BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns didn't have time to wait for Trent Dilfer's surgically repaired knee to completely heal or for his bruised ego to get better.
They wanted to move forward -- with or without him.
Dilfer, unhappy at the prospect of being Charlie Frye's backup, was traded on Thursday to the San Francisco 49ers, where he'll be closer to home but will sit behind and mentor Alex Smith.
On Friday, Browns general manager Phil Savage insisted that Dilfer, who signed a four-year, $8 million deal with the Browns last year, did not demand to be traded.
"He never forced his way out of Cleveland," Savage said as the Browns welcomed their rookie draft picks and free agents to a weekend orientation/minicamp. "Trent never came to me and said, 'Hey, I've got to get out of here."' Full story
Alexander begins attempt at repeat MVP season
KIRKLAND, Wash. -- It's been eight weeks since Shaun Alexander signed his megabucks contract to remain with the Seattle Seahawks.
On Friday -- the first day of Seahawks minicamp -- it sounded like it had been eight hours.
"I was honored and floored by how much they offered me," Alexander said, without being asked.
The NFL MVP was still glowing about his $62 million, eight-year contract -- with $15.1 million guaranteed in bonuses and 2006 base pay -- that kept him from fleeing into free agency.
Crash course in pro football begins for Titans' Young
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans promise they will be patient with Vince Young. That approach started when Tennessee's quarterback of the future took the field for the first time as a professional.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher said coaches are being careful not to overload the third overall pick in the draft at rookie minicamp.
"We've talked about this. We want him to tell us if it's all meshing together and if it's too much," Fisher said.
"We're adding things. We're adding things each day. We'll add some things tonight and tomorrow, and then we'll send him home and he'll be back on the 16th and he'll be able to digest this and we'll move on."
Keyshawn, Smith gel at first Panthers practice
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Before their first practice together, Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson held a running conversation as they stretched on the field. Later, they joked in the huddle
The Carolina Panthers hoped it was the beginning of a dominant receiving combination that will carry them to the Super Bowl.
"We were joking, laughing and messing around in the huddle," Smith said Friday after the Panthers' first minicamp practice. "It's going to be good chemistry. It's going to be fun."
So far, no reason to worry the two outspoken wide receivers may not get along.
Williams may travel again during suspension
DAVIE, Fla. -- Serving a one-year NFL suspension, frequent flier Ricky Williams has plenty of time for more world travel, which is fine with Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban.
The Dolphins are devising a training regimen for their enigmatic running back during his enforced hiatus.
"He can work out in India or California or wherever he wants to go, as long as we develop a plan," Saban said Friday. "Working out and doing what we ask him to do has never been an issue."
Williams spent an extended vacation in Australia and India during his one-year retirement in 2004. He was in India studying yoga and holistic medicine last winter when he learned he had violated the NFL's substance abuse policy for the fourth time, resulting in the suspension.
Chicago signs RB Hollings to two-year deal
LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Running back Tony Hollings signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears.
Hollings rushed for 149 yards on 49 carries and caught seven passes for 71 yards in three seasons with the Houston Texans. He did not carry the ball or catch a pass in two games last year.
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