NFL: Mike Holmgren wraps up talks with Cleveland

BEREA, Ohio — Mike Holmgren left Cleveland after an extended stay without accepting a job to become boss of the Browns.

His aura lingered.

The former Seattle and Green Bay coach's flirtation with the team dragged on Wednesday with little word from either side. Holmgren spent two days talking with the Browns about assuming control of their football operations, but hasn't decided if Cleveland will be his next NFL stop.

"I don't want to comment on the specifics of the discussions," Browns spokesman Bill Bonsiewicz said of the meetings. "Both sides got to know each other and there is no timetable for a decision."

It is presumed the Browns offered Holmgren the job during his visit and it appears he is weighing his options, which could include several other teams. He wants to talk to the Seahawks about coming back after general manager Tim Ruskell resigned.

Jim Donovan, the team's play-by-play announcer, reported that Cleveland's offer to Holmgren is for between $8 million and $10 million per season.

Browns coach Eric Mangini, whose destiny could be decided by Cleveland's new football czar, was placed in the awkward position of having to answer questions about Holmgren's courtship. Mangini put on a brave face and insisted he's not fazed by owner Randy Lerner's quest to find a "serious, credible leader," one who will ultimately control the coach's fate.

"It's not unsettling at all," said Mangini, 2-11 in his first season with Cleveland. "What I'm focused on, and what I asked the players to be focused on, is the task at hand."

Notes

• Dallas Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin is getting back in the lineup just in time to go against the NFL's most productive offense. After missing four games because of a high right-ankle sprain, Hamlin's return is expected to come Saturday night against the undefeated New Orleans Saints, who average 426 yards and 36 points a game.

Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware has made substantial progress and could play in New Orleans, less than a week after a scary hit left him sprawled on the field with a strained neck. Ware didn't practice but attended meetings, went through a walk-through session and even worked out.

• Tennessee quarterback Vince Young (hamstring) didn't practice, watching with the hood of his sweat shirt over his head most of the time. A quick healer, Young said he feels much better and hopes to play this weekend.

• Patriots defensive end Ty Warren (ankle) and nose tackle Vince Wilfork (foot) were sidelined with injuries. New England quarterback Tom Brady sat out practice with a number of nagging injuries but expects to play.

• Charlie Frye was picked to start at quarterback over former top overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell when the Oakland Raiders visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Frye's last start was for the Seahawks on Oct. 12, 2008, against Green Bay when he threw for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

• New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez practiced for the first time since spraining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Buffalo on Dec. 3. Coach Rex Ryan said he wants to be sure there's no stiffness or swelling in Sanchez's knee before deciding whether he or Kellen Clemens will start against Atlanta on Sunday.

• Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin is still struggling with migraine headaches and missed practice.

• Larry Fitzgerald (knee), the All-Pro receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, went through a limited practice and expressed confidence he will be in the lineup Sunday at Detroit. The Cardinals placed safety Matt Ware on injured reserve and signed kicker Mike Nugent. Starting kicker Neil Rackers has been bothered by a groin injury.

• After wearing out his welcome in St. Louis, guard Richie Incognito will get a chance for a fresh start with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills claimed Incognito off waivers a day after the player was released by the Rams.

• The St. Louis Rams placed guard Jacob Bell on injured reserve with a torn hamstring, losing another key player for the season.

• Falcons receiver Eric Weems is facing a charge for driving under the influence last month near Atlanta.