Saints SS Roman Harper's new contract with the Saints is worth $10.5 million over three years.
They basically tore up Harper's old deal -- which put him among the NFL's ten highest paid safeties -- and are now guaranteeing only $4 million of a contract worth $3.5 million annually. Harper took a large pay cut, and none of his payments are guaranteed beyond 2013. Harper will compete for snaps with Malcolm Jenkins and Kenny Vaccaro. All three could play in three-safety sets.

The Nashville Tennessean suggests Kenny Britt's trouble-free offseason could be a "launching pad" for Britt's breakout year.
Beat reporter Jim Wyatt writes that Britt "by all accounts" got serious this offseason, and "impressed coaches and teammates" by reporting to spring workouts in prime physical condition. Britt is in a contract season and can still salvage his All-Pro talent going on age 25. While Tennessee's QB situation is an obvious concern, Britt offers mammoth upside for a likely mid-round fantasy pick.

ESPN's John Clayton calls free agent Devery Henderson a "name to watch" for the 49ers.
Clayton may be speculating because he didn't cite a source. Henderson, at age 31, can still take the lid off of defenses with straight-line speed, but has never been a natural hands catcher and probably wouldn't help San Francisco's offense much. He's generated zero interest in free agency, for good reason.

Three charges have been added to free agent Titus Young's Orange County Superior Court count, bringing the total to 11.
The new counts were undisclosed, but are related to Young's alleged May 11 burglary of a southern California home. His bail was upped from $25,000 to $50,000, as the judge deemed Young "a danger to the community." Young appeared in court Friday morning behind a protective cage, dressed in inmate orange. The judge asked him three questions and he didn't reply to any of them.

Coach Jim Harbaugh says Michael Crabtree's old X receiver position will be opened to a three-receiver competition between A.J. Jenkins, rookie Quinton Patton, and practice squad-type Ricardo Lockette.
If one of the three doesn't grab the bull by the horns, the 49ers will probably make a move before or early in training camp. "We'll put Jenkins, Patton, Ricardo Lockette at the same position and let them compete and emerge," Harbaugh promised. "The good news is somebody will emerge because they have to." It's a huge opportunity for Jenkins, who looked like a first-round bust as a rookie. He didn't catch a single pass and was inactive for 14-of-19 games, including the playofs.

The Colts tried out free agent TE Dante Rosario on Thursday.
Indy GM Ryan Grigson was likely just updating his "emergency list." A special teamer and situational tight end, Rosario is seemingly good for a fluky monster fantasy game once per year. He scored three TDs in Week 2 last season.

Kirk Cousins is getting all of the Redskins first-team offseason reps as Robert Griffin III rehabs his ACL and LCL tears.
"With the extra added reps that he's getting," said Mike Shanahan, "you can see the progression in his game." It's a reminder that Cousins could inherit some fantasy value if Griffin encounters a setback or gets injured again. Cousins saw action in three games as a rookie, starting one. He completed 33-of-48 passes (68.8 percent) for 466 yards (9.7 YPA) and a 4:3 TD-to-INT ratio.

Panthers FB Mike Tolbert promises the team will take a more run-heavy approach under new offensive playcaller Mike Shula.
The Panthers ran a "deception" offense for the first half of 2012, basing their entire formula on shotgun plays and read-option. The offense took off in the second half when more base runs were incorporated, and Carolina won four of its final six games including a 30-20 victory over Atlanta in Week 14. "I can't wait," said Tolbert. "In the running back room, we rejoiced when (Shula) said we're going to run the ball. That's one thing we're gonna do."

Panthers coach Ron Rivera observed at OTAs that Steve Smith "looks like he's 25 again."
The coaching staff isn't wild about Smith's penchant for diving for passes at Organized Team Activities, but they don't discourage competitiveness. As the clear-cut No. 1 pass-game option in new OC Mike Shula's offense, expect Smith to turn in a third straight 1,000-plus-yard season despite having turned 34 in May.

Texans RT Derek Newton weighed in at 330 pounds at the outset of OTAs.
To be fair, Newton is recovering from patellar tendon surgery. 330 is still too heavy for a zone-blocking lineman in Houston's scheme, and Newton will have to shed weight before camp if he's to keep his starting job. Newton got pushed around in 2012, particularly in the run game. But it's not more weight that he needs.

Jaguars 2012 second-round pick Andre Branch is working as the backup "Leo" to Jason Babin at OTAs.
"Leo" is the primary pass-rushing position in new coach Gus Bradley's defense. It's a weak-side edge rusher who can play in either a two- or three-point stance. Branch was a colossal bust as a rookie, managing one sack across 13 games.

Jaguars DE Jeremy Mincey attributes his disappointing 2012 production to playing too many snaps and consequently wearing down.
Jacksonville had zero depth. "When you're playing 80 snaps, no man to man [defense], can't score any points, that's what happens," said Mincey, whose sack total fell from eight in 2011 to three. "I think [the new staff] went back and watched the film, and you can't blame it all on me. I did what I could. I played hard." Mincey may still not return as a starter in 2013.

Eagles QB Dennis Dixon is working as a fourth-teamer at OTAs.
Nick Foles and Michael Vick are rotating first-team reps, and rookie Matt Barkley has already leapfrogged Dixon. The Eagles will likely bring four QBs to camp, but won't keep that many on their 53. Dixon is facing an uphill battle.

Dolphins CB Brent Grimes (Achilles' surgery) is working with the first-team defense at OTAs.
Per the Miami Herald, Grimes is "looking fully recovered," despite getting beat on a deep bomb by Armon Binns. He's manning left corner with Richard Marshall stationed on the right. Rookie Jamar Taylor will compete for nickel duties once he's recovered from sports hernia surgery. The Dolphins will have more talent in their secondary this year, but the group is littered with question marks.

Packers OLB Nick Perry (wrist) has been fully cleared.

Redskins RB Roy Helu (Achilles', toe) is sitting out OTAs.
He's doing rehab work on the side. Helu is in danger of losing his roster spot just two years after being a fourth-round pick. As a rookie, he rushed for 100-plus yards in three consecutive games late in the season. Ever since, Helu has been unable to say healthy, and Alfred Morris has seized the starting job.

Redskins DE Adam Carriker is unable to practice at OTAs due to continued recovery from last year's torn quadriceps muscle.
Carriker suffered the injury in Week 2, then encountered an offseason setback. His status for training camp is uncertain. With Stephen Bowen entrenched as the Redskins' right end, Jarvis Jenkins has the early leg up to start on the left side. Carriker figures to be the swing end if he's healthy for Week 1.

The Miami Herald "(keeps) hearing" rookie RB Mike Gillislee's name from Dolphins sources.

NFL Films' Greg Cosell believes Patriots second-round pick Aaron Dobson is similar to Larry Fitzgerald in terms of size and hands.
Dobson didn't drop a single pass as a senior at Marshall. "This is going to sound crazy, but I thought that his size/hand combination, at times, reminded me of Larry Fitzgerald," Cosell said. "He's not Larry Fitzgerald, obviously, but he's a big kid who can move very well with really good hands. ... Overall an excellent combination of size, fluid movement and hands."

Browns signed seventh-round T/G Garrett Gilkey to a four-year contract.
A 34-game starter at Chadron State, Gilkey is short armed with some athleticism and projects as a potential let guard in time. He's got a long way to go, though, and it would be stretching to expect him to make the 53 as a rookie.

Redskins ILB London Fletcher admits he never seriously considered retirement.
"I'm still playing at a high level, the team still wanted me to play," Fletcher said. "So, a lot of those things come into play." Despite Fletcher's assertion, his play has slipped in recent seasons. The Redskins seem to value his leadership above all else. There's a good chance 2013 will be the 38-year-old linebacker's final season.

Patriots signed fourth-round WR Josh Boyce to a four-year contract.
A vertical stretcher who averaged 15.7 YPR on 161 career catches at TCU, Boyce blazed a 4.38 forty at the Combine despite fracturing a bone in his foot. He's been a full participant in OTAs. Boyce projects as a sub-package receiver in the NFL, testing defenses down the field. We don't expect big rookie stats.

USA Today reports Seahawks TE Anthony McCoy underwent surgery for a torn Achilles' tendon Thursday, and will be sidelined a minimum of six months.
McCoy went down with what was originally believed to be an ankle injury in Monday's practice. A 2010 sixth-rounder, McCoy has served as Zach Miller's backup the past two seasons, catching 31 passes for 437 yards. It's an extremely ill-timed injury, as the Seahawks used the No. 158 overall pick on freak-athlete TE Luke Willson. Willson generated buzz in both rookie minicamp and OTAs. McCoy is unlikely to take the field this season, and could even be waived/injured in camp.

An anonymous teammate tells CBS Sports he believes the Jets should move on from Mark Sanchez.
"Everyone on the team likes Mark personally but there's a general feeling among some of the players that maybe it's time to give someone else a chance," the teammate said. He estimates "80-90 percent of the team feels the same way he does." It only matters what new GM John Idzik thinks, but he appears to agree with his anonymous player.

Redskins signed No. 85 overall pick TE Jordan Reed to a four-year contract.
A bit undersized at 6-foot-2, 236 pounds, Reed is a blocking-deficient pure pass catcher. That's why his 4.72 40-yard dash underwhelmed at the Combine. Alas, Reed adds a real receiving threat to a team with in-flux receiver and tight end corps, and has drawn looses comparisons to Aaron Hernandez. If Reed shows well as a rookie, the Redskins could decide to let Fred Davis walk next offseason.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the Patriots "(don't) know" how serious Rob Gronkowski's back injury is.
"I wish I knew as much as you'd like me to know," were the words of owner Robert Kraft. Rapoport believes the Pats should consider placing Gronk on the reserve/PUP list, which would hold him out for the first six games of the season. Depending on how Gronk's expected back operation goes, they may not have a choice.

Rams OT Rodger Saffold has accepted his move to right tackle.
"This game is a business; that's just the way it is," Saffold said. "I talked to my coach and basically they told me that they had a lot of faith in me to play right tackle and try to use my versatility as an advantage for the team." Saffold has wisely adopted the good-soldier approach as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. He could make a difference at right tackle after being replacement-level on the blindside.

The Chicago Tribune reports the Bears don't want to cut G/T Gabe Carimi.
Carimi's $1.016 million base salary is fully guaranteed, so the Bears would rather give him a chance to stick at guard than move on just two years after making him a first-round pick. Carimi has been skipping OTAs to train with former NFLer LeCharles Bentley in Arizona. He won't be competing for a starting job when he makes his way back to the Windy City for minicamp.

Panthers RE Greg Hardy has dropped 14 pounds this offseason in an effort to get more explosive off the edge.
The 6-foot-4 pass-rusher played at 297 pounds last season. He says he's down to 283. The third-year pro is coming off a breakout, 11-sack campaign. "I feel like I'm the best to ever live," Hardy said Thursday. "And if I'm not, I'll be here tomorrow and Monday fixing that problem." Going into the final year of his rookie contract, Hardy is going to get paid if his 2013 goes anything like this 2012.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes it "looks more and more as if" Marcus Gilbert will be the Steelers' left tackle this season.
Gilbert is competing with Mike Adams, but beat writer Ed Bouchette believes Adams' run-blocking prowess makes him a better fit on the right side. "Right now, I feel really confident with what I have to bring on the left side in protecting Ben (Roethlisberger's) blind side,'' Gilbert said. "I know he's highly confident in me, too."

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians calls Carson Palmer "as pretty a deep-ball thrower as I've ever seen."
It's safe to say Arians believes Palmer still has the arm strength to succeed in his vertically-minded passing attack. Thanks to an elbow injury, Palmer's drive and velocity were waning near the end of his time in Cincinnati, but his arm appeared much stronger in Oakland. He'll be asked to uncork no shortage of deep balls in the desert.

49ers C Jonathan Goodwin has taken a $1.2 million pay-cut, reducing his salary from $3.7 million to $2.5 million.
The new deal includes $1 million guaranteed. CSN Bay Area called Goodwin a candidate for release in February, but this should ensure his roster spot. Going on 34, Goodwin should hold off Daniel Kilgore and Joe Looney for his starting job.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports there's "nothing serious" going on between the Falcons and free agent Richard Seymour.
Fox Sports South reported Thursday that the sides were engaged in contract talks, but they must be of purely the exploratory variety. Yahoo Sports reported in March that Seymour would only come off the street if he "gets paid a lot." That might not happen in Atlanta, as the Falcons are up against the cap.

After increased tape study, ESPN's Ron Jaworski predicts Eagles coach Chip Kelly's offense will not translate to the NFL.
Jaws is perhaps the most respected game-tape watcher in pro sports, so his opinion is notable. "I just don't see NFL passing concepts in this offense," Jaworski said. "It's a movement offense by the quarterback, off the run-action, off the read-action. A lot of short, quick passes, dart routes, bubble screens. Very few plays down the field with NFL passing concepts." Jaws said he "hopes" he's wrong, but this was his conclusion after extensive tape study. "It's easy to say, `Yeah, it worked in college,'" added Jaws. "But then I looked at a game like Stanford. Stanford, a good defensive football team, shut them down. I hope it works. I like the innovation, but I think it's going to be very difficult."

Bengals signed No. 84 overall pick S Shawn Williams to a four-year contract.
An in-the-box specialist, Williams has 4.46 speed, but lacks fluidity and ball skills. Competing with Taylor Mays and 2012 fifth-rounder George Iloka to start opposite Reggie Nelson, Williams has a strong chance of getting on the field as a rookie. The Bengals' mauling defensive line should make life easier on Williams in coverage as he learns the NFL game.

Mike Goodson - who is facing felony gun and drug charges - will return to Jets practice next week.
With Goodson claiming innocence on his gun charges - by far the most serious he's facing for last week's drunken arrest - the Jets will let the legal process play out before making a decision on his future with the team, as they should. Goodson is far from out of the woods, but the odds are increasing that he'll still be Chris Ivory's backup come Week 1.

Saints SS Roman Harper has agreed to an "extension" that pays him $4 million guaranteed this season.
We've air quoted "extension" because it's actually a pay-cut. Harper had been set to make $5.25 million this season, with $2.6 million of it guaranteed. The extra year, 2015, allows the Saints to stretch out bonus money and cap hits. Harper has no guaranteed money beyond 2013. Considering Harper's nightmarish 2012 play, it's not a bad deal for the 30-year-old safety.

According to the Washington Examiner, QB Pat White's accuracy has been an issue in Redskins OTAs.
There was a reason White fell out of the league so swiftly despite being a 2009 second-rounder. In theory, he fits Washington's offense as a read-option dynamo, but White's limitations as a passer are great. He's also undersized. White likely won't make it past first cuts in Redskins camp.

According to the Washington Examiner, Robert Griffin III was putting more pressure on his surgically-repaired knee in Thursday's OTAs session than he was before going down in Washington's Wild Card loss to Seattle.
It's a cruel reminder of how limited RGIII was even before his knee finally gave out on FedEx Field's embarrassing turf. As reported Thursday, Griffin expects to start "explosive sprinting" in just a matter of weeks. It's not fair to compare RGIII's recovery to Adrian Peterson's, but thus far it's mirroring it.

The Packers are "intent" on giving 2012 second-round pick Casey Hayward every opportunity to win a starting job.
Restricted free agent Sam Shields is staying away from OTAs, and Tramon Williams is on the spot after back-to-back inconsistent seasons. A revelation as a rookie, Hayward led Green Bay in pass breakups (21) and interceptions (6), operating mostly as the slot corner in nickel packages. He should be a starter this year.

Team sources tell the Denver Post Ronnie Hillman dropped as low as 175 pounds as a rookie.
This, after Hillman weighed in at 200 pounds at the Combine. Hillman says he's bulked back up into the 190s this offseason, but adding weight in the offseason isn't hard. It's keeping it on during the grind of the season that will be a challenge. Ideally, Hillman will operate as the Broncos' third-down back this season, leaving Montee Ball to hammer away on first and second.

The nerve damage in Packers CB Tramon Williams' shoulder has "dramatically healed" after an offseason of yoga, jump-rope, and weightlifting.
Williams' 2013 goal is to replace Charles Woodson in the secondary leadership role. To be taken seriously by teammates, he's going to have to keep his starting job -- a position the Packers opened to competition. Getting the shoulder right is a good first step. Williams has been a disappointment the past two years.

MLive.com doesn't expect Lions CB Chris Greenwood to be in the mix for a starting job this season.
GM Martin Mayhew has called Greenwood a player with "starting potential," but the 2012 fifth-rounder missed his entire rookie season with an abdominal injury. The Lions are sorting through Greenwood, Darius Slay, Bill Bentley, Jonte Green and Ron Bartell opposite Chris Houston. No. 36 pick Slay is likely the Lions' preferred choice.

Aaron Rodgers expects Jarrett Boykin to "get some opportunities this year" as the Packers' fourth receiver.
This assumes Boykin beats out rookies Charles Johnson and Kevin Dorsey. Rodgers sounds confident he will. "Behind (Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones), I like what Jarrett Boykin brings," Rodgers said at OTAs. "He's a big, physical receiver who's going to get some opportunities." Packers "No. 4" receivers to open the year seemingly always pop on the fantasy radar in-season.

Saints WR Joe Morgan is trying to improve as a short-to-intermediate route runner.
The deep threat hauled in 10 catches for an eye-popping 379 yards last season. "You've seen the highlight plays, so that means all the other 31 teams have seen the highlight reel plays," Morgan said. "They're not going to keep letting me run up and down the field. Eventually guys are going to start playing softer coverage and play back me back a little bit." While stretching the field will remain Morgan's primary objective in 2013, it's possible his role will increase enough to garner WR4/5 consideration in fantasy leagues. He's a player to watch this summer.

Browns OLBs Paul Kruger and Jabaal Sheard are alternating sides in OTAs.
It's a minor detail. "It gives us a chance to work them there in case you need to down the road and just see guys from different sides," coach Rob Chudzinski said. Whatever side he's rushing from, Kruger will be an every-down player as the strong-side linebacker. Sheard will have to fight for snaps with first-round pick Barkevious Mingo, and could be limited to sub-packages.

Saints SS Roman Harper has agreed to a restructured contract.
It's been a long-time coming, but it's unclear what the sides have done. $2.6 million of Harper's $5.25 million base salary became guaranteed by virtue of remaining on the roster through March. It's possible his salary has been slashed to only the guaranteed amount. Harper's play in 2012 would certainly dictate such a move. The full details of the restructure should soon emerge.

Coach Rob Chudzinski insists Trent Richardson's (leg) absence from OTAs - and likely minicamp - is "precautionary."
"We'll take it day-by-day," Chud said. We don't doubt that the Browns are being extra cautious with last year's No. 3 overall pick, but the problem is Richardson requiring so much caution to begin with. He's been banged up since the second his name was called in New York, and never really approached 100 percent health as a rookie. Richardson's upside remains sky high - there's a reason he was the No. 3 pick - but he must prove he can stay healthy as a sophomore. Constant nagging injuries won't cut it in the rugged AFC North.

The Steelers plan to "supplement" their power-rushing attack with zone-blocking concepts in 2013.
It's one of the changes Ben Roethlisberger was hinting at. Per reporter Mark Kaboly, the Steelers are trying to take advantage of their "all-of-a-sudden big, nimble and young offensive line." The Steelers' rushing attack was ineffective under power plodders Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman last season, wheezing to 3.7 yards per carry and 96.1 yards per game. Pittsburgh has made no secret of its efforts to get more athletic up front, but new feature runner Le'Veon Bell is a better fit for a power offense on paper. That being said, Bell sometimes struggled to get more than what was blocked in college, so perhaps the ZBS will be an asset an outside runs.

Ashlee Palmer doesn't want to give up his role on special teams if he earns the Lions' starting left outside linebacker job.
Palmer played 65.4 percent of the Lions' snaps on special teams snaps last season, tied for most on the team. His play earned him a two-year extension. "I'm still a die-hard special-teams guy, but just a little more added to my plate and planning on taking on the challenge." Palmer is competing with Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis to replace Justin Durant.

New Cowboys DL Anthony Hargrove believes his role in the Bountygate scandal "took (his) earning power away."
Out of football last season, Hargrove's deal with the Cowboys is for the veteran's minimum. Hargrove was worried he'd never get another job. "I understand how this game works," Hargrove said. "And when you don't have a year of film, people are less inclined to bring you in, because they don't have enough film to evaluate you on." Hargrove's price and versatility are two points working in his favor as he looks to make the team.

ESPN Cleveland reports Bill O'Brien, Ken Whisenhunt and Ray Horton all told Browns CEO Joe Banner they'd bring Brian Hoyer to Cleveland when interviewing for the head-coaching vacancy.
Per reporter Tony Grossi, each coach considered Hoyer a "viable competitor for a starting job, and a solid NFL backup at the very least." We know GM Mike Lombardi feels the same way, but it remains to be seen if Hoyer has the arm coach Rob Chudzinski is looking for. Both Chud and OC Norval Turner favor big-armed QBs. Hoyer's not a real threat to Brandon Weeden's starting status.

Ravens DL Pernell McPhee is participating fully in OTAs following offseason groin surgery.
After a terrific, six-sack rookie year, McPhee's sophomore season was ruined as he lost explosion due to double offseason knee surgeries. Despite more playing time, his sack total fell to 1.5. McPhee will return as a situational player behind Chris Canty and Arthur Jones, competing for pass-rush snaps in sub-packages.

Vikings RE Jared Allen said he has "absolutely no idea" where he'll be playing football at in 2014.
"I pray about it," Allen said. "I talk to my wife. And we'll end up going where the good Lord takes us. But I don't know where that path is headed. Best-case scenario would have been that we would have never gotten to this point. Best-case scenario would have been the organization would have gotten something done [on an extension] a few years back." Allen is entering the final year of his contract, and so are fellow defensive ends Brian Robison and Everson Griffen. Allen and the Vikings have yet to discuss an extension.

Ex-Seahawks WR "Big" Mike Williams has signed with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts.
Williams, 29, was out of the NFL last season, after spending the previous two seasons in Seattle. He was released last July, and there were reports that he had weighed upwards of 270 pounds. Williams caught 83 passes for 987 yards and three touchdowns in 26 games with the Seahawks from 2010-11.

Fox Sports South reports the Falcons and free agent DT Richard Seymour are engaged in contract talks.
The Falcons are in win-now mode, and Seymour, at the age of 33, is likely only interested in playing for a contender. The four-time Pro Bowler has also been training in the Atlanta area this offseason, and he went to Georgia. Seymour, at 6-foot-6, 310, would bring some much needed beef to the interior of the Falcons' defensive line. The Falcons are up against the cap, but some money will be freed up in June due to Tyson Clabo's post-June 1 release designation.

Bengals LG Clint Boling is rehabbing an ankle injury at OTAs, but he's expected to be ready for training camp.
Boling, a 2011 fourth-round pick, started all 16 games at left guard last season, and he graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 10 left guard. He may have to compete with veteran Travelle Wharton for the starting gig this season.

Jaguars DT Roy Miller has been limited to just individual drills at OTAs due to knee tendinitis.

Texans OLB Bryan Braman has been running with the starters at OTAs.
Braman is one of the top special teams players in the league, but he has played just 81 snaps on defense in his two seasons. "Here's an opportunity to say, `Bryan, can you start? Can you be a starter in this league?' So we're going to give him a chance throughout OTAs to see how far he can come," coach Gary Kubiak said. Braman's getting a chance because Brooks Reed has been taking reps at inside linebacker.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports Cardinals third-round FS Tyrann Mathieu enters the NFL in the league's drug test program.
That means Mathieu is subject to as many as ten drug tests per month. The 21-year-old former LSU Tiger's off-the-field drug problems are well-documented, and he has repeated several times that he's fine with drug testing and that his issues are behind him. Mathieu signed his four-year rookie deal on Thursday, and he received just $265,000 up front. Another $355,000 is available in roster bonuses from 2014-2016, and they will void if he ends up getting suspended.

Cowboys NT Josh Brent will attend a Friday morning court hearing to determine if he violated the terms of his release.
Per the Dallas County District Attorney's office, Brent's alcohol monitoring device - a SCRAM - detected the presence of alcohol. "He is not meeting the specific conditions that come along with the SCRAM unit," spokesperson Debbie Denmon said. "He also missed several appointments he should have made, that you have to show up for, so they can monitor the device and check it." Prosecutors are asking that Brent's bail be revoked.

Texans CB Brandon Harris is going through concussion protocol after getting knocked out in OTAs this week.
"We're putting him through the protocol that you would do during the regular season," coach Gary Kubiak said. "A guy gets dinged like that, gets knocked out like he did, we'll put him through the total protocol. You probably won't see him for a good week as he goes through the process." Harris collided with first-round WR DeAndre Hopkins earlier in the week. He might sit until minicamp.

49ers signed second-round TE Vance McDonald to a four-year contract.

Texans signed third-round DE/OLB Sam Montgomery to a four-year contract.
Montgomery (6-foot-3, 262) is a questionable fit at outside linebacker in the Texans' 3-4 defense, but that's where the team currently plans to play him. He and fourth-rounder Trevardo Williams could be competing for the starting job opposite Whitney Mercilus, and Williams reportedly has looked better so far.

BuffaloBills.com reports that TE Scott Chandler (ACL surgery) is likely to be a participant in practice right from the start of training camp.
Chandler tore his ACL in Week 16 last season, and it's five months to the day since he underwent surgery. On Thursday, following the team's OTA practice, Chandler was on the field running routes and catching passes. The soon-to-be 29-year-old says he "feels good," and thinks it's "realistic" to be ready for camp. We're skeptical, but it certainly sounds like Chandler might be ready for Week 1.

49ers signed second-round DE/OLB Tank Carradine to a four-year contract.
Carradine (6-foot-4, 276) tore his ACL in November, and the team "hopes" he'll be ready for training camp. When healthy, he's a powerful pass rusher with a relentless motor. The Niners are just collecting talented edge rushers.

Redskins NT Chris Neild (ACL surgery) is practicing in full at OTAs.
Neild, a 2011 seventh-round pick, tore his ACL last August and missed all of last season. He appeared in 16 games as a rookie backup and racked up ten tackles and two sacks. Neild will compete for a roster spot this summer.

Free agent S Corey Lynch worked out for the Chiefs this week.
It's Lynch's first known action of free agency. The 28-year-old appeared in all 16 games for the Chargers last season, starting four, and recorded 39 tackles and two interceptions. The Chiefs opted to sign S Quintin Demps instead.

Rams TE Lance Kendricks had his right knee scoped last month.
Kendricks was dealing with swelling in his knee last month and decided to have it cleaned out. The former second-round pick showed up on the injury report a couple of times last season with a knee injury, but he didn't miss a game. With Jared Cook in town, Kendricks is expected to focus on blocking in 2013. He's sitting out OTAs, but he should be ready for training camp.

Ravens signed second-round ILB Arthur Brown to a four-year contract.
Brown was viewed by many as a first-round prospect as a fast, rangy, sideline-to-sideline linebacker. He recently underwent sports-hernia surgery and will be on the shelf for four-to-six weeks. Brown is questionable for the start of training camp, but he's still penciled in as a starting inside 'backer.

Eagles WR Damaris Johnson said he'll be the team's primary kick returner this season, and he'll also platoon at punt returner.
Johnson (5-foot-8, 170) handled punts for the Eagles last season, and he averaged 11.2 yards per return with a 98-yard score. CB Brandon Boykin was the kick returner last season, but he was ineffective. Johnson averaged 25.2 yards per kick return in college. Johnson also expects to be featured more on offense.

Cardinals signed third-round FS Tyrann Mathieu to a four-year contract.
There was initial chatter that Mathieu would have to accept a contract with no guaranteed money due to his off-the-field troubles, but we doubt that's the case. Mathieu didn't play safety while at LSU, but he does have experience covering the slot. He'll also be a factor in the return game as a rookie.

Steelers signed sixth-round WR Justin Brown to a four-year contract.

Panthers signed sixth-round RB Kenjon Barner to a four-year contract.
The Panthers have now signed their entire draft class. GM Dave Gettleman referred to Barner as a "little scatback" after selecting him, and we wouldn't expect him to contribute much on offense as a rookie. With a crowded backfield and stable of return men, Barner could be a weekly inactive this season.

Cowboys second-year S Matt Johnson blames his weightlifting regimen for his recurring hamstring woes as a rookie.
Johnson said he was squatting too much in the gym, and he has since focused on doing more hamstring workouts. "When you get to the pros, and playing at safety, I don't need to squat 500 pounds," Johnson said. "We did more position specific and more dynamic work." Johnson says he's lost a couple pounds since last season and feels more comfortable. He's competing for a starting job.

Panthers signed fifth-round LB A.J. Klein to a four-year contract.
Klein was a three-year starter at Iowa State, playing both strong-side and weak-side linebacker. He and Chase Blackburn will be the main backups at linebacker in Carolina, and Klein will play a lot on special teams as a rookie.

Saints waived DE Greg Romeus.
Romeus, a 2011 seventh-round pick out of Pittsburgh, tore his right ACL as a senior, and then tore his left ACL and MCL last spring in OTAs. He's never played a down in the NFL, and he didn't really fit in the new 3-4 defense.

Eagles DC Billy Davis said OLBs Trent Cole and Brandon Graham have been "outstanding" in their transitions from defensive end.
Cole and Graham have also seen some reps from the three-point stance that they are used to, and Davis acknowledged that his defense will use "multiple" fronts. Connor Barwin is the only experienced 3-4 outside 'backer on the roster, so Davis is going to have to get creative with his scheme. The Philadelphia Inquirer recently called Cole a "fish out of water" in the new defense.

The Union-Tribune San Diego thinks the Chargers could try and trade Robert Meachem if he has a strong preseason.

Updating a previous item, Pierre Garcon underwent "minor" labrum surgery in January.
Coach Mike Shanahan initially said Garcon underwent "chest" surgery. The labrum is part of the shoulder. Garcon is reportedly healthy right now, but he isn't participating in team drills at OTAs as a "precaution." Entering his age-27 season, Garcon should be all systems go for training camp.

Bills TE Scott Chandler (ACCL surgery) thinks it's "realistic" that he can be ready for training camp.
"I feel it's realistic," Chandler said. "I feel good, and I'm excited for the season. The injury is different than it used to be. The doctors are better." Chandler tore his ACL in Week 16 last season and underwent surgery just over four months ago. He isn't participating in drills at OTAs, but he is catching passes and running on the side. We doubt Chandler will be ready for Week 1.

Will Smith was running with the Saints' first-team defense at outside linebacker in OTAs this week.
Smith and Martez Wilson were with the ones, while Junior Galette and Victor Butler were with the twos. As we pointed out days ago, this attempt by the Saints to move 6-foot-3, 282-pound Smith to stand-up edge rusher is quite comical. Galette and Butler are younger and much more talented at this stage of their respective careers. Smith, due $3 million, is a candidate to be released.

Panthers SLB Jon Beason (knee, shoulder) participated in individual workouts at OTAs this week.
It came as a mild surprise to see Beason out on the field working out with the team, and then running 20 50-yard sprints after practice. He may not take part in June minicamp on a full-time basis, but he should be fine for training camp. Beason was working at strong-side linebacker on Thursday.

Jonathan Stewart (ankle surgery) was "very limited" at OTAs this week.
Stewart did some stretching with the team, before moving to the secondary field to ride the stationary bike. The 26-year-old isn't expected to participate much in OTAs or minicamp, but he should be ready to roll for training camp.

The Panthers are moving DT Nate Chandler to offensive line.
Chandler (6-foot-5, 290) went to UCLA as an offensive lineman/tight end before switching to defense as a junior. He appeared in ten games for the Panthers last season, making six tackles. After Carolina beefed up its defensive line in the draft, Chandler is trying to find a way to make the team.

Per the Philadelphia Inquirer, second-year CB Brandon Boykin can be "penned in" as the Eagles' nickel cornerback.
Boykin (5-foot-9, 182) spent most of his time in the slot as a rookie, but he was picked on by opposing quarterbacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed three touchdowns and a 100.3 passer rating on 49 targets directed at him. Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher will man the outside corner spots.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan revealed that Pierre Garcon recently underwent "chest" surgery.
We're not quite sure what part of the "chest" Garcon had fixed up, but Shanahan says the receiver is "working back quickly" and is at about "90 percent." He's also still dealing with the toe injury that hampered him last season, and Garcon recently said that he may not be 100 percent at all in 2013. We're not likely to see him in OTAs, but Garcon will probably take part in training camp.

Redskins CB Josh Wilson underwent surgery for a torn labrum "about two months ago," but he should be ready for training camp.
Wilson started all 16 games last season, and he graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 34 corner. Entering the final year of his contract, one in which he took a pay cut to stay, Wilson is expected to start opposite DeAngelo Hall.

ESPN's Ed Werder reports the 49ers "have had no recent contact" with free agent Randy Moss "before or after" Michael Crabtree's injury.
Moss, 36, reportedly "would listen" if the 49ers called, but the team appears set to move on with its younger receivers or pursue a trade. Moss has kept quiet since the season ended, and nobody knows for sure if he wants to keep playing.

Bucs agreed to terms with No. 43 overall pick CB Johnthan Banks on a four-year contract.

Saints LT Charles Brown (undisclosed) did not participate in OTAs this week.
Brown suffered a "little injury while weightlifting." He was working on the sidelines with a trainer on Thursday, and coach Sean Payton stressed the injury is "nothing significant." Brown is expected to get the first crack at the starting left tackle spot, but Jason Smith worked with the ones in his absence.

Trent Richardson is not participating in this week's OTAs due to a lower-leg muscle pull.
Coach Rob Chudzinski admitted that Richardson might not even be ready for the minicamp scheduled for June 4-6. It's not a serious injury, but T-Rich did struggle badly with nagging injuries as a rookie. He missed one game and averaged a disappointing 3.55 yards.

Robert Griffin III (knee) said he'll start "explosive sprinting" in a few weeks.

Falcons OLB Stephen Nicholas underwent sports hernia surgery this offseason.
Nicholas is coming off a 2012 campaign that saw him post a career-high 97 tackles while playing in all 16 games. Sports hernia surgeries typically come with a 6-8 week timetable. Nicholas is expected back for the Falcons' minicamps in late June.

Falcons WLB Sean Weatherspoon underwent a knee scope this offseason.
Weatherspoon missed three games last year, but that was due to an ankle sprain. This sounds like a mere clean-out procedure, meaning he'll certainly be ready for training camp. Weatherspoon is an excellent bet to push for 100 tackles a chip in a handful of sacks once again this season.

Dustin Keller said he declined a long-term deal from the Dolphins in favor of a one-year contract.
Keller's one-year pact is worth $4.25M. It's unclear how much the Dolphins were offering annually on a long-term deal, but the ex-Jet apparently didn't like it. "My worth wasn't where I think it was at," he said. "So I took a gamble on myself and said I'm better than everyone thinks I am. This is where I want to be longterm. But I want to prove to them I'm better than last year."

Titans TE Brandon Barden's DUI charges have been dismissed.
The arresting officer in the case failed to appear in court, meaning the case is now completely closed. Barden will try to crack the active roster this season after spending most of last year on the practice squad.

Giants re-signed WR Ramses Barden.

Delone Carter recently underwent shoulder surgery.
Carter tumbled down the depth chart last season, getting just 32 carries in 10 games before an ankle injury landed him on the inactive list. The extent of this surgery is unclear, but he won't have a good shot at carries this year either. Both Vick Ballard and Donald Brown are back.

Updating a previous item, coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Michael Crabtree's Achilles' tendon was "completely torn" during Tuesday's OTA practice, and the injury was to Crabtree's right Achilles'.
So this wasn't a partial tear like Terrell Suggs' April 2012 Achilles' injury. For bookkeeping, we like to know which side of Crabtree's body was injured, the full extent of the injury, and all dates associated with his recovery, in order to provide accurate timelines in the future. Crabtree underwent surgery on Wednesday, May 22. Per Harbaugh, the full Achilles' tear occurred when Crabtree was "coming in motion and just planted and started a route, and it felt like someone kicked him in the Achilles'." The 49ers hope to have Crabtree back around Week 12.