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'Skins-Broncos deal is close, agent says

A trade between the Redskins and Broncos that would send cornerback Champ Bailey to Denver for running back Clinton Portis is expected to be completed this weekend, Bailey's agent said Friday.

"Both sides believe that we have an agreement in principle," Jack Reale, Bailey's agent, said. "It's now reduced to examining the writings and the approval and signings by all parties."

Trades cannot be completed until Wednesday, the start of free agency. The Broncos, who also would get a second-round draft pick, refused to comment.

The Washington Post reported Reale has been negotiating within the framework of a six-year, $50-million contract with a signing bonus between $16-million and $18-million.

That would be richer than the offer Bailey turned down from the Redskins before last season. That was a nine-year, $55-million deal with a $14.75-million signing bonus that wasn't guaranteed.

Portis said the trade would be "a great opportunity," though he's still not sure it will happen. He has two years left on his deal, which paid him $300,000 for 2003. He said he does not plan to hold out no matter who he's playing for. But he expects the Redskins to restructure his deal if the trade is made.

"If it happens, it happens," he said. "Obviously, Denver feels like they can't give me a new deal. That's why I'm in this situation."

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Terrell Owens believes the league and 49ers are responsible for his contract predicament, not his agent.

The receiver is under contract to the 49ers after his agent missed the deadline for notifying the team of his intention to void the final three years. Owens and agent David Joseph said they weren't told the deadline was moved up 10 days to Feb. 21.

"I can assure you that neither my agent nor myself made a mistake like this," Owens said. "For people to go out and say my agent made a mistake is utterly ridiculous and insane."

Joseph has filed a grievance through the players' union, but a hearing hasn't been scheduled.

Meanwhile, quarterback Jeff Garcia's fate will be decided Monday, the team said. San Francisco wants to renegotiate a deal that would reduce next season's salary from $9.9-million. If it fails, it likely will release him.

COLTS: Five players were released to offset an $18.4-million obligation to quarterback Peyton Manning as the franchise player: offensive tackle Adam Meadows, defensive end Chad Bratzke, quarterback Brock Huard, running back Detron Smith and cornerback Walt Harris. That frees about $17.3-million. If the Colts sign Manning before March 17, they can remove the tag and have room to sign players.

JETS: CFL quarterback Ricky Ray signed, cornerback Aaron Beasley was released and guard Dave Szott retired. Ray, 24, led Edmonton to the 2003 Grey Cup, throwing for 4,640 yards, 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Beasley, 30, started 31 games the past two seasons with 46 tackles and three interceptions last season. In his 14th season, Szott, 36, started 15 games.

PACKERS: Safety Curtis Fuller was re-signed to a one-year deal. After being claimed off waivers Sept. 1 from Seattle, he played in nine games.

SAINTS: Receiver Germane Crowell, who missed last season with foot and knee injuries, signed a one-year deal. Crowell, 27, had his best season in 1999, when he caught 81 passes for 1,338 yards and seven touchdowns with Detroit.

SEAHAWKS: Defensive tackle Chad Eaton was waived. The eight-year veteran, who was due to receive $2.4-million next season, spent last season on injured reserve after right knee surgery.

STEELERS: Cornerback Dewayne Washington and tight end Mark Breuner, longtime starters, were released, creating $1.32-million of salary-cap room. Also, kicker Jeff Reed re-signed for one year and $380,000.

NEW YORK - The league made another attempt to block the court ruling allowing Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett into April's draft.

It asked the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for a stay of the ruling from earlier this month, citing "potentially tragic consequences."

The stay would block Clarett and Southern Cal receiver Mike Williams from entering the draft while the appeals court decides.

STORM: Lineman Jorge Diaz was activated from injured reserve. Diaz, who played with the Bucs from 1996-99, was the backup center in last season's regular-season finale against Georgia.

- Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this report.