The Facts: The evidence that Favre will end his retirement to play for the Vikings in 2009 is overwhelming. There have been reports that Favre already has a contract in place with the Vikings and both Favre and the Vikings have made it clear in public comments that there is great interest on both sides. And then there is this latest nugget: Favre is in the process of attempting to secure a residence in the Twin Cities. Reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Diehards Line: This is the second week that rumors about Favre house hunting in the Vikings' neighborhood have been floated adding fuel to the Favre-will-return fire. But as Star-Tribune staffer Judd Zulgad suggests, the only real only surprise will be if the QB decides his surgically-repaired right biceps tendon has not healed sufficiently enough for him to return to the NFL. That being the case, the fact that Favre is looking for housing could certainly be taken as an indication he's encouraged by how the arm is feeling. ... Stay tuned.

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The Facts: Marshall's ongoing desire to leave Denver is rooted in two concerns. First, he doesn't like the manner in which the team's physicians handled a hip injury that ultimately required surgery. Second, he wants a new contract. The more accurate description as to the latter factor could be that he needs a new contract. Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Diehards Line: According to PFT's Mike Florio, there's talk in league circles that Marshall has run out of money. If that's true, at least one league source isn't surprised. "Why does a guy who was a fourth-round draft pick live in three different places?" the source told Florio regarding Marshall's residences in Denver, Atlanta, and Orlando. ... Remember: This story isn't fact. But a financial shortfall would at explain -- at least in part -- Marshall's desire to get the new, high-end contract that would almost certainly come with a trade. Then again, the $2.198 million he's due to make from Denver isn't chicken feed. ... Stay tuned.

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The Facts: Speaking on Total Access, NFL Network insider Jason LaCanfora said that talent evaluators around the league believe that Harrison "may be done." They are rating other free agent receivers like Amani Toomer and Joe Horn higher than Harrison. Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Diehards Line: LaCanfora went on to advise viewers that Toomer has fielded calls from a few teams and is high on several teams' "emergency list. ..." A recent report suggesting Harrison might be of interest to the Vikings doesn't seem to have legs -- perhaps in large part because their interest was in a low-end deal. Harrison is believed to be looking for a more favorable deal. It's still not clear he'll get it.

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The Facts: Though the word on the street continues to be that the Broncos will not be trading Marshall, Adam Schefter points out in via his Twitter account that, while the Broncos won't be making calls, they will taking calls. Schefter also believes that the Broncos would take a first-round pick for Marshall. And that's a surprise, given that the current market for a No. 1 wideout is a first-round pick and a third-round pick. Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Diehards Line: As PFT's Mike Florio notes, it's not clear whether this is a new attitude on the part of the team, and specifically whether it comes in the wake of the disclosure that Marshall told police in October 2007, "I hate this f--king city. ..." Florio went on to speculate on the possibility that Marshall's camp leaked the 20-month-old comment, in the hopes of stoking a fan and media outcry that could force the team to take the best offer they could get. An interesting theory. Adding to Marshall's already enormous pile of baggage (including recent hip surgery and multiple off-field issues) seems like a risky move -- but that again, how much further can his image be tainted?

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The Facts: It may not rival his obsessive quest for revenge against the Packers as the leading factor driving his likely return to the NFL, but don't overlook the motivating role money is playing on both sides of the Favre-Vikings courtship. Indeed, a league source told SI.com's Don Banks that while Favre has long enjoyed his reputation as a guy who plays for "the love of the game," money has always been one sure way to get Favre's attention. "His coming back and playing every year is not all about his love of competition," the source said. Reported by SI.com

Diehards Line: Or as a prominent Wisconsin-based Favre observer recently told Banks: "Brett likes his money now. Don't underestimate how hard it would be for him to ever leave $8 million to $10 million -- or whatever the Vikings wind up offering him -- on the table. He talks about staying home and riding his lawn mower around, but he likes to get paid. ..." While the Packers were willing to pay Favre similar coin to retire, Banks notes that signing with Minnesota allows the QB to both have his cake and eat it, too. As Banks summed up: "What could be better than a scenario in which he gets paid in the process of trying to make the Packers pay for their mistake?" Stay tuned. We're waiting for an official announcement.

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The Facts: After fatally striking a pedestrian on the MacArthur Causeway in a March drunk driving accident, Stallworth also tested positive for marijuana use, law enforcement sources say. Reported by the Miami Herald

Diehards Line: Stallworth is serving one month in jail after pleading guilty last month to DUI manslaughter and he's been suspended indefinitely by commissioner Roger Goodell. This latest bit of news obviously won't weigh in Stallworth's favor when Goodell revisits that "indefinite" time frame. ... Meanwhile, rookies Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi are said to be the early favorites in the competition to fill the opening opposite Braylon Edwards. Joshua Cribbs and veteran addition Mike Furrey are other possibilities, but those who follow the team closely expect one of the two rookies -- most likely Robiskie -- to win Stallworth's job.

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The Facts: Marshall said he wanted to be traded more than 18 months ago and said he "hated Denver," according to documents obtained by the CALL7 Investigators. Marshall was arrested for driving under the influence on Oct. 22, 2007, and according to the police report, he started verbally attacking the city of Denver and saying he wanted to leave the Broncos. Reported by TheDenverChannel.com

Diehards Line: "I hate Denver. I hope I get traded. I hate this f******* city," an officer wrote in the police report. Nice! Marshall, who has a long history of run-ins with the law, also berated police for stopping him and not finding the killer of fellow Bronco Darrent Williams. "Why aren't you guys out looking for Williams' killer?" the report says. ... Hmmm. Old news but obviously interesting given Marshall's more recent trade request -- one made to team officials instead of the local constabulary. Assuming the team's current stance -- that Marshall isn't going anywhere -- remains unchanged, it could make fan interaction worth watching.

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The Facts: The increase in Holmes' upper body is becoming so pronounced that he's beginning to look like an entirely different player. "I tipped the scales (Monday) at 201 (pounds), Holmes said proudly following his workout. That's an all-time high for Holmes, who played in the 190s last season and joined the league weighing considerably less. Reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Diehards Line: According to Tribune Review staffer John Harris, Holmes' newfound huskiness makes him more resemble a running back than the slim receiver who was selected No. 25 by the Steelers in the 2006 NFL Draft. Holmes' physical remake, particularly around his neck and through his shoulders, is the next step in his development. "I look at it as if I have to be a complete receiver," said Holmes. "I've got to be physical. ...' Sounds good -- as long as Holmes follows through on making sure the added weight doesn't affect his speed.

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The Facts: The Marshall saga has been quiet since the receiver requested a trade nearly two weeks ago. Expect the quiet to continue. I talked to some people close to the situation Monday, and they said the Broncos will maintain their stance of keeping Marshall. The team still expects Marshall to show up for training camp. Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: This according to ESPN.com's Bill Williamson, who added: "The team still has no plans to trade Marshall." And why would they? The Broncos know they hold all the cards. If Marshall doesn't show up in 2009, he won't be paid. A prospective free agent in 2010, there is little chance Marshall will risk missing an entire season. So, the Broncos are content waiting this situation out.

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The Facts: Harvin, the Vikings first-round draft pick, was sent home from the NFL Rookie Symposium after becoming ill, organizers said. Reported by NFL.com

Diehards Line: Harvin reported for the start of the symposium Sunday afternoon but after notifying the medical staff that he was not feeling well, it was recommended that he return home. Harvin was officially excused by organizers. There are reports, however, suggesting Harvin will return on Tuesday if he feels better. Worth noting, this is the second time Harvin has become ill after traveling this offseason. He missed the Vikings initial rookie mini-camp in May when he was hospitalized for a virus and severe dehydration after vomiting on a flight from Florida to Atlanta on his way to Minnesota.

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The Facts: McCoy agreed to terms on a four-year contract Monday night. Reported by PhiladelphiaEagles.com

Diehards Line: In McCoy, the Eagles believe they have an almost 21-year-old all-purpose back in the Brian Westbrook mold -- a shifty, elusive running back with a knack for finding the end zone. The 5-10, 198-pound McCoy ran with the second-team offense during the post-draft mini-camp and seemed to be in the right place at the right time. He showed good quickness and caught the ball very well while absorbing as much as he could from Westbrook. Now team officials hope the newcomer will pick up enough this summer to help absorb enough of the workload to keep Westbrook fresh and healthy down the stretch.

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The Facts: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending Plaxico Burress and continuing to sideline Michael Vick, three sources with knowledge of the situations have indicated. Reported by Yahoo! Sports

Diehards Line: According to Yahoo's Jason Cole, such moves would be the latest examples of Goodell’s tough stance on players embroiled in off-field issues as evidenced with the suspension of Donte’ Stallworth, who has been ruled out indefinitely by the league after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter in the death of a Miami man in March. Coles, citing a source with the Giants, the league and another that’s close to Vick, reports that Goodell figures to take a similar stance with the quarterback and Burress. Cole suggests there is a reasonable likelihood that Vick will not be allowed to play this season and certainly not be with a team in training camp. ... Stay tuned more on this one as developments warrant.

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The Facts: There have been multiple discussions in Chicago about signing Burress. Bears receiver Devin Hester, for one, is all for the idea. At this point, however, it appears the Bears are not a serious contender for Burress. Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: According to ESPN's John Clayton, Chicago has all but ruled out the possibility of singing him. Part of that stance could be based on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's decision to review Burress for possible league discipline long before his legal troubles are scheduled to be addressed in court. Whatever the case, it looks like Burress and the Bears are not a match. ... For now.

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The Facts: GM Mark Dominik indicated the Bucs have no interest in signing Burress at this time. "We're going to let Brian Clark, Maurice Stovall and even Dexter Jackson compete and go from there,' Dominik said.  Reported by the St. Petersburg Times

Diehards Line: The Bucs have reportedly been looking for receivers to back up starters Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton and Burress' name has been prominently mentioned. In fact, HC Raheem Morris recently told reporters that Burress, who is friends with Bucs RB Derrick Ward and Bryant, had contacted both men to express interest in playing in Tampa. ... Meanwhile, Burress’ status is now being reviewed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. Agent Drew Rosenhaus suggested this week that five teams are interested in his client, but we don't expect anybody to make a run at the troubled receiver until that's resolved.

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The Facts: Favre might have a contract agreement in place with the Vikings in case he decides to play this season but it doesn’t appear anything has been signed. Reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Diehards Line: A spokesman for the NFLPA advised Star-Tribune staffer Judd Zulgad on Friday that a contract for the QB has not been filed. It is a requirement that when a player signs with a team a copy of his contract be sent to both the NFL and the players association. But as Zulgad stressed, there is a difference between agreeing to terms and signing a contract. While there's still some question regarding Favre's surgically-repaired throwing shoulder, it certainly isn't a stretch to believe the two sides have an agreement in place to facilitate his return. ... Either way, more undoubtedly to come.

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The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... If Burress manages to emerge unscathed following NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s review of his status under the league’s personal conduct policy, then he apparently won’t lack for potential new employers. According to Burress’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, via his Twitter account, Burress now has five NFL teams interested in him. Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Diehards Line: And that list, according to Rosenhaus, could become even longer soon. “There are now 5 teams interested in Plaxico,” Rosenhaus wrote. “I expect more teams to enter the mix over the next few weeks as well. ...” Sure. At this point it's believed the Jets, Bucs and Bears are interested. Their interest, of course, will depend greatly on whatever disciplinary action Goodell takes. ... Stay tuned.

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The Facts: The Jaguars have traded wide Northcutt to the Detroit Lions in exchange for safety Gerald Alexander, according to multiple sources. Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: As previously noted, Northcutt was informed during the week he was going to be traded. According to ESPN.com's John Clayton, the trade was agreed to on Friday and is expected to be finalized next week. Northcutt was the most productive remaining wide receiver on the Jaguars. Northcutt caught 44 passes for 545 yards last season in Jacksonville. The 31-year-old Northcutt will be joining his third team. He has been with the Browns and Jaguars.

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The Facts: Burress’ status is now being reviewed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com. Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Diehards Line: Although Burress’ pending trial on gun charges isn’t expected to go to trial until after the football season after his case was recently postponed, Goodell might not be inclined to wait before taking action on Burress. “As I have stated/reported before, Goodell won’t allow legal manueverings/delays as loopholes,” Mortensen wrote on his Twitter account. “Plus, interested teams want to know [Burress’] status. ..." Mortensen went on to speculate Burress will be suspended at least four games. Sounds like the speculation could come to an end soon enough, however. Stay tuned.

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The Facts: Jurevicius has filed a civil suit in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court against the Browns, the Cleveland Clinic, former team physician Dr. Anthony Miniaci and current team physician Dr. Richard Figler, for negligence and fraud that he alleges led to a staph infection that might have ended his NFL career. Reported by the Cleveland Plain Dealer

Diehards Line: The suit claims that the Browns and their team physicians failed to warn Jurevicius that sterile techniques were not at all times used at the Browns training facility in Berea; that therapy devices passed among multiple individuals, including Browns players, were not properly maintained and/or cleaned, if at all; and that community equipment and frequently used surfaces were not properly cleaned, if at all. Jurevicius was diagnosed with staff infection in January of 2008. Since that time he has undergone seven medical procedures designed to eradicate the staph.

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The Facts: James, who turns 31 in August, [declined] an offer from a team earlier this offseason, according to Drew Rosenhaus. The agent wouldn’t reveal which club but declared, “We will be selective. We want to make sure for Edge that he goes to a good situation." Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Diehards Line: NBCSports.com's Tom Curran reminded PFT readers that James is coming off the least productive season of his 10-year career, carrying for just 514 yards on 133 carries. But the Cardinals turned to him at the tail end of their season and James closed the regular season with a 14-carry, 100-yard game against the Seahawks and then going for 236 yards on 61 carries in four playoff games. ... Rosenhaus went on to suggest James could wait until training camps are in progress before making a call. Curran, meanwhile, is among those who believe the Saints and Eagles could emerge as possible suitors.

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