Peep Show

Updated: February 17, 2004, 10:39 AM ET
By By Darrell Trimble | ESPN Insider
Holdman
Holdman
Chicago Bears: The club has put two players on the trading block in an effort to clear some cap room. LB Warrick Holdman and DE Phillip Daniels are the two, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Trading them might be difficult since both players are expected to be salary-cap casualties if takers can't be found before March 3. During personnel meetings last week, the Bears decided they will not pay the bonuses due that day to Holdman ($2.4 million) and Daniels ($1 million). By trading or releasing them, the club will save about $7 million. Also, the contracts for LG Rex Tucker and DT Bryan Robinson have been restructured. Tucker agreed to shave $600,000 from his deal over the next two seasons. Robinson, as he did last year, agreed to a $1 million cut and will earn a base salary of $1.45 million.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Recent reports suggest that team owner Malcolm Glazer wants to yet again increase his share of English soccer club Manchester United, and might even try to gain control of the 125-year-old team. The elder Glazer recently denied reports he has hired a bank to advise him on a possible purchase of controlling interest in Manchester United. But whether it's true or not, Bucs' ownership wants to make it clear that they're commitment to excellence in American football won't be compromised by their interest in European football. "My family is and always has been involved in a wide range of businesses, some more public than others,'' Bucs Executive VP Joel Glazer told the Tampa Tribune. "However, it should be made clear to all Buccaneers fans that our commitment to winning championships with the Bucs has and will never change.''

New York Jets: The club has begun talks with QB Chad Pennington on a contract extension. It's too early to discuss specific parameters because discussions began only a week ago, according to Newsday. Pennington is in the final year of his five-year rookie deal and is scheduled to make $4.07 million next season. Pennington's salary-cap charge in 2004 is scheduled to be $5.1 million. A new deal for Pennington would make him one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league, although he's not expected to get the 12-year, $115-million Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb got in 2002. McNabb's deal included a signing bonus of $20.5 million that was paid over two seasons for salary-cap purposes.


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