FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

FIVE THINGS I HEAR...

1.     I hear the ‘Skins might open the big wallets to try and acquire Carolina offensive tackle Jordan Gross when he becomes a free agent in March.  They will have a ton of competition. 

2.     I hear that defensive end Julius Peppers is not even close to a new deal with the Panthers and undoubtedly will be franchised, which will not sit very well with him. Mr. Peppers is planning his next move when that happens. 

3.     I hear the Browns and several other teams will chase Denver special teams coach Scott O’Brien, who is one of the best in the NFL, not only coaching special teams but handling game management situations. 

4.     I hear some of the candidates for the KC front office position are being told today they are no longer candidates -- either a sign that Scott Pioli is coming or they are no longer in the mix. 

5.     I hear that, in spite of the difference in salary between his current job and a potential head coaching position, Jason Garrett is prepared to take one of them unless Jerry Jones does something. 

FIVE THINGS I KNOW...

1.     I know that the Lions have expressed some interest in bringing in a veteran personnel man to help their front office and have contacted former Browns GM Phil Savage to gauge his interest in joining them.   

2.     I know that Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks in is the Jets’ building today having an interview for their head coaching spot.  Yesterday, after meeting with Cardinals assistant head coach Russ Grimm in Phoenix, they met with Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh. 

3.     I know the Browns put in a request an interview Colts assistant GM Chris Polian for their vacant GM post. 

4.     I know that Minnesota is going to explore every possible idea for a starting quarterback.  The Vikings know they need to make the move there; Tarvaris Jackson’s days as a starter are over in the Twin Cities. 

5.     I know it’s a good thing when the President-elect of the United States cares about a playoff system in college football, but I do think the Gators have a fair claim to the No. 1 spot.