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San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers, who have the first choice in the NFL draft, have notified the agents of quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers of California and Alex Smith of Utah and wide receiver Braylon Edwards of Michigan that they want to begin contract negotiations with hopes of getting a deal done before the draft, ESPN.com's John Clayton reports.

Smith held a private workout for the 49ers Tuesday and Rodgers is scheduled to visit the 49ers facility next Wednesday. Edwards will be at the 49ers' facility next Monday but, like Rodgers, isn't expected to work out.

The 49ers will continue to look at other prospects in case they receive an offer to trade down for a lower spot in the first round.

No negotiations have begin but the process is expected to get start soon. The NFL gives the team with the first choice permission to try to work out a deal before the draft begins.

Dallas Cowboys: Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson recently missed three days of workouts with the team. When coach Bill Parcells called to find out why he was missing, Johnson indicated he was dissatisfied with his contract, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.

Johnson's agent Jerome Staley confirmed that his client missed practice, but would only say that it was for "personal reasons."

Denver Broncos: Restricted free agent defensive tackle Dorsett Davis, a three-year veteran who spent the entire 2004 season on injured reserve, re-signed with the team. Davis signed a one-year contract worth $656,000.

The 2005 season figures to be a key one for Davis who has appeared in just 14 contests during a disappointing career. The former Mississippi State standout, a third-round choice in the '02 draft, has undeniable talent, but has not come close to fulfilling his considerable potential.

Davis, 26, was inactive for all 16 games his rookie season. He notched 11 tackles in 14 games in 2003, and Denver coaches were counting on him for a 2004 breakthrough performance. But in training camp, Davis tore a tendon in his left pinkie finger, an injury that required surgery and landed him on the injured reserve list.

Philadelphia Eagles: Fullback Jon Ritchie signed a one-year contract, returning to the NFC champions after missing most of last season with a knee injury.

Ritchie came to Philadelphia in 2003 after five years in Oakland. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Philadelphia's third game last year, and sat out the rest of the season.

Ritchie has 21 catches for 122 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons with the Eagles. He had 129 receptions for 1,026 yards and four TDs with the Raiders.

The Eagles used Josh Parry, a converted linebacker, to replace Ritchie. Parry started 14 games, including the playoffs.

Washington Redskins: Free-agent linebacker Brian Allen, who played mostly special teams with the Carolina Panthers, signed with the team on Wednesday.

The 6-foot, 232-pound Allen has 133 tackles, one sack and one interception in 46 regular-season games over four NFL seasons out of Florida State.

He was drafted by the Rams in 2001 and played in three games as a rookie. He spent the past three seasons on the Panthers' roster.

Detroit Lions: Linebacker Wali Rainer and cornerback Chris Cash re-signed with the team.

Rainer, who was an unrestricted free agent, has led Detroit in special teams tackles the past two seasons, getting 24 in 2003 and 26 in 2004. He's entering his seventh season in the NFL, after also playing with Cleveland and Jacksonville.

Cash, a restricted free agent, is starting his fourth season with the Lions. He started five games last year after missing the 2003 season with a torn ACL, finishing 2004 with 25 tackles and one interception.

Information from ESPN.com senior writers John Clayton and Len Pasquarelli and The Associated Press was used in this report.