Enquirer news services

The June 1 date on the NFL calendar has in the past precipitated a light flurry of activity as teams have released players to balance their budgets in relation to the salary cap.

The roster moves, which begin today, figure to be relatively light this year.

"Nobody's going to look at the June 1 market and say, 'We have a chance to get rich here,' " Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said. "I think we've all grown to think it's not Christmas."

The headliner is Denver Broncos quarterback Brian Griese, who will be jettisoned and will almost surely land with the Miami Dolphins. It was with the Dolphins that Griese's father, Bob, quarterbacked his way to the Hall of Fame.

Among others who could be cut: Cardinals running back Thomas Jones, Chiefs cornerback Ray Crockett and 49ers wide receiver J.J. Stokes.

Most fit nicely under the umbrellas of "no longer needed" and/or "not worth the money they're making."

REDSKINS: It's been expected that Washington defensive end Bruce Smith would return for his 19th season. But Smith, who turns 40 on June 18 and is three sacks shy of Reggie White's all-time record of 198, is no longer so sure.

He is not thrilled about early indications that he will back up free-agent signee Regan Upshaw.

"Some of the moves that have been made (by the team this offseason) generate a great deal of excitement," Smith said, "but there are still some issues that we need to work on."

BUCCANEERS: Super Bowl star Michael Pittman was arrested after police say he rammed a car carrying his wife, their son and the baby sitter. No one was hurt. Pittman has not been charged and was released from jail. The county attorney will determine whether charges will be filed.

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