NFL

There was speculation that Seymour would be a candidate for release due to his massive salary, but GM Reggie McKenzie indicated the Raiders "wouldn't be making wholesale changes" despite their recent decision to part with CB Stanford Routt. Seymour is set to make $15 million in 2012 and is now fully guaranteed the $30 million extension he signed with the Raiders in 2011.

One of two finalists for the job, Snead became the de facto frontrunner when Vikings director of player personnel George Paton accepted a promotion to assistant general manager. Snead has spent the past 13 years in Atlanta's personnel department, and the past three as director of player personnel. He oversaw both the Falcons' college and pro scouting. He is not expected to have final say on personnel decisions over coach Jeff Fisher in St. Louis.

This lends credence to NFL.com's Friday report that Pittsburgh is planning to part ways with one of its long-time linchpins. The Steelers recently restructured a number of contracts, and almost certainly would have already been in contact with Ward if they were planning to bring him back. Ward has insisted he'll play in 2012 even if he's released by the only team he's ever known.

Sullivan is not a particularly well known NFL assistant, but he certainly made himself more interesting as the position coach during Eli Manning's best season. In Tampa Bay, Sullivan inherits a good deal of talent. Josh Freeman, who just turned 24, can expect top-notch tutoring. Mike Williams, 25 in May, projects as a strong long-term NFL No. 2 receiver if he keeps his head on straight. LeGarrette Blount could be Sullivan's version of Brandon Jacobs. Expect a vertical passing game and power rushing attack, like the system Kevin Gilbride runs in New York. Sullivan has learned under Gilbride since 2004.

"He has one year left on his deal worth $4 million," said La Canfora. "According to my sources, he won't be back there. So that's $4 million off the books." Ward could take a pay cut all the way to the minimum and he still wouldn't be worth retaining, because No. 4 receivers have to play special teams. Creating cap space at a rapid rate with restructurings and cuts, the Steelers are likely hoping to find some way to make Ward's release go as smoothly as possible.

Contacted Friday by the Associated Press, the Bengals had no comment. Maualuga allegedly struck a bar manager while fighting another man in the night club, perhaps accidentally. Either way, the citation will be frowned upon by the league after Maualuga's 2010 DUI arrest. The NFL had to fine Maualuga two game checks and strip part of his signing bonus two years ago.

He shouldn't be waiting by the phone, either. "My phone hasn't rung yet," said Wayne, 33. "It's only fair I worry about number 87 first. When I'm signed, then I can weigh in more." Wayne has had a nice, long career, but we get the feeling that he severely overvalues himself after a season in which he didn't always play hard and it showed up on tape. The Colts will not want him back.