
| Posted: Friday February 16, 2007 9:50AM; Updated: Friday February 16, 2007 9:50AM The Lions hope to agree on a new contract with defensive tackle Cory Redding without having to use the franchise designation. Travis Henry isn't among the Titans scheduled to become unrestricted free agents, but he's probably a top priority for new general manager Mike Reinfeldt. Henry's agent, Hadley Engelhard, talked to Titans chief operating officer Steve Underwood about Henry's contract last Friday, and expects more talks before the NFL Scouting Combine next week. If Rex Ryan were to leave, the Ravens likely would look at consultant Vic Fangio, linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald and former secondary coach Donnie Henderson to be their next defensive coordinator. Justin Smith's franchise tag and probable long-term return to the Bengals indicates that the defense will stay in a four-lineman scheme with three linebackers, instead of a switch to a three-lineman, four-linebacker set. Jerry Jones said the Cowboys are "real close" to selecting their coordinators. Todd Bowles, the team's secondary coach the past two seasons, is expected to become defensive coordinator, and Jason Garrett likely will take over as offensive coordinator. Gene Upshaw, the executive director of the NFL Players Association, has denied allegations that the union has improperly represented retired players and could owe them tens of millions of dollars. 2 of 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||