Jim Wyatt, of the Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young has plans to workout with WR David Givens before the team begins training camp Friday, July 28

Dave Spadaro, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports the Philadelphia Eagles plan to rotate their defensive linemen a lot in 2006, which will give the players plenty of rest. There is depth all around and the Eagles want to take advantage of that versatility and stretch the limits of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's genius. By rotating DE Jevon Kearse, the Eagles hope to keep him quick off the edge and give him that slight bit of advantage that can mean the difference between a sack and a quarterback's completed pass. Also the Eagles are going to move Kearse here, there and maybe everywhere. He can come up the middle as a Joker in the scheme and he can line up on the right side from time to time. This is something that most good ends do, move from side to side and even line up at tackle. Kearse was in phenomenal shape in the spring and he looked as quick and frisky as ever in those drills. The expectations are high for Kearse and for this Eagles defense. Kearse, in year three as an Eagle, looks to get back to the top of the heap in the nation's eyes. The hope is he will bring the team with him for that reemergence.

David Dorsey, of Florida Today, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton is determined to erase his 2005 performance and return to his rookie form from 2004 for the 2006 season. Clayton appeared to be running his pass routes just fine this past week at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, where the Bucs held a three-day, mandatory minicamp. Immediately after his rookie season in 2004, Clayton had left knee surgery. The recovery stretched into the 2005 season, during which his production plummeted. Other injuries, including turf toe, contributed to the dropoff. The Bucs want Clayton, the team's first-round draft pick, No. 15 overall in 2004, to return to his rookie form and Bucs head coach Jon Gruden said he's counting on it. "We were 11-5 last year with him hurt," RB Earnest Graham said. "With him coming on strong this year, we're going to be dangerous."

Casey Husband, of Redskins.com, reports the Washington Redskins have CB Shawn Springs and CB Carlos Rogers as the projected starters at cornerback. After that, there is solid competition with CBs Ade Jimoh, Kenny Wright, Dimitri Patterson and Christian Morton. Secondary-cornerbacks coach Jerry Gray said, "That's what you want and that's what you at expect at this point--guys who are willing to come in compete. We're not playing a game this Sunday. Still, what you need to see is a willingness to compete."

Roy Cummings, of the Tampa Tribune, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie QB Bruce Gradkowski could develop into the team's starting quarterback of the future. "He's a good player," head coach Jon Gruden gushed about Gradkowski at the end of this week's three-day minicamp. "He's fast, he's got a quick release and accurate arm and he's mentally tough. He can take the wrath from the players, from the coaches. I think he might even be able to take the wrath from (the media) too. I'm really impressed with the nature in which he's learned this offense." Many inside their inner circle thought Gradkowski would be gone by the fourth round of the NFL Draft, but he lasted until the sixth round. More than likely, it was size that kept teams from embracing Gradkowski. He stands just 6-foot-1, which is short by NFL standards, but he weighs 222 pounds and he's mobile.

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the Philadelphia Eagles have around $13 million in salary cap space, the second highest figure in the NFL.


Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots have slightly more than $15 million in salary cap space, the highest figure in the NFL.

Ty Law money?

Cowboys | Barber appears to becoming a Parcells favorite?

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys RB Marion Barber III appears to becoming a favorite of head coach Bill Parcells with his ability to block, catch out of the backfield and pick up yards inside. Barber could push RB Julius Jones for playing time.

Fantasy disaster brewing in Dallas backfield?

Tom Balog, of the Herald-Tribune, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tim Rattay is currently the team's No. 2 quarterback and he's ready to step in to play whenever he is needed. He has 16 starts under his belt in five-plus NFL seasons, all with the San Francisco 49ers, who made him a seventh-round draft pick in 2000. "The fact that he's played and been in the battle, that really is his strength," said Bucs quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett Thursday, June 22, when the team wrapped up its three-day minicamp. "He brings the experience that we really don't have with the other guys, to the group." "Tim Rattay is a very solid player," said Bucs head coach Jon Gruden. QB Luke McCown's knee injury pushes Rattay even more to the forefront going into training camp July 28, even though he was likely to win the backup job anyway. "He's been right in the middle of everything. He's worked hard at it, studied hard and obviously with Luke's injury now, he has to step up and take more reps," Hackett said. "The key thing going into training camp is that he's in tune to what we do, how we do it and the players that we do it with."


Matthew Girard, of the Jacksonville Progress, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Luke McCown (knee) had surgery last Wednesday, June 21, to repair damage to his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He injured his knee after making a cut to his right during an organized team workout June 13. The Buccaneers haven't released a timetable for McCown's return to the team, but he said he expects to make a quick recovery. "I've generally, throughout my career, been a fast healer from anything," McCown said. "It's just a matter of getting back, getting strong, getting my legs back under me and getting going." McCown said he was hoping this year would be a good year for him.

Richard Thomas, of the Texarkana Gazette, reports New England Patriots CB Eric Warfield will be seeking a starting spot in training camp. The Kansas City Chiefs cut Warfield, after eight seasons with the team, March 3. "Kansas City wanted to go in a different direction, and I have nothing bad to say about their organization, coaches or players," Warfield said Friday, June 23. Warfield, who is currently listed as the No. 2 left cornerback for New England, doesn't plan on being a backup. "I asked them what my role would be, and they said 'Whatever you make it.' That's why I think it I can go out there and show them what I'm capable of doing, then I can earn a starting spot," Warfield said. CB Ellis Hobbs and Warfield (6-0, 190) will likely compete for the starting left cornerback spot. Warfield has played only corner in his pro career, but says the Patriots have informed him he could be moved to safety if the team needs to move him. Warfield said he will continue offseason workouts until July 7, then get a couple of weeks off before he reports to training camp on July 28.

Sports Xchange reports Kansas City Chiefs RB Dee Brown emerged from spring drills as the backup to starting RB Larry Johnson. However, head coach Herm Edwards also made it clear that he still thinks Johnson's backup may be a more established player, RB Priest Holmes. "I'm still anticipating Priest coming back," Edwards said again this week. "If he does, then we've got two starting running backs, and not many teams have that luxury. If Priest isn't the guy, then Dee Brown gets the first shot. If he can't do the job, we look some place else."

Mike Wobschall, of Vikings.com, reports Minnesota Vikings LBs Chad Greenway, Ben Leber and E.J. Henderson will compete in training camp to start at the weak-side and strong-side linebacker positions. All three players have gotten reps at both positions throughout the offseason.


Mike Wobschall, of Vikings.com, reports Minnesota Vikings LB Napoleon Harris has seen the most reps at starting middle linebacker through the team's minicamps heading into his training camp competition with LB Dontarrious Thomas for the starting job.

Geoff Hobson, of Bengals.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals OT Levi Jones was tabbed by USA Today as one of the NFL's up-and-coming linemen. Former Bengals QB Boomer Esiason was quoted as saying Jones is on the verge of the Pro Bowl.


Geoff Hobson, of Bengals.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals OT Willie Anderson and OT Levi Jones were named the NFL's top tackles tandem by The Sporting News. The tandem received the only "A" grade in the NFL and the magazine said the two "are skilled as run blockers and pass protectors."

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports free agent DL Grady Jackson (Packers) will visit with the Oakland Raiders later in the week. Jackson has received interest from a number of franchises, including the Raiders earlier in the spring. The St. Louis Rams were likely the closest to signing Jackson, but decided to sign DL Jason Fisk instead. Some teams have had questions about Jackson's weight problems. It is not known if Jackson has a physical exam scheduled with the team.

Teresa M. Walker, of the Associated Press, reports Tennessee Titans WR David Givens is regarded as potentially the team's No. 1 receiver on the field, but is also expected to bring much needed leadership to a young Titans squad. "Now with David's experience and of course some very successful seasons, he can shed a little bit of light as far as the other guys are concerned about what it takes," head coach Jeff Fisher said. "Not just to get through training camp, but to get through a long haul of the season." "He knows what it takes to practice every day to get himself ready."

Tom Casale, of Patriots Football Weekly, reports New England Patriots WR Reche Caldwell built solid chemistry with QB Tom Brady during offseason workouts, and has been catching many deep balls from Brady. Caldwell will likely be the team's No. 2 receiver, but he could be challenged by WR Chad Jackson at some point during the season.

Zach Berman, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles PK David Akers said he will not go overboard with his reps in training camps. "Instead of 80 balls a day, I'm hitting 45 a day," Akers said. "Now, we're going to make a conscious effort. I don't need to do it that much longer."


Zach Berman, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles PK David Akers spent the offseason focusing on strengthening his hamstrings. Akers said he saw a variety of trainers and doctors during his recovery process, including a trainer who emphasizes stretching by strapping Akers down with a seatbelt so the stretch isn't cheated. "I try to see as many people as I can," said Akers. "I've done it a little harder this year than in the past, just making sure I keep doing what I need to do."

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports Baltimore Ravens SS Ed Reed's contract extension is a seven-year deal worth $40 million, including $15 million in guaranteed money.

Mike Preston, of the Baltimore Sun, reports the Baltimore Ravens and SS Ed Reed have agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension that will make him the NFL's highest paid safety, according to team officials. Terms of the deal were not available, but Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome confirmed the deal Tuesday, June 27. Reed will make anywhere between $15-$16 million in guaranteed money, according to a league source.

Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports Buffalo Bills rookie DL Jason Hall says he sees himself fitting into the team's penetrating defensive scheme. "It definitely focuses on less size," said Hall, who is 6-3, 260 pounds. "The game of football is moving towards a much faster pace. You don't have to be 300 pounds. All you have to do is have speed and leverage to get the job done. I definitely have all of those." Hall said he is focused on the fourth defensive end spot on the roster. "I like my chances a lot," he said. "I feel like there is a lot of competition there and a lot of good defensive ends, so let the best man win."

Jim Flynn and Scott Reynolds, of PewterReport.com, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie TE T.J. Williams (Achilles') will likely miss the 2006 season after sustaining a torn Achilles' tendon during a mandatory minicamp practice Thursday, June 27, according to team sources.

Bucs could have used some more Te production

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams is expected to return kickoffs for the team during the 2006 season after volunteering for the job. Williams went to the Panthers' coaching staff and told them he wanted to return kicks. The team was more than receptive to the idea and now expect Williams to do it.