NFL NEWS AND NOTES

The Tennessean reports that the Titans have brought in Chargers restricted free-agent RB Michael Turner for a visit. Turner would be the Titans' starter in 2007 if he ends up with the club. As a restricted free agent, a team can make Turner an offer, but if the Chargers don't match it, they'd receive a first- and third-round pick from the team offering Turner a deal. The Bills have also shown interest in Turner.....

The Tennessean reports that free agent RB Corey Dillon has scheduled a visit with the Titans on Wednesday. "(Corey) is one of those guys that's saved his money, invested it extremely well and would not have to play any more for financial reasons," agent Steven Feldman said. "But he's also a guy who still loves the game of football. If it is the right situation he would play, and the Titans would appear to be the right situation. It's a great organization with a great coach. They have an exciting quarterback and a real need at running back. So it might make a lot of sense."....

The Jets have released WR Phil Silva, a move they made to make a spot on the roster for new DE David Bowens. Silva will continue to play in NFL Europa this spring.....

The Daily Herald of Chicagoland reports that Bears coach Lovie Smith said he will use Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson in the team's running game in 2007, with Benson taking the primary duties. "Cedric will step into Thomas Jones' role, but we need another running back in the mix," Smith said. "I definitely think Adrian Peterson can step into that role. Every time we’ve given him a chance to play, he's played well." Smith later added, "I think Cedric Benson is ready to really step up and be one of the better backs in the league."....

The St. Petersburg Times reports that Bucs coach Jon Gruden will let Chris Simms take the first reps from scrimmage during the team's offseason minicamp on April 10. Simms will compete with Jeff Garcia for the starting gig. "We're going to let Chris Simms break the huddle on April 10, the OTA days, we're going to try to teach Jeff Garcia the offense and bring Bruce Gradkowski along," Gruden said.....

The Miami Herald reports that RB Ricky Williams' agent says his client has already begun the reinstatement process, sending NFL commissioner Roger Goodell a letter asking for his reinstatement with the Dolphins. Williams is currently suspended for violating the league's substance-abuse program.....

Dan Wilkinson failed to report to the Denver Broncos, so the trade with the Miami Dolphins was declared void Saturday. The Broncos sent a sixth-round pick to the Dolphins on March 2 for the 14-year veteran defensive tackle. They extended an earlier deadline for the defensive lineman to report but when he failed to show up for his physical, the deal was voided. The Broncos retained their rights to the sixth-round pick in this year's draft and the Dolphins retained the rights to Wilkinson.....

The standoff between Lance Briggs and the Chicago Bears took another turn Saturday, when general manager Jerry Angelo said he wants the Pro Bowl linebacker to return next season but a multiyear contract is unlikely. "I'm not ruling it out 100 percent, but in all probability, that's not likely to happen," Angelo said during the team's fan convention. The Bears and Briggs have been at odds since the team slapped the franchise player tag on him in mid-February. Briggs threatened to sit out the season, then agent Drew Rosenhaus said his client would sit out the first 10 games and report for the final six to qualify as serving one year as a franchise player. Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins offered the sixth pick in the draft for Briggs and the Redskins' No. 31 selection. The Washington Post reports the Bears will make a counteroffer.....

The NFL has confirmed that the release of the full regular -season schedule, originally set for Thursday, will be delayed. No new date was set for the schedule release which could come as early as next week, but could be as late as April 19.....

Arizona has signed veteran offensive lineman Mike Gandy who played with Buffalo the past couple of years. Gandy actually started at LT in 2005 but struggled last fall and ultimately returned to OG where he is likely to play with the Cardinals.....

Toledo RB Scooter McDougle, once considered a legitimate prospect for the 2008 draft, has been charged with participating in a bribery scheme to influence sporting contests. McDougle was arraigned late last week, but was released on a $10,000 bond and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 20. The charge carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine upon conviction. McDougle has admitted to FBI investigators that he received a car, telephone and other items of value from a suspected gambler but has insisted he never changed the way he played to affect the outcome of games. The 245-pound McDougle made a splash when he was inserted in the Rockets’ starting lineup mid-way through the 2004 season, but has played little since suffering a knee injury at the end of that season.