Report: Packers RB Grant restructures contract to make roster

Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant has accepted a $1 million reduction in his salary this season in exchange for a guaranteed contract.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Wednesday that Grant's agent and the Packers agreed to lower the running back's base pay from $3.5 million to $2.5 million on Aug. 9. That decreased his cap salary from $4.797 million to $3.797 million, giving the Packers $1 million to spend on re-signing other veterans.

The tradeoff for Grant is that his new contract is fully guaranteed against both skill and injury, increasing his chance of making the team's final roster this season.

No other changes were made to the final year of the four-year, $18 million contract that Grant signed in August 2008, according to the newspaper.

Grant, an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame who spent 2005 and 2006 with the New York Giants but never played for the team, rushed for more than 1,200 yards for the Packers in both 2008 and 2009. He was limited to one game for Green Bay last season before suffering ligament damage to his ankle.

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Cowboys give CB Scandrick five-year, $27 million contract

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Orlando Scandrick came into the NFL determined to prove he was better than a fifth-round pick. Before even finishing his rookie contract, the cornerback convinced the Dallas Cowboys how much he's worth.

On Wednesday, Scandrick received a five-year extension worth $27 million -- an additional $2 million this season, and an average of $5 million per season for the added years. He's guaranteed $10 million, according to a person familiar with negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms were not released.

"The chip is still on my shoulder," Scandrick said. "Now I need to prove that I'm worth it."

Scandrick came to training camp knowing there was a chance for a new deal from Dallas or that he could play his way into bigger money as a free agent next summer. Having quickly won over new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan with his strong play the first month of camp, talks heated up between the Cowboys and Scandrick's agent. He wound up getting the kind of money a No. 2 cornerback would get, even though he's considered No. 3, behind Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins.

"I always told myself if I got to a certain number, I would take it. And they met my number," Scandrick said, later adding that the overall deal exceeded his expectations.

The deal was done about a half-hour before the Cowboys took the field for a night time practice at their stadium. Word had spread to his teammates and they congratulated him. Then he had a practice befitting his new salary -- an interception, a sack and a blocked field goal.

"I felt energetic, my confidence raised," Scandrick said. "I'm not playing to not make mistakes now. Now I'm playing to make plays. I expect to have a tremendous year."

The 5-foot-10, 193-pound Scandrick arrived in 2008, the same season Jenkins was taken in the first round. Jenkins' signing bonus alone was bigger than Scandrick's entire deal. The various slights, combined with a supreme confidence and strong work ethic, have fueled Scandrick ever since.

Just last week, he was angry enough to hurl a helmet. He and secondary coach Dave Campo bicker constantly.

"He's happy with me today," Campo said, laughing.

Campo tested that, making sure that Scandrick's fire will still rage now that he's in a new tax bracket.

"I just said, 'Hey, you can't lose your edge,' " Campo said. "There's a fine line between the penthouse and you know the other spot. This guy is not a 6-foot, 205-pound corner that runs a 4.3. He's not a real big guy. He's got to keep the edge, be ready to play. I think he'll do that. He's smart enough to do that."

Scandrick found his niche in the nickel package, covering the slot receiver. Campo said Scandrick is among the best in the league at that difficult task.

The challenge, Campo said, is all the adjustments that have to be made within the defense depending on what they expect the offense to do. That requires lots of studying, which Scandrick does as well as anyone. Then there's the difficulty of a receiver being able to break in either direction; on the outside, cornerbacks can cheat one way or another because of the sideline.

"Some guys can do it and some guys can't," Campo said. "He's smart, tough enough and fast. That's pretty good."

He's also only 24.

"That Scandrick is a terrific player," Ryan said earlier in camp. "People want to say he's a sub guy, but this guy is really a special player. That role is very difficult. He has to be one of the smartest guys on the team and also one of the most talented. We're real fortunate. I really like Orlando. I think he should be excellent in our system."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Patriot forever? Mankins ends contract drama with six-year deal

All of the contract contentiousness between the New England Patriots and All-Pro guard Logan Mankins is finally over.

NFL Network's Michael Lombardi confirmed Wednesday that the Patriots have signed Mankins to a six-year contract. By signing Mankins to the long-term deal, the Patriots also lowered the six-year veteran's salary cap number, according to Lombardi. The story was first reported by ESPN.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft hinted to reporters early Wednesday that Mankins, who was set to play under a one-year, franchise-tag tender contract worth $10 million, would soon be signed to a long-term deal.

"Probably you'll see our good friend, Logan Mankins, will be signed up soon, hopefully, to be a Patriot for life,” Kraft said, according to the team's website.

The value of the six-year deal was not known, but a source told the Boston Herald that Mankins will be the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in the league.

Yahoo! Sports reported Wednesday that the Patriots got some help in paying Mankins from recently acquired defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Citing a source familiar with the deal, the website reported that Haynesworth, who was due to earn $5.4 million in 2011, reduced his base salary to $1.5 million.

He can earn the money back in incentives, including $1 million if he plays in 20 percent of the plays and an additional $590,000 when he hits 45 percent, 50 percent, 55 percent, 60 percent and then 65 percent, according to the report. He can also earn $400,000 if he makes the Pro Bowl.

Haynesworth was traded from the Washington Redskins to New England for a late-round draft choice. The Patriots could not be reached for comment.

A first-round draft pick of the Patriots in 2005, Mankins sat out the first eight weeks of the 2010 season after holding out over his status as a restricted free agent. Mankins signed his tender and reported to the team on Nov. 2 and started the final nine games of the season.

He was still named as a starter in the Pro Bowl, his third career selection.

Mankins had criticized the Patriots organization just before starting his holdout on June 14, 2010, the day before the team's minicamp began. He said the club asked him to play in 2009, the final year of his original five-year contract, and they would address his contract concerns after that season. He also said he wanted to be traded.

"Growing up, I was taught a man's word is his bond," he said in June 2010. "Obviously, this isn't the case with the Patriots."

He later apologized.

Mankins also was one of 10 players who were plaintiffs in an antitrust lawsuit filed against the NFL a few hours before the lockout began.

"All I know is," Kraft said Wednesday, "any face-to-face discussions I've had (with Mankins) or any private discussions have all been positive."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Gore returns to 49ers practice; contract work continues

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Frank Gore practiced Tuesday with the San Francisco 49ers for the first time this offseason, breathing life into an offense that has been working this summer without several top players.

The two-time Pro Bowl running back ended his four-day holdout Monday and was back on the field a day later as the 49ers conducted their second padded practice of camp.

Gore was welcomed back by a new coaching staff and several players who have been anticipating his arrival.

"I almost hugged him and gave him a kiss, but I tried to play it cool," wide receiver Josh Morgan said. "It was really exciting to see him."

Gore, who missed San Francisco's final five games last season with a fractured hip, is in the final year of his contract with the 49ers that will pay him $2.9 million this season with a $2 million roster bonus. He is seeking a contract extension.

Gore said the holdout was a mutual decision between him and agent Drew Rosenhaus. But a few days away from the team was all it took to convince Gore to return.

"I love the game and I missed the game," Gore said. "I'm a football player and I missed being out here with my team. I'm here to get better and try to take this organization where it needs to go."

Gore has led the 49ers in rushing every year since being drafted in 2005, including a team-record four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2006-2009. Gore was on his way to extending that string last season before his injury. He finished the season with 853 yards rushing and 46 receptions for 452 yards.

The 49ers are installing a new offense this summer under new coach Jim Harbaugh, and Gore once again figures to be a key component of San Francisco's attack. Harbaugh wasted no time giving Gore extensive duty with the first-team offense during his first day back.

"There's quite a difference in communication when he's in the huddle," Harbaugh said. "I'm very impressed with the way he hits the hole extremely quick and fast. It raises the competition and gives some of our young backs an example of what a top-notch pro looks like."

The 49ers had second-year player Anthony Dixon and rookie Kendall Hunter taking most of the snaps at halfback with the first unit during previous camp practices.

Gore was a welcome addition to an offensive huddle that also has been missing incumbent starting quarterback Alex Smith and No. 1 wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

Smith and other free agents who recently signed contracts with the team can't practice until Thursday, and Crabtree has a foot injury that could keep him out several weeks.

Gore spent the offseason working out near his home in Miami and did not participate in player-organized 49ers workouts in June that were attended by most of his offensive teammates at San Jose State University.

The entire offensive tempo seemed to pick up with Gore back on the field.

"Frank's a leader on this football team and the energy is up," tackle Joe Staley said. "Any time Frank's back there, he's going to take care of business. Just having him back on the field, his presence, is good for everybody and it raises spirits. The way he prepares and the way he communicates is a standard to live up to."

Harbaugh said "diligent" contract negotiations continue with Gore's representatives and he expects there to be a resolution on a new deal "sooner rather than later."

"Frank's a 49er and we want Frank here," Harbaugh said. "We want Frank happy, too."

Said Gore: "I want to be a 49er forever, and if the contract comes, it comes. I felt like a kid out there today, and I'm just happy to be back. I'm sorry about the little holdup, but I'm back and I'm ready to go to work and get better."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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CJ2K unhappy with Titans, will be a contract holdout

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee running back Chris Johnson will not be reporting for training camp with the Titans until he gets a new contract, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Friday because the decision had not been publicly announced.

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Johnson, a Florida native, said in 2010 he wanted a new deal that included $30 million guaranteed. The Titans revised his contract last offseason by pushing some money from the final year into 2010 to convince the running back to report. He is scheduled to make $800,000 in salary this season. Johnson said on Twitter on Friday that "Imma just leave it in god hands."

The Titans are scheduled to report for camp Friday with the first practice Saturday.

Johnson can be fined $30,000 for each day of camp he misses, but the three-time Pro Bowl running back wants to be rewarded for his production. He became only the sixth player in NFL history to run for at least 2,000 yards when he ran for 2,006 yards in 2009 and set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage that season with 2,509.

He followed that up by running for 1,364 yards in 2010 despite finishing the season with a bruised thigh. Johnson has started 46 of the 47 games he has played in since being drafted 24th overall in 2008 out of East Carolina and has 4,598 rushing yards with an average of 5.0 yards per carry in his career.

By comparison, DeAngelo Williams got a new deal from Carolina earlier this week worth $21 million in guaranteed money. He played only six games in 2010 and ran for 361 yards while dealing with injuries.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Chargers lock up safety Weddle on five-year, $40M contract

San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner believes Eric Weddle is on the verge of becoming an elite safety in the NFL.

The Chargers showed they mean it Wednesday, agreeing to a five-year, $40 million deal with Weddle, NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported, citing a league source. Weddle will receive $19 million guaranteed and a $13 million signing bonus.

"I'm on cloud nine," Weddle told The San Diego Union-Tribune. "This is the team I love. I feel we have unfinished business. I want to prove I was worth this deal. When this deal is done, I will be one of the best safeties out there."

Weddle also drew interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, according to his agent, David Canter.

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"There was a very deep market for his services," Canter said.

But after working through counterproposals Wednesday morning, the deal with the Chargers was set.

"It's exciting to think of Eric as being a Charger for his entire career," Turner said.

A starter on AFC West championship teams in 2008 and 2009, Weddle led the secondary in tackles with 72 last season as part of a defense that led the NFL in fewest yards allowed. He has started 48 of the last 51 games.

Weddle has yet to make a Pro Bowl, which Turner believes might be a reflection of his career total of six interceptions.

"He would get a lot more recognition," Turner said, "(but) he probably dropped about six interceptions last year. He's been working on that."

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith moved up 22 spots in the 2007 draft to select Weddle No. 38 overall out of Utah.

The safety became an unrestricted free agent for the first time this offseason.

"I just know with Eric he's on the verge of taking that next step," Turner said. "Lining up next to (safety) Bob Sanders (who joined the Chargers in March) will help him and bring out some of his strengths also.

"He's a guy that's gotten better every year," Turner said. "He's got great leadership skills. He's got great understanding not only of our defense but of what people are doing. He's got great range. We need to get him to where he catches the ball better."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Vikings, McNabb work out contract to seal trade with 'Skins

Donovan McNabb's arrival in Minnesota has been a rumored scenario for at least five years, ever since Brad Childress left the Philadelphia Eagles to take over the Vikings in 2006.

Childress is long gone now, but another former Eagles assistant -- new Vikings coach Leslie Frazier -- helped make those rumors a reality Wednesday, just in time for McNabb to help bridge the gap from Brett Favre to rookie Christian Ponder.

The Vikings acquired McNabb from the Redskins for a sixth-round draft pick in 2012 and a conditional sixth-rounder in 2013, two people with knowledge of the transaction told The Associated Press.

In order to make the trade happen, McNabb had to agree to re-work the five-year, $78 million contract he signed with the Redskins because the Vikings didn't have enough salary-cap room for him with the way the deal is structured. NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi confirmed that a restructured deal was in place, but the terms weren't immediately available.

McNabb gives the Vikings a veteran quarterback while they groom Ponder, who was drafted 12th overall out of Florida State in April, to be the team's long-term answer at the position. The original preference for Frazier and the Vikings was to have Ponder start Week 1 in San Diego, with a capable veteran backup there just in case.

But that was before the NFL lockout prevented players from working out with coaches all summer and put Ponder behind schedule in his development. That made it more important for the Vikings to add an accomplished, experienced quarterback they believe can win games with a roster full of veterans while Ponder gets up to speed.

From the sounds of it, Ponder isn't conceding anything just yet.

"Excited to have McNabb join," Ponder wrote Wednesday morning on Twitter. "Will learn a lot from a Pro Bowler. But that doesn't mean I'm not still fighting to start week 1!"

The trade ends a tumultuous one-year run in Washington for McNabb. The 12-year veteran was benched twice last season and threw 14 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions in 13 games. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,377 yards, and his agent, Fletcher Smith, publicly sparred with coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.

Even before the deal was completed, some Redskins players already were treating McNabb's departure as a foregone conclusion. The writing has been on the wall for some time in Washington, and news of the discussions with the Vikings only served to validate that feeling.

"You see a guy that's been a Pro Bowler six times," Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. "He was going to come in and really help us win more games, but it didn't work out. Relationships broke down, and now he's not here, but you can't really focus on that. You've got to continue to move forward."

Childress coached McNabb in Philadelphia from 1999 to 2005 before leaving to become the coach in Minnesota. From the minute Childress arrived in the Twin Cities, it was assumed that McNabb would one day join him in purple.

But McNabb stayed put with the Eagles, and the Vikings coaxed Favre out of retirement -- twice. Favre led the Vikings to the NFC title game after the 2009 season, but he had a disastrous, injury- and scandal-plagued campaign in 2010 as Minnesota sunk to the bottom of the NFC North.

When Frazier took over as the full-time head coach in January, he said it was time for the team to end its penchant for bringing in retreads and past-their-prime veterans and develop a young quarterback from the start.

The Vikings surprised many when they drafted Ponder so early in the first round and immediately said he would compete for the starting job right away.

Ponder was billed as the most NFL-ready quarterback in the 2011 class, but not being able to work with new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave and most of his teammates at various minicamps and organized team activities throughout the summer makes it a bigger challenge for him to be ready to start Sept. 11 in San Diego.

Ponder said last week during a workout at the University of Minnesota that he still was aiming to be the starter from Day 1.

"That's what I'm pushing for," he said. "That's what I'm hoping for. So we'll see what happens."

Bringing in McNabb does show veterans such as Adrian Peterson, Antoine Winfield, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams that the team is still in a "win now" mode, and it was unclear Wednesday night just how the pecking order at quarterback will play out.

"I would have loved to have him back here," Alexander said. "But things just didn't turn out the right way, and he'll go on and eventually be a Hall of Famer."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Contract no concern: Peterson ready to roll, Vikes' Frazier says

Contract concerns won't keep All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson away from Vikings training camp, Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier said Monday, via The Star Tribune.

"Oh yeah, we had a good conversation. And that's not an issue, and he's looking forward to camp like all of our guys are," Frazier said.

Peterson is in the final season of his rookie contract and has a salary cap hit of $12.775 million. The Vikings and Peterson both would like to re-sign him to a long-term extension that includes a lower cap figure.

Frazier said he spoke with Peterson and cornerback Antoine Winfield almost as soon as the lockout was lifted.

"Both of those guys, there was tremendous excitement in their voice," Frazier said. "Both feel like they're in the best shape of their lives."

Frazier also said he would not rule out rookie quarterback Christian Ponder starting in the season opener, though he added Joe Webb and Rhett Bomar also will compete for the starting job.

"Our coaches feel very comfortable in doing whatever's necessary to put us in the best position to be successful when we open the season against San Diego, and that may mean a young quarterback being in that role," Frazier said.

The Vikings also have been linked to several veteran quarterbacks, including Donovan McNabb and Kyle Orton.

Ponder planned to report as soon as the doors to the Vikings facility open Tuesday.

"It's the first place I'm heading in the morning," Ponder said, "so I'll be up there to meet with [offensive coordinator Bill] Musgrave and talk some ball and finally to get to catch up to what we've been missing all summer."

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Panthers, LB Johnson agree to six-year, $72 million contract

Free-agent defensive end Charles Johnson agreed to a six-year, $72 million deal to return to the Carolina Panthers, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.

Will Brett Favre come out of retirement for the third time? Is Ahmad Bradshaw bound for Miami? Find out where players might end up in NFL.com's free agency tracker. More...

Johnson's contract, which he can't sign until Friday, comes with $32 million guaranteed, the source said. Johnson opted to re-sign with the Panthers after the NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons hotly pursued him.

The Panthers made Johnson a top priority after he shined last season in place of Julius Peppers, who left for the Chicago Bears in free agency.

"The Panthers told me the whole time they were going to come after me hard," Johnson said Tuesday after the team announced it had come to undisclosed financial terms with the player. "I had to see it to believe, but they did."

Johnson said he was "blown away" by Carolina's offer, and the money convinced him to choose the team over the Falcons and Denver Broncos, who also expressed interest.

"Could you have turned that down?" Johnson said with a laugh.

The Panthers put the full court press on Johnson. General manager Marty Hurney, coach Ron Rivera and several members of the defensive staff flew to Miami on Monday night in an effort to make sure Johnson wouldn't get away.

"A lot of people in my family were rooting for me to sign with Atlanta because it was closer to home and they could come see me play," said Johnson, a native of Hawkinsville, Ga. "But I think they understand."

Johnson had a breakout season for the Panthers in 2010, with 11.5 sacks in his first year as a starter. He had a combined 10 sacks in his previous two seasons playing behind Peppers and Tyler Brayton.

Johnson said he was impressed at how important the Panthers made him feel by bringing a good portion of the coaching staff on the trip.

"They showed so much respect for me; I wanted to show it back," Johnson said.

Aside from the money, Johnson said his love of the Charlotte community played a role in his decision.

"Once you are settled in somewhere you get comfortable," Johnson said. "Money aside, it wasn't a hard decision for me to leave because I am tied into Charlotte."

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Forte wants Bears to 'throw him a bone' with new contract

Running back Matt Forte will seek a contract extension from the Chicago Bears after the NFL lockout ends.

Although the fourth-year pro from Tulane has a good argument that he's underpaid, he told the Chicago Tribune this weekend that he believes he's "going about it the right way" and wouldn't be interested in a holdout over money.

"My agent, Adisa Bakari, talked to (general manager) Jerry Angelo and Cliff Stein last season, just letting them know that we've been producing," Forte said. "And now that it's close to training camp, we don't have much time to negotiate."

"Any time a player has been producing very well," Forte added, "they're going to come back and say, 'Hey, throw me a bone here.' "

Forte is due $550,000 in the final year of his rookie contract. His backup, Chester Taylor, is scheduled to make $1.25 million after pulling in $7 million last season while totaling 267 yards and averaging 2.4 yards per carry. Forte finished with 1,069 yards and 4.5 yards per carry.

Forte ranks fifth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage (4,731) since 2008. And he is the only player in Bears history with 1,400-plus yards from scrimmage in each of his first three seasons.

Forte said he wants to sign an extension before the start of practice.

"A long-term deal would be, I guess, five years," he said. "That's a long time for a running back to play. "Five years? That's beating the odds."

"Right now, I think I'm one of the best in the game."

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Umenyiora unhappy with contract, but Giants still an option

Defensive end Osi Umenyiora might be unhappy with his contract, but he has not ruled out a return to the New York Giants.

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Thursday that Umenyiora gave a deposition as part of the Brady et al v. the National Football League et al case, claiming that Giants general manager Jerry Reese promised to either trade him or make him among the top five defensive ends in the league back in 2008, according to sources who have seen the affidavit.

In the statement, which was given under the penalty of perjury, Umenyiora details conversations with Reese, saying that he was promised that if he "was playing at a high level" over the following two seasons, he would be compensated among the best at his position or dealt to a team that would compensate him. Umenyiora's agent, Tony Agnone, was also deposed.

Umenyiora, 29, claims that Reese has failed to make good on his word.

As one of the plaintiffs in the Brady case, he provided the statements to NFL Players Association lawyers to show the kind of "irreparable" harm being done to players by the lockout.

Despite the drama, Umenyiora told The New York Times on Friday that he would "absolutely" be willing to return to the Giants.

"I love my teammates," Umenyiora said. "The owners of the team, Mr. (John) Mara and Mr. (Steve) Tisch, I'm really cool with both of them. They came to the hospital when I was injured. They're wonderful people. I don't have a beef with them per se. At the end of the day, they're going to have to make the best decision for them.

"If they renegotiate my deal, I have to be on the field, and I have to perform. To play all those guys is going to be very, very difficult. For everyone to get their chance to showcase their skills, it’s going to be difficult to do that."

Said Umenyiora: "Any time you mention my name, it seems as if it’s just a firestorm of negativity, and Osi doing this and Osi doing that. Nobody in that organization or on that team can tell you I’m a disruption or a negative person or I’m perceived in such a way, because they’d be lying."

Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy came out of the woodwork Thursday to respond to Umenyiora's situation via Twitter, calling the defender "overrated n soft" and the "3rd best d-line on his team honestly."

Umenyiora fired back, telling The Times: "That little Chihuahua or poodle in the backfield. He doesn't have to block me. ... If you have something to say, say it man to man. You can't be a Twitter gangster. That's easy to do, trying to be a tough guy. Say it to my face, and we'll see what happens."

Umenyiora also spoke to The Star-Ledger on Friday and referred to McCoy as "Lady Gaga."

"I mean, he’s a girl, man. Who does stuff like that?" Umenyiora said. "If he has more of these things to say, he can say 'em to my face."

Umenyiora went on to describe his contentious relationship with McCoy.

"Yeah, me and him, we had words on the field -- both times we played. I hate him, he hates me, period. He chose to take that off the field and make it public when it's something that's between me and him. It’s something we can address on the football field. He let the whole world know about it, so I’m going to respond."

Said Umenyiora of past entanglements: "Oh, he said all kinds of stuff. He called me an 'African (expletive).' It was bad. It was pretty intense between me and him. I said a couple of things to him."

If Umenyiora ends up with another club, it will pull him out of a Giants-Eagles rivalry he labeled "rough," but he said he'll find his way back to McCoy one way or another.

"I’ll see him somewhere for sure. It’s going to continue, man. There's going to be no going back from this one because I feel he crossed the line."

Giants wideout Steve Smith joined the fray Friday, tweeting: "The nerve of certain youngins running their mouth." 

Smith's message included a photo montage of the Giants celebrating their Super Bowl XLII victory next to an empty Eagles trophy case.

"Eagles have a great team as do we," Smith continued. "They've had our number lately but until you win something major I don't wanna hear it."

Umenyiora, a seven-year veteran, has been unhappy for quite some time with the contract extension he signed in 2005. The collective bargaining agreement signed in 2006 prompted increased spending around the league, and other defensive linemen quickly eclipsed the $31 million deal, averaging $5.5 million a season, that he had signed.

With two years left on his contact, he can earn $3.875 million in salary and bonuses in 2011, and $4.725 million in salary and bonuses in 2012, far below others with similar career production.

Umenyiora's monster season in 2007 -- in which he posted 13 sacks and helped the Giants win the Super Bowl -- spurred the meeting with Reese that was covered in the affidavit. A league source, however, pointed out that there could conceivably have been some miscommunication, that Reese might have been talking about possibly exploring a trade or new contract down the road without directly promising to do so.

In the two years Umenyiora was to perform at a high level, he did not do so -- he spent 2008 on injured reserve with a knee injury and lost his starting spot and became a situational player in 2009 while clashing with the coaching staff. La Canfora reports that his trade value was low, based on injury concerns and the fact he was coming off just a seven-sack season in 2009, at the time Reese was to have had to make good on his "promise," as per the statements from the affidavit.

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Babin concerned about Titans' changes, his contract status

Jason Babin will be an unrestricted free agent once the NFL lockout ends. And, from the sound of it, he might not return to the Tennessee Titans after his breakout 2010 season.

"There's so much uncertainty with Tennessee, what their culture's going to be, who their quarterback's going to be, what kind of atmosphere is going to evolve out of a whole new coaching staff," the defensive end recently told MLive.com.

"When you put that many new people together -- new offense, defense, new guy at the helm, at quarterback -- it's kind of hard to predict what the culture's going to be, what the atmosphere's going to be," he added. "And even more so, the hierarchy of how things are going to rank importance-wise. So it's kind of hard for me to say yes or no until, (No.) 1, they talk to me and express interest. And No. 2, I can see how things unfold as far as the team as a whole goes."

The Titans have gone through a tumultuous offseason. First, they announced that quarterback Vince Young would be traded or released after his relationship with the team turned rocky. Then they parted with coach Jeff Fisher and promoted offensive line coach Mike Munchak to run the team.

Munchak built his own staff, and defensive line coach Jim Washburn, whom Babin called "the greatest position coach I've ever had," departed for the Philadelphia Eagles. That led to speculation that Babin could rejoin the Eagles, who didn't match the Titans' offer sheet to the lineman last year, and he didn't exactly shoot down the possibility when asked about it in January.

"There's been no 'Hey Jason, we want you in Philly' discussions, but it would be hard for me not to contemplate it if he said, 'Jason, I want you in Philly,' " Babin said. "He resurrected me. I'd have to at least give that serious consideration. But Tennessee is where I made a home, my kids go to school there, we live there. So I feel like I'm in a tough position."

Before Babin joined the Titans, he was considered a journeyman, spending time with the Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs after being a first-round draft pick by the Houston Texans in 2004. But Babin blossomed under Washburn's tutelage, recording 12.5 sacks -- 7.5 more than his previous career high -- and receiving his first Pro Bowl berth.

That kind of performance usually produces a big payday, but the lockout has prevented Babin from negotiating with teams or signing a contract. The Titans decided in February to put contract talks with Babin on hold, and his agent, Rich Rosa, said then that the team hadn't "closed the door" on bringing back the defensive end.

"I've been a little anxious," Babin told MLive.com. "I would have liked to have had my contract situation squared away March 3. But there's a picture that involves the NFL as a whole, so I really can't be selfish when it comes to that. We've got to get some things squared away when it comes to the (collective bargaining agreement).

"I'm not overly concerned about having a job. I more so concerned about having my family there with me and the situation I'm going to be in -- meaning find the right schools, the right neighborhoods, find a house to live in, for a four- or five-year contract. So those are the kind of things that peeve me that they're probably not going to happen."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Allen understands contract situation facing Edwards, Vikings

Jared Allen believes Ray Edwards is "deserving of a contract" and that "you can't blame the guy for trying to get everything he's worth," but he's prepared for his fellow defensive end to leave the Minnesota Vikings.

"It's not my place to get involved," Allen, an three-time All-Pro, told The Star Tribune on Friday. "Management will do what it's got to do. Ray will do what he's got to do. I can say Ray's a good player. A vital part of the defensive line."

Edwards, who has 29.5 sacks for Minnesota in five seasons, has said if he isn't declared an unrestricted free agent for 2011, he won't play for the restricted free-agent tender of $2.8 million. He also has said he won't play for less than the three-year, $14 million-plus contract the Vikings gave his backup, Brian Robison.

Edwards has pursued a boxing career during the lockout and won his debut fight a week ago in Hinckley, Minn.

"Is Ray deserving of a big contract? I think he's deserving of a contract," Allen said. "So management will do what they feel is best for the team, and Ray will do what he feels is best for himself in his career. And then you go from there.

"That's just the business side of things. You got one shot to make as much money as you can to retire off of. You can't blame the guy for trying to get everything he's worth, especially if there's guys who are making more money for him."

Allen noted that he was in a similar situation as Edwards when he was in Kansas City, which traded him to Minnesota following the 2007 season -- when he led the NFL with 15.5 sacks and was an All-Pro -- rather than give him a big contract. The Vikings gave Allen a six-year, $73.26 million deal, and he has recorded 40 sacks in three seasons and was a first-team All-Pro in 2008 and 2009.

If he's playing opposite Robison next season, Allen is fine with it -- "Brian's obviously a good player ... a versatile guy who can play inside and out ... a heck of an athlete," he said -- but he thinks highly of Edwards, too.

"Ray has a presence on that field, so it makes it a little easier for me," Allen said. "If Ray doesn't show up, I'm sure I'll see a few more double-teams than I already see. ... But I also think that's one position we'll be OK at."

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Pats' Welker healthy, not worried about contract situation

Wes Welker provided one of the NFL's feel-good stories in 2010, making an early return from a serious knee injury for another productive season with the New England Patriots.

Wes Welker has 432 receptions in his four seasons with the Patriots, including 83 in 2010. (Robert E. Klein/Associated Press)

Welker is entering the final year of his contract, in which he'll receive $4.225 million in base and prorated salary, but the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver said money isn't on his mind as he prepares for his fifth season in Foxborough.

"I'm not really worried about it (a new contract) at all. Either way, before, after, during, it really doesn't matter," Welker told The Boston Globe on Saturday at his youth football clinic in Peabody, Mass. "I enjoy playing ball, so whenever it comes, it comes. Really, it's probably the last thing on my mind. I just want to go out play some winning football for my team and get out there and play."

Welker had reconstructive knee surgery in February 2010 after he tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee in the 2009 regular-season finale. He underwent rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder a month later. The surgeries led to a difficult offseason that focused more on rehabilitation and less on a standard training regimen.

Despite the serious nature of the injuries, Welker played in 15 regular-season games for the Patriots in 2010, finishing with 86 catches for 848 yards and seven touchdowns. He had seven catches for 57 yards in a playoff loss to the New York Jets.

Welker has done the bulk of his offseason training work at the Bommarito Performance Systems clinic in Florida. Many other NFL players -- including Matt Forte, Greg Olsen and Chad Ochocinco -- also are training there.

"I feel so much better. It's been great, really," Welker said. "Being able to train, I have confidence in everything and I feel good out there and the running, there's not achiness, there's none of that, it's just going out there and being able to do everything that I've been able to in the past and not have the aches and pains in the morning or anytime through it all. So it's been nice to see."

Many teams around the league have gotten together for players-only workouts during this unusual offseason, but the Patriots have been quiet in that department. Welker said he and quarterback Tom Brady "talk quite a bit," though setting up workouts has been a challenge.

"We're always trying to coordinate a schedule," Welker said. "He's really busy, I'm really busy, and it's kind of tough not being able to just go up to the Patriots' facility and really get together and do something, but we're working on our schedules to get together and make sure we do some work."

Welker didn't hide his frustration when talking about the lockout that has shut down the league since March.

"Being players and growing up and not having much, the fact that we're squabbling about money is kind of ridiculous to me," Welker said. "I came into this league ... I probably made more money than I thought I ever would in a lifetime, so everything from here is just icing on the cake. So hopefully we get something fair done and we can move on and get to where we can play some football."

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Report: Patriots WR Branch reworks final year of contract

After trading a fourth-round draft pick to the Seattle Seahawks for Deion Branch earlier this week, the New England Patriots hope the wide receiver and quarterback Tom Brady can rekindle some of that old chemistry.

Branch is banking on it as well.

He adjusted the final year of his contract Thursday, forgoing a $5.95 million salary for a heavily incentive-laden one in 2011, according to the Boston Herald. He has two years left on a six-year, $39 million contract he signed with Seattle after being traded in 2006 by New England, where he spent four seasons.

Branch, who is scheduled to earn $5.47 million this season as part of the six-year, $39 million deal he signed with Seattle when he was traded there by New England in 2006, reduced his 2011 base salary by more than half, according to the report.

Branch confirmed that his contract had been restructured, but he didn't give details. His agent, Jason Chayut, didn't return a call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

The Herald noted that Branch's renegotiated contract likely will help facilitate an extension for Wes Welker, who is scheduled to earn $2.5 million next season. With Randy Moss shipped to the Minnesota Vikings, Welker is unquestionably the Patriots' most valuable receiver and likely will command more money than Branch, who's 31.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Colts' Irsay on Manning's contract: 'We've had discussions'

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, attending the NFL Fall League Meeting in Chicago on Tuesday, declined to provide a substantive update on contract extension talks with his star quarterback, Peyton Manning.

"We've had discussions," Irsay said. "You get things done when it's quiet -- and it's quiet. That's the way we want to move forward."

That innuendo was about as much insight as Irsay shared on the status of the negotiations, but he did say that talks are ongoing.

Manning is in the final year of a seven-year, $98 million deal ($14 million average), and Irsay has repeatedly said that he intends to make the quarterback the NFL's highest-paid player, even if it takes the prohibitive franchise tag to keep the only four-time MVP in league history in blue and white.

Manning's contract situation has been previously compared to that of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. In September, Brady signed a four-year, $72 million contract extension, averaging $18 million per season for 2011 to 2014, with $49 million guaranteed.

Manning's brother, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, previously was the league's highest-paid player at $16.25 million annually.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Chargers entering final contract talks with LT McNeill

Marcus McNeill expressed his desire for a new contract by holding out from the San Diego Chargers. Now that he has reported to the team and been activated from the roster-exempt list, it appears a deal is near completion.

McNeill, a two-time Pro Bowl left tackle, and the Chargers are expected to go over final negotiating points Tuesday, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported, meaning an agreement likely is close.

Chargers director of public relations Bill Johnston suggested Tuesday that the two sides were close.

"Nearing 5-yr deal for Marcus McNeill," Johnston tweeted. "Team always said to 73 & 83: sign tender, go to work & we'll see how it goes. It went well for Mac."

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith disputed an ESPN report that an agreement had been reached Monday.

"That's not the case," Smith told The Union-Tribune. "If there is something to report, we'll let you know."

McNeill, a restricted free agent this offseason, rejected a one-year, $3.168 million tender offer from the Chargers, then skipped training camp, all four preseason games and the first two regular-season contests. The Chargers reduced their offer to $630,000, then placed the fifth-year pro on the roster-exempt list, meaning he was required to sit out three games after signing the tender.

McNeill signed the tender Sept. 25 and practiced with the team while he couldn't play. The Chargers added him to their active roster Monday and released cornerback Fred Bennett and safety C.J. Spillman.

According to The Union-Tribune, McNeill will work with the first-team offense in practice starting Wednesday and likely will start in Sunday's game at St. Louis.

The Chargers still have one holdout player. Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson still hasn't signed his tender, and various reports have linked him to possible trades to the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots.

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Report: Moss said no to Belichick's offer to discuss contract

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was rebuffed by Randy Moss during training camp when he approached the wide receiver about a contract extension, The Boston Globe reported Sunday.

Citing a source close to Moss, The Globe reported the conversation was the beginning of the end of the receiver's days as a Patriot. Once quarterback Tom Brady signed off on the trade, according to the newspaper, Moss was shipped to the Minnesota Vikings.

The source told The Globe that Belichick initially told Moss, who's in the final year of his three-year contract, that he wouldn't be a part of the team's future plans.

But when Moss reported to camp in excellent shape, the source said Belichick reversed course and approached Moss about another contract. Moss apparently told Belichick it wasn't the right time to discuss a deal and that they should talk after the season.

The rest is history. Moss made his now-infamous post-game rant following the Patriots' season-opening victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in which he said he wasn't appreciated, then went without a catch during a Monday night game against the Miami Dolphins three weeks later.

Belichick indicated to reporters earlier this week that Brady didn't have a say in the deal, but The Globe reported that the quarterback "gave the deal his thumbs-up" before it was officially announced Wednesday.

In an interview that aired Sunday on "NFL GameDay Morning," Belichick reiterated to NFL Network's Michael Lombardi that the decision to trade Moss was strictly based on football.

"It was really just a combination of things," Belichick said. "Part of it was Randy, part of it was our football team, part of it was the opportunity to make the trade. Just in the end, when you put it all together, we felt it was the best thing to do for our football team."

Belichick also refuted the notion that he is giving up on a season in which he is fielding a young, developing Patriots defense.

"We're here to win, and that's what we're going to do," he said.

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Bailey's future uncertain after Broncos change contract tact

The Broncos have ceased contract negotiations with Champ Bailey, The Denver Post reported Thursday, increasing the likelihood that the nine-time Pro Bowl cornerback is playing his final season in Denver.

"I am disappointed because I want to be here," Bailey said. "We know that, they know that. What's the issue here, really?"

Bailey, 32, is in the final year of a seven-year contract. He said his agent, Jack Reale, and the Broncos were close to finalizing a four-year extension that Bailey didn't really like, but he said he was willing to accept it to stay in Denver.

Then the Broncos suddenly broke off talks Tuesday, according to Reale.

"We were scheduled for a discussion on the contract offer they had recently e-mailed me," Reale said. "Before we had a chance for discussion, I received a call saying they wanted to put it off and wait until the end of the season. That is certainly their option, and while not pleased, since no player likes playing in the last year of his contract, we respect their right to pursue that approach.

"Champ will do what he always does. Play hard, give 100 percent, keep quiet and lead this team."

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels declined to comment on Bailey's contract situation.

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Cowboys Ware Gets $78 Million Contract

"The Dallas Cowboys signed DeMarcus Ware to a six-year, $78 million contract extension, through 2015, with $40 million guaranteed.

Ware received a $20 million signing bonus. He will earn $34 million in the first year of the new contract, $40 million in the first two years of the contract and $45 million in the first three years of the new contract. The overall deal averages $13 million per year.

The deal was announced at a news conference at Valley Ranch Tuesday. Ware, his wife Taniqua, and agent Pat Dye joined Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and vice-president Stephen Jones at the news conference.

"This is a Cowboy, for all practical purposes, for the rest of his days," Jerry Jones said.

Ware was in the final year of his rookie deal and would have become a restricted free agent in the off-season.

"I feel like I've gotten what I deserved," Ware said. "You can't ask for too much money. They (Cowboys) need room to work too."

The deal was agreed to before Sunday's game at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat Atlanta 37-21. Ware, who is playing with a stress fracture in his foot, had two sacks in the game.

"We shook hands with DeMarcus before the game," Jerry Jones said. "It's an honor to know he's going to lead us into the future."

Ware said he knew something was going on before the start of the game.

"Jerry usually doesn't come out on the field before the game. We talked. I'm usually zoned out. That should have been a red flag," Ware said. "We talked some more after the game.""

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