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Cincinnati Bengals: It's not often that a starting quarterback loses his job and gets a contract extension in the same offseason, but that's exactly what happened to QB Jon Kitna. The Bengals extended his contract through the 2005 season. "This solidifies Jon's position with the Bengals and brings stability and depth to our quarterback situation," coach Marvin Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "He is not only a very good player, he is one of our most positive team leaders." Kitna was initially signed through the 2004 season, and the extension is expected to have reduced his salary cap implications by spreading out his $3.375 million base salary for 2004.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Michael Pittman was supposed to be sentenced today after pleading guilty to a felony count of endangerment and admitting to recklessly putting the lives of his wife, the couple's 2- year-old son and a babysitter in danger. But that will now happen at a later date. The Tampa Tribune reports the sentencing hearing was changed to a status conference where the Bucs running back and his attorney will discuss sentencing guidelines and options. Pittman also faces a possible multigame suspension from the NFL as a second- time offender under the league's personal conduct policy.

New York Giants: There has been a good deal of talk about the team possibly trading up for the No.1 pick in the NFL draft to select QB Eli Manning, or trade up to No.2 to get OT Robert Gallery. But if you listen to GM Ernie Accorsi, neither is a likely scenario. The New York Daily News reports the Giants have had only very preliminary conversations with the Chargers and Raiders and are becoming convinced those teams will hold onto those picks. "If you asked me to put my $2 down, I'd say they're going to keep it and make the pick," Accorsi said on a local radio station Tuesday. "In the final analysis I think they won't (trade), but I think they want to see what they can get."

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