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Several agents say the slow pace of signings of first-round draft picks might be in part due to others awaiting the outcome of wide receiver Michael Crabtree's negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers.

Crabtree was the 10th overall selection in April. But his draft stock may have slipped in part because of a foot injury, found at the NFL scouting combine, that required surgery, and agent Eugene Parker reportedly is seeking a deal for Crabtree worth more than the player's draft slot would dictate.

Other agents say the representatives of other first-rounders might be waiting to see if Crabtree gets more, so they can adjust their contract demands accordingly.

Only six of 32 first-rounders have agreed to deals. The Ravens signed tackle Michael Oher, the 23rd pick, to a five-year deal on Wednesday night, according to the team's Web site.

No Interest in Vick, Yet

Since Michael Vick was conditionally reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday, making the quarterback eligible to sign with a team immediately, there has been no public declaration by any club of interest in Vick.

Officials with several teams linked to Vick via speculation and media reports have said they're not interested. That list includes the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins.

Other clubs have also indicated they're not interested.

The upstart United Football League could be a fallback option for Vick if no NFL team signs him. It seems far too early, however, to dismiss Vick's chances of returning to the NFL.

As an executive with one club said Tuesday: "Like they always say, it only takes one interested team. Give it some time. It's a complex situation, both football-wise and PR-wise. Some teams will at least consider it. And I'll bet some of the teams that have come out and said no are at least considering it internally."

Burress Testifies

Plaxico Burress testified Wednesday before the Manhattan grand jury that is considering whether to indict him on weapon charges stemming from the incident last year in which he accidentally shot himself in the leg at a New York nightclub.

"I testified before the grand jury," Burress said afterward, according to the New York Daily News. "I was truthful, I was honest and I am truly remorseful for what I've done, what happened and what I did."

Burress's testimony lasted approximately three hours, according to the Daily News.

Prosecutors are adamant that Burress must serve jail time in the case, and no plea deal has been struck.

The wide receiver is a free agent after being released by the New York Giants and faces possible disciplinary action by the NFL.

Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is scheduled to testify before the grand jury on Thursday. The district attorney's office reportedly plans to seek an indictment against Pierce, who was with Burress at the nightclub and reportedly was in possession of the gun after the shooting.

The Latest on Favre

Brett Favre passed up an opportunity to go to training camp with the Minnesota Vikings, saying he wasn't certain that he could make it through an entire season at a level of performance that satisfied him.

But Favre, on the topic of whether he'll ever play again, told Sports Illustrated in comments that appeared Wednesday on the magazine's Web site: "Very unlikely. I really believe this is it. I truly, truly believe it's over. But if someone calls November 1, who knows?"

-- Mark Maske
washingtonpost.com

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