The Chargers are expected to place the highest tenders on potential free agents linebacker Shawne Merriman and wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd. A source familiar with the situation told the San Diego Union-Tribune of the team's plans. Doing so would force teams to give the Chargers a first and third round pick if they signed Merriman, Jackson or Floyd.

An NFL executive recently discussed free-agent defensive end Julius Peppers' value with Sports Illustrated's Peter King. "Had an NFL exec tell me this weekend he thought Peppers would be lucky to get $10m a year in this climate," King wrote on his Twitter page.

The Eagles could be one of defensive end Julius Peppers' suitors this offseason. According to a league source, Philadelphia is on the free agent's short list of teams. The Eagles front office hasn't discussed Peppers, likely because comments could result in tampering.

The Jets will release running back Thomas Jones this week, according to sources. Jones, who will become a free agent March 5, was slated to receive a $3 million roster bonus March 9 and a $2.8 million base salary in 2010.

The Bills have declined to offer wide receiver Terrell Owens a contract, making him a free agent. Buffalo also declined to offer contracts to defensive end Ryan Denney and wide receiver Josh Reed. "We wanted to inform all three players ahead of the start of the free-agency period so they could begin making their plans," Bills general manager Buddy Nix said. "We just felt that was the right thing to do. All three have represented our organization with class, and we thank them for their dedication and hard work."

Terrell Owens almost became a member of the Ravens six years ago and he could get another shot this offseason. Baltimore coach John Harbaugh wouldn't rule out the possibility of signing Owens Saturday during his NFL Scouting Combine media session. "We're interested in anyone who makes our football team better," said Harbaugh. Philly.com also reports that the Ravens have expressed interest in another ex-Eagle, running back Brian Westbrook. Harbaugh was on Philadelphia coach Andy Reid's staff before moving on to Baltimore.

Minnesota could be a potential home for Brian Westbrook, writes ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli. "Rumors linking the Minnesota Vikings and former Philadelphia tailback Brian Westbrook have some legs, especially if the Vikings lose key backup Chester Taylor in unrestricted free agency," Pasquarelli wrote. Westbrook has a history with Vikings head coach Brad Childress, who was once Philadelphia's offensive coordinator.

The Browns don't plan to make it easy for teams to sign free agent Jerome Harrison away from them this offseason. Cleveland president Mike Holmgren said the team will "tender him something to make it very difficult for somebody to come in and get him." Harrison will be a restricted free agent because of the uncapped year. The Browns can either give him the first-round tender for a four-year player of $2.521 million or the first- and third-round tender of $3.168 million.

Reggie Bush is expected to return to the Saints, according to a host of sources. There was speculation that Bush's $8 million base salary for 2010 might lead New Orleans to release him. "He'll be with us. He's not going anywhere," Saints coach Sean Payton told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "Mickey [Loomis] and I talked the other day about it. We value what this player brings, what he's been in three of the last four years ... really in all four seasons here. So I think we've spent more time in the other areas than we have discussing his status. So he's full speed ahead, he finished strong, and he'll be with us."

The Chargers have opted not to tender running back Darren Sproles, which will allow him to leave the team without compensation. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter of the decision. If San Diego wanted to retain Sproles' rights, they would have had to tender him with an offer of nearly $7.3 million for the coming season by March 4.