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Bus Cook, agent for Steve McNair, and Floyd Reese, general manager of the Titans, talked out McNair's future in Tennessee and that's why the trade came down Wednesday. Cook made it clear it was going to be hard for the Titans to beat the financial offer of the Ravens. The Titans had to have McNair take a paycut from the $9 million he was scheduled to make. The Ravens agreed to give McNair an $11 million signing bonus and a $1 million base salary to run their offense. Once Cook made McNair's position clear, it was pretty simple for Reese to give up one of his favorite players. The Ravens didn't have any trouble giving up a fourth-round pick for McNair. They have all seven of their draft choices in 2007. Plus, their losses in free agency should net them four additional compensatory picks, including a couple that should be in rounds three through five. To acquire McNair and still have 10 draft choices for next year, the Ravens had an easy time making an offer to the Ravens.

Holmes hitting the books: The Steelers will be the first of 32 teams to wrap up their offseason program when Bill Cowher assembles the team for their final organized team activities (OTA) Thursday. The timing isn't good for wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who isn't allowed to join the team until Thursday. All Ohio State players who haven't graduated aren't allowed to participate in NFL offseason programs until their classes finish if they are on the quarter system.

Jackson-Haslett reunion less likely: The Rams signing of defensive tackle Jason Fisk could hurt the chances of defensive tackle Grady Jackson landing in St. Louis. Jackson is trying to reunite with his former head coach, Jim Haslett, who is the Rams defensive coordinator. Jackson has been unwilling to sign for the NFL minimum and that has held up his signing with other teams. Jackson is still hopeful the team will keep their options open to add him for depth.

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