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It's clear Plaxico Burress wants to play in the NFL in 2012.

And it’s also clear that he’d play anywhere. The receiver, who will turn 35 in August, appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio with hosts Adam Schein and Rich Gannon.

Gannon asked Burress his thoughts on Carolina, Oakland and Miami as possible destinations. Burress said yes, yes and yes.

Here is his response: “You just ran off some good teams. I spoke with Cam [Newton] a few times this offseason when he was down here working out in South Florida. I didn’t get a chance to work out with him but I know he’s a very hard worker. Steve Smith is obviously, in my book, one of the top five receivers in all of football. He has been that kind of player for some time now. … Oakland, I’ve always thought that Carson Palmer has been one of the best deep-ball throwers in all of football since I can remember. … They do have some great talent over there in Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy. I think those guys are only going to get better with Carson. … The Miami Dolphins. I ran into Reggie Bush a few weeks ago at the Heat-Celtics game and he was just saying, ‘Man, please, just come down here and make some plays, and we’re going to have the receiver to go up and get the ball in the red zone and things like that.’ I said, ‘Hey, man, you know, when my phone rings, hey, you never know.’”

My thoughts on Burress’ idea of playing in Oakland? Just because the Raiders were one of the team’s Gannon mentioned doesn’t mean it is a good fit.

Burress had 45 catches for the Jets last season, his first back in the league after missing two years while he was in prison.

The thought of adding Burress, in my mind, is a lot like the idea of the Raiders signing Terrell Owens. I just think the Raiders would be better off developing their young stable of receivers than adding one of these two aging players.

The Washington Post reports the Redskins might make a run at San Diego Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson in free agency.

I can see this happening. The Redskins were one of the teams that considered trading for Jackson while he held out in the 2010 season. Washington coach Mike Shanahan has long been an admirer of Jackson, as the Broncos nearly drafted Jackson at No. 56 in the 2005 draft when Shanahan was at the helm in Denver. However, the Broncos took cornerback Darrent Williams. San Diego selected Jackson five picks later.

If the Redskins are, indeed in on Jackson, that could be problematic for the Chargers. San Diego would like to sign Jackson even though the team expects him to get to free agency. There's still a remote chance the Chargers could give Jackson the franchise tag (for the second straight year) by Monday’s deadline, but the more likely scenario is him getting to the open market.

The Redskins have been known to throw around wild money, so if they really are going to offer Jackson, it could be out of the Chargers’ range. If Jackson does leave, San Diego will look for a replacement in free agency. The Colts’ Reggie Wayne could be an option if that scenario develops.

In other AFC West news:

— Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas is testifying in the sexual assault trial of former Denver cornerback Perrish Cox.

— In an Insider piece , Todd McShay has a new rankings list of first-round picks to reflect combine performances.

— Here is a portion of an interview Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer conducted Wednesday on SiriusXM NFL Radio with hosts Adam Schein and Rich Gannon.

Let’s look at some of the biggest moves Al Davis -- who died Saturday at the age of 82 -- made since he joined the Raiders in 1963. We’ll go in chronological order:

Hiring John Madden: This set the program in motion. Davis and Madden were a great team. Both men had an eye for talent, an ability to handle renegade players, and a thirst for winning. The Raiders were an elite team in the 1970s and their Super Bowl XI victory over Minnesota in January 1977 is probably the greatest moment in team history.

Acquiring Jim Plunkett: The quarterback was one of the poster boys for Davis’ factory of recycled talent. Plunkett enjoyed career resurgence in Oakland and his presence helped pave the wait for the Raiders’ second and third Super Bowl titles.

Drafting Marcus Allen: Davis selected the running back with the No. 10 overall pick in the 1982 draft. He quickly became a catalyst for the team and he was a key to the Raiders’ third Super Bowl title. He became a face of the franchise. It’s stunning that Minnesota took Stanford running back Darrin Nelson three picks ahead of Allen.

Moving back to Oakland: After a 13-year field trip to Los Angeles, the Raiders moved back to their Northern California home in 1995. This is where the Raiders belong and it was the right move by Davis to bring them back.

Hiring Jon Gruden: Davis hired the young offensive guru in 1998 and Gruden breathed life to the Raiders’ organization. They later added quarterback Rich Gannon and the three men helped lead the Raiders to prominence again. It all culminated in Davis’ final Super Bowl appearance in January 2003, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trounced the Raiders, the team he had traded Gruden to in 2002. As much life as Gruden’s hiring brought Oakland, his trade brought despair to the team for much of the last decade.

Hiring Hue Jackson: Davis’ last coaching hire (he had 11 coaches since 1978, when Madden retired) has the look of a good one. Times have been tough in Oakland for the past nine years, but Jackson is a talented, energized coach who is proud to be connected to Davis. Watch for Jackson to dedicate his time in Oakland to restoring the glory of Davis’ era. If Jackson is successful, it will be a tremendous final act by Davis.

I’m sure you have memories. Fill up the comment section below with your thoughts.

LeBron James has company when it comes to defending Denver quarterback Tim Tebow against criticism levied by ESPN analyst Merril Hoge.

Former Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon questioned the ability of Hoge -- a former running back -- to evaluate quarterback play. Wednesday on “SportsCenter,” Hoge was highly skeptical of Tebow’s ability to become an effective NFL quarterback. James tweeted about it later Wednesday, supporting Tebow.

Continuing the firestorm, Gannon spoke about it Thursday on his Sirius radio show. “It bothers me when old running backs or old offensive linemen who’ve now become analysts start analyzing the quarterback position," Gannon said. "They’re not experts at it. They’ve never played the position. I’m always curious, when they put on the tape, what are they watching? Are they watching footwork? Are they watching mechanics? Are they watching anticipation? Do they understand what the quarterback is told in terms of the progressions, where the read is? You know, so those are the things that really bother me and I just thought he came out and his comments were very strong and I thought a little out of line when you talk about Tim Tebow.”

Gannon said he thinks Tebow will succeed in the NFL.

“[Tebow] did some good things last year,” Gannon said. “I think he has a bright future in the league. He’s no different than a lot of young quarterbacks. There’s things he’s got to work on, things he has to get cleaned up. The only way he’s going to do that is to go play. And so you got to be patient with him. He played a handful of games last year. … And this guy is a good kid and he wants to be great, he wants to do the work. Teammates out there love him, he’s competitive, he works at it, he does all the things you like in a quarterback. Yeah, does he have to get better in terms of his accuracy, in terms of his mechanics and things he’s got to get cleaned up? Certainly, but we have to give the guy a chance … You look at Tim Tebow, he’s got some of the things I admire in a young quarterback. I think he’s tough, he’s got some grittiness, he’s a competitor and I think he works at it. He’s got great feet, he’s got mobility, he can run with the football, he’s tough and yet he’s got some things he’s got to get better at in terms of the passing game ... As you look at him there’s a lot of things that I like about him and I just think he’s going to prove a lot of people wrong if people will just give him a chance.”

What does it mean? Not much. Just like the fact that Hoge’s criticism doesn’t mean Tebow will have a lousy career, Gannon’s assessment doesn’t mean Tebow will be a star. It is further evidence that Tebow is perhaps the most polarizing player in the NFL.

It was clearly disappointing for Tim Brown not to make the Pro Football hall of Fame last year in his first year of eligibility.

However, it would be a thrill of a lifetime for Brown to be elected into the hall of fame Saturday in his hometown of Dallas. The former Raiders receiver is one of 17 finalists for election. The vote and announcement will be made Saturday.

ESPN Dallas has an outstanding look at Brown’s candidacy. Brown resides in Dallas. He was a star at the city's Woodrow Wilson High School.

"I think it would mean a lot more to me happening here, even over being a first-ballot Hall of Famer," Brown told ESPN Dallas. "Being around my family and immediately sharing this with the people who are the reasons why I ended up where I ended up would just be an incredible deal."

The Heisman Trophy winner at Notre Dame was a dominant NFL player. Brown caught 1,094 passes for 14,934 yards and 100 touchdowns. The receptions and yardage are fourth most in NFL history. The touchdown catches are tied for sixth best.

"If I needed a completion," Brown’s Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon told ESPN Dallas, "I knew where to look."

Brown told ESPN Dallas that he is going to try to relax and not get too caught up into the process like he did last year. He is taking a more relaxed approach this year.

"You just don't want to go through all that and then be disappointed,” Brown said. “But certainly I'm sure the thank you will flow to all the people who were an integral part of me being the player I was."

I will have more on Brown’s candidacy Friday along with the hopes of fellow AFC West finalists Shannon Sharpe and Willie Roaf.

What's the best attribute Jason Campbell brings to Oakland?

Very simple: He’s not JaMarcus Russell.

Campbell, after a fairly undistinguished career in Washington, has legions of believers in Oakland. The Raiders believe Campbell can lead them to places Russell couldn't. Russell’s three-year tenure in Oakland was soiled by his reputation for being unprepared and apathetic. Meanwhile, Campbell has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches with his professionalism and his makeup.

Again, no one in Oakland seems to care that Campbell has never shown Pro Bowl ability. He has shown them he wants to be their leader and he wants to be the man behind a revival in Oakland. That goes a long way.

Even early in training camp, the book on Campbell by his teammates was that he was a dedicated worker. Again, it was a clear dichotomy from Russell, who was cut in May three years after he was the No.1 overall draft pick. Russell was 7-18 as Oakland’s quarterback and he was benched last year.

“He’s dependable,” said Oakland receiver Chaz Schilens of Campbell, in a loud-and-clear shot at Russell. “It’s really great to have a hard-working guy here every day. He has taken over this offense.”

The excitement over Russell starts at the top. Oakland owner Al Davis compared Campbell to Jim Plunkett, who after a so-so start to his NFL career elsewhere became the Raiders' starting quarterback in 1980. He eventually led the Raiders to two Super Bowl titles.

Davis' comparison might be pie-in-the-sky, but the point is Campbell has brought stability to the quarterback position in Oakland, which hasn’t been the case since Rich Gannon left after the 2004 season.

Oakland starts the Campbell era in Tennessee on Sunday. Oakland coach Tom Cable says this team has playoff potential. The team wears T-shirts that proclaim the Raiders as AFC West champions. That’s bold talk for a team that has lost 11 or more games for seven straight seasons, which is an NFL record.

Last season, Cable made it clear that he thought Oakland would have made a playoff run if it weren’t for Russell’s terrible play. Campbell is the missing ingredient -- at least, that’s how the Raiders feel. The Raiders will enter Tennessee knowing that their quarterback likely won’t make the mistakes to take them out of games.

The Raiders aren’t the only believers in Campbell.

Special ESPN.com contributing writer Roy S. Johnson believes Campbell’s addition in Oakland is perhaps the most intriguing storyline in the NFL. That might be a stretch considering Campbell led Washington to four wins last year and he was jettisoned by the new regime there. Still, in Oakland, Campbell’s addition is, indeed, big.

Campbell has the type of arm that can excel in Davis’ vertical passing game. Campbell was Washington's starter the past three seasons. He threw for a career-high 3,618 yards with 20 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions last season. Again, those are not Pro Bowl numbers, but Oakland will take Campbell and his average stats.

“He’s a pro, he’s been there,” Oakland defensive lineman Richard Seymour said. “He’s a guy who can help us win.”

Oakland’s genuine welcome should provide a spark to Campbell’s career. He wasn’t wanted by new Washington coach Mike Shanahan, who opted for an aging Donovan McNabb to run his offense instead of Campbell.

Campbell, 28, didn’t have much stability in Washington or at college at Auburn. He’s had eight different offensive coordinators in the past eight seasons.

He’s fine making it a ninth season directed by a different coordinator, this time Oakland's Hue Jackson. “One day I can be an (offensive coordinator) and draw from nine different playbooks,’’ Campbell quipped early in camp. He can now joke about his flux because he knows this might be the beginning of stability in his career.

“This is a good change for me,” Campbell said."I look forward to playing in the Raider Nation and bringing a winner back to Oakland.”

The feeling is mutual. After the Russell failure, the Raiders fully believe Campbell is the man to bring life back to Oakland football.

A look at some interesting stories written about the Raiders:

Top pick Rolando McClain said he has no intentions of holding out.

My take: The more I read and hear about this kid, the more I like this pick. McClain seems like an old-school player who lives and breathes the game. I think Oakland really scored here.

Richard Seymour showed his teammates his Super Bowl rings from his New England days last season.

My take: That’s one of the reasons why Seymour was brought to Oakland. He is a winner who Oakland hopes changes the atmosphere. He was unable to do so in his first seasons in Oakland, but having a player like Seymour on the roster doesn’t hurt.

Former Oakland star quarterback Rich Gannon worked with Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.

My take: Gannon offered to help former Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell, but the Raiders declined his offer because of hard feelings over critical comments Gannon made about the team. It’s too bad Gannon and the team are estranged. He can be a helpful resource. It’s a shame a former Raider great is helping another team’s quarterback get better.

Just how would Donovan McNabb impact the Oakland Raiders if he were to be traded to them?

Of course he’d help, but ESPN’s John Clayton has an interesting column on the topic. Clayton thinks McNabb would make Oakland – which has lost 11 or more games for seven straight years, an NFL record – better, but not good enough.

There is no doubt McNabb could make a major impact on the Raiders. He's a 60 percent thrower, so you figure he would add a lot of efficiency to the Raiders' offense. But the Raiders' offensive line has problems, so McNabb might be sacked 45 times instead of the 35 he had in Philadelphia last season.

Still, McNabb would give the Raiders about 231 net passing yards a game. Compared to the team's 159.8 yards a game last year, McNabb's presence should be worth three to maybe four more wins. Unfortunately for Raiders fans, three to four wins may not make enough sense for the team to give up a second-round choice for a chance at an eight- or nine-win wild-card run. The move would not be similar to the Rich Gannon signing of 1999, because getting McNabb might not be a long-term solution. The Raiders signed Gannon when he was 33 to a four-year contract.

All seem like valid points. I agree. I think McNabb will help, but overall, it may not be worth Oakland’s time considering it has other needs, McNabb’s age, cost and contract status.

Meanwhile, the rumor page on ESPN.com notes that there is now room for Nnamdi Asomugha in Philadelphia’s secondary. ESPN.com reported last week that Oakland would be willing to make Asomugha part of a package in a deal for McNabb. Despite this latest development, I’d be surprised if Asomugha goes anywhere this year.

Meanwhile, Oakland re-signed offensive lineman Langston Walker.

The Denver Post expects Brandon Marshall to be traded even though he blamed himself for his 2009 issues.

My take: I agree. Even though Marshall indicated he is open to staying in Denver, it is best for both sides to part ways. It is fine that Marshall was contrite and it may show prospective new teams that he can be accountable. But don’t expect his words Thursday to change Denver’s plans.

The Kansas City Star thinks the Chiefs’ offseason could be affected by the uncertain future of the collective bargaining agreement.

My take: With an uncapped year possibly on the horizon, it will be strange for every team. But Kansas City has to get better. It has to spend some money to improve this team regardless of the landscape.

Rich Gannon is going after JaMarcus Russell … again.

My take: This is tired. Rich, you have great opinions and you were a great Raider. But enough, already. We all know JaMarcus stinks and he has to get better. We get it.

San Diego is preparing to say goodbye to LaDainian Tomlinson.

My take: This is a sad deal. Tomlinson is a legend. San Diego loves him. He is leaving town and it will be difficult for everyone involved.

Rich Gannon apparently got the Raiders’ hint. He’s done trying to help the team.

Earlier Wednesday, Gannon said on his Sirius NFL Radio show he called Oakland owner Al Davis to help the team and struggling quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Gannon won the NFL MVP award and led Oakland to the Super Bowl in 2002.

Later Wednesday, an Oakland spokesman said the team was not interested in Gannon’s help. The team has been upset with Gannon because he has frequently criticized Oakland. The Raiders just completed their seventh straight season with at least 11 losses. It is an NFL record.

Thursday, on his radio show, Gannon reacted:

“No. You know, it’s amazing. You try just to reach out to somebody and say something, that maybe you can help a young guy, and you get criticized for it. … I’m not looking for work. I have plenty of jobs that keep me busy. … People think I’m looking for a job. I’ve been offered jobs to get into coaching and to get into management. I have no interest in doing it. I just was really looking at a young guy that’s really struggled and just thought that I could reach out to help him out. Listen, I’m not all the king’s horses and I’m not all the king’s men. I can’t put Humpty Dumpty together again. I can’t do that. But I was just looking to figure out a way to go out there and share with them some of the things that helped me as a player and prepare and get myself ready not only for the season but for games each week. I’ve done it with Aaron Rodgers and I’ve done it with quarterbacks in Tampa and Minnesota. But, hey, trust me, I won’t make that call again.”

San Diego Pro Bowl kicker Nate Kaeding has been named the AFC special teams player for the week for his play in a win over Washington in Week 17:

Kaeding made all three for his field goal attempts in the 23-20 win. Two of the three field goals were from 45 yards or longer. He made 32 of 35 field goal attempts this season for a .914 percentage, which is a team record.

• The Raiders responded quickly to Rick Gannon’s offer to help the team. According to the Oakland Tribune, the team has no interest in getting pointers from Gannon, who won the NFL MVP and led Oakland to the Super Bowl in 2002. The Raiders have been upset with Gannon because of his frequent criticism of the team.

Rich Gannon apparently is ready to let bygones be bygones with the Oakland Raiders.

Will Al Davis feel the same way?

Months after he was temporarily banned from the building of the team he led to the Super Bowl and won the NFL MVP award with seven years ago, Gannon has reached out to help the team.

“I did something yesterday that I can’t believe even I did,” Gannon said Wednesday on his Sirius NFL Radio show. “I picked up the phone and I reached out to Al Davis. So I called Mr. Davis, I have not spoken with him yet, but I’m happy to help out in any way I can. I’d love to help JaMarcus Russell if he wants help. I’d love to help Tom Cable and that organization. It’s important. Listen, seven straight seasons where they’ve lost 11 or more games? Something’s not right.”

Earlier this season, the Raiders banned Gannon, who was working as a television announcer, from their facility. The Raiders were upset about critical comments Gannon made about the team.

It will be interesting to see if Davis is open to listening to Gannon. My guess? Don’t count on it.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

• Former Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon reacts to his rift with the Raiders.
• Speaking of the Raiders, coach Tom Cable says his team is close to getting it together. I understand that Cable believes in staying positive. But we’ve heard this talk ever since he took over in Oakland. Coach, just show us, please. Sunday’s game at Houston is Cable’s 16th game as Oakland’s head coach, which equals a full season's worth. The Raiders are 5-10 under Cable. Again, show us the improvement and please stop telling us it is on the way.
• Lost in the report that Oakland defensive assistant Randy Hanson told police that Cable broke his jaw is the fact that Hanson’s attorney said that Oakland defensive backs have sought out Hanson for advice since he has been kept away from the team. It that is the case, it is another example of dysfunction in Oakland.
• Denver has allowed just 16 points in the first three games, which is one of the best starts in NFL history.
• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on "SportsCenter" Tuesday that Dallas running back Felix Jones will likely miss the game against Denver on Sunday.
• The Chargers believe they are going to get rookie guard Louis Vasquez back on the field this week after he missed two games with a knee injury.
• The Chargers are suing former linebacker Steve Foley for owed bonus money.
• Oakland tackle Cornell Green is tied for the league lead with three false starts this season.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

OAKLAND -- CBS broadcaster Rich Gannon did not talk to the media prior to the game. The Raiders banned Gannon from their building last week for a production meeting because he has been critical of the team. The Raiders finally relented.

• Ryan Clady has not allowed a full sack in his entire NFL career.
• Oakland cut running back Louis Rankin before the game.
• There are several thousand empty seats. This is the first time a Denver game has been blacked out in Oakland since 2003.
• Second-round pick Mike Mitchell is playing for Oakland at safety.
• Denver rookie Knowshon Moreno is running the ball well.
• Denver seems to be much improved on special teams. That was a big issue the past several seasons for Denver.
• JaMarcus Russell’s numbers aren’t bad. He has completed 9 of 13 passes for 60 yards. But he is not being effective.
• Oakalnd running back Darren McFadden needs to be more consistent. We just haven't seen the type of game he is capable of in more than a year. He has seven carries for 21 yards.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

The Oakland Raiders ultimately made the right decision after being criticized by former quarterback Rich Gannon.

Oakland originally decided to ban Gannon, who won a league MVP with Oakland and is now a CBS broadcaster, from its building. Gannon is working Sunday’s game between Denver and the Raiders in Oakland. As a routine, broadcasters visit the home facility prior to the game for production meetings. Oakland decided to ban Gannon after he made several critical remarks about the team.

Oakland later decided to allow the former Silver and Black star in its building. That was a good call. Banning Gannon would do nothing but put more negative attention on the Raiders, who are working hard to improve after a six-year dry spell.

The Raiders pride themselves on maintaining close relationships with their former players. They have a strong alumni group and often honor former players. If a former player (especially one as accomplished as Gannon) strays from the Raider Way, I can understand why the team would feel hurt and betrayed by Gannon.

But the Raiders need to take the high road or, better yet, ignore Gannon’s comments. The Raiders are showing progress on the field. They need to focus on that and not give anyone reason to believe they are focused on petty issues. Bashing Gannon won’t help the Raiders win games and that’s all they need to be focused on, no matter how hurt they may be by their former star.