clark-judge

Sources in Dallas indicate the Cowboys are on the verge of closing the deal for Pacman Jones, with a trade likely to be finalized during next weekend's NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach, Fla. According to sources, the Cowboys would give up a choice in this year's draft, with the Cowboys surrendering a mid-to-late pick. If that's true, that indicates Dallas thinks Jones -- who is suspended -- will be reinstated for the coming season. I don't deny Pacman can help the Cowboys on the field -- both on defense and on special teams -- but heaven help Wade Phillips. The "White House" is back. So here's my question: Which comes first for Pacman: An interception or the police blotter?

What the heck is going on in Denver? The Broncos let go eight employees not involved in football operations, including media relations director Paul Kirk. Budget cuts supposedly forced Denver's hand, but someone I trust in the league said "the word on the street is that anyone associated with (former GM) Ted Sundquist is out the door." I don't know about that, but if it's true it's unfortunate. Kirk is one of the best in the business -- competent, professional and courteous. That's a big loss for the Broncos and for the media that cover them. But then I was told this morning that the club is on the verge of signing free-agent center Casey Wiegmann. The guy turns 35 this summer, for crying out loud. That makes no sense, either. I don't know, but the more I hear of the Broncos the more I don't like the direction they're going.

I didn't realize the Houston Texans were hot to trot for Warrick Dunn, but the veteran running back chose Tampa Bay because he wants to win at this stage of his career -- and the chances are better in Tampa Bay than in Houston. Look for the Bucs to use Dunn as a specialist, which is perfect for him at this stage of his career. In Houston he might've been counted on to carry more of a load, and at 33 that's not going to happen.

I don't know what Atlanta does with the third pick of the NFL draft, but I can wait. What I want to know now is what the Falcons do with disgruntled cornerback DeAngelo Hall. A league source I trust told me today there is no way Hall plays another season for the Falcons, which means a trade is likely, right? Not so fast. If you deal for the guy you not only sacrifice a high draft choice -- with a low first a possibility -- you also must do a new contract, and that's going to be a problem According to one GM Hall told the Falcons at the NFL scouting combine he waned a three-year, $30 million contract, with the entirety of the contract guaranteed. That's what's known in the business as no can do, so Hall offered the Falcons another option: 10 years at $100 million. See what I mean? This isn't going to be easy, Atlanta fans. If the Falcons are going to peddle him -- no, IF they can peddle him -- look for it to happen prior to the draft.