by RICK STROUD, TIMES STAFF WRITER , St. Petersburg Times

Freeman, the team's first-round pick, was nearing an agreement Thursday night on a contract. Negotiations were described as "hot and heavy"by general manager Mark Dominik, and it's believed progress was being made on a few remaining issues.

The 21-year-old Freeman, who has been working out at One Buc Place, has an outside chance at starting, so a holdout would not be in his best interest.

The Bucs got a break last season when the Ravens made quarterback Joe Flacco the 18th pick. That provided a template for negotiations with Freeman, the 17th overall pick in April, whose deal should be just north of Flacco's five-year, $30-million contract that included $8.75-million in guarantees.

Bucs players are scheduled to report to training camp today. The first workout is Saturday morning at One Buc Place.

The only player who may not report is guard Arron Sears, because of what the club calls a "private matter."

Sears participated briefly in the team's offseason program and attended the first voluntary minicamp under coach Raheem Morris. But the third-year player became nonverbal, and he left the club abruptly.

Linebacker Barrett Ruud, who missed the 14 organized team activities to draw attention to his contract situation, attended the mandatory minicamp and is expected to report today.

Broncos: Rashod Moulton signed. The cornerback from Lakewood High was waived June 18 after initially joining the practice squad in October.

Browns: Second-round pick Brian Robiskie agreed on a four-year deal, completing the team's rookie signings. The receiver will compete to start with Mohammed Massaquoi, also a second-round pick.

giants: Second-round picks Clint Sintim, a linebacker, and William Beatty, a tackle, signed four-year deals. First-round pick Hakeem Nicks, a receiver, is the team's last unsigned rookie.

Jaguars: Third-round pick Derek Cox, who will compete to start at cornerback, signed.

Packers: President/CEO Mark Murphy told applauding shareholders that the Brett Favre dispute "severely tested our organization," but he believed Favre was treated fairly while the Packers acted in their long-term interests. He reiterated that Favre's No. 4 will eventually be retired.

raiders: First-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey agreed to a five-year deal that guarantees the receiver at least $23.5 million.

rams: Tackle Jason Smith, the second overall pick who is expected to be an immediate starter, signed.

vikings: Defensive end Kenechi Udeze retired, ending a comeback from leukemia. The club's first-round draft pick in 2004 said his leukemia, diagnosed in 2008, is still in remission, but side effects from treatment prevent him from playing.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

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