The Associated Press

SAN DIEGO - The Washington Redskins have inquired about obtaining the top pick in next weekend's NFL draft, San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said Friday.

Smith said he received a call Wednesday from Redskins owner Dan Snyder. "I spoke with Mr. Snyder and it was a football discussion," Smith said, declining to divulge specifics.

According to recent reports, the Redskins are interested in trading the No. 5 pick and tackle Chris Samuels so they can select Iowa tackle Robert Gallery.

The Redskins were surprised when told of Smith's comments.

"That's not the context in which Snyder called," Redskins spokesman Karl Swanson said. "San Diego is trying to use the Redskins as they've used the New York Giants, to generate interest in a trade."

COLTS: Rick DeMulling, a starter at left guard the past two seasons, re-signed with Indianapolis for one year at $1.368 million, agent Ken Staninger said.

EAGLES: Philadelphia signed offensive lineman Artis Hicks to a six-year contract extension. Hicks, 25, who had a year remaining on his original deal, played in 10 games, starting four in 2003 after seeing no action as an undrafted rookie the previous season.

PACKERS: The team re-signed running back Tony Fisher, a third-down back and special-teamer last season. Fisher, an exclusive rights free agent, played in 15 regular-season games and both of Green Bay's playoff games, totaling 21 receptions for 206 yards and three touchdowns.

RAIDERS: Oakland signed free agent cornerback Denard Walker, a seven-year veteran who had 58 tackles and one interception for the Vikings last season.

Return to Bengals front page...