After making the Pro Bowl as a kick returner last season, Josh Cribbs believes he can help the Browns in other ways. Apparently, offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski agrees. Cribbs has been catching passes as well as taking handoffs during offseason workouts. The Browns figure if Cribbs gets the ball in space more often, he can threaten defenses with the same open-field moves that have made him dangerous on returns. The Bears have benefited from getting Devin Hester involved in their offense. The Browns would love similar results from Cribbs. . . .

The Panthers feel better equipped to make opponents pay for double-teaming WR Steve Smith. Muhsin Muhammad, who used to be an effective sidekick for Smith, has returned after a stint with the Bears. Offseason pickup D.J. Hackett adds depth to the receiving unit, and Dwayne Jarrett will get an opportunity for more playing time. Meanwhile, QB Jake Delhomme is ahead of schedule in his recovery from elbow surgery. If Delhomme returns to form and rookie RB Jonathan Stewart adds pop to the running game, Smith could find himself running free more often. . . .

It does not bode well for the Bucs that QB Jeff Garcia and RB Earnest Graham want new contracts. Both are veterans who carry clout in the locker room, and if they continue to express their un-happiness, it could damage chemistry. Graham has skipped some voluntary workouts, and Garcia has hinted he could hold out during training camp. You can almost picture coach Jon Gruden making one of his faces. . . .

Though several teams have interest in WR Roy Williams, the Lions are not likely to trade him. Even if the Lions and Williams can't agree on a new deal, the team can place the franchise tag on him to keep him in Detroit through the 2009 season. Having Williams and Calvin Johnson at wideout is one of the Lions' strengths. There is no reason to break up that combo for anything less than an overwhelming offer. . . .

Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell insists his weight will not be an issue. The 6-6 Russell says he weighed 269 pounds at minicamp and that he was never close to 300, as had been rumored during the offseason. A protracted training camp holdout ruined Russell's rookie season, and he wants to prove he was worthy of being a No. 1 pick. Russell has a big frame and will never be svelte, but he needs to get closer to his listed weight of 255 to improve his mobility and stamina. . . .

A groin injury to Bengals LB Ahmad Brooks has slowed his transition from the middle to the strong side and is putting him in danger of losing his starting spot. First-round pick Keith Rivers has been playing on the weak side, MLB Odell Thurman has returned from his substance abuse suspension, and Darryl Blackstock has the inside track to start on the strong side.