NFL NEWS AND NOTES

According to numerous sources, the Texans have released QB David Carr. He was expendable after the club traded for Falcons QB Matt Schaub. In five seasons, Carr threw for 13,391 yards, 59 touchdowns and 65 interceptions, and was sacked 249 times.....

Matt Hasselbeck's recovery is ahead of schedule and the Seahawks quarterback may be on the field for Seattle's first minicamp following the NFL draft April 28-29. The quarterback had surgery in January to repair torn labrum cartilage in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. "I have been told he's ahead of schedule," Seattle president of football operations Tim Ruskell said this week. "I think he could throw a Nerf ball right now, and he probably does with his kids."....


The Canton Repository reports that Browns GM Phil Savage expects TE Kellen Winslow to be healthy and "good to go in June or July." Winslow had microfracture surgery on his knee this offseason, and reports have speculated that he could miss part or all of the 2007 season. "There's never been any talk about (Winslow missing 2007) that I'm aware of," Savage said. "We've never even given a second thought he wouldn't be back with us for this next season."....

NFL Network reports that FB Terrelle Smith, released by the Browns, has agreed to terms with the Cardinals on a two-year deal.....

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the agent for Chiefs QB Trent Green says his client wants to play for the Dolphins in 2007. Green has been given permission by Kansas City to seek a trade. "Trent would like to be there," agent Jim Steiner said. "He has a relationship with (head coach) Cam Cameron that goes back 10 years ago when both were with the Washington Redskins. It's an offense he's familiar with and there would be an excellent working relationship. It's a team that has a great defense that with a few tweaks on offense would have a pretty good darn chance of succeeding this season."....

The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Cowboys have signed strong safety Ken Hamlin to a one-year deal. Hamlin will add a lot of talent to a physical defense that already boasts FS Roy Williams and LB DeMarcus Ware.....

The New York Daily News reports that the Texans have matched the Giants' offer for FB Vonta Leach, keeping him in Houston. Leach will most likely start at fullback for the Texans, opening up holes for Ahman Green.....

The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed Bobby Engram to a multiyear contract even though they already have a stable of younger receivers in place. Engram, the Seahawks' leading receiver in 2005, played in just seven games last season after a virus and Graves' disease in October caused a thyroid condition, an accelerated heart rate, debilitating fatigue and weight loss. "We are glad to retain Bobby," GM Tim Ruskell said. "He has been an integral part of this offense in recent seasons and will continue to bring veteran leadership in the locker room."....


NFL DRAFT 2007


Penn State prospects took center stage as three possible first rounders worked out for NFL brass. All 32 teams were on hand as LB Paul Posluszny (6-1 ¼, 236) ran his 40s in 4.58 and 4.62. He also looked good in all the drills and is a first-round lock. OT Levi Brown, considered the No. 2 OT available, stood on his Combine results. RB Tony Hunt (6-1 5/8, 234) ran his 40s in 4.68 and 4.71. He also had a 31 ½-inch vertical, 9-foot-2 long jump, 4.72 short shuttle and a 7.39 three-cone drill. He's no speedster but he is productive. LB Tim Shaw (6-1 ¼, 233 pounds) continues to impress scouts with his speed. He ran his 40s in 4.46 and 4.47. He also had a 10-foot-6 long jump, 4.28 short shuttle and a 6.90 three-cone drill ... At Houston, QB Kevin Kolb didn't do drills but did throw the ball and looked good doing it. He is working with NFL coaching guru Jerry Rhome to improve his stuff. Some people believe Kolb could be a better pro than Brady Quinn. RB Jackie Battle (6-2, 235 pounds) showed off his great size/speed ration, running his 40s in 4.42 and 4.43. He also had a 41-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-11 long jump, 4.11 short shuttle, 6.51 three-cone drill and 19 bench presses. Tiny WR Vincent Marshall (5-7 3/8, 165 lbs) ran his 40s in 4.36 and 4.38. He also had a 36-inch vertical jump, 10-foot long jump, 4.14 short shuttle, 6.77 three-cone drill and 11 bench presses. He'll be looking to break into the NFL as a return man ... Over at Deleware, TE Ben Patrick (6-4, 250 lbs) ran his 40s in 4.75 and 4.75. He also ran a variety of drills and caught passes and impressed all who watched ... Northern Illinois RB Garrett Wolfe (5-7 ¼, 183 lbs) ran fast 40s in 4.39 and 4.43. He stood on everything else. Wolfe is small and has durability questions but that speed and his pass receiving ability could make him a nice third-down back.....

Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn worked out once again for NFL coaches and personnel people. He ran his 40s faster than expected (4.82 and 4.73). He also ran the short shuttle in 4.22 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.79. He also had a 36-inch vertical and a 9-foot-7 broad jump. This workout coupled with his previous pro day experience where he looked good throwing should give NFL staff plenty to go on for Quinn. His ultimate slot in this draft is still very much in the air with questions about his ability to play big in big games but there is no denying his work ethic, physical skills and game preparation.