Unable to reach an agreement on a lucrative long-term deal with the Patriots after they slapped the franchise tag on him during the offseason, Asante Samuel missed a month of training camp, balking at signing his $7.79 million tender. When he finally signed, he got the Patriots to add provisions that prohibit them from franchising him again if he plays 60 percent of the defensive snaps or the team wins 12 games. New England is 11-0 heading into its Monday night matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, and Samuel, who is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with six, is one win from cashing in on his status as one of the game's best cornerbacks. "I knew what he was capable of and we needed to make sure he was protected," said Alonzo Shavers, Samuel's agent. "We knew Asante was going to be in this situation. We did know what he was capable of, and we knew if he played to his capabilities, he would be in a situation similar to this. We just wanted to put Asante in the best situation for him." If the Patriots want Samuel to remain here, it could mean having to offer him a Nate Clements-type deal. Clements, who played out a franchise year with the Bills last season, was rewarded by the 49ers during the offseason with an eight-year, $80 million contract that included $22 million in bonuses and guarantees. Key to Clements's deal is that in the first three years of the contract he is slated to earn $28.9 million.

With the status of three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney uncertain, the Indianapolis Colts have claimed Simeon Rice off waivers after he was released by the Denver Broncos last Friday. Freeney injured his left foot in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's 23-21 loss at San Diego and was undergoing tests on Monday to determine the extent of the damage. Freeney, who was carted from the field after an unidentified Chargers' offensive lineman rolled up his leg, likely will miss next Sunday's game against Kansas City. Rice, 34, was let go by the Broncos on Friday afternoon after he requested his release. The league's second-leading active sacker, Rice appeared in six games during his short-lived stint with the Broncos but was unhappy over his lack of playing time and the fact that Denver coaches were using him at the unfamiliar left end position.

Concerned over the status of Vinny Testaverde, the Carolina Panthers promoted quarterback Drew Olson to the 53-man roster to possibly serve as the backup in Sunday's game against Atlanta. If Testaverde, who has a sore right Achilles tendon, can't play against the Falcons, undrafted rookie Matt Moore would start. With David Carr (concussion) ruled out of the game and Jake Delhomme (elbow) out for the season, Olson would be the Panthers' only option after Moore. Olson was signed to the practice squad Tuesday and has never played in an NFL game. The former UCLA quarterback spent last season on Baltimore's practice squad. To make room on the roster Saturday, the Panthers waived fullback Billy Latsko.

Making his weekly appearance on WEEI, Patriots coach Bill Belichick put the kibosh on any thoughts of running back Corey Dillon returning to the team. Agent Steven Feldman told the Herald over the weekend that Dillon began working out following Sammy Morris?s season-ending chest injury, just in case the Patriots called. But Belichick didn?t sound tempted. ?I don?t think that?s really in the plans right now,? he said. ?We?re going with the four backs we have.?

Wide receiver Mike Williams, released by the Raiders last week after dropping a key pass in Oakland's 13-9 loss at LP Field, is scheduled to visit the Titans on Tuesday. Williams, selected 10th overall by the Lions in the 2005 draft, was a bust in Detroit, catching only 37 passes in two seasons. The Raiders acquired him in April. He played for USC when Titans' offensive coordinator Norm Chow held the same role for the Trojans.

Julius Jones has not had the contract year he would like so far, and he might be more valuable to another team. Odds are hight that he will look elsewhere for other deals where he can be the No. 1 back.