NFL | NFLPA president Kevin Mawae opposes effort to replace Gene Upshaw

Acknowledging an effort by Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover to oust Gene Upshaw, the NFL Players Association executive director, by March 2009, NFLPA President Kevin Mawae said the climate is wrong for a leadership change.

Players and owners face a potential showdown over the collective-bargaining agreement that owners are expected to opt out of Nov. 8.

That is when either side can exercise a reopener clause in a deal owners perceive to increasingly favor the players, with a weakening economy and rising debt associated with funding for new and recently constructed stadiums.

In an e-mail to the union's executive board and player representatives obtained Tuesday by ESPN, Stover called for an organized effort to recruit candidates to replace Upshaw. Upshaw, who turns 65 in August 2010, is under contract through that year.

"I feel that the board must begin to prepare for a change in leadership immediately," Stover wrote in his e-mail.

Ex-Seahawk Mawae, Tennessee's center, issued a statement that said, "Matt Stover's letter does not reflect the view of the entire executive committee or the board of player representatives. The board is in the process of preparing for the possibility of a work stoppage and understands the importance of having Gene, with his experience and history, lead the direction of the NFLPA."

In a statement issued by the Ravens, Stover said, "I'm going to respect the process of our union leadership, executive committee and players reps. I choose to handle this matter privately. It was certainly not my intention for my private e-mail to a select group to become public."

Notes

• The Minnesota Vikings finalized a contract with quarterback Gus Frerotte, 36.

Frerotte, who spent the last two seasons with St. Louis, served as Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper's backup for the 2003 and 2004 seasons and is in line to do the same for incumbent Tarvaris Jackson.

Vikings officials were looking for more polish at the position, and possibly someone to push Jackson for the job. Brooks Bollinger and Kelly Holcomb failed to produce at a high level when Jackson was injured.

• Receiver Doug Gabriel, 27, released by Oakland in August, signed a one-year contract with Cincinnati.

• Jacksonville safety Gerald Sensabaugh, 24, a restricted free agent, signed his tender offer.