Gonzalez

With nothing going on with his contract negotiations with the Chiefs, tight end Tony Gonzalez, the team's unsigned franchise player, plans to rejoin the Los Angeles summer league basketball program later this month. A workout with the Toronto Raptors could come as soon as this weekend.

Basketball is Gonzalez' hobby, but until he signs a contract with the Chiefs, his true career is on hold.

Billick expecting extension
A salary-cap purge may have gutted Brian Billick's roster, but it won't affect his job security. The Ravens should announce soon that Billick will sign a contract extension that will keep him through the 2005 season and pay him up to $3.5 million a season.

Garrett likely to be denied
Backup quarterback Jason Garrett petitioned the NFL for help in trying to rejoin the Giants, but chances aren't good. The successful rule change that allows teams to sign veterans from other teams for the minimum and count only $450,000 against the cap doesn't work for players who restructured their contract in the past year and are cut. Last September, Garrett let the Giants rework his deal in order for the team to fit in its 53-man roster. They cut him in February. To re-sign him, the Giants need $650,000, $200,000 more than they can afford for now. He can go elsewhere for $450,000 under the cap.

Adams a winner
Unsigned Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams won his first game as head coach and owner of a Seattle area semipro team Saturday. Adams, who invested $60,000 on equipment and field rentals, said he's gained a new respect for coaching. What he wants more is a renewed push by the Ravens to re-sign him, but recent interest from the Denver Broncos also appeals to him.

Peppers versatile
Panthers coach John Fox likes what he sees of Julius Peppers' versatility for learning right and left end and a couple of linebacker spots. Though the plan is to start Peppers at left end, Fox believes Peppers' 285-pound body and great speed could drive quarterbacks crazy rushing from outside or middle linebacker in passing situations.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.