The Facts:
Following up on a previous item. ... Although the Vikings encouraged Favre to recruit free-agent LaDainian Tomlinson, a team source said that the quarterback limited his role to texting Tomlinson because of lingering uncertainty about his own NFL future. 

Diehards Line:
In fact, ESPN's Ed Werder reports that Favre told Tomlinson that he had "no clue" whether he would return to the Vikings for what would be his 20th season in the league. Having spent the 2008 season with the New York Jets, Favre simply told Tomlinson that both franchises were led by good people who could help make the RB successful, according to the source. ... No clue? Shocking.

The Facts:
Stafford spoke with Detroit reporters Tuesday on a number of topics, including his recovery from knee and shoulder injuries that forced him to miss four games and parts of another during his rookie season. “The shoulder feels good,” Stafford said. “The knee’s coming along. I threw today full speed, felt pretty good. Obviously, it’s just going to keep getting better. I’m excited to be back and ready to go.” 

Diehards Line:
Stafford had minor knee surgery following the season and he isn’t running with teammates during the Lions’ off-season conditioning program this week. As for the late-season left shoulder injury sustained during an improbable comeback victory over the Browns, Stafford says he’s not limited in his throwing. ... In case you missed it, HC Jim Schwartz indicated over the weekend that Stafford would be given time to work his way back into shape.

The Facts:
The Bears continued their adjustment to the Mike Martz offense today by releasing McKie, their veteran FB, who didn’t figure to have a solid role in the new scheme. 

Diehards Line:
The move should help McKie find work soon, but it would have helped him more had he been cut loose before the opening of free agency. ... The Bears signed former Redskins FB Eddie Williams last week and he’s a potential H-back type.

The Facts:
While popular opinion might suggest that Johnson was brought to town to back up Clinton Portis, one of Johnson's former coaches has a bold prediction. "He will take over the running back position," said Dick Vermeil, who coached Johnson in Kansas City from 2003 to '05. "That's what I think. He'll push that guy right out of a job." 

Diehards Line:
The Redskins signed Johnson last week to a three-year contract. Portis, who missed the final eight games last season after suffering a season-ending concussion, returns for his ninth NFL season. He's been the Redskins' starter since joining the team in 2004. Though he's two years older than Portis, Johnson has 755 fewer carries. While the two might begin training camp sharing the workload, Vermeil expects Johnson to open eyes at practice. He says Johnson helped push Priest Holmes, the Chiefs' incumbent running back in Kansas City seven years ago, and Vermeil says he'll push Portis now -- until he surpasses him.

The Facts:
Bills HC Chan Gailey isn't prepared to name a starting QB, and anticipates holding an open competition going into training camp. 

Diehards Line:
Gailey wouldn't rule out selecting a QB in the draft next month or pursuing a veteran in either free agency or by trade. Finding a starter has been a top priority for Gailey since he was hired in January. The quarterback position was unsettled last year after Trent Edwards lost his starting job to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Both return this season, as does untested third-stringer Brian Brohm.

The Facts:
The Jets announced Tuesday they reached an agreement with Richardson, 38, on his third one-year deal with the team in as many years.  

Diehards Line:
Richardson is a noted locker room leader and has remained remarkably effective late in his career. This will be Richardson's 16th NFL season. And after competing against LaDainian Tomlinson for years in the AFC West, Richardson, formerly a Chief, will now get to block for him.

The Facts:
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Eagles have agreed to terms with Bell on a one-year deal worth $1.7 million. The offer includes $500,000 in guaranteed money. The deal also includes incentives that could push the total value to over $2 million. 

Diehards Line:
Because the Saints tendered Bell, a restricted free agent, at the lowest level, they have only a right to match the offer -- and they'll get no compensation if they don't. Either way, Bell will be under contract for one year. The question is whether it will be the Eagles or the Saints.

The Facts:
Following up on an ongoing story. ... Russell is on site and particpating in the Raiders’ offseason program, the club confirmed without any other comment. 

Diehards Line:
The Raiders have no plans to make Russell available to the media, so there won’t be any opportunity to see if the weight loss alluded to be director of player development Willie Brown is obvious to a casual observer. ESPN insider Adam Schefter, however, is comfirming the previously reported weight loss -- and a new throwing motion. ... Stay tuned.

The Facts:
Havner, who scored four touchdowns on only seven catches during the 2009 regular season -- and one touchdown on two catches in a playoff loss at Arizona -- recently was arrested for DUI in California after crashing a motorcycle. 

Diehards Line:
According to TheUnion.com, Havner lost control of a motorcycle, fracturing a scapula and suffering cuts to the back of his head and left arm. He was not wearing a helmet. ... As for the legal issues, Greg Bedard of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that while Havner was arrested, the prosecutor will have to decide whether to pursue charges. ... More as the story plays out.

The Facts:
Following up on a previous item. ... Raiders director of squad development Willie Brown said on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area Monday that Russell has undergone a transformation in the offseason and wasn’t present at the first day of the offseason program tending to personal business. "He’ll be back in town today and ready to go (Tuesday),” Brown said. 

Diehards Line:
Brown went on to say the QB has been in Phoenix getting in shape, a long-running rumor neither the Raiders nor Russell’s agents would confirm. “You’ll be surprised when you see him,” Brown said. “It’s quite a bit of weight that he’s lost. ... I don’t want to pin it down and say how much he lost but it will be a significant difference when you see him compared to last year." Stay tuned.