Coach Joe Gibbs acknowledged yesterday the Washington Redskins have talked to the Chicago Bears about acquiring disgruntled Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs. However, a team source expressed skepticism a deal would be reached. Last week, Washington vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato said there was "no merit whatsoever" to reports the Redskins were trying to acquire the Bears' Pro Bowl linebacker. Those reports intensified yesterday with comments from Briggs' agent, Drew Rosenhaus. A high-ranking NFL source said the Redskins expressed no interest in Briggs during the teams' recent extensive trade talks involving safety Adam Archuleta. The Bears sent a sixth-round pick in next month's draft to the Redskins for Archuleta last week. A trade for Briggs would likely include a swap of first-rounders with Washington's No. 6 pick going for Chicago's No. 31.

While a proposal has yet to be formalized, the Redskins will make a trade offer to the Bears aimed at acquiring two-time Pro Bowl weakside linebacker Lance Briggs, agent Drew Rosenhaus and two league sources told ESPN.com late Monday night. Washington will propose a swap of first-round draft picks in this year's draft -- the Redskins own the sixth overall selection and Chicago has the 31st choice in the lottery -- in exchange for Briggs. The potential deal, which is expected to pick up steam on Tuesday morning as the annual NFL meetings continue here, would be contingent on the Redskins signing Briggs to a long-term contract.

David Patten was cut by the Redskins on Thursday after catching just 23 passes over two seasons. The Redskins released Patten with three years remaining on the five-year, $13 million contract he signed as a free agent from New England in 2005. Patten felt ready to assume a lead role after years as part of an ensemble receiving corps with the Patriots, but he was never able to live up to his own billing.

The Washington Redskins have agreed to trade safety Adam Archuleta to the Chicago Bears for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Archuleta restructured his contract to soften the salary-cap hit the Redskins will have to take this season, and now Washington will get back a draft pick for him. Bears coach Lovie Smith was Archuleta's defensive coordinator in St. Louis and has coveted the safety since he took over as Chicago's head coach in January 2004.

People in authority at Redskins Park are telling Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post that the Redskins are in no way trying to trade up and take the LSU QB first overall. The Skins love Jason Campbell and want to give him every chance to succeed.

Kicker John Hall was released by the Redskins on Wednesday after three consecutive injury-hampered seasons, saving the team about $1.5 million. The move was expected, given all of Hall's health problems, plus Shaun Suisham's emergence as his replacement last season.

Denver cornerback Dre Bly, who the Redskins attempted to acquire last week and who has told several people he wants to play for Washington, could become available again. The Broncos, who already have three quality cornerbacks, have a free agent visit set up with corner David Macklin, according to reports, and should they sign him it could be a precursor to a Bly trade. The Redskins are seeking additional picks in this draft and are interested in trading down from the sixth overall pick, while the Broncos could entertain moving up.

Shawn Springs said he would play for the full worth of his contract this season, but not for a restructured deal that would result in him making less. He is open to a trade and is mulling over a tactic used by former Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington last year, when he forfeited deferred payments to opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent. Springs is due to make $6.8 million and carries a $7.3 million cap figure.

Defensive back Kenny Wright signed a three-year contract with Cleveland on Sunday, making him the third free agent the Browns have signed. Wright had 43 tackles and one interception in 16 games, including nine starts, for the Washington Redskins last season.

Cornerback Fred Smoot agreed to a five-year contract with the Redskins on Saturday night, returning to the team he left two years ago before two tumultuous seasons with Minnesota. Smoot will sign his deal Sunday, when he'll also be formally introduced during a news conference at Redskins Park. He'll receive a signing bonus of at least $2 million. Other details of the contract were not immediately available, but Smoot's agent, Bus Cook, said the cornerback placed a higher priority on returning to a familiar team than working the free agent market for the best deal.