Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka understands why teammate Osi Umenyiora is frustrated. Umenyiora continues to sit out the team's voluntary offseason workouts as he seeks a long-term contract. "His situation ... he has been under contract in a bad deal for years now and anybody who looks at the situation would say, 'Well, this should have been taken care of a long time ago,'" Kiwanuka said. "For whatever reason, it hasn't. So I understand his frustration." Umenyiora is entering the final year of his contract and is set to earn just under $4 million.

Hakeem Nicks recently had foot surgery, but that doesn't mean the Giants are considering a reunion with Plaxico Burress. Burress might wind up getting a job, but it won't be with the Giants, according to coach Tom Coughlin. "We're looking for the next Victor Cruz," Coughlin said.

The Patriots have announced the release of wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez. A 2007 first-round draft choice of the Colts, he was attempting to revive his career in New England after playing in only 11 games the past three seasons.

It is a matter of when, not if, Donald Driver will return to the Packers for another season. Driver's agent is expected to work out a restructured deal before his client hits the field again. "I'll be in Green Bay. I'm not going anywhere," Driver said recently. "I've always said I want to retire as a Packer, I think the organization knows that, so we're going to come together. We're going to make a decision. One, two more years, and then I'll put my cleats on the shelf and sit back in Dallas and relax. It's family." Driver is set to make $5 million in total pay in 2012. He will have to take a large pay cut, and it appears he's willing to do so.

Mike Sims-Walker is scheduled to work out Wednesday for the Texans, according to a league source. Houston is in need of another veteran receiver ever since they decided to let go of Jacoby Jones in free agency. In addition to the loss of Jones, the Texans are also without star Andre Johnson who had arthroscopic knee surgery.

It has been speculated that Drew Brees could be in for a 44% raise in 2013 under the collective bargaining agreement if the Saints use their franchise tag on him again. However, the quarterback could use a much more potent tactic if he's willing to walk away with $16.371 million next season. Article 10, Section 15(c) of the labor deal explains that, if Brees doesn't play in 2012, he can be tendered as a franchise player once again in 2013. However, if Brees hold out for all of 2012, the Saints would be prevented from using the exclusive version of the franchise tag on Brees in 2013. While the Saints would have the right to match any offer sheet Brees signs elsewhere in 2013, a new team could put together a monstrous offer - and then the Saints would have to decide whether to finally pay Brees or let him walk away.

Former Seahawks running back Justin Forsett is scheduled for a tryout with the Texans next week, according to a source. In four NFL seasons, Forsett has compiled 1,287 yards on 278 attempts for a promising 4.6 yards per carry.

Brian Urlacher believes that Bears running back Matt Forte deserves a long-term deal, but he isn't expecting one anytime soon. "Everyone wants Matt to get his deal and get what he wants," Urlacher told WMVP-AM. "Is it realistic? Probably not, because nobody gets what they want these days. Or what we think we're worth. We want him to get a deal. I think either way he'll be here when he needs to be here, for training camp and the games that really count. As long as we can get him back and get him healthy, that's all that really matters."

Cliff Avril is seeking a four-year deal worth more than $10 million annually, according to a report. The Lions placed their franchise tag on the defensive end this offseason and the two sides appear to be more than $2 million apart in contract talks.

Brian Urlacher, who is entering the final year of his contract, understands that he could be playing his last season with the Bears. The linebacker wants to remain with Chicago, but he is somewhat excited by free agency. "I think (team president) Ted Phillips said when they had the owners meeting they're gonna wait until the season is over; see what happens, how I play (before addressing the contract situation)," Urlacher said. "It's kind of exciting. I've never been a free agent. So if I can get to free agency we'll see what happens. I no doubt want to finish my career here. There's no doubt about that. But you bring in free agency and all that you just never know what's gonna happen."