Word has hit the streets that they have been discussing two middle round draft choices -- a third and a fifth -- as the price for Edwards. Based on compensation for three other coaching moves, that's cheap. It's also a signal to Edwards that he isn't going to be back as the head coach next year. Why would you be willing to take less than market value for a coach when all you have to do is make a public statement that Edwards isn't going anywhere? He has two years left on his contract. The Jets have been played. It's going to be hard for Edwards to go back under the circumstances as the Jets coach.

The Vikings, who are expected to hire Brad Childress of the Eagles on Friday, put in a call to check out the availability of Edwards. It was a move for information before they started to work on closing on a deal for Childress. The Vikings wanted to make sure they pursued all options before settling on a coach.

"Where would you rather be than right here, right now:" The Bills made it official that Marv Levy was going to be the team's vice president of football operations. Levy's role is to review everything on the football side and make suggestions to owner Ralph Wilson on what to do in the future.

Levy's presence will be positive for current Bills coach Mike Mularkey because Levy will do everything in his power to help the coach in 2006. Levy is a good football man and should have a lot of fun being back in the game. Plus, he's a competitive guy who is supportive of those around him. If things don't work out this year, though, Levy should offer suggestions on changes the Bills might look toward in the future.

Vince-stant change of plans: Vince Young's strong performance in the Rose Bowl has caused a big stir in the Houston Texans' front office. They were all planning to make Reggie Bush the No. 1 selection in the draft once he applies to come into the NFL. Now, if Young turns pro, they suddenly have to do more thinking about it. Young is too popular a player in the Houston area to pass up. The plan was to draft Bush and then exercise an $8 million option on David Carr's contract, giving them a franchise quarterback and a franchise halfback. Now, Young is going to create a fan frenzy. The decision on the first pick in the draft isn't going to be as easy as first thought.

Iowa or Texas? No word out of Iowa whether coach Kirk Ferentz has officially or unofficially agreed to an interview with the Texans. Ferentz can clearly have the job in Houston if he wants it. He's interested but he hasn't gotten any word back to the Texans that he wants it. Time is running out.

Ferentz was in Utah visiting a recruit Wednesday and told him he was going to stay. He's visiting recruits in Texas on Thursday and will be in Houston Friday. The best estimation is that if he ignores the Texans and doesn't agree to an interview that he is staying in Iowa. Once he interviews, the job is going to be his.

One of the reasons Ferentz might be reluctant to come into the NFL this year is that he won't have the right personnel man next to him. He almost had Phil Savage. Savage was being demoted by the Browns last week, but owner Randy Lerner reconsidered and then fired president John Collins, who was making the move on Savage. Savage's potential availability could have made it the right time to return to the NFL for Ferentz. He's a close friend of Savage. He's a close friend of Patriots vice president Scott Pioli. Ferentz has the luxury of waiting until the situation seems right for him to go to the NFL, and if he doesn't have the right personnel man, he won't go. He'll stay at Iowa.

Silent Springs: The Redskins don't look as though they will have cornerback Shawn Springs healthy for Saturday's game against the Bucs. Springs suffered a groin injury Sunday against the Eagles, and it was considered a bad one. He hasn't practiced all week and is listed as questionable. It looks as though he will be a scratch Saturday.

Walking wounded: The Jaguars are banged up heading into Saturday's game against the Patriots, but they should have everyone on the field. Byron Leftwich will return as the starting quarterback after breaking his ankle on Nov. 27. Defensive ends Reggie Hayward (hamstring) and Paul Spicer (hand) along with linebacker Mike Peterson (wrist) practiced Thursday. They are hurting, but it appears they will play. They are three of the better play makers on the defense.

Bruschi likely to play: Linebacker Tedy Bruschi was moving well Thursday on his calf injury and should be ready to play against the Jaguars Saturday. He should be able to have a good game. He rested the calf injury during the season finale against the Dolphins. Most people believe he will have a good game.