Holdout threats report on time

Thursday, July 28, 2005 | 10:56 a.m.

SUN WIRE SERVICES

Shaun Alexander and Edgerrin James, two of the NFL's best running backs, have brightened their teams' outlooks, one by signing on the dotted line, one by simply showing up.

Alexander, who lost the league rushing title last season to Curtis Martin by one yard, signed a one-year deal Wednesday worth $6.32 million as the Seattle Seahawks' franchise player. In return, the Seahawks agreed not to slap the restrictive franchise tag on him next season.

James, a two-time NFL rushing champ, reported on time to Colts camp even though he is unhappy about his contract situation.

Another contract complainer, Green Bay receiver Javon Walker, surprisingly appeared at the Packers' camp Wednesday. Walker, like James, is represented by Drew Rosenhaus and is looking for a new deal.

Alexander has his -- at least through 2005.

"We're excited to have him in the fold," Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said in a statement on the team's Web site. "This is great for the team, and we look forward to seeing him practice on Friday."

Alexander comes off a franchise-record 1,696 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns. That yardage total irked him and he criticized Mike Holmgren after Seattle's season-ending win over Atlanta. He said he was "stabbed in the back" because the coach called a quarterback sneak that Alexander felt cost him the rushing crown. He later apologized for the remarks.

James, a three-time Pro Bowler, became a free agent in February. The Colts then placed the franchise tag on him, and in March, James signed a one-year deal worth slightly more than $8 million. Rosenhaus said James wants a long-term deal.

Instead of driving into the players' parking lot at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind., James sneaked into camp undetected for the second consecutive year. There were no actual sightings by the larger than usual media contingent.

"I know Edgerrin wants to have a good year for this team and for himself, as well," two-time MVP Peyton Manning said. "He was the best running back in the NFL last year and knowing the kind of athlete he is, I'm expecting the same thing this year."

Walker was not expected to report so soon after a public campaign for a new contract. In fact, Green Bay shareholders told Packers executives Wednesday not to give in to his demands.

At their annual meeting, at least a dozen shareholders told general manager Ted Thompson to hold the line on the wide receiver; the Packers are refusing to renegotiate his contract.

But a team official who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that Walker reported after the receiver was spotted at the Green Bay airport, where he told a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Tell everyone I'm coming in."

Johnson, 32, spent 10 seasons with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowl championships. He finished third on the team last season with 112 total tackles.

"The decision (to retire) was not an easy one, but life sometimes has a timetable all its own," Johnson said in a statement. "I can no longer ignore the severe short- and long- term complications of the concussive head injuries I have sustained over the years."

During a Nov. 12 practice, the Redskins used one more practice squad player than they were allowed, leading to the fine.

Two days before that practice, Washington had cut receiver Gari Scott from the practice squad. But two days later, without any other practice squad player being released, Scott practiced, giving the Redskins nine practice squad members on the field.

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and assistant head coach for defense Gregg Williams said afterward they had found a loophole making this legal.

Gardner, 6-foot-2, 213 pounds, didn't like his role in the Washington offense and he caught only 51 passes for 650 yards and five touchdowns in 2004. Washington's coaches did not seem to fight Gardner's request for a trade; the Redskins were expected to release Gardner anyway to free up more than $2.1 million in cap money.

Charlie Frye, the fourth quarterback selected in April, agreed to a four-year, $5 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. "I'm real excited," said Frye, who played at Akron. "I can't wait to get in there. I've been a Cleveland Browns fan my whole life and this is a perfect situation for me."