The Dolphins may have to continue waiting for the services of quarterback Joey Harrington. Lions General Manager Matt Millen told Detroit media on Wednesday that he is in no rush to trade Harrington, who has publicly stated he will only play for the Dolphins in 2006. The Lions have to deal or release Harrington before June 15 to avoid paying a $4 million roster bonus to a player who no longer figures into the franchise's future. But the Dolphins and Lions have yet to reach agreement on what will likely be a low-round draft pick as compensation. "If it happens, it happens," Millen said. "I'm more concerned about the draft right now."

It will be up to the Miami Dolphins if Ricky Williams plays football in the Canadian Football League this season, according to the suspended running back's agent. Leigh Steinberg found out yesterday that his client had been put on the Toronto Argonauts' negotiation list, a day after he had been officially suspended for the entire 2006 NFL season for violating the substance abuse policy for a fourth time. "He loves football," Steinberg said in a phone interview. "He is definitely coming back to the Dolphins (for 2007). This, (playing for Toronto), I have no idea about it. We just heard about it." Steinberg talked twice yesterday to Argos' assistant general manager Greg Mohns about Williams coming north. "It wasn't a flat-out 'forget it.' He hasn't had a chance to talk to Ricky, yet," Mohns said. "(Steinberg) asked a lot of questions."

According to a league source, the Dolphins have joined the discussion with the Packers about acquiring Walker. The Broncos have considered acquiring Walker since last month, when coach Mike Shanahan made informal inquiries around the league, including to former Packers coach Mike Sherman, now on the coaching staff of the Houston Texans. Walker, who publicly has threatened to retire instead of again playing for the Packers, is under contract for the 2006 season. He is in Tallahassee, Fla., attending classes at Florida State University, where he also played for the Seminoles.

Miami Dolphins' running back Ricky Williams has been suspended by the NFL today for failing his fourth drug test. Williams is coming off a stellar 2005 campaign, that saw him rush for 743 yards a year after leaving the NFL. Williams' three other positive test were for marijuana, but this fourth test is said to be for another drug.

A day after Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington basically traded himself to the Dolphins, Dolphins coach Nick Saban tiptoed around the subject. "The player in question is under contract with another team, so I would rather not comment about that particular situation," Saban said Thursday, alluding to the league's tampering rules. "Certainly we have some things to do to get that to happen and we would be pleased if we could make it happen." The Lions want at least a fourth-round draft pick in return, while the Dolphins reportedly are offering a future sixth-round pick.

Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington has decided to sign with the Miami Dolphins, his agent said Wednesday, giving the team a backup to new starter Daunte Culpepper. With Culpepper facing an uncertain timetable in his recovery from a serious knee injury, Harrington might be Miami's No. 1 quarterback when the season begins. The Dolphins and Lions are expected to complete a trade soon, sending Harrington to Miami. The Lions decided a month ago not to retain Harrington, a starter during his four seasons in Detroit. "I look forward to joining the Miami Dolphins whenever I am released or a trade is completed," Harrington said in a statement from his agent, David Dunn. "The Dolphins are an ascending team with great coaching, and I can't wait to get started."

The Bengals, Green Bay, Miami, Jacksonville and New York Giants are in the running for outside linebacker LaVar Arrington, who was scheduled to have a $12.045 million salary cap number before being released by Washington. He paid back $4.4 million to the Redskins in order to get his release and become a free agent, then reportedly asked for a seven-year, $54 million contract from the Giants. "We have an interest in LaVar," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said.

Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban continued his long-standing support of running back Ricky Williams by testifying on Williams' behalf during an appeal of Williams' latest positive drug test under the NFL's substance-abuse policy. According to a source, Saban spoke for about 30 minutes Monday over the telephone. Saban has consistently said that he will support Williams through this process, that he doesn't believe Williams used drugs in this instance, and that Williams is one of the hardest-working players he ever has coached.

While the Dolphins and Bengals wait for the Lions to agree to either of their trade demands for the services of quarterback Joey Harrington, their respective contingency plans may be falling through. Rams veteran quarterback Jamie Martin, who has spoken to the Bengals and Dolphins, visited the Seahawks on Tuesday. "Miami is still waiting on Harrington," said Tom Mills, Martin's agent. "There may be something to report [today], if the visit in Seattle goes well." The Lions reportedly are seeking a fourth-round pick for Harrington, who also is planning to visit the Broncos.

Ricky Williams and attorney David Cornwell met with NFL attorney Jeff Pash at an undisclosed office in Manhattan for several hours Monday afternoon with Williams telling the league that he did not use the substance for which he tested positive in late December. Rather, they were expected to contend that Williams tested positive after taking an herbal supplement as part of his practice of holistic medicine. Agent Leigh Steinberg said Williams, Cornwell and the league began the meeting at approximately 2 p.m. The meeting lasted until about 9 p.m., according to a report on ESPN. The violation was his fourth of the league's substance-abuse policy and could result in a one-year suspension for Williams if his appeal is not upheld. Williams and Cornwell focused on the fact that the substance he took was not in keeping with the style of drug usage in the past.