NFP Friday Buzz

*Look for former Colts executive Bill Polian to get back into the league after the season. The grapevine says the Chiefs are the frontrunners for his services, should they part ways with Scott Pioli. Polian got his NFL start in Kansas City as a pro scout in 1978, so it would be fitting if he ended his career there. Getting back in the league will allow Polian to bring along son Chris Polian and give his career a boost. The younger Polian became an area scout with the Falcons after being fired as general manager of the Colts. This time around though, look for Bill Polian’s role to be all football. He no longer wants to be involved in all aspects of an organization.

*One of the reasons Michael Lombardi could be a legitimate candidate to return to a prominent front office position, perhaps with the Browns, is he has Bill Belichick in his corner. The Patriots coach, who is one of the most respected voices in NFL circles, pushed for Lombardi to get back in the NFL last year by advocating him to other teams. Lombardi’s son Mick Lombardi is a scouting assistant with the Patriots.

*We’re hearing Mike Holmgren could return to coaching, but only if it’s the perfect situation. How would Holmgren define that? He would need a team that is ready to win. And he would need a good quarterback. And he would need an owner he felt comfortable with. Which team fits that description? Yes, the Dallas Cowboys. Holmgren and Jerry Jones worked together for years on the NFL competition committee. And Holmgren would appeal to Jones for reasons beyond his coaching acumen. He also could help fill up Jones’ massive stadium. Another team that could appeal to Holmgren, should they make a change? The Lions.

*Losing Percy Harvin for the season might not be all bad for the Vikings, according to one NFC North personnel man. “When Percy has been out of the lineup in the past the ball gets distributed around more evenly and they have a more balanced attack,” the personnel man said. It is no secret that the Vikes offense is designed to get Harvin the ball when Adrian Peterson isn’t taking the handoff.

*We’re hearing three names being pushed by Ernie Accorsi in Carolina are Ravens director of pro scouting George Kokinis, Giants director of college scouting Marc Ross and Giants senior pro personnel analyst Dave Gettleman. Accorsi worked with all three men previously and knows them well. Kokinis hasn’t been mentioned for many jobs lately, but is a highly qualified candidate. He comes from the respected Ozzie Newsome tree, and he has experience as a general manager.

*Personnel men are wondering if the Dolphins think they have something special in left tackle Will Yeatman. a converted tight end they claimed off waivers from the Patriots last season. They seem to have made it a point not to expose Yeatman on Hard Knocks or during the preseason. They carried him on the 53-man roster without playing him this season so they must have a plan for him and think he is worthy of the investment. A former lacrosse player who played tight end at 265 pounds is now carrying about 305, and he has retained much of his athleticism and quickness.



