NFL

Mike Bell

The Saints have chosen not to match the one-year, $1.7 million offer sheet that RB Mike Bell signed with the Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s believed that the Saints never seriously considered matching the offer once the Philadelphia Eagles guaranteed Bell $500,000 and a no-trade clause. Though Bell is a physical down-hill runner when healthy, his late-season fade following a sprained knee is slightly disconcerting. He’ll enter training camp as the favorite for short-yardage and goal-line duties

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Kansas City: Chiefs re-signed restricted free agent ILB Derrick Johnson to a one-year, $2.621 million contract. Used as a mere nickel ‘backer by Todd Haley’s staff after starting his first four years, Johnson still managed 37 tackles, three interceptions, two pick sixes, and five pass breakups last season. The Kansas City Chiefs’ first-round tender for Johnson indicates that he’ll get a serious chance to start this year.

Detroit: Lions re-signed restricted free agent DE Jason Hunter to a one-year, $1.759 million contract. A free pickup last offseason after being waived by the Green Bay Packers, Hunter surprised as a rotational pass rusher and key special teamer for coach Jim Schwartz. He’s set to lose defensive snaps following the signing of Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Denver: Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said Tuesday that he’s “not in a hurry” to touch base with restricted free agent Brandon Marshall. The two have communicated just once since Marshall cleaned out his locker after his Week 17 benching. Though McDaniels continues to insist that Marshall remains “a big part” of the team, it’s obvious that the coach is dreading the possibility of entering the season with his notably mercurial receiver grousing about the lack of a long-term deal. A draft-time trade remains the most likely scenario.

Washington: Free agent CB Phillip Buchanon revealed that he’s scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins on Monday. Buchanon was recently released by a Lions team with the worst collection of corners in the league. Should he sign on with the Redskins, he’d be limited to nickel-back duties and perhaps punt returns.

2010 NFL Draft: Rams GM Billy Devaney had a “casual” meeting with the player rep for Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford Tuesday morning. Devaney joked that reporters wouldn’t have seen the two talking in public view if the discussions involved anything substantial. The sides were simply touching base on Bradford’s March 29 workout, a followup visit to the Rams, and a potential private workout.