Irvin Wants Trade

The Dallas Morning News cited three unidentified sources as saying that former All-Pro receiver Michael Irvin has asked to be traded.

Under the salary cap, complying with that request would constrict Dallas from signing its draft picks and possibly forcing it to cut other players because of the mathematics behind the five-year contract Irvin signed two years ago.

Quarterback Jim Everett was cut by the New Orleans Saints as new coach Mike Ditka moved swiftly to focus on youth with Heath Shuler in the position.

Everett, 34, a 12-year veteran, has been the Saints’ starter since 1994. Shuler, 25, was obtained in a trade with Washington in the off-season.

Joe Cain, a linebacker who began his NFL career in Seattle in 1989, is coming back to the Seahawks, who also signed two rookie free agents, offensive tackle Pete DiMario from Alabama and punter Paul Burton from Northwestern.