NFL Offseason Notebook, May 17

Here's what's happening around the National Football League on Monday, May 17, 2010:

• Linebacker Matt Roth essentially forced his way out of Miami last season, thanks to what he claimed was a groin injury that team doctors couldn't diagnose and Roth refused to play through. Now, Roth is trying to wiggle out of Cleveland, too.

Roth, who joined Cleveland midway through 2009 after the Dolphins released him, has asked the Browns to trade him before the 2010 season starts, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Roth is a restricted free agent, but has yet to sign his tender -- Roth wants a long-term deal from the Browns, but the two sides haven't come close to an agreement.

The Browns were no doubt counting on the sixth-year linebacker to hold down a starting spot on the outside, but as it stands now, it's hard to envision Roth and Cleveland reuniting.

• Elvis Dumervil, a restricted free agent coming off a 17-sack season, showed up for the start of Denver's Offseason Team Activities (OTAs) despite his quest to receive a long-term contract.

That's a positive sign for the Broncos, who had to be at least a little worried that Dumervil's situation could spiral into a messy offseason situation -- and possibly even into a camp holdout.

Dumervil is Denver's last unsigned restricted free agent. Reports had the Broncos offering a one-year tender of more than $3 million to Dumervil, but he's seeking a deal that would keep him around longer and make him one of the game's higher-paid defensive linemen.

• The Times-Picayune reported that ex-NFL defensive tackle Norman Hand died on Friday from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

Hand, 37 at the time of his death, struggled with weight issues throughout a 10-year career that saw him suit up for the Dolphins, Chargers, Saints, Seahawks and Giants.

"He was one of the good guys in the business and a fun-loving person who enjoyed life, " former Saints head coach Jim Haslett told the Times-Picayune. "He was the centerpiece in the New Orleans Saints' 2000 defense. Norman, along with La'Roi [Glover], Joe Johnson and Darren Howard, make up one of the better defensive lines to play the game. Norman has touched a lot of lives and will be missed."

Transaction Wire

• In addition to signing free-agent defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday, the Redskins also added undrafted free agent WR Shay Hodge to their roster. Hodge signed with San Francisco after the draft but was let go after the team's rookie camp.

• Kansas City claimed tight end Leroy Banks, a rookie out of Southern Miss, off waivers from Atlanta.

Injury Ward

• Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford told the Detroit Free Press that he's close to 100 percent, following a rookie season that left him battered and bruised.

"I feel a lot better," Stafford said. "My shoulder feels good. My knee's feeling a lot better. As far as throwing the ball, I can step into it and let it go as good as I ever have."

• Jamaal Charles sat out the start of Kansas City's OTA due to offseason shoulder surgery, according to the Kansas City Star. Charles' rehab could increase Thomas Jones' role in the Chiefs' offense during camp.

• Saints offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb told reporters Monday that he underwent sports hernia surgery last week. He's expected to miss three-to-four weeks.

Tweet Up

• Jets center Nick Mangold (@nickmangold) after his team's workout Monday: "Oh and no one puked today so everyone is a winner. Hahaha"