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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.

Adam Schefter and Wendi Nix revisit the Carson Palmer trade; Russell Wilson could start for the Seattle Seahawks; and some bold words from New Orleans Saints rookie Corey White.

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 Junior Seau:

“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.”

As expected, Matt Leinart is headed to Oakland.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that Leinart is signing with the Raiders after having a tryout with the team. This connection has been expected for several weeks.

It was reported Monday that the Raiders were working out former Colts backup Jim Sorgi as well. Signing Leinart over Sorgi is the right call in my mind. Sorgi hasn’t played in three years. There are several reasons why Leinart should quickly become comfortable in Oakland.

Leinart played for Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Houston last season. Leinart has also been Carson Palmer’s backup in the past. Palmer was the starter and Leinart was the backup while at USC, and they remain close. Both share a bond as Heisman Trophy winners.

Leinart will be the backup and 2011 supplemental draft pick Terrelle Pryor will be the No. 3 quarterback. But Pryor is a project. If Palmer goes down, the Raiders will turn to Leinart as Pryor develops.

The Kansas City Chiefs were interested in Alabama safety Mark Barron, who went four picks before they made their choice in the first round.

In the end, though, the Chiefs may have still gotten a safety from Alabama. The Chiefs took DeQuan Menzie in the fifth round.

He played cornerback at Alabama and did a nice job. But he doesn’t have great speed and may project to safety. He is a smart player who knows how to make plays. I think this could be a player to watch develop in the next couple of years and it is another SEC pickup by Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli, who craves players from that conference.

In other AFC West news:

• The Raiders picked up an extra seventh-round pick when they traded a fifth-round pick (148th overall) to Detroit for the 158th and 230th overall picks. The Lions took small-school cornerback Chris Greenwood at No. 148. Oakland was studying him. Yet, it seems the Raiders want another late pick to add to the bottom of the roster.
• For all new season tickets purchased and paid for in full from May 1 to June 30, the Raiders will donate ten percent of the gross ticket purchase price to the Oakland Unified School District.
• At No. 158, the Raiders drafted Penn State defensive end Jack Crawford. He projects to be a rotational pass-rusher. He fits into both the 4-3 and 3-4 so he will fit the Raiders’ versatile group of front seven players.

San Diego running back Mike Tolbert is in Carolina visiting with the Panthers, according to a league source.

If the visit goes well it is not out of the question that Tolbert signs with the Panthers in the next 24 hours. Unless there is a dramatic change of direction, it appears Tolbert’s days with the Chargers are over.

He was one of the team’s priorities, but talks have stalled. If the key backup leaves San Diego, the Chargers could turn to Kansas City’s Jackie Battle or Oakland’s Michael Bush to back up Ryan Mathews.

In other AFC West news:

Denver tight end Daniel Fells is visiting New England on Monday.

The Broncos have re-signed middle linebacker Joe Mays. He was a serviceable starter in 2011, starting 12 games. The team would like to see Nate Irving become a starter. If so, the 26-year-old Mays will still have value as a special-teamer.

Free-agent offensive lineman Samson Satele was arrested in Hawaii (where he lives in the offseason) on disorderly conduct charges, a petty misdemeanor. Satele played last season for Oakland, which may not bring him back in 2012.

Brady Quinn has a decent chance to stick around as a backup quarterback if Denver signs Peyton Manning. Both he and Manning have the same agent and it could make sense for Quinn to stick around if Manning signs with the Broncos.

If Tim Tebow remains the starter, Quinn will likely walk.

Quinn may have a hint that Manning isn't coming to Denver or perhaps he's not waiting for him to make a decision.

The Denver Post is reporting Quinn will visit the Jets on Friday. New York has a backup job available.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s John Clayton has reported Tennessee agreed to terms with guard Steve Hutchinson. The Broncos and Titans are among the teams fighting to sign Peyton Manning. The Broncos haven’t done anything in free agency because they are waiting to see what Manning does.

Denver has $38 million in cap room. Tennessee has less cap room. It’s time for Denver to start signing some players while waiting for Manning. Not all of its cap space will go to Manning.

In other AFC West news:

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Denver receiver/returner Eddie Royal is taking a physical in San Diego. That could mean a contract is next. I like Royal's fit in San Diego.

Oakland pass-rusher Trevor Scott is visiting the Patriots. Scott was once a promising Oakland prospect, but he's been slowed by injuries. I think he is still a decent prospect. I wonder what Bill Belichick could do with him?

Keep an eye on Chiefs running back Jackie Battle as an option in San Diego if Mike Tolbert signs elsewhere. Tolbert is visiting the Chiefs.

NFL Network is reporting that the Denver Broncos and the Tennessee Titans are not just competing for Peyton Manning, but also for Atlanta pass-rusher John Abraham.

Abraham will turn 34 in May, but he can still be effective. He had 9.5 sacks last season. He is a consistent pass-rusher who has 112 sacks in 12 NFL season. He's reached double-digits in sacks in three of the past five seasons.

Adding Abraham to a pass-rush that includes Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil would give Denver one of the very best pass-rushes in the NFL.

In other AFC West news:

NFL Network is reporting the 49ers will sign Oakland special teams ace Rock Cartwright, pending a physical. Cartwright was a pivotal part of the Raiders’ locker room. The loss would sting some.

In addition to visiting with former St. Louis cornerback Ronald Bartell on Thursday, the Raiders are showing a lot of interest in New Orleans cornerback Tracy Porter. That makes total sense. He played for new Oakland head coach Dennis Allen in New Orleans. Porter is visiting Cincinnati. Expect the Raiders to expires interest in several cornerbacks. It’s their biggest need area.

Here are some thoughts on the San Diego Chargers signing former Kansas City Chiefs' fullback Le'Ron McClain to three-year deal and on the team setting up a visit with Denver Broncos free agent receiver Eddie Royal:

• The McClain addition could be a sign that the Chargers are out of the Mike Tolbert talks. He is visiting in Kansas City. Tolbert wouldn’t necessarily be replacing McClain in Kansas City and the same could be true with McClain in San Diego. UT San Diego reported this week that practice squader Frank Summers would replace free agent fullback Jacob Hester. If Hester is brought back it would be as a backup and as a special teamer.
• McClain, who is a cousin of Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain, is a tough leader and a good blocker. He played in all 16 games last season as a Chief. He had 15 carries and 14 catches. The former Raven had 902 yards on 232 carries in Baltimore in 2008. But he has had a total of 89 carries in the past three seasons combined.
• Either way, McClain is a solid, tough addition to San Diego’s offense.
• As for Royal, I can see why San Diego is interested. It needs another receiver and the pickings are getting slim. Royal, who was reportedly close to signing with Washington to reunite with former Denver coach Mike Shanahan earlier in free agency, can help as a slot player and as a returner.
• Royal excelled under Shanahan as a rookie and I think Norv Turner would find a way to make him useful. A rotation of Malcom Floyd, Robert Meachem, Vincent Brown and Royal would be a pretty nice group for Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers to work with.

As the Denver Broncos wait to hear from Peyton Manning, the Tennessee Titans have emerged as a strong competitor for the superstar quarterback.

Manning, who is also considering the Cardinals and Dolphins, is meeting with the Titans’ brass and then he is expected to make a decision on his future. There has been recent chatter that Manning may be swayed to stay in the AFC South and play for the Titans. Wednesday, Manning’s former boss didn’t do anything to end that talk.

Former Indianapolis general manager and current ESPN analyst Bill Polian said on "SportsCenter" that he thinks the Titans are the most logical landing spot for Manning. Polian cited that Manning and his wife, Ashley, have ties to the state. Manning was a legendary quarterback at the University of Tennessee.

So, location could be a big stumbling block for John Elway. This doesn’t mean Manning won’t be a Bronco, but the Titans may have an emotional edge. Whatever happens, I’m sure the Broncos want a resolution so they can proceed with the rest of their free-agency plan, regardless of the outcome of the Manning sweepstakes.

In other AFC West news:

ESPN Boston is reporting key San Diego backup safety Steve Gregory will visit New England on Wednesday. If Gregory gets a starting job, he will likely leave San Diego. Denver has also been linked to Gregory. The Chargers will likely look for help at safety in the draft.

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. believes the Chargers’ re-signing of center Nick Hardwick is a top under-the-radar signing.

Robert Meacham’s deal with the Chargers includes $100,000 in bonuses if he makes the Pro Bowl for each of the next two seasons.

The word is Oakland, Washington and New Orleans may be the early favorites to land Matt Leinart as a backup quarterback. Oakland’s connection is Leinart played for new Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Houston. The Raiders are looking for a new backup.

The Kansas City Chiefs might be ready to spend some big money in free agency. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Chiefs are one of three teams that have a visit set up with standout right tackle Eric Winston who was a surprise salary-cap dump in Houston

Schefter reports Miami and St. Louis are also looking to visit with Winston. He would be a terrific fit in Kansas City. He’d be a major upgrade over Barry Richardson, who was the weak link of Kansas City’s offensive line. Winston would solidify a unit that has been in flux the past few years. The University of Miami product started every game for the past five years in Houston.

Signing Winston would also likely allow the Chiefs to concentrate on signing either a defensive tackle or linebacker in the first round of the draft.

The Chiefs -- who have franchise receiver Dwayne Bowe and who have added cornerback Stanford Routt -- have a lot of salary cap room and should be able to sign Winston if they chose to. The Chiefs are entertaining Seattle tight end John Carlson on Tuesday.

In other AFC West news:

• Oakland free agent Michael Bush bashed folks for reporting that he is visiting the Cardinals. Bush earlier tweeted that he was in Arizona, but said nothing about visiting the Cardinals.
• Schefter is reporting that Denver free agent Eddie Royal does not yet have a deal done with the Redskins. It has been reported elsewhere that the deal is done. Yet, Schefter said both sides are working to finalize a deal. It makes sense. Royal performed well for Washington coach Mike Shanahan as a rookie in Denver in 2008.
• The Raiders have officially announced they have cut tight end Kevin Boss. His release was first reported Monday. His agent tweeted earlier Tuesday he expected his client to be cut Wednesday.
• Schefter reported that the Broncos were one of a few teams to opt to take the extra $1.6 million in salary cap room next year instead of this year. Most teams were given the extra cap room because cap money was taken away from the Redskins and the Cowboys because of cap infractions. The Raiders were one of two teams not to be rewarded extra cap room because of a lesser infraction. The Raiders didn’t face any more penalties.
• Yet another veteran guard is available. Carolina cut Travelle Wharton. If the Chargers want a veteran to replace the recently retired Kris Dielman, they’ll have their choice. However, the team will likely put Tyronne Green at the spot.
• Former Oakland starter Jason Campbell has agreed to a one-year deal with Chicago, according to Schefter. I will have more thoughts on this deal later Wednesday.

Though unrestricted free agency doesn't begin until Tuesday, a second AFC West player has swapped teams within the division.

The Chargers announced they have signed linebacker Demorrio Williams to a one-year deal. The eight-year veteran, who was cut by the Chiefs this week, spent the past four seasons with Kansas City. His production slipped dramatically the past two seasons as he fell from a starter to a backup.

Williams will provide depth for Chargers, and could play some special teams. Williams was able to sign elsewhere as soon as he was cut. This modest signing should not preclude the Chargers from signing any of their several in-house priorities or outside priorities.

Last month, Kansas City signed cornerback Stanford Routt 11 days after he was cut by the Raiders.

San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson will be one of the most sought after free agents. Here is what to expect from the process:

Quiet until Tuesday: It would be a surprise if Jackson signs an extension with the Chargers before free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Jackson has been looking forward to testing the open market for a long time. The only way he’d sign with the Chargers is if they gave him a deal that is much higher than expected. The team has no plans to do so. The Chargers are resigned to letting Jackson shop himself before making their pitch.

Are the Chargers out of the running? Not at all. If Jackson had his choice, he’d stay in San Diego. While he will likely not accept a hometown discount, but he’ll listen to what San Diego has to say.

How much will Jackson get? He is expected to average between $10-12 million a season. His contract will be in the five year, $50-million plus range.

Will the three other AFC West teams get involved? I don’t think so. There has been talk the Raiders could show interest, but I Oakland have cap limitations and other needs.

Who are the favorites to land Jackson? Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, New England and Buffalo could all make a play for Jackson.

Will it be a long process? I wouldn’t be shocked if Jackson is signed within the first 24 hours of free agency. There will be a race for his services. Don’t expect Jackson to conduct a tour of the league. If you hear Jackson is going on a visit, it will likely mean a deal is imminent.

In an Insider piece, Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. looks at the five best destinations for San Diego free agent receiver Vincent Jackson. In the end, though, Horton reasons that the best spot for Jackson is to stay in San Diego. That’s the scenario both Jackson and the Chargers want.

However, because there is a remote chance the Chargers will place the franchise tag on Jackson by Monday’s deadline, the more likely scenario is that the Chargers and Jackson will discuss a deal once he hits the open market. If the Chargers are in the same range of Jackson’s best offer, he will likely be inclined to stay in San Diego.

In other AFC West news:

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Titans are not expected to place the franchise tag on cornerback Cortland Finnegan. That is relevant to the AFC West for a couple of reasons. Finnegan will provide competition for Kansas City cornerback Brandon Carr on the open market. Finnegan will also likely attract the interest of the Broncos and the Raiders. Both teams are looking for cornerbacks, although Finnegan will be pricey on the open market.

Former Denver cornerback Perrish Cox was acquitted in a sexual assault trial Friday. I have been asked often Friday if I think the Broncos could re-sign him. I don’t see it. I think the Broncos have moved on. Perhaps Cox will get a chance elsewhere in the NFL, but I don’t expect it to be in Denver.

In a radio interview, San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers talks about the retirement of guard Kris Dielman, and how strange it was to recently work out with a division rival.

An Insider piece connects LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers to the Broncos. I think the Broncos would do back flips if Brockers was available at No. 25.

Former NFL coach Brian Billick looks at why he thinks the Chiefs are a good fit for Peyton Manning.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Denver Broncos football leader John Elway addressed the media on Friday. Let’s look at some of the highlights:

Elway said he hasn’t figured out what style of quarterback the team will bring in to compete with/back up Tim Tebow.

“We have to kind of let it happen,” Elway said. “I don’t know that we’re looking for one like Tim or your ordinary drop-back [passer], or somewhere in between. I think until we find out the interest out there, it’s going to be hard to fill those spots. I think when I look at Tim and I look at our offense, we can do it with either one. Whether it be a guy like Tim, or if it’s more of a drop-back-type guy, we feel like either one is going to be able to fit.”

As Denver coach John Fox did Thursday, Elway supported Tebow, whom the team wants to be the starter this season.

“We’re hoping that he’s going to be the guy for a long, long time,” Elway said.

Elway indicated that the team isn’t necessarily wanting Tebow to make huge adjustments, but he must become a better passer in the pocket.

“I don’t know that you look at it as becoming more conventional,” Elway said. “I think there are things that we have to get him to do within our offense to be more successful as an offense. Obviously, we look at what we did last year and Tim’s strengths are. ... There is no question he can run the football; he is a big guy and physical, and he likes to run it. ... I think [offensive coordinator] Mike McCoy and the offensive staff did a tremendous job trying to play to Tim’s strengths. I think we will continue to do that, but we also want to see strides in Tim and his ability to get better at throwing the football downfield from in the pocket. We just feel that’s something we have to do to get better as an offense -- to be able to add that threat there, it makes everything else he does that much better.”

Elway said he hasn’t talked to safety Brian Dawkins about his future. Dawkins, 38, is considering retirement.

Elway praised Fox for “changing the culture” in Denver, and he said he is confident the Broncos will continue to move forward in the future. Denver was 6-22 in its 28 games before Fox took over last season.

Elway acknowledged that the team needs to get better at defensive tackle. The team has the No. 25 pick in the draft and could look at the position with the pick. The Broncos also want to retain defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, a free agent. Elway also said kicker Matt Prater, a free agent, is a high priority. Either player could be given the franchise tag by the March 5 deadline.

Elway on the Raiders hiring Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as head coach: “I’m happy for him. I’m sad that he’s in Oakland -- that we have to play him twice a year in our division."