ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic quotes Karlos Dansby as saying he has no problem playing out his franchise contract. Dansby: "I'm under contract for this year and hopefully, me and the Cardinals can still do something next off-season, like Baltimore just did with Suggs. What Suggs got, that's just amazing. And it's actually great for me. It puts everything in a whole other realm, really. The sky's the limit now. I'm blessed to be in this position." One difference: Suggs has averaged 8.8 sacks preseason. Dansby has averaged 4.9.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com uses the term "apples and oranges" when comparing Suggs and Dansby.

Donna Gehrke-White of the Miami Herald says Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle has donated $30,000 to the athletics department at his high school while also setting up scholarships. Hat tip: Urban.

Revenge of the Birds' Hawkwind sizes up LaRod Stephens-Howling's future with the Cardinals. Hawkwind: "Make no mistake about it, Stephens-Howling will have to have an amazing training camp and preseason to break into the top three of the Cardinals running backs. If he makes a contribution as a rookie, it will come on kick off returns and even in that department he has some serious competition."

Gary Washburn of seattlepi.com asks whether former Seattle sports stars Shaun Alexander, Gary Payton or Edgar Martinez are more worthy of induction into their sports halls of fame.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams are happy to have Oshiomogho Atogwe under contract even though they did not strike a long-term agreement. Said executive vice president Kevin Demoff: I'm glad he signed the tender and will be here for (training) camp We met several times face to face, and it was always productive and pleasant. In the end, we weren't able to (reach agreement on) a long-term deal. But we'll continue to keep working every day to do one. O.J. is a key member of this team, and he's handled everything with dignity and class."

Turf Show Times' sbrown1021 came away impressed after studying Rams guard Richie Incognito during a game against the Patriots last season.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Matt Hasselbeck's swimming regimen on the Columbia River isn't the only creative approach by a Seahawks player. O'Neil: "Left tackle Walter Jones is famous for pushing cars -- most notably Cadillac SUVs -- to build his leg strength and fullback T.J. Duckett is down in San Diego running on the sand. Safety Brian Russell is one of the fittest Seahawks, and he works out on the track four or five times a week with a world-class speed coach. This year, Russell has also added hot yoga to the routine. He goes twice a week and has become more flexible and developed more core strength."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune summarizes T.J. Duckett's interview with Mitch Levy of Seattle radio station KJR. Duckett: "I would love to have more carries. I'm not just wanting to settle with being a short-yardage back just because of my size. So yeah, definitely, mentally I'm ready to compete for that."

John Morgan of Field Gulls revisits Baraka Atkins' 2008 season with the Seahawks. Morgan: "Atkins is cheap, young, athletic, capable against the pass and run, and if 2008 be any indication, developing. The big addition in 2008 was better snap anticipation and that led to a better first step. He has a good bull rush and is active if not yet skilled with his hand-fighting. He's strong enough to hold the edge and has a lean, muscular frame to grow into. His potential is as it's ever been: very good, but 2008 proved his floor isn't so low anymore."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee sees Mark Roman as the primary backup at both safety spots for the 49ers. Barrows: "Roman has been a solid starter for the 49ers who has lined up the defense and who has rarely been out of position. But his ball skills, which always have been dubious, bordered on comical last season when he dropped one would-be interception in the end zone and later in the year slammed into a teammate who was about to make another. You could argue that Roman's ball skills -- or lack thereof -- cost the 49ers a late-season game in Miami. Which is why the team has tapped [Dashon] Goldson, who seems to excel in all the areas in which Roman is lacking, to be the starter."

David Fucillo of Niners Nation sifts through Football Outsiders' grim outlook for the 49ers. At least they liked the medical staff.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat says the 49ers acquired a 2010 first-round choice in part because Oregon's Max Unger was no longer available in the second round.

Taylor Price of 49ers.com checks in with receiver Brandon Jones. Jones: "I'm hoping that I can continue to be in the slot. I like being on the outside, but I love being in the slot. I think I bring a lot to the table being in the slot. That's one of my strong points coming here."

The Associated Press provides details on the 49ers' plans for a new stadium: "Team officials presented the details Tuesday to the Santa Clara City Council, saying it would allow more fans to get closer to the field by expanding seating in the lower bowl. It would also bring the upper deck closer to the field by stacking suites and clubs on one side, instead of wrapping them around the facility."