NFL Truth & Rumors: May 25, 2005
Posted: Wednesday May 25, 2005 11:20AM; Updated: Wednesday May 25, 2005 11:49AM

MORE TRUTH & RUMORS: MLB | NBA | NHL/SOCCER


Troy Brown resisted signing for more money to return to the Patriots.
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Few people realize how close Troy Brown was last week to signing with the Saints, who promised him a prominent role in the offense and a better deal than the one-year, $800,000 contract the Patriots had on the table. But in the end, Brown decided to return to the Pats for a 13th season because he put more value in winning championships, maintaining relationships and doing what was best for his family. Chalk it up to another Patriots player choosing love over money.
-- Boston Herald

Jerry Rice still was contemplating his future Tuesday night and had not informed the Broncos whether he would accept their job offer. The Broncos have told Rice they are interested in having him come to training camp and compete for a roster spot, without any guarantees. Denver believes Rice can be a valuable insurance policy should one of its top-tier receivers goes down and still has enough left to contribute - even at age 42. There is a strong likelihood the ongoing saga will wrap up today.
-- Rocky Mountain News

Browns GM Phil Savage said the team remains in "radio silence" about tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., who crashed while riding his motorcycle May 1. "Right now we're just trying to make sure we get the right medical assessment, the right medical care,'' Savage said. "See where it shakes out. That's the number one thing right now, because beyond that who knows?'' Winslow continues to rehab his injured knee at the team's facility, but Savage said Winslow has not gotten a second opinion yet.
-- Akron Beacon Journal

Free agent wide receiver Charles Lee, who fell out of favor with the Bucs' coaching staff last season, signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals.
-- Tampa Tribune

Two years after the Bears matched a Minnesota offer sheet, the former Bears kicker Paul Edinger agreed to a one-year deal with the Vikings.
-- Chicago Tribune

Cornerback/punt returner R.W. McQuarters, released by the Bears this week, is expected to visit the Redskins.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

Some people believe the matter of who pays the $23 million in free-agent bonuses the Vikings gave Fred Smoot, Pat Williams, Brad Johnson and Darren Sharper this offseason could be an issue in the sale of the team. That could be a reason prospective Vikings buyer Zygmunt Wilf might try to delay the sale closing until late summer rather than next month, when some bonuses are due. Otherwise, Red McCombs, who signed the free agents under his ownership, would be stuck with the bonus payments.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

If true, this could turn out to be a risky game of chicken for both sides. And if there are other issues, McCombs could end up still owning the team this year. That might even allow Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor another chance to bid for the Vikings. A little birdie says McCombs and Taylor talked Tuesday.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

In his first public comments since a report that he is interested in selling or moving his football team, Saints owner Tom Benson said he wants to keep the team in New Orleans and eventually turn it over to his granddaughter.
-- New Orleans Times-Picayune

Benson said yesterday he has been offered $1 billion for his franchise but isn't interested in selling the club at this point, although he might reconsider after this season.