Emmitt Smith, the NFL's leading rusher, is still holding out for a $4 million annual salary, so the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys are holding auditions for running back.
Mike Beasley impressed coaches on Sunday in the annual Blue-White scrimmage. Beasley, who played wide receiver at West Virginia and was on the Cowboys practice squad last year, gained 47 yards on 14 carries and scored on a 12-yard run.Coach Jimmy Johnson said, "I'm very happy with Beasley. He has added some toughness to his game. We look for him to be an outstanding running back."
Beasley, who has a locker next to Smith's, has no illusions of being another Emmitt. "I'm just trying to make the team," he said. "Hopefully, I can help put more fear into the hearts of defenses in the NFL. I just want to be on the 47-man squad."
49ers
Wide receiver Jerry Rice repeated his wish Sunday to have his three-year, $7.8-million contract renegotiated. Rice's demand comes on the heels of quarterback Steve Young's new five-year deal worth $26.75 million. Rice said Sunday he deserves a salary "close" to Young's contract.
Bears
Defensive end Richard Dent could become a free agent after this season. As the Bears prepared for their first camp under rookie coach Dave Wannstedt, Chicago's player contract negotiator, Ted Phillips, said Dent would gain free agency if he meets certain, unspecified performance incentives.
Packers
Linebacker Johnny Holland, trying to come back from surgery to remove a herniated disc from his neck, signed a one-year contract. Holland, the Packers' leading tackler last season despite missing the final two games with the neck injury, said he hopes to be ready in a month.
Giants
Linebacker Pepper Johnson and running back Rodney Hampton missed the first day of camp. Hampton has said he wants to be paid like a top running back, while Johnson said he's concerned about being moved from his familiar inside linebacker position to the outside.
Saints
First-round draft pick Irv Smith has agreed to an unspecified five-year contract, but he is seeking a performance-based escape clause for the fifth year of the contract similar to that granted to William Roaf, the club's top pick. In Roaf's case, he can become an unrestricted free agent after four seasons if he makes the Pro Bowl in any season.
Steelers
Pro Bowl guard Carlton Haselrig says he missed minicamp in late May to attend the Betty Ford Clinic, which treats drug and alcohol addiction. Haselrig is one of only a handful of players who have had successful NFL careers without playing college football.
Patriots
Coach Bill Parcells released running back Eric Gallon and signed offensive tackle Brandon Moore, keeping the Patriots roster at 80 players. Parcells wouldn't say whether he would try to obtain former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mark Duper, who was released Saturday.
Dolphins
Receiver-returner O.J. McDuffie, Miami's first-round draft pick, signed a four-year contract and will join the team for the start of training camp today. McDuffie reportedly agreed to a $2.76 million package, including a $1 million signing bonus.
Bills
Cornelius Bennett's request to be moved from inside to outside linebacker had been approved by Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy. Bennett, who missed the first two days of camp because of the death of a cousin, moved inside last year after spending most of his collegiate and pro career at outside linebacker.
Bruce Smith has missed the first three days of camp to protest the team's refusal to renegotiate his contract.