The Lions will sign linebacker Rocky Boiman, according to a source. Boiman played six games for the Steelers last year. He has previously played for the Chiefs, Colts and Titans.

Free-agent linebacker Adalius Thomas could end up with the Jets. Thomas, a former member of the Patriots and Ravens, would help replace Calvin Pace, who will miss a few weeks with a broken foot. Jets coach Rex Ryan led Thomas as Baltimore's defensive coordinator.

The agent for Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson is denying reports that his client is demanding a five-year, $50 million contract. The San Diego Union-Tribune recently reported that Jackson and his representatives were looking for a deal in that neighborhood. "There's no truth to the report that we asked for $50 million over five years and $30 million guaranteed," agent Neil Schwartz told Pro Football Talk. "We only talked concepts with the Seahawks, and I specifically mentioned players like [Cowboys receiver] Roy Williams, [Bills receiver] Lee Evans, [Falcons receiver] Roddy White, who we represent, [Dolphins receiver] Brandon Marshall, and [Cardinals receiver] Larry Fitzgerald. No numbers were mentioned."

The Jets are close to a new deal with center Nick Mangold, according to league sources. The agreement is expected to make Mangold the highest-paid center in the NFL. Mangold, a first-round pick in 2006, was entering the final year of his rookie contract.

The Vikings brought free-agent wide receivers Javon Walker and Brandon Jones in for workouts on Friday. Sidney Rice is currently on the physically unable to perform list with a hip injury and Percy Harvin is once again suffering from migraines. Neither left the workout with a contract.

The Seahawks reportedly met with free-agent wide receiver Matt Jones on Thursday. Jones, 27, was recently released by the 49ers. Seattle executive Scot McCloughan signed Jones prior to last season when he was San Francisco's general manager.

The Bears could sign free-agent quarterback Matt Gutierrez on Wednesday. Given Chicago's issues at the position it's possible that Gutierrez could even play against the Raiders this weekend. "Believe it or not, we have given a little bit of thought to that matter," coach Lovie Smith said when asked how he would manage the position. Jay Cutler's backup, Caleb Hanie, injured his shoulder this past weekend.

The Bears have asked quarterback Trent Green to come out of retirement, but he's not interested. "We had some conversations about it, but Trent's been engrossed in broadcasting," agent Jim Steiner said. "It just didn't work out." Green, who retired in 2009, does broadcasting work for the NFL Network and Westwood One Radio.

Vikings guard Steve Hutchinson, defensive end Jared Allen and placekicker Ryan Longwell were in Hattiesburg, Miss., Tuesday to get an answer from Brett Favre on his playing status for the season, a source told ESPN. The players were not at practice or morning meetings Tuesday, ESPN confirmed. The envoy was first reported by the Star Tribune.

Vikings coach Brad Childress has dismissed rumors that the team considered bringing in veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia at one point. "Childress says he's had no recent contact with Favre, denies team has or ever had any interest in Jeff Garcia," ESPN-1500's Tom Pelissero wrote on his Twitter page Monday.