FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

FIVE THINGS I KNOW….

1.     I know the Cowboys are having serious internal discussions about releasing Terrell Owens very soon.  Serious discussions.  The $3.1-million roster bonus due Owens in March is also adding to the discussions.   It may affect the decision that Jason Garrett makes if he is offered a head coaching job. 

2.     I know the Broncos want to talk to linebackers coach Don Martindale, whose Raiders contract expired Tuesday, and are scheduled to interview him some time today.  Martindale has a few options available to him. 

3.     I know that after talking to multiple teams today, Chargers running back Darren Sproles is going to be a hot item if he makes it to the free-agent market in March.  Many teams would love to add his services, and the amount of cap room some of the teams have is staggering. 

4.     I know that whoever hires Rex Ryan is going to get a great head coach. The same goes for Jim Schwartz.  Both men have paid their dues and have built great defenses. 

5.     I know that Bill Romanowski, formerly of the Broncos, is serious about getting back into football and will have a talk with Denver’s brass soon to explore his possible return. 

FIVE THINGS I HEAR….

1.     I hear Todd Bowles was impressive in his interview with the Lions.  Not sure he has improved his position, but he was well liked.  And it helps having been a teammate of Lions GM Martin Mayhew. 

2.     I hear that Leslie Frazier might be a surprise choice for the Rams.  He was impressive in both of his interviews with Denver and St. Louis.

3.     I hear that the Rams are down to only three candidates -- Frazier, Garrett and Steve Spagnuolo of the Giants.  Just those three have a chance to get the job. 

4.     I hear that after Scott Pioli makes a change at head coach and Herm “Lets Build Something Together” Edwards is let go, he will have a tough time convincing Kirk Ferentz to leave Iowa.  Ferentz seems content to stay where he is right now. 

5.     I hear that Brian Westbrook’s re-injured left knee will not keep him from playing this weekend, but might it might curtail his effectiveness.