That was a suggestion by the judge that "widespread use of such contracts" just might constitute a violation of the salary-cap rules.

But salary-cap rules will make a shake-up difficult, leading to speculation about Brown's future.

But only the Broncos' streak was achieved under the same free-agency and salary-cap rules as the Patriots play under now.

Although the Broncos did not cheat the salary-cap rules, they apparently did violate league guidelines regarding the way players are paid.

He is one of the league's most respected analysts of its business and of the salary-cap rules.

The salary-cap rules have been part of the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players' union since 1983.

Basically, the contract contained structural language that was not permissible under the salary-cap rules and put the Giants over the rookie salary cap.

To prove there was a circumvention of salary-cap rules, he said, the league first had to put the matter before an arbitrator.

If the Jets can get a full-fledged quarterback at the right price, probably after June 1, when salary-cap friendly rules kick in, they will take one.

But part of it also is the salary-cap rules.