DENVER (AP) — A former inmate who was in jail with the man accused of killing Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams testified that the suspect boasted about putting Williams “to sleep.”

The Denver Post reported on its Web site Wednesday that Joshua Grantham testified that he was reading a magazine that had a tribute to Williams when Willie Clark allegedly made the comment. The 26-year-old is on trial on first-degree murder and other charges. His attorneys argue he is innocent and the scapegoat in the case.

Grantham was serving a 15-year sentence for aggravated robbery in Denver when he was in jail with Clark.

Authorities say Williams was in a limousine when he was shot by someone in an SUV on New Year’s Day 2007. Williams had been at a Denver nightclub where an altercation occurred.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Chargers made two surprise moves in the hours before free agency began, deciding to keep speedy little Darren Sproles and releasing veteran defensive tackle Jamal Williams.

The Chargers placed the maximum first- and third-round tender on Sproles on Thursday, offering him a contract for $7,283,000 for next season. If Sproles signs an offer sheet with another team, San Diego would have the right to match the offer or receive first- and third-round draft picks as compensation for losing him.
Agent Gary Wichard said the tender will allow the two sides to continue talking about a long-term deal.

Six days ago, a person familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Chargers hadn’t made it official, told The Associated Press that the team had decided not to tender Sproles, allowing him to test the free agent market.

Wichard said there was “tremendous” interest in Sproles around the league, which may have led the Chargers to change their mind.

Williams has been one of San Diego’s key run-stuffers for 12 seasons. He sustained a triceps injury in the 2009 season opener and missed the rest of the year. He also has a history of knee injuries.

The Chargers also made first-and third-round tenders to outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, left tackle Marcus McNeill and wide receivers Malcom Floyd and Vincent Jackson.

Backup running back Michael Bennett also was released, leaving the Chargers thin at that position. LaDainian Tomlinson was released last week after a brilliant nine-year run with the Bolts. The Chargers are expected to take a running back high in the draft.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Porter told Head Coach Tony Sparano he was not happy with his number of snaps last season, or for being suspended for the team’s game Nov. 15. Porter felt he was limited in his ability to do what he does best because he often found himself on the sideline rather than in the game.

–Albert Breer (Boston Globe) reports the New England Patriots sat down with South Carolina Gamecocks DE/OLB Eric Norwood Monday, Jan. 25. The team is expected to do the same with University of Michigan Wolverines DE/OLB Brandon Graham Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Cody raised concerns when he weighed in at the Senior Bowl at 370 pounds. Miami Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano said Cody “would have lose a few (pounds) for me” if he ended up in Miami.

–Jim Thomas (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) reports the St. Louis Rams have met with University of Mississippi Rebels RB/WR Dexter McCluster. McCluster is working at wide receiver during practices for the Senior Bowl. He has also been returning punts and kickoffs.

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Rodgers-Cromartie said he hopes to be back on the field in time for OTAs this summer. He said he expects to be out “three to four months at the max.”

–D. Orlando Ledbetter (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) reports the Atlanta Falcons have talked with Oklahoma State CB Perrish Cox.

–Roy Cummings (Tampa Tribune) reports former NFL Quarterbacks Coach Terry Shea is a candidate to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Quarterbacks Coach.

–Rick Stroud (St. Petersburg Times) reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik remains committed to building the team through the NFL Draft rather than free agency.

Dominik said, “We’re going to look in free agency. But as I studied, I’m a firm believer we’re going to build this thing from the draft. People can say, “Hey, could they spend a lot of money in free agency?’ I don’t think we’re going to be big players in free agency because I really believe you build through the draft.”

Dominik feels the team has a solid core of experienced players to build upon.

–D. Orlando Ledbetter (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) reports University of Georgia Bulldogs DT Geno Atkins has been impressive during Senior Bowl practices. NFL Network Analyst Mike Mayock said, “He’s disruptive and gets up the field. He’s a one-gap kid. He’s got a great motor.” Atkins performed well in one-on-one pass-rushing drills.

Atkins has talked with the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Atkins has been invited to participate at the NFL Scouting Combine.

–Greg A. Bedard (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) reports University of Michigan Wolverines DE/OLB Brandon Graham has been impressive during Senior Bowl practices. He has been a standout in one-on-ones.

–Greg A. Bedard (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) reports the Green Bay Packers are keeping a close eye on running backs and linebackers, among other positions, during Senior Bowl practices.

–Gerry Fraley (Dallas Morning News) reports Dallas Cowboys Owner/General Manager Jerry Jones admitted RB Marion Barber III’s string of injuries the past two years could cause a change in how the offense divides carries among their running backs.

Jones said, “We have had an injury issue there at the end of each of the last two seasons. That may have something to do with the amount of time we can give the other backs. That could impact that decision.”

–Ralph Vacchiano (New York Daily News) reports New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell said on Sirius NFL Radio’s “The Opening Drive” that he has “a lot of confidence” in the defensive coaches he inherited and is not planning to make any changes to the coaching staff. The team still needs to hire a new Defensive Line Coach.

–Mike Reiss (ESPN Boston) reports New England Patriots OT Matt Light suffered a dislocated kneecap and also “got a little bit of the MCL” during the team’s game against the Denver Broncos this season.

–John McClain (Houston Chronicle) reports the Houston Texans have hired former Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Greg Knapp to be the team’s Quarterbacks Coach.

–Dave Hutchinson (The Star Ledger) reports the New York Jets are leaning toward releasing CB Donald Strickland this offseason.

–Doug Roberson (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) reports the Buffalo Bills hired Georgia Tech Recruiting Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach Giff Smith as their Outside Linebackers Coach Tuesday, Jan. 26.

“I’m feeling good,” Reed said. “It’s still early in the offseason. The comment was made right after the game because that’s the truth of the matter. I’ve got some things I got to take care of before I continue to go there. But the comment hasn’t changed, it still is what it is.”

–Dave Hutchinson (The Star Ledger) reports New York Jets DE/OLB Vernon Gholston’s future with the team is uncertain this offseason even though the team owes him roughly $11 million in guaranteed money.

–Pewter Report reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will meet with former NFL WR Keenan McCardell regarding their vacant Wide Receivers Coaching position.

–ESPN reports San Francisco 49ers DL Justin Smith has been added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, replacing Minnesota Vikings DL Kevin Williams (knee).

–Matt Mosley (ESPN) reports Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones said that he does not expect the team to move off of their No. 27 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

–Matt Mosley (ESPN) reports University of Florida Gators QB Tim Tebow may be considered as a TE or LB in the NFL, according to scouts. “I know he dropped a couple from center, but that’s not a big deal to me,” said one scout. “He’s got time to figure that out.”

“He’s a good football player, so teams will have to figure out how to use him. I think he’ll run a 4.6 or better at the combine, so his speed won’t be an issue. We’ll look at him first as a quarterback, but you have to also think about how he would look as a running back or a tight end. I even think he might be able to play linebacker.”

–Matt Mosley (ESPN) reports Idaho Vandals OL Mike Iupati has impressed scouts during Senior Bowl practice this week.

“Idaho’s Mike Iupati is clearly the best offensive lineman on the North roster. He is quick, powerful, balanced and nasty. He struggled when moved to tackle and might fit best at guard in the NFL, but Iupati is good enough to consider in the late first round,” scouts said.

–ESPN reports University of Florida Gators QB Tim Tebow is dealing with strep throat this week and was even hospitalized on Monday evening. However, he will continue to practice this week and will play in the Senior Bowl.

–Football News Nation is reporting Atlanta Falcons WR Roddy White has been added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, who is replacing Minnesota Vikings WR Sydney Rice after withdrawing.

–West Virginia Mountaineers QB Jarrett Brown has been the most pleasant surprise at the QB position of QB. He clearly has all the physical tools and his athleticism is extraordinary. He has a very live arm, good mechanics, and a quick release. Although Brown is still very raw and needs some work, he looks like he has what you need in a starting QB down the road and some scouts have compared him to a bigger version of Jacksonville Jaguars QB David Garrard.

–Oklahoma State Cowboys QB Zach Robinson has quietly been putting together a solid week. Robinson has showed a quick release, nice ball, and good accuracy.

Running Backs:
–Alabama Crimson Tide RB Roy Upchurch displayed a good knack for picking up blitzes and being good in pass protection during one-on-one drills.

-Mississippi Rebels RB/WR Dexter McCluster has been working at both RB and WR during his time here in Mobile. Dexter McCluster was better than expected catching the football and a lot more crisper in his route running than anticipated, making some nice catches down the field and a knack to get down field behind the defense.

–Auburn Tigers RB Ben Tate displayed some good hands and flashed skills as a weapon in the passing game.

Wide Receivers:
–Citadel Bulldogs WR Andre Roberts displayed an uncanny knack for getting open today and was hard to cover the entire day.

–Mississippi Rebels WR Shay Hodge is displaying quick feet and agility during individual drills. He catches everything away from his body and looks to be very polished and NFL ready.

–Former University of Alabama-Birmingham QB Joe Webb is working as a wide receiver this week but is struggling in his transition, which is expected. He needs a lot of work and is very raw but he has lacked burst off the line of scrimmage. He has been inconsistent catching the football this week but has excellent physical tools to work with and has some potential.

–University of Florida Gators WR Riley Cooper, who shined yesterday, has not built on what he did yesterday. He remained very polished and crisp in his route running and was physical as well as making some outstanding catches but had some concentration lapses that lead to some drops.

Tight Ends:
–Southern California Tight End Anthony McCoy was given a lot of instruction during blocking drills. He displayed the ability to stretch the field and get down the seam. He made some nice grabs today, adjusting to the football.

–Alabama Crimson Tide TE Colin Peek Bama stood out amongst tight ends with his crisp route running. Peek has drawn comparisons to Philadelphia Eagles TE Brent Celek.

–Miami Hurricanes TE Jimmy Graham looks fluid while running routes, but he dropped a couple of passes during receiver drills. He does a lot of body catches and needs to work on extending and catching it away from his body. Graham, although very raw, still has a ton of untapped potential and has a high ceiling. He is a physical specism and has all the tools to grow into a great target, particularly in the red zone.

Offensive Line:
–Louisiana State Tigers OT Ciron Black has been very consistent thus far and has been able to handle speed well and displayed great footwork, which is a key trademark in a left tackle.

–Mississippi Rebels OL John Jerry, brother of Atlanta Falcons DT Peria Jerry, has been very impressive and has shown the versality to play outside at tackle with his athleticism and the ability to play inside at guard with his toughness.

Defensive Line:
–Alabama Crimson Tide NT Terrance Cody was a lot more disruptive than the day before, eating up double teams consistently.

Linebackers:
–Mississippi State Bulldogs LB Jamar Chaney showed good coverage skills against backs in one-on-one drills and in team drills.

–Miami Hurricanes LB Darryl Sharpton flashed some playmaking ability in coverage breaking up a couple passes and picking off a few passes.

Defensive Backs:
–Florida State Seminoles CB Patrick Robinson was more consistent today with his game, something he was not during the NFL season. Robinson definitely has the best feet down in Mobile and could have the best feet in this class.

–Alabama Crimson Tide CB Javier Arenas struggled a lot today. He got beaten deep on more than one occasion and lost his composure on one play and got called for a late hit. not a great day for Alabama CB Javier Arenas, either. He has been beaten twice and then got called for a late hit.

Special Teams:
–East Carolina P Matt Dodge had an up and down day. He showed a very strong leg booting balls 60-70 yards but a couple duds, shanks and had one kick blocked.

–Mississippi Rebels RB/WR Dexter McCluster was handling punt returns and made good adjustments while the wind tried to make a few catches more difficult.

“After much consideration I have decided to accept a position as offensive coordinator with the Oakland Raiders,” Jackson said in a statement.

Jason La Canfora (NFL Network) reports the Oakland Raiders have agreed to a three-year contract with Jackson, according to a league source. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

–Football News Nation reports the Baltimore Ravens have hired Dean Pees as their Linebackers Coach.

–Pewter Report reports Jimmy Lake has been named the Tampa Bay Buccaneers new Defensive Backs Coach and current Defensive Backs Coach Joe Baker will become the team’s new Linebackers Coach with the departure of Joe Barry to the University of Southern California Trojans.

“I think everyone just wants him here for the season, come in like he did this year,” OT Bryant McKinnie said.

“Just having him part of the team, I felt, helped elevate everyone. I feel like everyone stepped up and played at a higher level, and he was part of the reason.” WR Bernard Berrian added, “(Favre) already knows we want him back.”

–Michael DiRocco (Florida Times-Union) reports the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to meet with University of Florida Gators QB Tim Tebow this week at the Senior Bowl, according to General Manager Gene Smith.

Smith said the meeting will be the first in a series of meetings with Tebow. “I talked to his dad yesterday (Sunday) and I certainly will catch up with him here and we will do the same at the combine,” Smith said.

“We’ll do the same at the Florida workout. There’s not a lot that I think we need to know about him because of the fact he’s from Florida and there’s been so much exposure, but you still want to sit down and get a feel for us, not just us getting a feel for him. I think we’ll get plenty of additional exposure beyond this one.”

–Greg A. Bedard (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) reports Green Bay Packers C Jason Spitz (back) has resumed full workouts, according to his agent.

Ravens will interview former Washington Redskins Head Coach Jim Zorn for their Quarterbacks Coach position.

Team could also promote Offensive Consultant Al Saunders to the position of Quarterbacks Coach.

–CBS Sports reports New Orleans Saints RB Mike Bell did not receive a touch in the NFC Championship Game. Head Coach Sean Payton, however, said not to read anything into his lack of playing time. “He’ll have his touches,” Payton said.

TE Jeremy Shockey said he is taking his knee injury one day at a time and at this point is uncertain of his status for Super Bowl XLIV.

“We’ll see. Two weeks in the NFL is like two years for a person in healing. It’s a lot of time. We’ll take if day by day and be smart about it,” Shockey said.