Associated Press
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. ó The New England plans to put the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel.
Franchising Cassel would keep him from becoming an unrestricted free agent and give the Patriots an option if they feel Tom Brady might not be ready for the start of the 2009 season. If they’re confident that Brady will be ready, they’d be able to trade Cassel.
The Patriots would have to pay Cassel at least the minimum of the average of the five highest quarterback salaries, estimated at $14 million.
BRONCOS
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. ó Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay’s 32-year-old secondary coach who was recently promoted to defensive coordinator, met with Denver about its vacancy.Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels have interviewed. Today, the Broncos will host two offensive coordinators: Jason Garrett of the Cowboys and Rick Dennison, a longtime Mike Shanahan deputy.JETS
NEW YORK ó The Jets will interview Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm on Thursday about their vacancy.He will join Spagnuolo, Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and assistant head coach/offensive line coach Bill Callahan as candidates.
RAMS
ST. LOUIS ó Former Giants coach Jim Fassel is among the candidates St. Louis could interview for their coaching vacancy this week.
GM Billy Devaney received clearance over the weekend to speak with Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowles and Cowboys wide receivers coach Ray Sherman. Packers linebackers coach Winston Moss got the first interview.
CHIEFS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. ó Scott Pioli, one of the architects behind New England’s three Super Bowl victories, is talking to Kansas City about its vacant general manager’s job. He has also been courted by Cleveland for its GM position.
COLTS
INDIANAPOLIS ó Tony Dungy will spend this week contemplating his future as coach, continuing his ritual of heading home to Tampa, Fla., to determine whether he can adequately balance football life with family life.
SENIOR BOWL
MOBILE, Ala. ó The staffs of the Bengals and Jaguars will lead the two sides of the Senior Bowl later this month.
VICK
RICHMOND, Va. ó Michael Vick would have to keep a court official informed about his attempts to be reinstated by the NFL after his release from prison under a revised bankruptcy plan proposed by his lawyers.