ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Redskins have begun negotiations on a new contract for Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey, who can become a free agent after the season.

Bailey is prized so much by the team that owner Dan Snyder was willing to cut starting defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson to free salary-cap space.

Snyder called Bailey’s agent, Jack Reale, shortly after Wilkinson was released Tuesday, and the two plan to meet sometime during training camp.

That’s fine with Bailey, who was getting frustrated over the lack of progress in negotiations. Though always soft-spoken and averse to controversy, this was one matter that agitated him just a bit when he arrived for camp this week.

“I know what my contract says right now. I know I’m underpaid. You guys know I’m underpaid. Everybody knows I’m underpaid,” Bailey said Wednesday. “I know I signed five years; I’m going to live up to that and say it’s my fault.”

Bailey signed a five-year, $10.25 million contract after he was chosen as the No. 7 overall draft pick in 1999. His salary this year is just over $2 million, not even in the top 10 among cornerbacks in the league.

Titans

The Tennessee Titans are being patient about picking one of three players to fill the middle linebacker position vacated when Randall Godfrey was released.

The candidates are Frank Chamberlin, their fifth-round pick in 2000; Rocky Calmus, a former All-American at Oklahoma and a third-round pick in 2002; and Brad Kassell, an undrafted free agent signed because the team thought he was a long snapper.

Coach Jeff Fisher said all three can play the position well, so there’s no rush.

Seahawks

Rookie Josh Brown is in a fortunate position as the only kicker at the Seattle Seahawks’ training camp.

The newcomer from Nebraska is making a great impression.

Brown has made 20 of 25 when the field goal team snaps from each hash mark, moving back in 5-yard increments. Distances usually range from 37 to 50 yards.

Browns

Holdout linebacker Chaun Thompson must sign before Thursday or the Cleveland Browns will reduce the amount of their five-year offer, team president Carmen Policy said.

Thompson, the team’s second-round pick, is one of five draft choices who have yet to sign. Counting Wednesday’s two practices, Thompson has missed nine days and 13 sessions.

Eagles

Correll Buckhalter passed a big test at the Philadelphia Eagles’ first practice in full pads.

He did well as he returns from a knee injury that forced him to miss last season. Eagles coach Andy Reid was eager to see how Buckhalter responded to a hit, especially because he’s the team’s primary running back with starter Duce Staley holding out.

Buckhalter tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the first day of minicamp in April 2002 and sat out the entire season.

Colts

Cornerback Donald Strickland became the first of three rookie holdouts to report to the Indianapolis training camp after signing a three-year contract Wednesday for $1.34 million.

But he will not practice until next week because of a groin injury. Strickland said he was hurt Friday, the last day of the team’s three-day voluntary rookie camp.

Tight end Dallas Clark, the Colts’ first-round pick from Iowa, still is not signed. Neither is safety Mike Doss, the second-round selection from Ohio State.

Running back Dominic Rhodes returned to practice, one day after his left shoulder popped out of place three times.

Dolphins

Miami wide receiver Oronde Gadsden was carted off the field Wednesday after injuring his left ankle.

An X-ray showed the ankle is not broken, but Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said the team does not know the severity of the injury.

Gadsden played in only six games last season because of a torn ligament in his left wrist. He caught 56 passes in 2000 and 55 more in 2001.

Panthers

Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Melvin Tuten tore knee ligaments in practice Wednesday.

Tuten tore the MCL and ACL in his left knee and is expected to be out at least three months.

Later, wide receiver Steve Smith pulled his hamstring, but coach John Fox said his status was day-to-day. And fifth-round draft pick Kindal Moorehead was sent back to Charlotte, N.C., for treatment after an insect bite on his forearm became infected.

Bears

The Chicago Bears are hoping Bryan Knight can fill the void left when Rosevelt Colvin signed a $30 million free-agent deal with the New England Patriots.

Knight will line up at strongside linebacker but the Bears will not expect the same sack production. Colvin led the team the last two years and had 21 total sacks those seasons.

“That would be a lot of pressure on Bryan to say he would,” coach Dick Jauron said of Knight as a sack artist. “That was Rosey’s strength. Rosey had a knack at pass rushing. (But) as an athlete, Bryan is definitely a faster athlete.”

Also Wednesday, running back Anthony Thomas missed both practices with back spasms. Running back Eric McCoo left the field with an unspecified knee injury.

AP-ES-07-30-03 1956EDT