Now that the Bengals have punched WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh‘s ticket out of town, speculation can begin on where he will land.

Carolina is making a strong push to sign prospective free-agent OT Jordan Gross by Thursday, which would enable the team to then slap its franchise tag on DE Julius Peppers.

When the Broncos released defensive end John Engelberger, tight end Nate Jackson, linebacker Niko Koutouvides, safety Marquand Manuel, defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson and linebacker Jamie Winborn it had massive salary-cap consequences.

Days before the combine in Indianapolis, LSU offensive lineman Herman Johnson already is one of the biggest losers. Johnson, who has been listed at 6-foot-7 and 382 pounds, has lost over 30 pounds in his preparation for this week’s tests for NFL teams. He will participate in all the drills at the combine.

The Cardinals made their move in the playoffs. Their next move will involve LB Karlos Dansby. Arizona is expected to make Dansby its franchise player by Wednesday, meaning QB Kurt Warner will not receive the tag and can test the free-agent market if he doesn’t re-sign with the team before then.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler pulled out of consideration for the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive coordinator vacancy, choosing instead to stay with the Super Bowl champions, the Arizona Republic reported.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have informed QB Jeff Garcia that he won’t return to the team, the Tampa Tribune reported. The move was expected after the Bucs recently gave backup QB Josh McCown a two-year, $7.4 million contract.

Gus Frerotte was successful as the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback last season before a back injury sent him to the sideline. Now, he wants the opportunity to start again.

Not all of last year’s Lions are disposable. Detroit is paying to retain some. The Lions reached an agreement Monday with free-agent-to-be guard Stephen Peterman on a five-year, $15 million contract that included $5.5 million in guaranteed money.

One franchise tag on K Shayne Graham caused a wide range of reactions in Cincinnati.

Without confirmation, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh fell to his knees and thanked the heavens above.

The Ravens released cornerback Chris McAlister, freeing up $8 million against the salary cap to use to try to re-sign linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, according to a team official.

Fred Taylor‘s release from the team makes Maurice Jones-Drew the Jaguars’ starting running back, but there could be a problem. Jones-Drew is only signed through 2009.

The Cowboys haven’t sold the naming rights for their new $1.1 billion stadium, and they probably won’t — at least for the 2009 season, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Fred Taylor wanted to stay in Jacksonville. He even offered to take less money to do so. But in the end, the Jaguars had their plan, and it didn’t include Taylor, he told the Florida Times-Union.

A Lions source is disputing a comment from former WR Mike Furrey that Detroit’s quarterbacks have been told Daunte Culpepper will be the starting QB for the team next season, Booth Newspapers reported.