News

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports that former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan is the leading candidate to become the Packers' defensive coordinator.

Analysis:The two will switch roles, as McCarthy was Nolan's offensive coordinator in Green Bay three years ago.

The Minnesota Vikings signed five players to future contracts, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Analysis:Those signed were cornerback Marcus Walker, safety Roderick Rogers, running back Albert Young, receiver Jaymar Johnson and guard Brian Daniels.

Edgerrin James nearly quit the Cardinals because he was not getting carries, according to the Arizona Republic. "Throughout my career, everything's been easy and finally you get some adversity. Did I deserve that adversity? No, I'll never agree with that. But this is where I'm at and when you sign up to play in the NFL, you've got to take the good with the bad. If it got to the point where I couldn't play, I would have just went home, I would have said '(expletive) it, I ain't going to play then.' But, it never got to that point," James said.

Analysis:The Cardinals clearly need James now, because Tim Hightower has trouble attaining yards. James ran for 73 yards on 16 carries in the team's playoff win against the Falcons.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Cleveland Browns have requested permission from the Philadelphia Eagles to interview their general manager, Tom Heckert.

Analysis:Heckert does not have final say on personnel in Philly, so a move to Cleveland likely would not be a lateral one.

Cincinnati linebacker Keith Rivers had surgery on an ankle to to "clean it out," according to Bengals.com.

Analysis:The rookie linebacker had his season ended early because he suffered a broken jaw and will be ready in time for the team's mini-camps in March.

ESPN.com reports that longtime Broncos center Tom Nalen will retire.

Analysis:Nalen missed most of 2007 with an arm injury, and all of 2008 with a knee malady. He won two Super Bowls with the team.

National Football Post reports that Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski interviewed for the head coaching position with the New York Jets.

Analysis:Jagodzinski went through with the interview even though BC's athletic director threatened to fire him if he did.