Jonathan Stewart’s January surgery was designed to remove a bone spur pressing into his Achilles tendon while also alleviating bursitis and tendonitis by shaving away excess calcium deposits and cleaning out his bursa sacs. Stewart originally thought he’d be limited to six games last season before requiring surgery, but his high pain threshold allowed him to get through the season. Though he had hoped to be cleared for OTAs, Stewart won’t begin running until June. The Carolina Panthers still expect to have him ready for training camp, but he could be limited early on — just as he’s been for the first two seasons of his career.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: Free agent K Neil Rackers will visit with the Jets on Tuesday. Rackers reportedly turned down a $2 million-per-year offer from the Arizona Cardinals, and he doesn’t figure to do better with a Jets team that wanted Jay Feely to take a paycut. The Jets apparently aren’t ready to turn the job over to Nick Folk after all.

Philadelphia: Responding to a report that the Washington Redskins inquired about Donovan McNabb, the Washington Post says the team’s interest was “much earlier in the process.” Though Jay Glazer offhandedly “tweeted” the information, he did add that the Redskins’ interest was “more than just mild … they even talked players.” Mike Shanahan’s vote is reportedly “the only one that really counts” at Redskins Park right now, and he’s not believed to be seriously interested in McNabb. Glazer also reiterated that the Eagles have received offers from Buffalo and Oakland, but Andy Reid isn’t willing to banish McNabb to either team.

St. Louis: The player rep for Marc Bulger revealed that “there are a few teams waiting” for the quarterback to get released this offseason. Scheduled to receive $8.5 million, Bulger is as good as gone if the St. Louis Rams select Sam Bradford. GM Billy Devaney would trade him if he could, but no team is going to take him on at that salary. The Bears (with Mike Martz), Panthers, and Bills make the most sense as potential landing spots.

Baltimore: Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron expressed confidence that Oniel Cousins has “starter ability” at right tackle. “If Oniel Cousins winds up being the starter, we are playing with a starter,” said Cameron. “We’re not playing with a backup.” The team’s confidence in Cousins helps explain their apparent willingness to part with Jared Gaither for the right price. Cousins held his own in two games last season before LaMarr Woodley devastated him in a third game.

Cardinals signed OLB Joey Porter to a three-year contract. With Porter opposite Clark Haggans, the Arizona Cardinals now look like the Steelers West, 2005 version, at outside linebacker. Porter’s nine sacks last year seem good enough on paper, but he only had 11 QB hurries all season and turns 33 next week. He offers some leadership, but the Cards shouldn’t let Porter get in the way of promising young pass rushers Will Davis and Cody Brown.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Tennessee: Eagles failed to match Tennessee’s one-year, $1 million offer sheet for free agent DE Jason Babin, making Babin a Titan. The Tennessee Titans need defensive ends, but Babin managed just five QB pressures and 2.5 sacks off the bench in Philadelphia last season. The 30-year-old isn’t suddenly going to turn into an every-down player. He’ll be a situational pass rusher, rotating with speedy Jacob Ford and trusty Dave Ball.

Carolina: DeAngelo Williams says he is happy and thankful that the Carolina Panthers will keep him in a timeshare with Jonathan Stewart going forward. “The front office and coaching staff are single-handedly prolonging my career and (Jonathan Stewart’s) career. Thirty is like the new 50 in the NFL, especially when it comes to tailbacks,” said Williams, who turns 27 next month. “We’re each about 220 or 230 carries a year. I’d rather have that than 300-plus carries a year. It’s going to be close to a 50-50 split no matter want.”

Miami: A league source has informed Profootballtalk.com that Ricky Williams intends to continue playing beyond 2010. Williams doesn’t have a contract for 2011 and turns 33 in a couple of months, but he’s still playing at a very high level. He’s also in a whole lot of debt, and needs money. Williams, in a contract year, is due $4.35M in 2010.

2010 NFL Draft: Indiana (PA) CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah ran the forty-yard dash in 4.33 and 4.41 at his Pro Day workout. At 6’1/207, Owusu-Ansah has Raiders measurables. Also an interception machine in the D-IAA ranks, he has production to match. Owusu-Ansah is a legit second-round prospect, and it wouldn’t surprise if he went in the top 50.

2010 NFL Draft: NFL Network’s Mike Mayock predicts that Florida DE Carlos Dunlap will not be drafted in the first round. “His problem is he has a lot of average tape,” Mayock says. “I don’t see him going in the first round due to his lack of consistency.” Dunlap is a physical freak at 6’6/277 with 4.6 speed, but the depth of this talent-rich draft figures to work against him. He may be the biggest boom-or-bust player this year.

Free Agency: Free agent Pacman Jones did work out for NFL teams on Friday, after all. New Orleans Times-Picayune reporter James Varney was in the wrong spot when he reported that Pacman was a no-show. “He’s running the 40 right now and just did an interview with the camera crew we have there,” according to NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora. Only five teams showed up to Pacman’s workout.

The Chicago Bears have released CB Nathan Vasher. Vasher, due $3M and ineffective several seasons running, was never going to make the roster out of training camp, so GM Jerry Angelo cut the chord early. Vasher, 29, was an All-Pro in 2005, when current Chargers DC Ron Rivera was running Chicago’s offense. San Diego is also dangerously thin at corner.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: Seattle Seahawks acquired QB Charlie Whitehurst from the Chargers in exchange for a swap of 2010 second-round picks and a third-round pick in 2011. The move will pay off for Seattle if Whitehurst becomes Matt Hasselbeck’s eventual successor, but the Bolts got quite a haul. They move up 20 spots in round two and get a premium 2011 pick for a player with zero pass attempts in four seasons, who couldn’t beat out Billy Volek. Whitehurst, 27, posted an underwhelming 49:46 TD-to-INT ratio and 59.7 completion rate as a four-year starter at Clemson in the early- to mid-2000s. He has ideal size (6’4/227), good tools and athleticism, and outplayed Jay Cutler at the 2006 Senior Bowl. Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have been watching a lot of old tape.

Arizona: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on NFL Live Wednesday that the Arizona Cardinals consider their quarterback situation “an open competition.” It’ll be “let the best man win,” Schefter added. Based on experience in the offense, familiarity with receivers, and sheer accuracy, Matt Leinart should hold a sizable edge. Rumblings continue that the Cards aren’t sold on Leinart, however, and their previously aggressive pursuit of Charlie Whitehurst before signing Derek Anderson is only confirmation. If Anderson can regain his confidence, he’ll give Leinart a run for his money in camp.

Philadelphia: The Eagles have released OL Shawn Andrews. Andrews, a first-team All Pro in 2006 and a Pro Bowler as recently as 2007, has missed all but two games over the last two seasons due to multiple back operations and depression. He’s only 27 years old and was due a modest $2 million salary, but the Philadelphia Eagles clearly grew tired of Andrews’ mental and physical problems. He’ll get another chance elsewhere, assuming he wants one. It’s believed Andrews may no longer be interested in football.

2010 NFL Draft: Florida CB Joe Haden reportedly timed in the mid-4.4 range on both of his forty-yard dash runs at the Gators’ Pro Day. According to some stopwatches, Haden clocked as fast as the 4.3s despite a soggy, sloppy grass field in Gainesville. The draft’s top cornerback, Haden has helped his stock immensely after timing in the 4.57-4.60 range with poor running technique and a lower back sprain at the Scouting Combine. We no longer see him getting past San Francisco at No. 13 overall.

Chiefs signed RB Thomas Jones to a two-year, $5 million contract. Jones’ contract is reasonable, with $3 million this year, $2 million next year and another $500,000 incentives. He’s s expected to receive 8-12 touches per game behind unquestioned starter Jamaal Charles, and will likely be used in a short-yardage role similar to the LenDale White-Chris Johnson situation in 2008.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Arizona: Matt Leinart will not be handed the starting job in Arizona, with coach Ken Whisenhunt confirming Tuesday that a veteran will be brought in for competition. It is expected that Arizona Cardinals will attempt to sign the recently released Derek Anderson.

Denver: Denver Broncos signed NT Jamal Williams, formerly of the Chargers, to a three-year, $16 million contract with $7 million guaranteed. Josh McDaniels’ defense is taking its cue from George Allen’s “Over-the-Hill Gang” of the early ’70s. Denver set out to beef up both lines, and they’ve succeeded beyond their expectations on the defensive side. Williams joins versatile veterans Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green up front, providing a massive upgrade to the run defense , at least on paper. Expect Williams to start at the nose, with Bannan at one end and Green at the other.

Minnesota: LaDainian Tomlinson is scheduled to visit with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, according to SI.com’s Jim Trotter. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms. Tomlinson surely realizes Adrian Peterson is entrenched as the lead dog, so it appears that he’s come to grips with a decreased role. Though the Vikes are seeking a replacement for Chester Taylor in the third-down role, the fit isn’t as natural as it would seem. Tomlinson is a downgrade in pass protection as well as after-the-catch ability.

Baltimore: ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms the Baltimore Ravens are still attempting to re-sign free agent Derrick Mason even after bringing in Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth.

Tampa Bay: Free agent Antonio Bryant is believed to be the Bengals’ “first choice” at wide receiver, according to beat writer Joe Reedy. Bryant had a positive meeting with the Bengals Tuesday, pushing Terrell Owens’ visit back to Wednesday. Bryant also has a meeting scheduled with the Redskins Wednesday, so the Bengals will have to get him locked up before he leaves team headquarters. Speculation has emerged that Owens’ impending visit is merely to placate Chad Ochocinco, who has pushed for the signing.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi, the Cardinals’ asking price for Anquan Boldin is a third-round pick. While Boldin is going on 30 and would likely require a pricey multi-year commitment, Arizona’s demands appear to be plenty reasonable. Fellow trade candidate Brandon Marshall is roughly four years younger, but presents far more knucklehead factor, would ask for more money, and costs a first-round pick. The Arizona Cardinals will find plenty of suitors if Lombardi’s report is true.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Cleveland: The Browns are reportedly involved in trade talks for quarterbacks with “more than one team.” “It appears the Browns have concluded they are more apt to upgrade the quarterback position through trade rather than free agency,” according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The paper doesn’t have details, but hints that Brady Quinn could be part of an outgoing deal. The Cleveland Browns have been linked to Kevin Kolb, Matt Hasselbeck, and Donovan McNabb since season’s end.

Carolina: The Panthers have assigned a first- and third-round tender to restricted free agent Matt Moore. He’ll make over $3 million in 2010. While the move seems obvious from the Panthers’ standpoint, it’s also an acknowledgement from Carolina Panthers that Moore at least might be the team’s quarterback of the future. Moore has certainly shown enough promise to be a league average starter someday, particularly when play-caller Jeff Davidson has let him get aggressive. Moore has very sound pocket presence, an adequate arm, and underrated athleticism. He’s sure to beat out Jake Delhomme in any training camp competition.

Chicago: The Chicago Sun Times disputes multiple reports that Greg Olsen is on the trading block. Initial reports, via NBC Chicago and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, linked Olsen to the Patriots and Cardinals. The fits are odd on paper, though, because neither of those teams uses tight ends often in the passing game, and Olsen isn’t a blocker.

Indianapolis: Peyton Manning underwent surgery to relieve pain from a pinched nerve in his neck Tuesday in Chicago. The Indianapolis Colts call the surgery minor, but anything neck-, much less Manning-related is a big story. The team issued a statement saying he’ll be ready for offseason workouts, though it’s still a situation to monitor.

Denver: The Broncos have assigned first-round restricted free agent tenders to Brandon Marshall and Kyle Orton. Orton won’t get much interest, but as ESPN’s Adam Schefter points out, Denver has essentially extended an “invitation” for teams (mostly at the back end of the draft) to sign Marshall to an offer sheet. Should the Broncos not match, they’d receive that team’s first-round pick as compensation. The club is clearly willing to move on without Marshall by opting against giving him the first- and third-round tender. The Ravens should have immediate interest, and we wouldn’t rule out the Cowboys, Patriots, or Bengals making a move.

Philadelphia: According to Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post, the Philadelphia Eagles will not trade Michael Vick unless they get a second-round pick in return. Lombardi’s stance has softened since predicting early last month that the Eagles no longer planned to trade Vick. Now, he says Philly knows it could get a third-round compensatory pick in 2011 should Vick stay on the roster this year, and sign elsewhere next offseason. We still have a hard time believing any third-string QB is worth Vick’s $5.25 million scheduled pay.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter told a St. Louis radio station he is “willing to take all bets” on his prediction that the St. Louis Rams will select Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford with the No. 1 overall pick. Schefter admits that he has not spoken to the Rams about the issue, but he insists he doesn’t need to because he’s “heard enough other things” from people around the league that he considers it a lock.

Schefter also “promises” that Bradford is a top-5 player in this draft. The Rams are also reluctant to pay the going rate at No. 1 for a defensive player. If Schefter is correct, the Lions are sitting pretty at No. 2 with their choice of Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Arizona: The Cardinals have signed head coach Ken Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves to contract extensions through 2013. Per FoxSports’ Jay Glazer, Whiz will receive close to $30M for four years plus a 2014 team option, thus making him one of the five highest paid coaches in the league.

The extensions were well earned, as the duo has experienced unprecedented success in Arizona Cardinals. The Cards have won back-to-back NFC West titles while directing the franchise to its first Super Bowl in 2008-09. Graves will be in the spotlight this offseason, with many key players in flux.

Miami: Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland confirmed Thursday that Chad Henne is the team’s starting QB “now and for the future.” Coach Tony Sparano oddly didn’t commit to Henne at his season-ending presser, so Ireland did it for him. Henne will benefit from a full offseason of practice reps. Miami Dolphins seems to be leaning toward using its high picks and big free agent money on defense at the moment.

Tampa Bay: Bucs coach Raheem Morris indicated Thursday that the team is “moving on” from free agent Antonio Bryant. This is no shocker. “Antonio missed a significant amount of time last year,” Morris said. “Right now we’re going in a young direction. We’re going to choose to move on.” The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are concerned about the long-term health of Bryant’s knee, and they grew tired of his constant complaining last season. Character issues aside, Bryant is the best talent available at his position in free agency.

New Orleans: NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi reports that the Saints are “not even contemplating” releasing Reggie Bush, despite an impending $8M salary. Lombardi indicated that asking Bush to take a pay cut isn’t even in New Orleans’ immediate plans. Bush, still just 25, saw career lows in carries and catches last season, but somehow found a way to score eight all-purpose touchdowns. He’ll return as a change-of-pace back/punt returner in 2010.

Tennessee: According to the Nashville City Paper, the Titans are expected to place a restricted tender on free agent Bo Scaife, even at the cost of $4.9 million. Since Scaife was given the franchise tender last season at $4.46M, the Titans have to pay at least 110 percent of that salary this season. A pedestrian pass-catcher with little in the way of playmaking ability, Scaife isn’t worth the price tag. If the Titans do keep him, it’s an admission that Jared Cook isn’t ready for a major role.

The Bucs and Rams have reportedly explored a deal that would send the No. 3 overall pick, a third-round pick, and QB Josh Johnson to St. Louis Rams for the first overall selection. The Bucs would then draft Ndamukong Suh with the No. 1 pick.

According to Scout.com, the Rams compare Johnson to Michael Vick athletically, and they believe he has even more upside as a passer. While Johnson is an intriguing developmental QB, he’s not close to being ready to start at the NFL level. The proposed deal makes sense for the Bucs, but it wouldn’t solve the Rams’ quarterback dilemma for 2010.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Arizona: The Arizona Cardinals are expected to release FS Antrel Rolle this week. The sides have been negotiating a contract extension, but cutting Rolle will allow the Cards to avoid paying his impending $4 million roster bonus. It may also very well cost them their starting free safety. Rolle will become an unrestricted free agent and generate interest because of his play-making ability. The 27-year-old has 10 interceptions over the past three years.

Arizona: The Cardinals are expected to make Steve Breaston a first-round tender offer in the coming days.
The tender will position Breaston to receive $2.946M in 2010, when he may ascend to a starting job for the first time in his career. The Cards couldn’t get away with tendering him at a lower level without risking a team swooping in to offer him a long-term deal.

New England: Randy Moss doesn’t expect the Patriots to re-sign him after his contract is up next offseason.
Moss also confirmed that he played through a painful shoulder separation sustained in Week 5. He indicated that he has “a lot of respect” for the Pats, but he understands they aren’t an organization that likes to pay high-dollar contracts. In the final year of a three-year, $27M deal, Moss expects to play for a new team in 2011. Local beat writers have speculated that the Pats aim to get back to a more conservative offense with a dominant ground attack.

San Diego: The Chargers are making plans for Antoine Cason to be one of their starting corners in 2010, according to beat writer Kevin Acee. The San Diego Chargers are high enough on Cason to be shopping Antonio Cromartie. Cason, a 2008 first-round pick, struggled a little bit as the nickel back in 2009 and was replaced at one point by Steve Gregory. However, San Diego is confident Cason will be better at his natural corner spot opposite Quentin Jammer.

Carolina: Multiple league sources tell the Boston Globe that free agent Julius Peppers is too big a risk for any team to invest in long term. “I wouldn’t touch him,” said an ex-Panthers personnel man. “On the field, he’s a freak athletically, but it’s whether he shows up or not. He’ll go two and three games and do nothing but take up space.

Then he’ll have two sacks, a forced fumble, a pick, and change the game.” According to an AFC scout, Peppers “could end up costing some personnel guy his job…If you pay this guy, I don’t think you’ll see a double-digit sack [season] again the rest of his career.”

Former Dolphins OLB Joey Porter has been reinstated to the Dolphins’ offseason roster. “The release of Joey Porter was determined to be an invalid termination,” the club said in a statement. “Therefore at this time, Porter reverts back to the Miami Dolphins roster.” It was determined that Porter’s release would violate the existing salary cap and he will likely be cut on March 5. The Dolphins will conduct business as if Porter is not part of the team until the start of the free agency period.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: Citing sources on both sides, Scout.com’s Adam Caplan reports that the Eagles have not discussed a contract extension with Kevin Kolb. Kolb is entering the last season on his rookie contract, but in 2011 would be a restricted free agent under the current CBA rules.

The Eagles would likely feel some urgency to lock up Kolb should they trade Donovan McNabb this offseason, but no extension is likely before then. We’d put Kolb’s chances of being the Eagles’ 2010 starter at slightly less than 50:50.

Philadelphia: According to ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, the Philadelphia Eagles have “so far” told teams that both Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb are unavailable for trade. Most likely, the Eagles are playing hard to get in order to maintain bargaining position in trade talks.

No NFL player can be dealt before March 5 anyway, so there’s no good reason for the Eagles to show their hand. Scout.com’s Adam Caplan “hears” this is the first year Andy Reid is willing to listen to trade offers for McNabb, but the cost is “at least” a first-round pick. McNabb is far more likely to be traded than Kolb.

Cincinnati: Bengals signed WR Matt Jones to a one-year contract. The Cincinnati Bengals Enquirer reports that the deal is worth roughly $700K. Jones, 26, is a good upside signing with minimal risk at this price. While he isn’t even a lock to make the team, the Bengals may have plucked their 2010 starting flanker off the February waiver wire.

Laveranues Coles becomes a serious candidate for release. Andre Caldwell will likely remain in the slot, while Jones and Jerome Simpson battle for snaps outside. The move won’t preclude Cincinnati from using another pick on a wideout, though.

Arizona: The Arizona Republic confirms that the Arizona Cardinals have opened contract extension negotiations with head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Beat reporter Kent Somers says talks are in their “preliminary stages” only. Whisenhunt is currently one of the league’s lowest paid coaches. He’s led the Cardinals to back-to-back NFC West division titles and a 4-2 record in the postseason. His overall regular season record is a sound 27-21.

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner announced his retirement from football Friday, as expected. Warner’s career will go down as one of the most unique in NFL history. He famously went from stocking shelves at a grocery story while playing in the Arena league to becoming one of only two quarterbacks in history to lead two different franchises to the Super Bowl.

The two-time NFL MVP escaped a five-year drought in the middle of his career to own the three highest single-game passing totals in Super Bowl history. Though it may not be on the first ballot, the 12-year veteran is expected to eventually be voted into the hall of fame.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Arizona: SI.com’s Don Banks expects the Arizona Cardinals to lean more heavily on Beanie Wells following Kurt Warner’s retirement. Coach Ken Whisenhunt comes from a run-first background and is likely to install a more balanced offense with Matt Leinart at quarterback. Wells never did overtake Tim Hightower to be Arizona’s starter in 2009, but he was the clear feature back during the stretch run. Expect Wells to get in excess of 250 carries next season.

Chicago: The Bears have interviewed Mike Martz for the their vacant offensive coordinator job on Friday. Martz was ready to move on earlier in the week, but the Chicago Bears are getting desperate. The choice could come down to Martz or Vikings QBs coach Kevin Rogers. Though Martz had harsh criticism for Jay Cutler during the season, he does have a history with coach Lovie Smith.

Philedelphia: DeSean Jackson’s agent plans to approach the Eagles for a new four- or five-year contract for his client, according to Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia. The writing has been on the wall since Jackson switched to Drew Rosenhaus during the season. Jackson is still working under his slotted second-round contract, which has two years remaining at a combined $1.025M with roughly $800,000 in bonuses. The team’s most dangerous weapon on offense and in the return game is deserving of a raise, and the team will likely attempt to lock him up long-term.

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Bengals SLB Rey Maualuga was arrested Friday morning in Northern Kentucky for DUI and careless driving. Maualuga reportedly had a blood-alcohol level of .157, which is far above the .08 legal limit. He’s scheduled for a video arraignment in Kenton County District Court Friday afternoon.

New York: Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum was noncommittal on Thomas Jones’ future Thursday. Tannenbaum said the team “hopes to have him back,” but he also pointed to economic factors that could play into the decision. Jones is due a $2.8M roster bonus in March in addition to a $2.8M salary. The five straight seasons of 290+ carries appeared to finally catch up to him in the playoffs, which likely has the New York Jets re-thinking their backfield plans for 2010.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Cardinals have scheduled a Friday press conference to address Kurt Warner’s future. According to Schefter, “all signs point” toward Warner hanging ‘em up. His retirement would leave Matt Leinart as the Arizona Cardinals only quarterback under contract for 2010; third-stringer Brian St.

Pierre is a free agent. Warner, who turns 39 in June, finished the 2009 season with a 66.1 completion rate, 26:14 TD-to-INT ratio, and 3,753 passing yards. He indicated to ESPN’s Rick Reilly last week that playing football had lost its fun. Look for the Cardinals to sign a veteran backup to push Leinart in the preseason.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: According to ESPN’s John Clayton, the Minnesota Vikings will “make a play” for Donovan McNabb if Brett Favre retires. The connection is obvious because Vikings head coach Brad Childress is McNabb’s former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Clayton suggests that the Vikings could offer up a second-round pick, but the Eagles may hold out a first-rounder. McNabb, 33, is entering the final year of his contract, but his presence would ensure that Minnesota remained Super Bowl contenders.

Miami: Joey Porter told a radio station in his hometown of Bakersfield, California that he hopes he doesn’t have to return to Miami. We’re fairly certain Porter will get his wish, especially with a $1M signing bonus due on top of his $3.6M base salary. The trash talker was unproductive this season, was essentially suspended for a game with pay and clashed with the coaches. His agent is set for a meeting with the  Miami Dolphins this week.

St. Louis: Beat writer Jim Thomas believes the Rams are “seriously considering” trading for Michael Vick. The Rams wouldn’t have to give up much to get Vick and adding him would allow them to focus on filling their many other gaping holes. Vick knows Rams GM Billy Devaney from their time together in Atlanta Falcons and would bring instant excitment/controversy to a dormant Rams franchise. His addition would likely also lock in Ndamukong Suh as the No. 1 overall draft pick.

New England: Wes Welker (torn ACL, MCL) is scheduled to have his knee reconstructed on Tuesday, February 2. The swelling in Welker’s knee has finally gone down enough for doctors to perform the procedure, but the four-week wait figures to cost him another month of next season. Doctors reportedly have not ruled Welker out for Week 1 of 2010, but the odds are stacked heavily against him being ready by then.

2010 NFL Draft: Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan says Idaho OG Mike Iupati is “obviously the best player” at the Senior Bowl. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about him, and it’s holding true,” said Linehan, who is coaching Iupati’s North squad. “You really notice him. He can do the double teams. He’s powerful. You see him pull.” The Detroit Lions have a gaping hole at left guard, though they’d likely need an additional first-round pick to get Iupati. He’ll be gone by Detroit’s second-round pick (No. 34).

Miles Austin

Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones indicated Thursday that he’s eager to sign restricted free agent Miles Austin to a long-term deal. Jerry’s son, executive VP Stephen Jones, wasn’t ready to talk about a long-term extension for Austin after his NFL record 421 yards in his first two starts.

Austin’s dominant performance in the second half of the season erased all doubts. His agent can start with Roy Williams’ ludicrous five-year, $45 million deal and go from there. Austin is clearly the best receiver on the Dallas Cowboys and an emerging superstar in the NFL.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress confirmed that Percy Harvin missed Thursday’s practice with a migraine headache. There’s no telling how long he’ll be sidelined, though Childress believes he’ll be “OK.”

While Harvin was able to play through the migraines early in the season, he missed one game and parts of another down the stretch due to a migraine. The Vikes passing attack suffered its biggest slump during those two weeks. Harvin could be a game time decision this weekend.

Dallas: Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips’ extension runs through 2011, not 2012 as previously reported. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Phillips was to receive a 2012 option year as well, but it was scratched at the last minute. Essentially, owner Jerry Jones picked up the 2010 option and added one more year.

“I’m encouraged by the progress that we made this year, but in no way are we satisfied,” Jones explained. “This contract represents that. Two years in the NFL is an eternity, but it has to be urgent.” If the Cowboys don’t make it to the NFC title game next season, Philips is likely to be fired.

San Diego: According to beat writer Kevin Acee, it’s a “foregone conclusion” that LaDainian Tomlinson won’t be back with the San Diego Chargers in 2010. Acee points out that there won’t be a renegotiation on the $5 million LT is due because “they did that last year to avoid one this year.”

Tomlinson’s standoff with GM A.J. Smith was ugly at times last year, so we’re hoping the final parting goes more smoothly. Don’t expect teams around the league to fight over Tomlinson, as he might not even find a starting job next season. Expect the Chargers to draft a RB in the first or second round of this Aprils draft.

Arizona: Matt Leinart’s inaccuracy has “eroded confidence among the receiving corps,” according to Arizona Cardinals beat writer Kent Somers. Not only does Leinart diminish their playmaking ability, his high throws make them targets for big hits. Per Somers, the offense “will no doubt change” if Leinart takes over, with the running game taking center stage.

Chicago: Bears RB Matt Forte reportedly underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee during the past two weeks. A post-season MRI revealed the need for the procedure. Forte showed toughness in playing through a partially torn hamstring and an early-season MCL sprain, though it’s not known if the scope is related to the latter.

Chan Gailey

FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reports that ex-Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has emerged as the frontrunner for the Bills’ head coaching vacancy.

Barring a breakdown, the hire is reportedly expected within the next 24-48 hours. Gailey as a serious NFL head coaching target seems odd considering he was fired from his offensive coordinator post before the ’09 season and spent the year out of football. But his offense in K.C. during the 2008 stretch run was among the league’s most productive despite having current Miami Dolphins third-stringer Tyler Thigpen at quarterback and Mark Bradley at No. 2 receiver.

Gailey could provide a quick fix for Buffalo’s woeful offense, if nothing else. However, it is certainly surprising that the Bills did not wait to speak with the top coordinators still left in the playoffs.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Denver: The Denver Broncos have announced the resignation of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Nolan and head coach Josh McDaniels agreed to “mutually part ways,” presumably over issues of control. Nolan was also surprisingly not pursued for any head jobs after coaching up a defense laden with mediocre talent. Nolan proved he still has a golden touch as a coordinator, transforming the NFL’s No. 29 overall defense in 2008 into the seventh-best unit with just one season on the job. Nolan’s loss is a crushing blow to Denver on paper. Nolan should be immediately pursed by several clubs seeking a defensive coordinator.

Arizona: A Monday MRI revealed that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie chipped his left tibia and injured his MCL in the Arizona Cardinals‘ second-round playoff loss. The MCL was not torn and Rodgers-Cromartie’s ACL is intact. He’ll undergo tests this week to see if surgery is needed, but this gives the Cards some silver lining after Saturday’s blowout loss to New Orleans.

Arizona: Impending free agent Karlos Dansby says he has had no contract talks with the Cardinals “whatsoever.” Locking up Dansby was a priority for Arizona late into last summer, but talks shut down during the year. “If I have to leave, that’s the way the game goes,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of people come, a lot of people go. That’s how this business goes.” Dansby, 28, will be one of the top UFAs regardless of position if he hits the market.

Tennessee: Kenny Britt was arrested in New Jersey on Friday evening for a traffic violation and three outstanding traffic warrants. This is hardly a big deal, but Britt might want to start paying his tickets. Officers pulled over the former Rutgers star after seeing him stopped in the middle of the road. The outstanding warrants, totaling $865, were discovered after the stop.

Baltimore: Impending free agent Derrick Mason said Monday that he is leaning toward retirement.
According to Baltimore Ravens beat writer Aaron Wilson, Mason initially told reporters Monday that he’s “done,” then backtracked by calling himself “60-40″ to retire. The 36-year-old knows the Ravens desperately want him back, so he’s slyly putting the ball back in their court.

Arizona (11-6) at New Orleans (13-3)

After coming out on top in the highest-scoring postseason game in NFL history, the Arizona Cardinals are preparing for another offensive shootout when they invade New Orleans on Saturday afternoon.

The key matchup of the game will be the Cardinals inconsistent defense versus the Saints high-powered and rested offense. The Saints lead the NFL in total points scored (510) and yards per game (403.8) during the regular season. New Orleans Saints will counter Kurt Warner with perhaps the most dangerous quarterback in the NFL, Drew Brees, who established a league single-season record with a 70.6 completion percentage in delivering a fourth straight 4,000-yard campaign.

The Cardinals, who scored 51 points against the Packers, will try to regroup and slow down the NFLs top ranked offense. During the regular season, the Cardinals ranked 14th in the NFL in points allowed, only yielding 20.3 points per game. The 3-4 defenses did, however, have its moments and came up big in several key games.

New Orleans, who is rested and healthy after a bye week, will take advantage of the Cardinals 23rd ranked pass defense and win a surprisingly close game. Look for the Cardinals to make a few big plays on both sides of the ball and keep this one close.

Prediction: Saints 31, Cardinals 28

Baltimore (10-7) at Indianapolis (14-2)

Saturday afternoon’s AFC Divisional playoff game features the upstart Baltimore Ravens versus the top-seeded Indianapolis Colts.

The Key matchup of the game will be the Colts defense versus the Baltimore offense. Even though Baltimore showed glimpses of its great defense that lead to a Super Bowl victory, the Colts are going to score in this game. With that being said, the outcome of the game will hinge on the Ravens ability to score on offense. In their playoff victory over the Patriots, the Ravens rushed for 226 yards and only passed for 34. Joe Flacco was obviously hindered by injury and as the Ravens leaned heavily on the running game to secure the victory.

Coming off a bye, the top-seeded AFC playoff team will look to stuff the run and force the Ravens to win the game passing. The Colts, who were 24th in the NFL versus the run this season, will play eight men in the box to slow down the Ravens effective rushing attack.

No matter how you analyze this game, Peyton Manning is going to have success throwing the ball and Baltimore will not be able to score enough points to win the game. This game will not be a blow-out based on a big play by Ray Rice and/or the Ravens defense.

Prediction: Colts 24, Baltimore 13

A resolution to the Raiders’ head coaching situation is not expected until next week. Per the Associated Press, “(coach Tom) Cable had not had a second straight day of meetings with owner Al Davis as of early Friday afternoon.” The two did meet on Thursday, although the length of the meeting varies depending on who you talk too, but the meeting did not extend into Friday as was expected.

Davis, however, typically arrives in the office late in the day and works a night, so there is no telling when the two will actually meet. We’ll just have to sit and wait to find out Cable’s 2010 job status. Even if Cable is fired, he will have not trouble landing an offensive line position with another team.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New Orleans: The New Orleans Saints have re-signed RB Deuce McAllister for the rest of the playoffs. The move may have something to do with either Pierre Thomas’ cracked ribs or Mike Bell’s severe decline in production down the stretch. McAllister, 31, was out of the league all year after serving a four-game suspension to open the season for taking a diuretic (StarCaps) banned by the NFL. Its not likely that McAllister will see any playing time.

Washington: The Washington Redskins have named Jim Haslett defensive coordinator. We’ve known about the hire for three days, but the move didn’t become official until Friday. Haslett is expected to incorporate 3-4 alignments into a Skins defense that has been a 4-3 for as long as we can remember. Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter figure to be the outside linebackers. Albert Haynesworth could play five-technique end or nose tackle.

Washington: New defensive coordinator Jim Haslett believes MLB London Fletcher would make a smooth transition if the Redskins switch to a 3-4. Fletcher did get some experience in Buffalo’s 3-4 during the mid-2000s.

Arizona: The Arizona Cardinals are not expecting Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee) or ILB Gerald Hayes (ankle) to play Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter says the team has not “abandoned hopes” that Boldin can play, but it’s doubtful to happen.

St. Louis: Beat writer Jim Thomas expects the St. Louis Rams’ brass to discuss the possibility of signing or trading for Michael Vick in next week’s organizational meetings. GM Billy Devaney worked with Vick in Atlanta and even visited him in prison. Coach Steve Spagnuolo and OC Pat Shurmur are tight with Eagles coach Andy Reid, who has spoken in glowing terms about the “changes” Vick has made in his life.

New York: Thomas Jones says he is “100 percent” despite being limited in practice earlier this week with a knee injury. “I don’t even know where this stuff came from,” Jones said. “I banged my knee on the turf. We had about seven guys that got nicked up from the turf. It was just a bruise; it wasn’t a big deal.” The knee contusion did seem to limit his effectiveness; Jones only gained 34 yards on 15 carries in the win.

Seahawks newly hired head coach Pete Carroll announced on Tuesday that he plans to stick with Matt Hasselbeck as his starting quarterback. “I know that we have a first-class guy in Matt and I can’t wait to get working with him,” added Carroll, who emphasized that Hasselbeck is fully healthy after battling a shoulder injury late in the season.

With the Seattle Seahawks expected to target quarterback and left tackle with their two first-round picks, it makes sense to have Hasselbeck around for one more season to groom his successor. Expect the Seahawks to be very active on draft day as Carroll will attempt to draft college players that he covets.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Houston: Former Broncos OL coach Rick Dennison has accepted the Texans’ offensive coordinator position. Gary Kubiak’s best friend has big shoes to fill after Kyle Shanahan’s offense set team records in points and total yards. An assistant with the Broncos for 15 years, Dennison was a constant in Denver’s strong running game. He’s expected to improve the Houston Texans’ struggling ground attack while having some influence on play-calling. Since Dennison has little experience with the passing game, Kubiak could resume a hands-on role in that capacity.

Arizona: Though he was held out of Cardinals practice Tuesday, Anquan Boldin (knee, ankle) is “definitely” optimistic that he will play at New Orleans Saturday. Even though backup Steve Breston played well, having Boldin for the remainder of the playoffs is key as the Arizona Cardinals could face several high-powered offenses.

Cleveland: Browns president Mike Holmgren indicated that Brady Quinn’s foot specialist has recommended against surgery to repair the Lisfranc injury on his left foot. Quinn will be re-examined by the Cleveland Browns’ medical staff again next week, but Holmgren is confident that surgery will not be required. Quinn would have missed “a number of months” if surgery was advised, but he’s now expected to resume football activity within 6-12 weeks. Quinn should be ready for OTA’s and is inline to win the starting QB spot on Cleveland.

Buffalo: The Bills have requested and received permission to interview Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for their head-coaching job. Schottenheimer’s father, Marty, has a close relationship with new Bills GM Buddy Nix from their time together in San Diego. Jets coach Rex Ryan is already talking as if Schottenheimer will be gone after the playoffs. It’s not clear when the interview will take place, as Schottenheimer is preparing for the Chargers this week.

Jacksonville: SI’s Peter King reports that Jack Del Rio is “officially” staying on as Jaguars head coach. The Jaguars have confirmed the report. While the sides appeared headed toward a divorce, the $15M guaranteed to Del Rio was enough to keep him on board for another year.