Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik told the St. Petersburg Times that he wants rookie QB Josh Freeman eased into the starting role.

We keep asking the question: “Why do athletes make mistakes when they have so much going for them?” What you fail to remember is athletes or entertainers, for that matter, are people. They didn’t land here from Mars with superhuman talent.

The Jaguars have agreed to trade WR Dennis Northcutt to the Lions for safety Gerald Alexander, confirmed agent Jerome Stanley, who represents both players.

Antonio Cromartie and Donte Whitner stopped by the NFL Network set in Culver City, Calif., on Friday, and both chatted live with fans on NFL.com.

As word came out that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has initiated a review of the felony weapons charge against Plaxico Burress, agent Drew Rosenhaus announced on his Twitter page that five teams are interested in the former Giants wide receiver, despite the possibility of a suspension.

I’m glad you enjoy the players-only sessions we have on NFL Network. I enjoy being a part of it. Warren, Deion, Marshall and “Mooch” offer great insight, and I’m just there (LOL). This week’s installment asked this question: “If you had to start a franchise, who would you choose?” Deion chose Mike Tomlin, Warren chose Mario Williams, Marshall chose Shawne Merriman and I chose Michael Vick.

Ravens LB Terrell Suggs is hopeful to have a long-term contract by training camp and said, “I feel like we’re getting close.”

Take a look at how much each NFL team has spent over the past five years in raw dollars.

Packers veteran CB Al Harris said during a radio interview Thursday he doesn’t believe Brett Favre’s reputation should be tarnished if he choses to return. It’s a topic that resonates deeply with Packers fans. But has Favre permanantly tarnished his reputation with his pending decision to un-retire and play with the Vikings?

In a wide-ranging radio interview Thursday, Pro Bowl DT Albert Haynesworth disclosed that he could have signed a larger contract with the Buccaneers during free agency and said he believes former teammate Vince Young would be best served to leave the Titans.

Former Bengals seventh-round pick Mario Urrutia was claimed off waivers by the Jets.

Vikings WR Bernard Berrian stopped by to chat with NFL.com readers Thursday and discussed the Brett Favre situation, who the best NFL cornerback is and his team’s addition of rookie Percy Harvin.

The NFL’s supplemental draft will take place July 16, and three players who have a chance of being selected are Kentucky DL Jeremy Jarmon, Florida State WR Corey Surrency and Central Michigan OT Joe McMahon.

With the Carolina Panthers and star DE Julius Peppers talking contract, a long-term resolution seems like a good resolution for both parties when you do the math.

For now, the news that Tennessee RB Chris Johnson wants to break up the “Smash and Dash” partnership with LenDale White so he can adopt the nickname “Every Coach’s Dream” is nothing more than an amusing diversion. It won’t be so funny later this year, when Johnson becomes every fantasy owner’s nightmare.