Agent says 21 teams interested in Giants DE Umenyiora

Osi Umenyiora's agent is finding plenty of NFL teams interested in trading for the star defensive end, but so far, none of them appear willing to pay the New York Giants' asking price.

"Just trying to convince them to give up that elusive first-round pick," Tony Agnone told the New York Post on Tuesday. "Still working on it."

Osi Umenyiora is coming off a season in which he had 11.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks looks at five teams that could be suitors for his services. More...

Agnone told the newspaper that he has received inquiries from 21 teams. The New York Daily News reported Monday that the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks have shown interest either to the Giants or to Agnone. But the combination of the Giants' asking price -- a first-round pick -- and Umenyiora's desire to earn more money is making a deal difficult.

The Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday that the Giants have dropped their demand for a first-round pick and would be willing to accept a second-round pick. The newspaper cited a league source in reporting that the Ravens and the New England Patriots are interested in Umenyiora.

Umenyiora, 29, wants to rework a contract that will pay him $7 million over the next two seasons, with $3.1 million due this season. He led the Giants with 11.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles in 2010, and he has grown increasingly frustrated with the criticism he's receiving over the situation.

The Giants gave Agnone a limited time to make a deal, and that deadline is drawing near.

"It's not going to be long now," he said.

After holding out of training camp the first day, Umenyiora reported the next three but didn't participate in practice.

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Vikings cut longtime LT McKinnie; ex-Colt Johnson takes over

MANKATO, Minn. -- Bryant McKinnie spent nine years as the mainstay on the Minnesota Vikings' offensive line, never really becoming the dominant force he was expected to be but still giving the team almost a decade of solid performances.

When McKinnie showed up to training camp in Mankato woefully out of shape after the summer-long lockout, the Vikings decided to cut ties with the former No. 7 overall draft pick and start over at one of the most important positions on the team.

"This decision, while not an easy one, is in the best interests of our football team as we move forward preparing for the season," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said in a statement issued Tuesday by the team. "We appreciate Bryant's contributions to the Vikings and we wish him the best in the future."

The Vikings placed McKinnie on the non-football injury list at the start of training camp, and Frazier was vague about the reason for it. He hinted that McKinnie's weight had something to do with the issue and said Tuesday morning that he hoped to have the issue resolved soon.

Frazier met with team officials in the afternoon and informed McKinnie of the move, which will save the Vikings $5.4 million against the salary cap this season and help them get below the $120 million limit. The Vikings signed free-agent left tackle Charlie Johnson on Monday, paving the way for McKinnie's exit.

McKinnie's placement on the non-football injury list also means he likely will not be paid about $750,000 in workout and roster bonuses that were included in his contract.

"Its been fun," McKinnie wrote on Twitter.

So ended an era of sorts in Minnesota. The Vikings drafted McKinnie out of the University of Miami in 2002, picturing him as the next great left tackle in the NFL. He held out for half of his rookie season, but he immediately stepped in as the starter after signing his contract.

Incredibly agile for a guy who is 6-foot-8 and over 340 pounds, McKinnie helped make things easier for Adrian Peterson and was partially responsible for six of the top eight rushing seasons in franchise history.

McKinnie was voted to the Pro Bowl after the 2009 season, but he didn't show up for practices and was scratched from the game, eventually having to pay back almost $5,000 in travel expenses to the NFL.

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.

It would be hard to view McKinnie as a disappointment given that he never missed a game to injury during his time in Minnesota and gave the Vikings nine years at one of the most demanding positions in the game. But there always will be the sense that the immensely talented McKinnie could have been better.

Last season, McKinnie appeared to regress during a 6-10 season, and he admitted to being a little too heavy by season's end. He vowed to work hard in the offseason and return in top physical condition, but the lockout prevented him from staying in touch with coaches and doing any work at the team's facility in Minnesota.

McKinnie stayed at his home in Miami most of the offseason, working on his budding music career and prolifically tweeting about his social life on South Beach.

Now the Vikings likely will turn to the 27-year-old Johnson, who started 54 games for the Indianapolis Colts and protected Peyton Manning's blind side in 2008 and 2009. In Minnesota, Johnson will be charged with keeping new quarterback Donovan McNabb clean.

"I feel like that's what they brought me in for, was to come in and compete and try to get one of those five spots on the line," Johnson said Tuesday morning, before the McKinnie move was announced. "So, I'm not going to sit back and try to bide my time and wait. I'm going to come in and compete and see what happens."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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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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Bears C Kreutz might retire after team agrees to sign Spencer

Olin Kreutz's 13-year run in Chicago is over after the Bears agreed to a two-year contract with former Seattle Seahawks center Chris Spencer on Sunday.

A six-time Pro Bowl pick, Kreutz was an emotional leader and an important piece for a team coming off a run to the NFC Championship Game even if he was no longer at his peak.

He had backed off his request for a multiyear contract and was willing to take a one-year deal. Even so, the two sides couldn't reach an agreement.

Now, the Bears are turning to the 29-year-old Spencer, the No. 26 overall pick by the Seahawks in the 2005 draft. Back then, Bears director of player personnel Tim Ruskell was the Seahawks' general manager.

"You guys know how I feel about Olin," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "He's been a great Chicago Bear for us. Every year is a different year, a different team. You have to move on, which we're going to have to do. We are going to do it. We have a good football team, and other guys will move into that role."

Kreutz told the Chicago Tribune on Sunday that he might not ever play again.

"That is a decision I am still making. I am sure I will have an opportunity," Kreutz said. "I am just not sure if I want to play for anyone else. Retirement is definitely an option."

Kreutz played down any perception of animosity between himself and general manager Jerry Angelo.

"Jerry has been good to me too. He’s given me a lot of money and I’ve been there a long time," Kreutz said. "It felt like maybe it was time to move on. I just got that feeling. If I was right, if I was wrong, if the offer was fair. I have enough money. So the offer wasn’t a big hurdle for me. It was a feel I had, just maybe they wanted to move on no matter what the offer was."

The Tribune reported that the one-year offer Kreutz turned down was for $4 million.

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.

Like every other NFL team during this unique offseason, the Bears have been busy, adding former Pro Bowl receiver Roy Williams, running back Marion Barber, defensive tackle Amobi Okoye and punter Adam Podlesh. They overhauled their tight end corps by trading Greg Olsen to Carolina, releasing Brandon Manumaleuna and adding Matt Spaeth.

Losing Kreutz creates more questions on an offensive line that struggled last season. Chicago allowed a league-leading 56 sacks last year, with Jay Cutler taking 52 of them and suffering a concussion in the process. Things improved over the final nine games, when the Bears went with the same five players after going with four different lineups in the first seven games because of injuries and poor play.

Kreutz, however, helped keep things together even though he was no longer a dominant force. He was limited for much of the season while recovering from Achilles' tendon surgery.

Even so, not seeing him at camp the past few days was strange for his teammates. Guard Roberto Garza has been filling in at center and will likely continue to do so until at least Thursday, when Spencer can start practicing.

"(Kreutz) stands for what a Chicago Bear is," Garza said. "Tough. Hard-nosed football player. He made his teammates better."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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Seahawks, LB Tatupu agree to 'mutually part ways'

RENTON, Wash. -- First Matt Hasselbeck was told his decade as quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks was over.

Now it's middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu being shown the door, leaving the Seahawks with just two remaining members of their Super Bowl team from six seasons ago.

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.

Tatupu was cut by Seattle on Sunday morning after the Seahawks defensive captain reportedly declined to restructure his contract. A team spokesman confirmed that Tatupu and the organization "mutually parted ways."

He leaves after anchoring the middle of Seattle's defense for most of six seasons, including three Pro Bowl appearances and a major hand in taking the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl appearance following his rookie season in 2005.

It certainly wasn't a simple decision for Seattle coach Pete Carroll. Tatupu played for Carroll at USC and raved about the importance of having Tatupu on his defense from the second he arrived back in the NFL with the Seahawks.

But the 28-year-old Tatupu has struggled with injuries the past few seasons and seen a decline in production. He missed most of 2009 after tearing a pectoral muscle. Last year, he played in all 16 games, but his 88 tackles were the lowest of his career in a full season and he needed surgery on both knees in the offseason.

During the first couple of days of training camp, Tatupu was in a practice jersey, but mostly just a spectator while his teammates went through drills. Tatupu signed a contract extension back in 2008 that locked him up with the Seahawks potentially through the 2015 season and could have paid him up to $42 million. He was scheduled to make $4.35 million in base salary for the 2011 season.

Now Seattle is trying to replace both its offensive and defensive leaders.

David Hawthorne will likely to move back to inside linebacker after shifting outside last season. Hawthorne took Tatupu's place after he was injured in 2009 and managed to lead Seattle in tackles each of the last two seasons. Leroy Hill -- who was re-signed earlier this week to a one-year deal and joins cornerback Marcus Trufant as the only remaining members from Seattle's Super Bowl team -- could get the first shot at outside linebacker.

Seattle also grabbed rookies K.J. Wright (fourth round) and Malcolm Smith (seventh round) in April's draft.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Colts pay their man: Manning agrees to five-year, $90M pact

Peyton Manning has a new long-term deal in time to report to training camp, but he hasn't been cleared to practice.

Nonetheless, Colts owner Jim Irsay said Saturday that he was "thrilled" to give the only four-time MVP in league history a deal that likely will keep him in Indianapolis for the rest of his career.

Brooks: Manning puts his team first

Manning agreed to a five-year, $90 million deal that, according to Irsay, will pay his quarterback $69 million during the first three years.

Irsay described the contract as "cap friendly" on his Twitter page, and sources told NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi that the owner assured Manning that the Colts would be aggressive in free agency.

"Signing Peyton was a top priority for this organization and we are thrilled that the deal is complete," Irsay said in a statement released by the team Saturday. "We feel that it is a salary-cap friendly deal and it allows us more flexibility."

Irsay and Colts president Bill Polian are scheduled to discuss Manning's contract at a Sunday afternoon news conference.

The deal comes nearly five months after the team used the exclusive franchise tag to prevent Manning from negotiating with any other teams. Had Manning signed the one-year offer, he would have made $23.1 million this season.

By having the long-term deal done, Manning's salary-cap number will be reduced, allowing the team to sign more of its own free agents. The Colts already have re-signed two key veterans -- safety Melvin Bullitt and kicker Adam Vinatieri -- this week. They also lost linebacker Clint Session to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.

Other key players the Colts are trying to work out deals with include running back Joseph Addai and left tackle Charlie Johnson. They still haven't signed first-round pick Anthony Castonzo.

The Colts report to training camp Sunday at Anderson University, about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Colts coach Jim Caldwell said Friday he expected Manning to be at camp if he was signed.

However, Manning will not practice because he's continuing to rehabilitate from neck surgery he had in May. It was the second time since March 2010 that he had neck surgery.

The Colts announced Saturday that it will put the quarterback on the physically unable to perform list, preventing him from practicing until he is removed from it. Because it is the preseason, he could be removed from the list at any time and return to practice.

"There is every medical indication that he is progressing steadily," team neurosurgeon Dr. Hank Feuer said in a statement. "While he looks fine, he still has some rehabilitation to go. Recovery from disc surgery is unpredictable and it is not a medical concern that he is not ready at this time."

Manning has started all 227 regular-season and playoff games in his 14-year career, and the Colts repeatedly have said they expect the quarterback to be ready to start in the season opener against the Houston Texans.

Manning has completed 64.9 percent of his passes in his career, throwing for nearly 55,000 yards and 399 touchdowns. He has led the Colts to the playoffs 12 times, reaching two Super Bowls and winning one.

But as the contract negotiations dragged, Manning became more irritated with the pace.

On Friday night, Manning told The Indianapolis Star that he had instructed agent Tom Condon to complete the deal by Sunday at the latest.

And after months of Irsay promising to make Manning the highest-paid player in league history, surpassing the annual average salary of $18 million that Tom Brady agreed to in September, the quarterback said he didn't have to own that title.

On Saturday, the two sides finally came to terms on a deal that will continue to make Manning the highest-paid player in franchise with a caveat -- that the team can hopefully keep some of his teammates under contract, too.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Cards sign Heap, trade Hightower to 'Skins for Holliday, pick

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- The off-field frenzy has not let up for the Arizona Cardinals.

The team, revamping its roster in a bid to return to the top in the NFC West after a 5-11 season a year ago, started Sunday by signing two-time All-Pro tight end Todd Heap and wrapped up the afternoon by trading running back Tim Hightower to the Washington Redskins for 14-year NFL defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday and an undisclosed draft pick.

The team also re-signed free agent guard Deuce Lutui after he failed a physical with the Cincinnati Bengals for being overweight.

At sunset, the Cardinals welcomed first-round draft pick Patrick Peterson at a training camp news conference. The LSU cornerback, who reached a contract deal on Saturday, is set to practice on Monday.

It will be a homecoming for Heap, who grew up in Mesa, Ariz., and starred at Arizona State. Heap was released by the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday after 10 seasons with the Ravens.

The question will be how much Heap has left in him, but if the end of last season is any indication, the answer would be quite a bit.

Heap is the Ravens' career leader in receiving touchdowns and is second in receptions and receiving yards. Last season, Heap had 40 catches for 599 yards and five touchdowns. He caught a franchise postseason record 10 passes for 108 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Heap's 467 career receptions rank fifth among tight ends and his 41 touchdown catches are fourth among those to play the position.

"I'm just really excited about how he fits in and what we're going to be able to do with him," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "You know a large part of this next couple of weeks is seeing what his strengths are in our offense, but when you just think about some of our receivers and combining Todd Heap with them and trying to create some mismatch, you get pretty excited about that."

The hard-running Hightower had played all three of his seasons with Arizona after making the team as a fifth-round pick out of Richmond.

"We had an opportunity arise. After a lot of consideration, we thought it was probably in the best interest of both -- the club and Tim -- that we go in that direction," Whisenhunt said.

The 6-foot-4, 338-pound Lutui signed a one-year deal with Arizona after his free agent contract with Cincinnati fell apart. Weight is not an uncommon problem for Lutui, who had to earn his job back after coming in out of a shape after an ill-advised holdout a year ago.

Since the Cardinals already had signed his potential replacement in free agent Floyd Womack, who played all 16 games for the Cleveland Browns last season, Whisenhunt made it clear there is not much room for error for Lutui.

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.

"We love Deuce. He's a good football player. He's a guy we tried to get obviously when the free agency period started but he comes back to us now in a position when he's got some things to prove," the coach said. "Sometimes it's meant to be. Deuce has got an opportunity to come here, but he's going to have to earn what he gets on the football field. When he does it right and his weight's not an issue, he's a good football player. Hopefully Deuce understands that now."

There was so much activity that Peterson's return failed to get the usual top billing that a first-round pick, a man some believe was the best player in the draft, usually would receive.

With the Cardinals willing to trade cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as part of the deal to bring in quarterback Kevin Kolb, there is even more pressure on Peterson to make an impact from the get-go.

Asked what he was looking forward to most, Peterson smiled and said, "making interceptions."

"Making plays and hopefully getting the offense back in good field position," he said, "getting Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald and those guys in good field position so we can put points on the board."

The personnel moves overshadowed the team's second practice, a ragged affair.

"We've got a long ways to go," Whisenhunt said. "A lot of the little things you're seeing -- guys lining up offsides, missing the count, being in the wrong place -- a lot of the things you see early in the offseason that you get your players more comfortable with, now you're going to have to fight through. But the energy is good, the enthusiasm's good. We'll see as we proceed what kind of players we've got."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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