The Arizona Republic reports that the Cardinals have fired quarterbacks coach Jeff Rutledge, which comes in the wake of offensive coordinator Todd Haley accepting the Chiefs’ head-coaching job.

The Chargers have some needs to address this offseason, but nothing has drawn more speculation and opinion than the future of RBs LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles. The Tomlinson situation has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, but the Chargers will have to make a decision on Sproles in the very near future.

The Raiders have claimed quarterback Bruce Gradkowski off waivers, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The Raiders nearly claimed the quarterback as a backup last season, but they instead went with Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo.

The Texans freed up a lot of salary-cap space by releasing RB Ahman Green and LB Morlon Greenwood on Tuesday.

The Texans released two veterans, RB Ahman Green and LB Morlon Greenwood, on Tuesday, likely signaling the end of their careers in Houston.

The Cardinals’ offense could have a different look next season without its coordinator and other possible key players released, retired or traded. Fantasy owners should keep a watchful eye on Arizona this offseason.

Jeff Garcia doesn’t believe he will be back in Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers re-signed fellow QB Luke McCown. Garcia texted the Tampa Tribune and told the newspaper that the team hasn’t reached out to him.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that Steelers WR Hines Ward had surgery on his shoulder and not his troublesome knee. Ward sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during the AFC Championship Game last month, but will not require surgery for that injury.

The Brett Favre watch has been moved to the Big Apple, but don’t look for a decision to be made in a New York minute. Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum told the New York Post that he would like to have a decision from Favre before free agency starts on Feb. 27, but it might not happen. And Tannenbaum is cool with that.

Kurt Warner is a quarterback machine, leading the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl and starting for the NFC in the Pro Bowl. Still, he’ll take some time to decompress before making a decision on his future.

If Baltimore opts to slap its franchise tag on Ray Lewis, the number will come in higher than any other linebacker that ever has played the game.

According to published reports, Edgerrin James is expected to be released by the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason.

If that news comes to fruition, it would increase the fantasy value of Tim Hightower. The rookie out of Richmond overtook James on the depth chart at one point during his rookie season before losing the role down the stretch.

The New York Jets are hopeful that they’ll have a decision from QB Brett Favre in the next 10 days about his plans for the 2009 season.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum told the New York Daily News that the team was hoping to have news from Favre before the NFL Combine, which starts Feb. 18 in Indianapolis.

The Falcons will slap their franchise tag on undrafted free-agent punter Michael Koenen, league sources said Monday. The franchise punter tag — which rarely is used — carries with it a $2.48 million salary, the average of the top five highest-paid punters in the NFL.

Veteran TE Tony Gonzalez hasn’t ruled out a return to the Kansas City Chiefs. Gonzalez, who led the AFC with six catches for 98 yards and one touchdown in its 30-21 Pro Bowl loss to the NFC in Honolulu, said he has had encouraging talks with new Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli.