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Terrell Owens is campaigning to get back into the NFL, and his current targets are his first team and the team in which his previous quarterback plays for.

Owens went on “The Drive” on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, in an interview that will air Monday, and said he’d like to play for either the 49ers or the Raiders. Let’s get this straight: Owens would like to play for any team. But thus far, there have not been any takers. Owens was out of football in 2011, and he turns 39 in December.

Yes, he’s a hard sell.

Yet, he is pushing for a chance to reunite with quarterback Carson Palmer. They played in Cincinnati together in 2010, and Owens worked out with Palmer and some Oakland receivers this offseason.

“If I had to prefer a team, I’d probably want to end where I started, but other than that, that’s not possible, but at the same time, anything can happen. That being said, there’s really only one team left in the Bay Area who I haven’t played for, that really, at this point in time is a viable option, and that’s the Oakland Raiders,” Owens said, “Given the opportunity, if that’s on their radar for me to come in and help them win some ball games, and ultimately help them try to win a championship, then I’ll take that challenge on.

"I definitely feel I have a lot of football left in me. I think Carson knows that. The guys that saw me running around, those receivers, they saw me first hand, so it’s just a matter of someone giving me an opportunity to make that happen. If that’s the case with the Raiders, I’ll assess that when the time comes.”

The reality is, it doesn’t matter if Owens is interested in playing for the Raiders. There are a lot of people in the world who would like to play for the Raiders. What matters is what Oakland’s brass wants. Thus far, it appears Oakland is satisfied with its young core of receivers. As I have expressed often, I think it is the right call.

Let’s see what fifth-round pick Juron Criner can do. Taking away repetitions from him in favor of a rusty 38-year-old with a history of being a locker-room distraction doesn’t make any sense.

In other AFC West news:

Tight end Dallas Clark reportedly visited the Patriots this week. He recently visited the Chiefs.

In an Insider piece, Mel Kiper says he thinks Kansas City linebacker Justin Houston will build upon his strong rookie season.

Denver signed fifth-round pick Malik Jackson. He is the team’s second draft pick to sign.

Yeremiah Bell will not be the one who provides depth to the Kansas City Chiefs’ secondary.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the safety has signed with the New York Jets. Bell visited the Chiefs on Wednesday, and they were one of four teams he was considering.

The Chiefs were interested in Bell as a third safety. The Chiefs also looked at veteran O.J. Atogwe.

In other AFC West news:

Here is a call for the Raiders to cut troubled middle linebacker Rolando McClain. He was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2010 draft. He has been a disappointment on the field and a distraction off it.

Once again, in a radio interview, LaDainian Tomlinson, said he’d consider playing for the Chargers again. And, once again, I just can’t see that happening.

New Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, in radio interview, said he expects his unit to be a top-10 defense. For that to be possible, the defensive tackles would have to mesh quickly.

I have received a lot of questions from readers this afternoon about how much of the 2012 season Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain will miss because of his court case in Alabama.

Right now, it is impossible to guess.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that after being sentenced to 180 days in jail, McClain's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, said McClain has filed a request for a jury trial and now, under state law, "the process starts all over again." Steinberg said McClain will be notified at a later date as to when the jury trial will begin.

If the jury trial is a quick process and McClain is sentenced, he could face jail time during the season. But who knows how long the process will be and there are appeals and other situations at play. Often, when athletes serve jail terms, their attorneys try to arrange it that the time is served during their offseason.

Also, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could decide to discipline at any time if he chooses to suspend McClain. Again, this is a legal situation that is fluid. Any speculation on McClain missing time would be mere guesswork.

UPDATE: The Raiders released this stamement on the McClain situation: “The Raiders are well aware of the proceedings in the Alabama courts today. The team will continue to closely monitor the legal process, understanding that when appropriate the NFL will review the situation under its personal conduct policy.”

In other AFC West news:

The Broncos and kicker Matt Prater have a model to work with on a new deal. Fellow franchised kicker Conner Barth received a four-year, $13.2 million deal from Tampa Bay on Thursday. Prater has yet to sign his tender and he is not with the team during OTAs.

San Diego coach Norv Turner turned 60 on Thursday. Turner has proclaimed Chargers star tight end Antonio Gates ”back.” Gates has been dealing with foot injuries for several years.

Oakland running back Darren McFadden talks about his return to health on ESPN radio.

The Broncos announced they've signed fourth-round pick Omar Bolden. The cornerback is the team’s first pick to sign.

The Chiefs announced they have signed tackle Donald Stephenson, a third-round pick.

The Chiefs’ lone remaining unsigned draft pick is nose tackle Dontari Poe. He was the No. 11 pick in the draft.

San Diego has signed its entire draft class.

In other AFC West news:

The co-defendant of Rolando McClain in an Alabama assault case has pleaded guilty and has agreed to testify against McClain. The Raiders linebacker is on trial today in his hometown.

Former Miami safety Yeremiah Bell is reportedly considering four teams and the Chiefs are one of them. He visited Kansas City this week and would provide depth for the Chiefs.

Junior Seau’s restaurant near Qualcomm Stadium has shut down. Seau committed suicide on May 2. It was open since 1996.

The Denver Post reports the Broncos are close to deals with their top draft picks, defensive tackle Derek Wolfe and quarterback Brock Osweiler.

Cutting down on turnovers is a key in San Diego.

Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli reiterates his support of quarterback Matt Cassel in a radio interview.

ESPN’s Jeffri Chadiha writes about Kansas City owner Clark Hunt and what Hunt needs to do in his role.

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed safety DeQuan Menzie. He was a fifth-round pick. The Chiefs have six of their eight draft picks signed.

The Chiefs also announced they signed free agents, defensive back Dominique Ellis, tight end Martin Rucker, offensive lineman Rich Ranglin and linebacker Leon Williams. Rucker and Williams are former draft picks of the Browns when current Chiefs’ coach Romeo Crennel was the coach in Cleveland.

In other AFC West notes:

— Video has emerged from the incident that led to the arrest of Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain in his hometown in Alabama last fall. McClain will go to trial in the case Thursday.

— Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer helps explains why Terrell Owens worked out with Palmer and some Oakland receivers this offseason. That doesn’t mean Owens is coming to Oakland’s crowded receiver’s room.

— As expected, Denver kicker Matt Prater is not participating in the team’s OTAs. He has not signed his franchise tag, so missing OTAs is normal procedure.

— In a radio interview, Oakland safety Tyvon Branch said he is not focusing on getting a long-term deal, even though he’d like on. Branch recently signed his franchise tender and he has rejoined the team.

— The home of former San Diego star linebacker Junior Seau was burglarized five days after Seau committed suicide.

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Carson Palmer gave himself a refresher course this offseason in what watching football without the modern convenience of high definition is like.

It brought him back to the late 1980s, when he watched football just because he liked what he saw without knowing the complications of the game.

This time around, it was for the benefit of his NFL career.

As part of his indoctrination into the West Coast offense, Palmer, 32, watched as much of the scheme as he could. He went all the way back to the Bill Walsh-coached San Francisco 49ers.

“It was pretty cool going back to those days,” said Palmer this week during a break in the Raiders’ organized team activities. “There were no HD films back then, so it was kind of gritty. It brought me back to when I was 8 years old and I just wanted to see (49ers running back) Roger Craig score a touchdown. You look at the game so differently now, but it was a good learning experience.”

Palmer’s West Coast cram sessions included several incarnations of the scheme. However, a primary focus was the 2010 and 2011 Houston Texans. Palmer watched every game the team played the past two seasons.

New Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp was Houston’s quarterbacks coach in those seasons, and Knapp is bringing a version of the West Coast offense to Oakland. He is a disciple of the 49ers’ West Coast offense and has used versions of it as a coordinator in San Francisco, Atlanta, Oakland (in 2007-08) and Seattle.

Palmer was in a West Coast offense in his first year at USC, at age 18. In a season during which he will turn 33, Palmer must adjust to the offense in what will be a crucial year for him personally. The previous Oakland regime traded two premium draft picks for Palmer last season in a desperate attempt to stay in the playoff hunt when starter Jason Campbell went down for the season with a broken collarbone.

Oakland was 4-2 when Campbell went down. It was 4-6 after acquiring Palmer from the Bengals. Thrown into the Oakland system after holding out in Cincinnati, Palmer’s rust showed as he threw 16 interceptions and 13 touchdown passes for the Raiders.

Palmer is now comfortable in Oakland, and though he is still adjusting to Knapp’s system, he says he is thrilled with the playbook because Knapp’s offense has so many variations. There are some classic West Coast schemes, but there is also zone-blocking running and other modifications. Palmer said he believes it is the most varied offense he has been in.

He thinks it will blend nicely with Oakland’s speed at receiver. Mostly, Palmer is confident his transition to the offense will be easy because of Knapp himself.

“He’s been fantastic with me,” Palmer said. “He’s amazing. He is a teacher in addition to a coach. It will really help me get this offense down.”

New Oakland coach Dennis Allen said Palmer was a major reason why he chose to hire Knapp as his offensive coordinator. He said Palmer’s ability to adjust to Knapp’s offense made the Palmer-Knapp pairing a “great fit” in Allen’s mind.

Allen scoffs at concern that Palmer might not be athletic enough to run Knapp’s offense. He has repeatedly said he thinks that Palmer is athletic as Matt Schaub, who flourished under Knapp in Houston. Palmer often ran around the field freely on Tuesday in addition to participating in a multitude of plays, including several deep passes, which mesh with his big arm.

“He moved around today,” Allen said Tuesday. “He’s plenty athletic.”

Allen also said the key is to be flexible -- not only on offense, but on defense, where the 4-3-based Raiders will use multiple front-seven sets. Allen -- who was Denver’s defensive coordinator last season -- saw the benefit of in-season coaching when the Broncos went to an option offense for Tim Tebow midway through the season. He said Tuesday he learned from that experience.

“We are running the West Coast offense, but we’re going to do a lot of things,” Allen said. “We are going to take advantage of what Carson does best.”

While hopes are high in Oakland that Palmer will show he was worth the high price, some worry about the fit. Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. is in that camp.

“I have a lot of concerns with Palmer adjusting to the Raiders’ new offense,” Williamson said. “First off, it was the former staff/philosophy that wanted Palmer. He doesn’t anticipate routes well. When the receiver becomes open, Palmer throws it. Therefore, defensive backs get a better break on the ball and run-after-the-catch potential is more limited. Also, he has heavy feet and not a movement-based quarterback, which is ideally what they now want in Oakland. I do think Knapp will adapt his system to fit Palmer -- he will have to.”

To help Palmer adjust to playing for Knapp, Oakland signed Matt Leinart to be his backup. Leinart backed up Palmer at USC and the two Heisman Trophy winners have a close bond. Leinart was in Houston the past two seasons.

Leinart said this week he is happy to help Palmer with any nuances of Knapp’s offense. He said keys for Palmer will be to use bootlegs and rely on what should be a strong running game.

"I'm here for Carson, to help him with reads, to let him know that certain things are very good, just to stay on it," Leinart said. "Because when you're taught a new offense, there's things that you're not used to; you're used to doing it a certain way. Sometimes the reads are a little different. I told him today, 'Just stick with this route because it's a great route for us. It's going to be a great route for us.'"

And if he needs any reassurance, all Palmer has to do is flip on that gritty, grainy game film from yesteryear.

As part of their front office and scouting restructuring, the Oakland Raiders have formally announced several new appointments.

Here are new positions, in alphabetical order, as relayed by the team: Teddy Atlas, scouting coordinator; Calvin Branch, college scout; Joey Clinkscales, director of player personnel; Zack Crockett, college scout; Tom Delaney, director of football administration; Shaun Herock, director of college scouting; Von Hutchins, pro scout; Brad Kaplan, college scout; Larry Marmie, pro scout; Mickey Marvin, college scout; David McCloughan, college scout; Raleigh McKenzie, college scout, Trey Scott, college scout; and Dane Vandernat, pro scout.

In other AFC West news:

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Chiefs will visit with former Miami safety Yeremiah Bell. The Chiefs are looking for depth at the spot. They recently visited with veteran safety O.J. Atogwe.

The Rams signed two AFC West players Tuesday when they inked Kansas City free-agent tackle Barry Richardson and former Denver linebacker Mario Haggan. Neither was in his former team’s plans.

Recently retired Denver safety Brian Dawkins will appear on ESPN’s "NFL Live" on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

UPDATE: As expected, the Raiders signed fullback Owen Schmitt.

He played for Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Seattle. He is a hard-nosed player, who has a chance to make the team. Restricted free-agent Marcel Reece is and still will be the starter. He has yet to report to the team. Perhaps this minor heat will persuade Reece to join the team.

The family and friends of Junior Seau had a viewing Thursday night, and he will be buried Friday morning in his hometown of Oceanside, Ca. A public celebration of life will be held Friday night at Qualcomm Stadium during which many speakers will participate. Peyton Manning and John Elway will reportedly represent the Broncos at the ceremony.

Seau, a legendary linebacker for the Chargers, committed suicide May 2. He was 43.

In other San Diego news:

The Chargers have reportedly signed all but one draft pick, third-round pick Brandon Taylor. That is fantastic work by the front office.

Like many teams, the Chargers are giving tryouts to several players during their rookie minicamp.

The San Diego Chargers have announced the speaking lineup for the celebration of life in honor of legendary linebacker Junior Seau on Friday at Qualcomm Stadium.

Former Chargers legends Dan Fouts, LaDainian Tomlinson and Rodney Harrison, former San Diego coach Bobby Ross, former NFL star and San Diego native John Lynch and San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders will all be part of the speaking program.

The Chargers are hosting the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. PT Friday.

Seau died on May 2 at the age of 43. His death was ruled a suicide. His family will have a private funeral for Seau in his hometown of Oceanside, Calif., on Thursday.

In other AFC West news:

NFC West blogger Mike Sando believes former Denver general manager Brian Xanders would be a good fit in St. Louis because of his previous working relationship with new St. Louis general manager Les Snead. Xanders and the Broncos parted ways Monday because Denver is streamlining its front office.

Second-year quarterback Terrelle Pryor prepares for a new opportunity in Oakland. He is probably looking at being the No. 3 quarterback again in 2012.

Oakland strong safety Tyvon Branch reportedly will sign his franchise tender Monday and he is expected join the team in its offseason workouts.

NFL Network reported that Branch will sign the tender guaranteeing him a salary of $6.2 million in 2012. The Raiders placed the franchise tag on Branch in March.

Branch and the team are trying to come to terms with a long-term deal. They have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal. If the deadline passes without Branch signing an extension, he will play for the franchise tender amount. He is due to be a free agent in 2013.

UPDATE: The Raiders announced Monday afternoon that Branch has signed his tender.

In other AFC West news:

Former Denver defensive tackle Ryan McBean has signed with Baltimore. He is facing a six-game NFL suspension for using a banned substance.

New Oakland head coach Dennis Allen told the Bay Area News Group that if the Raiders use a 3-4 defense that Tommy Kelly would be the nose tackle. Allen has yet to commit to a base defense and he has said Oakland will use multiple fronts.

There have been indications that the 4-3 defense will be the team’s base, but I do expect some 3-4 looks.

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. thinks Oakland should use multiple looks and he thinks Kelly could fill the nose tackle role in some instances.

“I think it would be foolish for Oakland not to be multiple and I am sure they know that is the plan,” Williamson said. “With defensive linemen like Lamarr Houston and, especially, Richard Seymour and Kelly, they have a lot of versatility where they line up up front. … Looking over the roster, the Raiders do lack a true plugger early down nose tackle. Kelly would fit that mold best.”

In other AFC West news:

Former Chiefs and Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer mourns the death of Junior Seau.

New Denver quarterback Peyton Manning hit the field with his new teammates and coaches for the first time.

Bill Barnwell thinks the Raiders and Chargers are among the teams still with a glaring hole.

Baltimore star pass-rusher Terrell Suggs could miss the entire season with a torn Achilles. The Ravens play the AFC West this season.

Here are more tributes and statements of about t he death of Chargers superstar linebacker Junior Seau. He was 43:

The Oakland Raiders:

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Junior Seau. Junior’s great passion, intensity and love for the game were evident every time he stepped on the football field. He was a formidable competitor who left an indelible mark on the game of football. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and the Charger organization.”

Tweets from Denver executive vice president John Elway:

I had the pleasure of playing against Junior for many years. He played the game the way it was meant to be played.

We shared a lot of laughs from our AFC West battles when I saw Junior before he was inducted into the Chargers HOF in November.

Junior was a true competitor and a special player. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Seau family.

The NFL Players Association

The NFL Players Association is saddened to hear of the passing of Junior Seau, a terrific player and teammate. The 12-time Pro Bowler achieved a level of success on the field that is unparalleled and his off-the-field service accomplishments are beyond admirable. The All-Decade Team linebacker’s career spanned an incredible 20 seasons, and Junior Seau’s determination and passion for the game will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of the fans. The NFLPA player family today joins with the Seau family to mourn a brother lost too soon.

Statement from Bills GM Buddy Nix:

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Junior Seau. This is such a tragedy and his passing will be felt by many. Junior was a great player in this league for so many years and he embodied that competitive spirit that all the great linebackers possess. My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to his children and his entire family, his friends, the Spanos family and the Chargers organization.”

Statement from Bills defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt:

“Hearing this news about Junior...it’s just so tragic…it’s hard to believe. I still to this day remember the day that Junior joined our family at the Dolphins. He brought a sense of renewed energy and a spirit to the field, off the field, in the weight room, just everywhere that Junior went and everyone that Junior was associated with. He instilled a belief that we hadn’t reached our potential and that we could be better and he would find a way to help make that happen. I just feel terrible but I know how much he loved his kids. I remember him coming to me and the first thing we talked about was what the offseason schedule would be and what was going to be our bye week schedule. Everything he was doing was centered around getting back to San Diego from Miami to be able to spend quality time with his kids. I don’t think there’s a better way a man could be remembered than in those terms.”

UPDATE:

The Chargers have compiled these statements and tweets about Seau:

FORMER CHARGERS QUARTERBACK STAN HUMPHRIES

“The first thing is just the energy, the excitement that he had every day. I don’t think he could wait to get to the facility every day to practice, to watch the game tape, to get on the practice field, to get in the weight room. I know when I came there he’d been in the league for two years and when I first got there, you heard about Junior but when you actually saw him, the youth that he brought out in you was what stood out. I looked at that team back then with guys like Gill Byrd, Gary Plummer, Leslie O’Neal, veteran guys, but then you see this guy with all the youthful energy and I think he gave a lot of the older guys a little fire and brought a little of that youthfulness back to them as well. He played the game instinctively, he studied the film and did some things on his own just off film study that allowed him to make huge plays. I remember times playing with him and also times flying home on the plane with him, just getting to know him as a person. I feel bad for his kids and his family. At that young of an age, it’s just horrible.”

FORMER CHARGERS FULLBACK LORENZO NEAL (tweet)

“Today the world is not a better place we lost one of our legends. Sad to Hear about my good friend and brother Junior Seau Passing. He was a great man to his family and the community he was a great example of sportsmanship and he had such a big heart for everyone he was someone i could talk to I'm at a loss for words this one really hit me hard. I Love you and will miss you my dear friend .To His Family i love you all and you are in my Prayers One Luv Lo Neal.”

FORMER CHARGERS RUNNING BACK LADAINIAN TOMLINSON

“I don’t know what to say. I’m hurt. It’s hard to put to words how I feel right now. I learned how to be a pro because of him. I learned how to start a foundation and work in the community because of him. I learned how to relate to people because of him…fans…signing autographs. I’m just hurt. He’s an icon I looked up to my entire life before I got to San Diego. Even to this day. It’s a numb feeling in my heart right now.”

FORMER CHARGERS GENERAL MANAGER BOBBY BEATHARD (Beathard drafted Junior in 1990)

“Junior was one of the two players we drafted that I thought if you ever drew a player up that was the complete package, it would be Junior and Rodney (Harrison). Junior was such an incredible football player, and as far as being just a great person, I just love Junior. I’d see him in the summer when I’d go up to Oceanside to surf (and) we’d get together. He was such a big thing for the community. I think a lot of the people that came to our games were there to see Junior. You never had to motivate Junior. He motivated everybody else. He had energy. He played like you hope every player would play. He practiced the same way he played. I haven’t seen…the whole time I was in the NFL…I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anybody like Junior…that had it all. Just a great guy. He loved playing the game. He loved his teammates. He loved life. For the life of me I certainly can’t understand what went wrong or what happened. But I love Junior as a player and as a friend. You always look in the Draft when you’re getting ready to draft and think, ‘could we every be fortunate enough to get someone like Junior?’ Doesn’t happen very often.”

FORMER CHARGERS KICKER JOHN CARNEY

“I’m shocked and heartbroken at the news. Being a friend and teammate of Junior’s was a highlight of my career. The positive influence he spread among teammates, coaches, fans, and even opposing teams is unmatched. He’ll be greatly missed.”

FORMER CHARGERS HEAD COACH BOBBY ROSS

“I’m totally shocked and very, very saddened by the whole thing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, to his children and to his parents, and all of those very, very special people there. Junior, to me, was the epitome of what a football player was. The words that come to me are passion for the game. Passion for life. Intensity for the game. Intensity for life. Team player. One of the best I’ve ever been around in that respect. Tremendous team player. Tremendous leader. Tremendous leader on our football team. Love for the game. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave each and every day of practice. Great practice player. One of the absolute best I’ve ever coached at any level. He used to frustrate our offensive coaches from time to time because of intensity at practice and his instincts. A guy that prepared greatly. He was always early in to study film. At the same he was tremendously instinctive. He relied on his instincts. But I believe a lot of those instincts were a result of preparation that he did in film preparation. I don’t know of a player in the National Football League that had a greater effect on the community in which he played, than Junior Seau. The people in San Diego literally loved him. And he loved them. It was unbelievable the way they took to another. I don’t know that there has been anyone that has done that much for their particular community they played in than Junior Seau. He was always upbeat. I never saw him down at any time in my experiences with him. He seemed to be very happy all the time. I think that’s why this is such a shock to so many people because he was such a positive person and such an upbeat person. But I’m sure most of us probably never expected anything was going on in his life. My last experience I heard from him on this golf outing that he recently had. He had wrote me a letter of thanks. His last words were, ‘love you coach.’ I’ll cherish that. I only wish I had been able to be out there with him during that particular outing.”

FORMER CHARGERS CENTER COURTNEY HALL (tweet)

Thanks everyone. My thoughts go out to his family and children. This is so heartbreaking. I have not spoken with him directly in a while, but I will always remember his easy smile, big laugh, and loving spirit. The person you saw play with so much emotion on the field is the same personality he displayed off of it.

FORMER DOLPHINS LINEBACKER JASON TAYLOR

“I’m shocked and saddened. Devastated, really. Junior was one of the most positive, uplifting people I have ever known. He was always full of life and energy and had an infectious spirit that lifted everyone around him. Junior called everyone ‘buddy’ and treated them like he had known them forever. It would be easy for me to say he was a great friend and teammates, and a tremendous competitor, but that would be selling Junior short. Junior Seau was an individual of great honor and integrity, a leader of men and someone with a deep-rooted passion for giving of himself to make the people, the community and especially the children around him better. This is an immeasurable loss for so many. My heart and prayers go out to Junior’s family, Gina and their children. I’m going to miss you buddy.”

SAINTS QUARTERBACK DREW BREES (tweet)

“So sad to hear about (Junior). Junebug. Buddy. The greatest teammate a young guy could ask for. This is a sad day. He will be missed greatly.”

CHARGERS DEFENSIVE TACKLE ANTONIO GARAY (tweet)

“Words cannot explain the sadness I feel right now for the loss of Junior Seau. My prayers & love go out to his family. Junior was a man that symbolized passion both on & off the field. I pray that everyone can learn to live every moment as passionate as Junior did. You will be greatly missed buddeeee.”

SAN DIEGO MAYOR JERRY SANDERS

“Junior Seau was one of the most electrifying athletes in San Diego sports history. He was a passionate figure who gave the game of football – and Chargers fans everywhere – everything he had. His passion for the San Diego region was also felt through his charitable work, which did so much good in so many ways.”

NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL

“All of us are deeply saddened about Junior Seau, a great player loved by teammates who also worked hard to serve his community. Junior and his family will remain in our thoughts.”

UPDATE: Denver quarterback Peyton Manning released the following statement on Seau:

“When I first got into the league in 1998, the two most dominating defenders I played against were Junior Seau and Bruce Smith. Junior was truly an once-in-a-lifetime player. I remember how many times we would be getting ready to play him and the Chargers and someone would say, ‘This is a blitz here.’ And I would say, ‘That’s not a blitz; that’s just Junior Seau smelling something and going after it.’ He was very difficult to play against because his instincts would always lead him to the right place on defense—or the wrong place for the offense. He and Ray Lewis are the two best linebackers I’ve ever played against, and I know many others would feel the same way.

“I had the great pleasure of playing against Junior but I also had the honor of playing with Junior in a couple of Pro Bowls. Just in those shorts weeks of Pro Bowl practices, nobody had more passion for the game than Junior Seau. His energy and enthusiasm—you could tell how it spread back to his teammates with the Chargers, Dolphins and Patriots. I also got to attend some charity functions with him and I saw how philanthropic he was in giving his time and money to several worthy causes.

“To me, Junior had a quality of making the people around him feel special and comfortable. It didn’t matter what environment he was in—he had just a great energy and an aura about him that people gravitated to. That’s why he was such a great leader. I always felt good being around him. He was truly a one-of-a-kind football player and a one-of-a-kind person just because of his passion.

“I was honored to call Junior a friend and I was deeply saddened by the news of his passing. I will truly miss him, and I know a lot of people are going to miss him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”

UPDATE

Kansas City general manger Scott Pioli (who was with Seau in New England) released this statement:

“I’m shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Junior Seau. Junior was a phenomenal football player, but more importantly a great man who I considered a friend. He was a player that always reminded us that football should be fun and he was a true joy to be around. This is a tremendous loss for all of those who were blessed to cross his path. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

According to a survey compiled by ESPN The Magazine, the Oakland Raiders are the second-highest paying NFL team behind the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders are the 80th highest-paying team in the world and the Steelers are the 75th highest paying team in the world based on the 2011 season.

The survey encompassed 278 teams,14 major pro leagues, covering seven sports, spanning 10 countries. The salary numbers are calculated from an average of base salaries among players.

All the Raiders got for being the second highest-paid NFL team in the league was an 8-8 record. It is another reminder why new Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie had to cut several players and restructure several other deals. The late Al Davis spent wildly as he unsuccessful tried to buy a championship in his final years.

Expect the Raiders to be significantly lower on the list next year. This survey also struck me to what a bargain the NFL is. The league is a cash cow, but the highest paying team in the NFL is only No. 75 in the world?

In other AFC West news:

In an Insider piece, Mel Kiper thinks Denver will get an immediate impact from defensive tackle Derek Wolfe and running back Ronnie Hillman.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Monday that the Chargers are trying to trade up to take Alabama safety Mark Barron.

For what it’s worth, I heard the rumblings a couple of times, too. Barron looks likely to go in the 12-to-16 range in the first round, meaning that there isn’t much of a chance he will be around when the Chargers draft at No. 18. A trade up could cost a third-round pick and the No. 18 pick or a similar package.

If Barron is the apple of Chargers general manager A.J. Smith’s eye, a trade is likely necessary. We all know Smith is not scared to move up. He’s done it before and I can see him doing it again.

In other AFC West news:

NFL.com reported that the Broncos could still trade for Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel. The Broncos reportedly tried to get Samuels last week, but talks with Samuel about a new deal stalled; perhaps they will reignite. The price for Samuels is expected to be a late-round pick.

The NFL boosted the number of roster spots for the beginning of training camp from 80 to 90. That means each team will probably sign more undrafted free agents. The in-season 53-man roster remains.

Jacksonville cut safety Darcel McBath. He was cut by Denver last year being a second-round pick in 2009. Josh McDaniels’ first draft in Denver was a disaster.

Will the Chiefs draft a receiver with Dwayne Bowe's future unsettled?

The Chargers began their offseason program Monday.

The Raiders had a solid turnout at a voluntary minicamp. These are considered voluntary, but teams highly encourage players to attend, so attendance is usually pretty strong.

News that New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis was allegedly able to listen on opposing coaches could be annoying to Kansas City Chiefs fans.

The Saints beat the visiting Chiefs, 27-20, on Nov. 14, 2004 at the Superdome. The Saints won the game in the fourth quarter and overcame a 10-point deficit in the game. A week later, Denver crushed the Saints, 34-13, at the Superdome. Those were the only games at the Superdome spanning the 2002-04 seasons. ESPN’s “Outside the Lines’ is reporting that Loomis had the ability to listen to opposing coaches in his suite at the Superdome spanning those seasons.

In other AFC West news:

Boise State outside linebacker Shea McClellin may be on the Chargers’ radar at No. 18. I could see him being a potential target in a trade-down situation.

The Oakland Tribune has an interesting look at Raiders’ owner Mark Davis.

The Broncos’ playbook has a modern look.