NFL NEWS AND NOTES

The Boston Herald reports that second-year RB Laurence Maroney underwent shoulder surgery this offseason that revealed "fairly significant damage." Maroney was unable to last long in games late into the season because of pain in his shoulder (he didn't have more than 18 carries in a game in December through January, with four single-digit carry games). Maroney also suffered torn rib cartilage and a minor knee sprain during his rookie year.....


The Buffalo News reports that a Bills source says the club is close to a trade that would send LB Takeo Spikes to an unnamed team in exchange for a draft pick, with the specifics also not known. Spikes is entering the last year of his contract and likely would have to have a new deal in place before moving on to a new team. Moving out the 30-year-old linebacker would save the Bills nearly $3 million against the salary cap. In 2006, Spikes made it in to 12 games, registering 43 solo tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and three passes defensed. A trade of Spikes would likely mean a starting job for LB Keith Ellison.....


Daunte Culpepper was at the Miami Dolphins training facility around sunrise Friday, ready for another day of rehabilitating his surgically rebuilt knee. When quarterback schools and minicamps start next month, the Dolphins expect Culpepper will be there, too. But Culpepper's status is one of many mysteries surrounding the Dolphins, especially with other NFL starters such as Trent Green and David Carr believed to be under consideration. "Everyone knows our critical issue is our quarterback's level of play, no matter who that quarterback is," coach Cam Cameron said Friday. "I respect those questions.".....


The Packers have re-signed exclusive rights free-agent Tory Humphrey. Humphrey did not record an offensive statistic in 2006. He was inactive for most of the season and was eventually placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He will be an exclusive rights free agent this offseason.....


The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the Falcons have contacted free-agent QB Tim Rattay about coming in to compete for a backup job. "We've had some conversations with them, but nothing is imminent right now," said Jim Steiner, Rattay's agent.....

Multiple South Florida papers report that Dolphins PK Olindo Mare is willing to return a $250,000 bonus he received in exchange for his release from the club. Mare wants to find a new team after the Dolphins signed PK Jay Feely, but the team won't let him shop himself around as they'd like to get something for him in trade.....

The Miami Herald reports that the Chiefs have asked the Dolphins for a second-round pick and another choice for veteran QB Trent Green. The Dolphins have offered a seventh-round pick for him. "Trent is a Pro Bowl quarterback, he's thrown for 30,000 yards, he's a quality individual," Chiefs president Carl Peterson said. "He's worth more than a seventh-round pick."....

The Bears have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with former San Francisco defensive tackle Anthony Adams. Adams was a second-round draft pick in 2003 and has started 34 games in four seasons with the 49ers, where he struggled last season to fit into a 3-4 scheme. The Penn State product had 155 tackles, including six sacks in 58 games.....


NFL DRAFT 2007

After a slow weekend in Pro Day news and NFL moves, things will start to heat up again tomorrow when Louisville and 19-year-old sensation DT Amobi Okoye show off their stuff for NFL bigwigs. Also on the dock tomorrow are: Cal-Poly, Central Connecticut State II, Colorado State and Kansas State. USC will be the big workout on Wednesday when everyone wants to see how WR Dwayne Jarrett runs. His 40 time could have a big effect on the first round. He appears to be sliding but a good 40 could push him back up the board. Interestingly, his teammate WR Steve Smith seems to be picking up steam and he could be drafted surprisingly high if he runs well ... Stay tuned for results from Saturday's workout at Miami of Hurricanes TE Greg Olsen and Michigan State QB Drew Stanton. Olsen figures to be the top TE drafted and Stanton hopes to move up in the first day ... Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson has visits planned for Washington and Cleveland this week. Peterson was almost a lock to go to the Browns at No. 3 before they signed Jamal Lewis. Still, Lewis can't be considered a long-term answer and the combination of Lewis and Peterson could really take pressure off young Charlie Frye. In Washington, Clinton Portis has had his share of injuries and backup Ladell Betts is more of banger than a breakaway runner ... Keep an eye on the Packers as the draft approaches. There is rumor out there that Green Bay may be trying to deal for San Diego backup RB Michael Turner. Many mock drafts have the Pack drafting California RB Marshawn Lynch in Round 1. A trade for Turner would certainly alter that.