Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason is expected to return to the club for the 2010. Lamont Smith, Mason's agent, expects to meet with Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome soon. The Carroll County Times, however, points out that Mason is expected to work out a deal to remain with the franchise.

Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork is looking for a long-term deal amid reports that the team could place their franchise tag on him. "That's the one thing you play for, long-term security," Wilfork said. "That's something we're trying to get. I don't want to be playing with one-year deals and franchise tags, because I'll be right back at the same point I am right now. We'll see. It's a game right now. However, Wilfork was asked by the Boston Globe if he was angry with the franchise. "No," he responded. "Not at all."

Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers is heading for free agency and is open to playing anywhere. "Anywhere is a potential landing spot," Peppers said. "I'm not going to say I want to play for any team or I prefer to play anywhere, because I really haven't thought about it. I haven't thought about playing for x, y or z." Carolina paid Peppers more than $1 million per season after placing the franchise tag on him.

Jason Taylor says that he wants to play in 2010 and hopes to remain in Miami. "They're looking for replacements right now," Taylor said Friday. "If they don't find who they want and if teams don't find who they want, then that's when your phone starts ringing." Taylor has spent 12 of his 13 seasons with the Dolphins.

Shawne Merriman has reiterated that he wants to remain with the Chargers. "I feel like I'm in the worst possible situation," the linebacker said Thursday. "I don't know if my team wants me there. So I'm going to have fun with the situation." Merriman's contract will expire at the end of the league year next month, but because 2010 will almost certainly be an uncapped season, he will be a restricted free agent and under San Diego's control.

Cleveland's Josh Cribbs is becoming more confident that he'll be with the Browns next season. The Pro Bowler said earlier this month that he thought it was "unlikely" he'd play another game for Cleveland after a $1.4 million contract offer for 2010. However, he indicated on Thursday that new Browns president Mike Holmgren has reached out to him and "wants to get something done soon."

Sources close to Michael Vick say that the Eagles quarterback is intent on starting for a team in 2010. The same sources fully expect him to play elsewhere next season. According to NFL.com's Jason La Canfora, teams to keep a close eye on include Buffalo, St. Louis, Carolina, Oakland and Jacksonville.

The Browns have no intention of bringing wide receiver Donte Stallworth back when his one-year suspension is lifted by Commissioner Roger Goodell after the Super Bowl. Stallworth was suspended on Aug. 13 after pleading guilty to DUI/manslaughter as a result of striking and killing a man in Florida while under the influence of alcohol on March 14.

Michael Vick has been linked to the Bills in the past and the hiring of Chan Gailey as the team's new head coach has only fed into rumors. Gailey used Reggie Ball as a four-year starter when he was coach at Georgia Tech. Ball was a runner first and a passer second. Michael Lombardi writes that Vick appears to be the kind of quarterback Gailey will look for.

Browns wide receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs said Thursday that he's encouraged by recent talks with the team regarding a new contract. Cribbs said that he's had "very positive" dialogue with the franchise over the past week. "We've talked to [Browns President] Mike Holmgren and [General Manager] Tom Heckert and we have an understanding that we're going to work together on this," agent J.R. Rickert said. "We have a much clearer indication that something can be worked out and that it's not just lip service." On Jan. 6, Cribbs and his agents said they were insulted by the Browns' $1.4 million offer.