Denver Broncos: Owner Patrick Bowlen and Edgar Kaiser, the man from whom he purchased the franchise in 1984 for $65 million, appear headed to court.

Attorneys for the two men appeared Thursday in front of U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch to argue over the parameters of a lawsuit Kaiser has filed. In the suit, Kaiser charges that the 1984 sale agreement included a provision that granted him a right of first refusal, if Bowlen ever attempted to sell part of all of the franchise.

That right of first refusal, Kaiser is insisting, has been violated several times. Bowlen's lawyers have requested that Matsch limit the scope of the lawsuit. The judge said that he will make a ruling on motions July 25, but allowed that the case appears headed to trial.

"I don't expect any settlement here," Matsch said. "This sound to me like a fight to the finish. So let's get to it."

-- Len Pasquarelli

Buffalo Bills: The team has signed fifth-round draft choice Ben Sobieski, an offensive lineman from the University of Iowa, to a three-year contract. Sobieski is the third of the Bills' eight draft choices to come to contract terms, joining wide receiver Sam Aiken (No. 4) and defensive tackle Lauvale Sape (No. 6).

Sobieski's three-year deal is worth $1,025,482. It includes a signing bonus of $115,482 and rookie minimum base salaries of $225,000 (2003), $305,000 (2004) and $380,000 (2005).

Sobieski, 24, missed two full seasons (1999-2000) because of medical redshirts. He played in 24 games and was credited by the Hawkeyes staff with 77 "key blocks."

-- Len Pasquarelli

San Diego Chargers: Seventh-round running back Andrew Pinnock has become the first of the San Diego Chargers' eight draft choices to come to contract terms, signing a three-year deal worth $945,650.

The contract includes the standard rookie minimum base salaries and a signing bonus of $35,650. Pinnock, who can play both fullback and tailback, has gotten solid grades from Chargers coaches for his offseason performance.

The former South Carolina standout appeared in 44 games with 20 starts in college, and rushed for 1,852 yards and 27 touchdowns on 422 carries.

-- Len Pasquarelli