NFL NEWS AND NOTES

The Kansas City Star speculates that Chiefs RB Larry Johnson will receive a hefty contract extension sometime in the near future. However, such an extension -- which is expected to be lucrative considering Johnson's production -- would hamper the team's salary cap and make their rebuilding effort more challenging. The report also added that the team is planning on easing up on Johnson's reps (he had 416 carries and 41 catches in 2006), using either Michael Bennett, Priest Holmes or a rookie running back to pick up some of L.J.'s slack.....


The Philadelphia Daily News reports that in a television interview, Eagles WR Donte Stallworth, who is a free agent, said that he would prefer to stay with the team and sign a new contract. "I love the Eagles and I love being there, and I'm hoping that we can get things worked out," Stallworth said. "There are some other interesting situations that I have on the table, but as far as being with the one team, I definitely want to be with the Eagles." While saying that Philadelphia was "No. 1" on his list, he did point out that New England, San Francisco and Miami were appealing destinations.....

The Houston Chronicle reports that Texans GM Rick Smith said that he has received phone calls from other teams about the availability of QB David Carr. Smith was quick to point out that Carr is the Texans' QB at this point, but he did add the caveat that any player on the team is available for the right price. "I want to repeat what we said after the season: that David's our starting quarterback," Smith said. "But we're trying to improve the team, and I've fielded some calls about some of our players, including a couple of inquiries asking whether David might be available. If I believe improving our team involves a player on our team, a player on another team, a free agent or a draft choice, then I'll absolutely entertain (doing) it......

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson was shocked when he heard about the firing of coach Marty Schottenheimer, and is concerned that a fresh coaching staff in San Diego will hurt the club. "You get to a point where you hear or you see that Marty's going to be around, so you start to prepare yourself that Marty's going to be around and you're going to have the same coaches," Tomlinson said. "Then this happens and my first thought -- after Marty -- was, 'Are we going to have the same coaches?' Something like this happens and my first thought is, 'Are all the coaches going to be gone?' If so, you're looking at starting over with somebody else and that's a tremendous blow for our football team.....

The Detroit News reports that Lions CB Dre Bly has asked for a trade out of town. Bly is entering the final year of a five-year contract he signed as a free agent from St. Louis. Bly ended 2006 with 54 total tackles (46 solo), 15 passes defensed and three interceptions.....

The Packers have signed cornerback Al Harris to a contract extension, Harris told the Wisconsin State Journal. Harris, 32, said the new deal adds a pair of roster bonuses worth a combined $4.5 million and modest Pro Bowl incentives to his existing contract. He is considered one of the top coverage cornerbacks in the league, but his unhappiness with his contract became a distraction last year. Harris skipped the team's optional offseason workouts to show the team he wanted a new deal, but he showed up for training camp. "Like I've said the whole time, I wasn't trying to break the bank. I just wanted to be compensated for the work that I do," Harris said in a story posted on the newspaper's website. "I'm satisfied; I'm extremely satisfied.....

The Palm Beach Post is reporting that Miami is casting a covetous eye on Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn. Quinn will likely be gone when the Dolphins make their first-round pick with the 9th selection, although there is a chance that Quinn’s stock could drop, in part because he struggled at times in big games this fall. Still with just about every team picking ahead of the Dolphins in need of help at the position its likely Miami will have to trade up.....

Stanford WR Mark Bradford, who is on the list of players invited to next week’s scouting combine in Indianapolis, reportedly has withdrawn his name as he will be back at school next fall. Bradford played in just two games this fall because of a foot injury and took the year as a redshirt. Neither Bradford nor fellow WR Evan Moore, who also had a foot injury this year, are participating in team workouts and aren’t sure whether they'll be ready for spring practice.....

Tennessee has agreed to terms with Mike Reinfeldt on a contract that makes him the team’s new general manager. Reinfeldt had been vice president of football administration with Seattle Seahawks. Reinfeldt, who replaces Floyd Reese whose contract was not renewed, will be formally introduced by the team Tuesday at noon press conference.