zorn said that there could be a tendency to allow Springs's absence to frustrate the staff, but that he is not allowing it to do so. "Guys know how to stay aloof, and I could get frustrated," Zorn said. "But I don't get frustrated." Springs reported to camp in shape last season after following a rigorous routine in Arizona that he is maintaining this offseason.

Landry back, playing both spots
Second-year safety LaRon Landry said he missed Monday's practice because of a family issue but plans to attend the remainder of Washington's organized team activities, reports the Washington Post. Landry returned to his starting spot in Tuesday's practice, with Zorn playing down the incident. "[Monday] I was at home taking care of a lot of family issues, but I came back and I am ready to work," Landry said after practice, adding that he and Zorn "got everything squared away" during a morning meeting. Landry, who alternated between free safety and strong safety last season, said he is open to playing either position under new defensive coordinator Greg Blache. "It doesn't matter," Landry said. "Whatever coach wants me to do, that's what I'm here for."

Bennett ready for breakout
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Rams WR Drew Bennett, who signed a six-year, $30 million free-agent deal last year, joins Torry Holt in the starting lineup after the February release of 35-year-old Isaac Bruce. "Drew's got an opportunity now to really step up his game, and he knows that," coach Scott Linehan said. "So, the expectation is that he takes advantage of it and has a great year for us." Last year, Bennett's first with the Rams, he had 33 catches for 375 yards with three scores. He wound up missing the season opener with a quad injury, which lingered through the season, but he feels better now.

Burleson ready to lead Seattle
The summer heat has yet to arrive. But the heat, as in pressure, is on for the Seahawks' crew of wide receivers. For now, Nate Burleson is their veteran leader, reports the Seattle Times. The sixth-year pro is the most experienced wide receiver in practice during the team's ongoing minicamp. Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are either unable to practice or choosing not to. Which makes Burleson the elder statesman at the tender age of 26, in a corps of receivers that for now includes younger players Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne, Jordan Kent and several others. Burleson hopes he can be a starting receiver while maintaining kick- and punt-return duties. Injuries to Branch and ex-Seahawk D.J. Hackett last year gave him more playing time at receiver, and he flourished with 50 catches, nine touchdowns and a pair of return TDs.

Sparano wants Taylor back
Two weeks after announcing that Jason Taylor wouldn't be attending any upcoming team-related activities, including training camp, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said that he told the Pro Bowl DE in a meeting last week that he and the organization want him back. "I really wanted to make a point to Jason that we as an organization and certainly me as a head coach want to see Jason Taylor back here with the Miami Dolphins in uniform out on the field doing what he does best ... and that's running after quarterbacks and sacking quarterbacks," Sparano said during an interview on WQAM (560-AM) on Tuesday night as reported in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I think at the end of our visit, I know that Jason knows that's how I feel and we feel as an organization right now."

Edwards' hip is fine
Browns WR Braylon Edwards returned to practice this week, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. GM Phil Savage said Edwards practiced full-go Tuesday and showed no lingering effects from a hip pointer suffered two weeks ago in practice.

Browns not in rush to sign Winslow
The Browns are in no hurry to sign TE Kellen Winslow to the big new contract he's seeking, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. GM Phil Savage said he expects Winslow to show up for minicamp next Tuesday through Thursday. "Of course, it's a mandatory camp, so the expectation is he'll be here." Winslow has been absent from the four weeks of organized team activities, but his agent Drew Rosenhaus said last week his client only stayed away because he was rehabbing his scoped right knee at home in San Diego. He added Winslow will attend minicamp. But Rosenhaus and Winslow have made it clear that they want to redo the deal. The deal has three years remaining at $4 million, $4.5 million and $4.75 million. The reference point for Winslow's camp is believed to be the 6-year, $42 million deal signed recently by tight end Dallas Clark.

Johnson not a lock to report
On the same day Bengals WR Chad Johnson said he would report to mandatory minicamp next week, he later said in an interview on SIRIUS Satellite Radio that he may sit out after all since his trade demand fell through. "My options are open," Johnson said, according to the Dayton Daily News. "I have so much going on off the field right now. Man, it's beautiful. It's a beautiful thing. God has really blessed me to be able to do other things. Football doesn't have to be my backbone. Football is my bread and butter, but with my success and with me being able to venture into other things, the possibility of not playing this year is really open. It really is." That doesn't mean Johnson has lost his passion for the game. "I just love what I do," he said. "I have a passion for it, and sometimes that passion hurts me, and sometimes that passion hurts my team. I've always been a winner, and it's been mistaken. Because of my style of play, it's been taken out of context as me not wanting to win."

T.O.'s motivation: A ring
By taking care of Terrell Owens with a three-year contract extension now, the Cowboys helped their salary cap for the upcoming season. They also helped keep their locker room free from what Owens said "absolutely" would have been the distraction of him going through the season as a free-agent-to-be. To clarify, he said the problem would've come from repeated questions, not for anything he would've done or said. Team owner Jerry Jones downplayed Owens' age (35 in December), noting his dedication to fitness and his production. He's already among the career top 10 in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns; he's the active leader and No. 3 all-time in TDs. Owens also focused on the one glaring omission from his resume: A Super Bowl victory. "I've been thinking, 'What can I do for my game to get to another level?'" Owens said. "Honestly, I'm going to find ways to work out harder, do things differently, to really escalate my game."

DE Smith at Saints workouts
Saints defensive end Will Smith, seeking a contract extension and a major pay raise, attended his first voluntary workout of the offseason Tuesday. Bothered by a sore toe, Smith stayed off the practice field, but head coach Sean Payton saw Smith's presence at the team's suburban New Orleans headquarters as an encouraging sign. Smith had skipped the team's offseason workouts, which began in mid-March, until last weekend, when he showed up for a mandatory three-day minicamp. Smith said he decided against holding out during minicamp out of loyalty to teammates and his desire to help the team become a Super Bowl contender.

Raiders' Burgess appears at camp
Raiders DE Derrick Burgess looked like his usual self as he showed up at practice for the first time this season. He had been back in Mississippi spending time with family and keeping in his usual tip-top shape by working out at Ole Miss instead of with his teammates in California at optional practices and other workouts. Burgess didn't take long to show his impact. He burst around the end on one play and was poised to deliver a big hit on quarterback JaMarcus Russell if this had been a game rather than a minicamp practice. "Once again he looks the same as far as running around and movement," Kiffin said. "He looked great on a couple of nakeds that were coming out to his side. He's one of those few guys that you never have to worry about not being in shape or ready to play."

Raiders to Jordan: Get outta here
Running back LaMont Jordan was told to stay away from the Raiders' practice field by coach Lane Kiffin as the team tries to trade him or decides to cut him loose. Jordan rushed for 1,025 yards, caught 70 passes and scored 11 touchdowns his first season in Oakland in 2005, but has had much less impact since with only 983 yards rushing the last two seasons. He fell behind Justin Fargas on the depth chart in 2007 and is not in the team's future plans following the addition of first-round draft pick Darren McFadden. "We're exploring a couple of different options," Kiffin said. "We're in communication with him. He was here this morning. We're just keeping him off the field. ... The last thing we want to do for him or ourselves is for LaMont to come out here and get hurt today."

Glenn, Cowboys remain at odds
Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that Glenn failed a physical after the season and still hasn't passed it because of problems with the right knee that was operated on twice last season. Jones wants Glenn to agree to accept a $500,000 injury settlement if he can't play this season. His base salary is $1.74 million. Glenn played only in the regular season finale last season, but didn't catch any passes. He had two catches in Dallas' only playoff game. "It would surprise me if everything doesn't get worked out," Jones said. "I paid him $5 million last year and we got four plays," Jones said.

Sheppard doesn't show up
The Philadelphia Daily News reports Eagles DB Lito Sheppard was not on the field when the Eagles began the first session of their organized team activities this afternoon. The sessions, which continue Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, are voluntary so Sheppard cannot be fined for not attending. They continue with three days next week as well. Sheppard could sit out these sessions and still attend training camp, which he would be fined for missing.

Campbell says hamstring is OK
The Washington Post reports Redskins QB Jason Campbell said he is adjusting to getting lower under center and that the hamstring problem from the last round of OTAs in early May no longer bothers him. "It's something that's behind me," he said.