Redskins Have Interest in Rice

Washington Redskin officials are increasingly interested in obtaining San Francisco 49er wide receiver Jerry Rice, sources close to the front office told the Washington Post.

Rice, 37, the NFL’s all-time leading receiver, has said he wants to play next season. His 49er tenure could end because of salary cap considerations, but Rice has told friends that he would be willing to play for another team.

Redskin officials declined to comment, saying they didn’t want to be guilty of tampering because Rice is under contract with the 49ers.

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Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones has backed off a statement that he would like to see all-pro cornerback Deion Sanders in a Dallas uniform for the rest of his career. The Cowboys and Sanders agreed on a five-year, $51.5-million contract last off-season. . . . Mike Trgovac was hired as defensive line coach of the Redskins. The move continues Trgovac’s association with Ray Rhodes, who this week was chosen defensive coordinator. Trgovac, 40, coached the defensive line for Rhodes’ teams in Philadelphia (1995-98) and Green Bay (1999). . . . Maurice Carthon, the New York Jets’ running backs coach, will also be assistant head coach. . . . The Indianapolis Colts will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Mexico City in August as part of the league’s American Bowl series.