Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo told reporters Tuesday that he hasn’t talked to Giants LB Antonio Pierce after the veteran’s release from New York.

Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen won’t be able to go through any drills at next week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis because he’s recovering from surgery to repair tendon damage in his right toe, his agent, Gary Wichard, said Tuesday.

The Jets will tender contracts to versatile WR Brad Smith and safety Eric Smith, Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum told the team’s official Web site Monday.

Though there is no guarantee that Rams QB Marc Bulger will be back next season, team officials are downplaying a report that him cleaning out his locker could signal his departure.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said Tuesday that Marc Bulger remains a member of the team, despite a report that the quarterback cleaned out his locker because he doesn’t expect to return.

Vikings DE Ray Edwards will be a restricted free agent if the NFL and players union don’t have a new deal by March 5. Edwards isn’t too happy about that, not to mention the fact that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell makes $9 million per year — considerably more than most players.

The Bengals haven’t completely closed the door on kicker Shayne Graham, according to the team’s official Web site. The team wants to talk to Graham’s new agent, David Dunn , at next week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

The Raiders are finalizing a new four-year contract for Sebastian Janikowski, NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi confirmed through team sources, who say the deal would be the richest in league history for a kicker.

Since the 2004 season, the defending Super Bowl champion has hosted the NFL’s showcased Kickoff game. That tradition will continue in 2010 as the New Orleans Saints will play host in the Thursday night game on Sept. 9.

The Falcons promoted quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave to assistant head coach Tuesday.

NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche believes the Saints will apply the franchise tag to unrestricted free-agent FS Darren Sharper.

University of Texas QB Colt McCoy told the Austin American-Statesman on Monday that he’s progressing well from a shoulder injury and plans to participate in passing drills at the NFL Scouting Combine next week.

Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams had surgery Monday to address the foot/ankle problems that sidelined him for the last two games of the season, The Herald in Rock Hill, S.C., reported.

All indications are that Joshua Cribbs is on the verge of a new deal with the Browns, who reportedly plan to use him even more next season.

Despite coach Jeff Fisher‘s expressed interest in retaining Kyle Vanden Bosch, The Tennessean reports that the Titans haven’t reached out to the unrestricted free-agent DE’s agent, Tony Agnone, who believes his client’s days with the franchise are over.