Jarvis

Green

Green proved this season he could start for most teams and was dominating in the AFC Championship. Romeo Crennel would love him in Cleveland, while his former college coach Nick Saban would also be interested. New England could place a ''first-round’’ tender on him and hope that’s enough to keep him.

The deal is worth between $12-18 million depending on incentives, including a $3.5 million signing bonus. Green has improved every NFL season, peaking during the playoffs the last two years. This would appear to make a deal with Richard Seymour less likely.

It is early in the week, but with Richard Seymour out of action, the Patriots can not afford to be without another defensive lineman.

Green, who has been starting in place of Richard Seymour (PUP, knee surgery), registered two sacks and six tackles last week against the Jets.