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Staley, Eagles still far apart on extension
Duce Staley
WHO INTERESTED
Bears,Lions

THE SKINNY
Aug. 19 - Reports that the Eagles have been talking to the Bears about dealing Staley to Chicago might have been overstated. Coach Dick Jauron told the Chicago Tribune on Monday, "We have not talked about any trades." However, Staley has said the Bears are interested in him, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The paper also indicates the Lions are interested.

Staley and the Eagles remain far apart, even after the running back spoke with head coach Andy Reid on Sunday. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Reid told Staley he should get into camp and prove he deserves the contract extension he's seeking. Staley has held out of camp since the July 28 reporting date. If he's traded, Philadelphia would likely receive a fourth- or fifth-round pick in return.

Victor Green
WHO INTERESTED

Patriots Jets

THE SKINNY
Aug. 19 - The Jets might turn to a familiar face to solve their lack of depth at the safety position. According to the Newark Star-Ledger, the team contacted the agent for Green about a possible return, and the former Jet could be re-signed sometime this week -- perhaps as early as today. The veteran strong safety, 33, spent his first nine seasons with the Jets. He was released by the club after the 2001 season because he balked at taking a pay cut. Green spent last season with the Patriots.

Lamar Smith
WHO INTERESTED

Packers Saints

THE SKINNY
Aug. 19 - The Packers are looking to deal Smith, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports. The 32-year-old running back, expected to be released in 12 days when the team must reach the 53-man limit, suffered a hyperextended knee July 27 and wasn't even able to dress for practice until Monday. The Saints, who signed Ki-Jana Carter on Tuesday, might still be interested in Smith as a backup to Deuce McAllister. Green Bay is also exploring deals for Akili Smith and may once again turn to New Orleans, who pursued the quarterback heavily in June.


James Williams
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Eagles Patriots

THE SKINNY

Eagles Patriots Aug. 19 - The Patriots are considering signing Williams to bolster their suspect offensive lineman, the Boston Herald reports. The 35-year-old, released by the Bears in February after a disappointing 2002 season in which he battled an ankle injury, started every game for Chicago from 1995-2002, and in 2001 earned a Pro Bowl berth. Williams was in Foxboro for a visit late last week.


Scott McGarrahan
WHO INTERESTED

Dolphins Jets,Bills

THE SKINNY
Aug. 20 - The Miami Herald reports the Jets and Bills have expressed the most interest in acquiring special-teams ace McGarrahan, whom the Dolphins plan to release but are hoping to trade before cut-down day. Miami would rather not trade him within its division, but the team might not have a choice. McGarrahan hasn't practiced this week and won't play in Friday's exhibition game with Atlanta. His agent has said the only way the Dolphins will keep McGarrahan is if another safety gets hurt in Friday's game.


Lional Dalton

WHO INTERESTED


Broncos Redskins
Jaguars
Ravens

THE SKINNY
Aug. 19 - The Redskins and Broncos continue to haggle over what level of draft pick Washington will surrender to acquire Dalton, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Denver wants a fifth-rounder, but the Redskins only want to deal a conditional pick in case Dalton can't make their roster.

Dalton told the paper he also has heard rumors about deals with Jacksonville, Baltimore, Green Bay and New England.


Drew Henson
WHO INTERESTED

Drew Henson
Yankees
Texans ??
THE SKINNY

Aug. 4 - The Houston Texans, who drafted Henson in the spring and own his NFL rights, have been contacted by an unidentified NFL team about trading for the former Michigan quarterback, reports the Houston Chronicle. There has been increasing speculation this week that the Yankees will give up on Henson, once thought to be their third baseman of the future. Henson's agent, Casey Close, predicted the Yankees would trade Henson, according to the Chronicle.

Henson's contract with the Yankees stipulates he cannot play football while he is still playing baseball. And it will be difficult for Henson to walk away from a contract that will pay him $14 million through 2006, all guaranteed. But if the Yankees decide to release him and eat that contract, the NFL will be waiting.


Bernard Whittington
WHO INTERESTED


Bengals Jets

THE SKINNY
Jul. 3 - The Jets have spoken with the agent for Whittington and may sign him as a replacement for Josh Evans, the New York Post reports. The veteran defensive tackle, played with the Cincinnati Bengals for the past two seasons after seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Evans, suspended for missing a recent drug test, could be reinstated by commissioner Paul Tagliabue at midseason.