The new league year begins in two weeks and the per-team salary cap number for 2012 has yet to be announced. There is talk around the league that the number will be lower than expected. The number had been expected to be at least $120 million or so per team.

Former Colts vice chairman Bill Polian is joining ESPN as an NFL analyst. He will start March 12, the day before the free-agency period begins. "We will tap into his expertise immediately on ESPN in preparation for the upcoming NFL draft, free agency and arguably the biggest offseason story in years with the future of his former quarterback Peyton Manning still to be determined," Seth Markman, ESPN senior coordinating producer for NFL studio shows, said.

Chargers guard Kris Dielman is expected to officially announce his retirement on Thursday. Dielman, a four-time All-Pro, was an anchor of the San Diego's line but finished the 2011 season on injured reserve because of a concussion.

The 2012 season-opening NFL Kickoff game will be played on Wednesday, September 5. The game will be played on Wednesday to avoid a conflict with President Barack Obama's Thursday night speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Charles Woodson may play a few snaps at safety for the Packers next season, but the team wants to keep him at cornerback. "I think the closer Charles is to the ball the more dangerous he is and more impact he has to the offense," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's the most instinctive defensive player I've ever been around." Last season, Woodson participated in 988 regular-season plays, or 90.1% of the snaps. He probably played slot corner 70% to 75% of the time, outside corner 20% to 25% and safety for the rest.

The Bengals appear headed for a committee approach at running back in 2012 with Cedric Benson headed for free agency. Cincinnati could take a back early in April's NFL Draft to fortify their stable of rushers. "It's not a bad way to go. Keep guys fresh. They play longer, they're involved," offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said of the committee concept. "If something happens to one, you know you've got a guy that can come in there and be productive. Where you're not relying heavily on one guy and if something happens to him, you’re like, 'Oh God, this guy doesn't have many reps.' I think it's important to have guys touch the ball, I believe, as a committee, but if you do get a big-time guy like Trent (Richardson) then I'm not opposed to giving him the ball 30 times."

The Patriots are prepared to make significant changes along their offensive line. According to multiple sources, the team is ready to move on from left tackle Matt Light and center Dan Koppen. New England feels very good about their depth on the line and would prefer not to overpay to keep Light and Koppen.

Browns general manager Tom Heckert had a good reason to miss the NFL Combine this month. He is recovering from recent heart surgery, team president Mike Holmgren said Monday. Holmgren stressed that Heckert "will be an integral part of the draft process" and would return to the Browns facility on Tuesday.

Packers wide receiver Donald Driver will take part in the upcoming season of "Dancing With The Stars," according to multiple reports. There was an internet campaign to get Driver on the wildly popular reality show.

The Chargers plan to release longtime defensive end Luis Castillo rather than pay him a $1 million roster bonus in March, according to a source. The team has spoken to his agent and he will seek a job elsewhere, but San Diego also made it clear that they want Castillo back. Castillo, 28, broke his left leg in the season opener on Sept. 11 and the Chargers kept him on the active roster in the hope he'd be healed toward the end of the season. However, he was ultimately placed him on injured reserve in December.