The Facts: Muhammad is close to signing a contract that would allow him to return to the Carolina Panthers, according to his agent Joel Segal. "Moose is very close to a deal with Carolina," Segal said Tuesday. "I feel like we are making good progress. We're still talking and there are a few things still to work out."

Diehards Line:That Panthers GM Marty Hurney, who rarely discusses contract negotiations, also expressed optimism that a deal could get done soon lends considerable credence to Segal's view. "We're talking," Hurney told Gazette staffer Steve Reed Tuesday afternoon from Indianapolis. "Obviously we are interested in bringing Moose back and I think he's interested in returning. Hopefully we can get it wrapped up in the next day or two. ..." As Reed noted, when Hurney talks like that, it normally means the team has a deal in place, or that they've at least agreed in principle. If signed, Muhammad is expected to compete with Dwayne Jarrett for the No. 2 receiver spot opposite Steve Smith.