NFL ROUNDUP \ News and notes

Rams: Seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Pace is close to returning from a shoulder injury, but will not be cleared for full contact at the start of training camp. Coach Scott Linehan said the team would be conservative with Pace, who tore the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder in the second quarter of the 2007 season opener against Carolina.

Chargers: Defensive end Luis Castillo agreed to a five-year contract extension through 2014 valued at about $43 million. The deal will pay Castillo a guaranteed $17.5 million in signing and roster bonuses.

Patriots: Offensive lineman Nick Kaczur pleaded guilty to speeding in a deal with prosecutors that will put a misdemeanor drug possession charge on hold. The 28-year-old Kaczur was ordered to pay $355 in fines and fees by Whitestown Town Justice Stanley Wolanin, who said the drug possession charge will be dismissed if he stays out of trouble for the next six months. The plea deal also requires Kaczur to comply with any type of treatment, monitoring or employee assistance program imposed by the Patriots, Oneida County Assistant District Attorney Grant Garramone said.

Moves: The Patriots signed second-round pick Terrence Wheatley, leaving only top pick Jerod Mayo unsigned among their draftees two days before the start of training camp. … The Texans signed three draft picks and cleared roster space by releasing four players, including tackle Charles Spencer two years after a serious leg injury. The Texans signed both third-round picks, cornerback Antwaun Molden and running back Steve Slaton, and their fifth-round choice, Frank Okam of Texas. The Texans also released fullback Jon Abbate, defensive tackle Eric Powell and guard Dan Stevenson. … The Titans agreed to terms on a multi-year contract with rookie tight end Craig Stevens. … The Redskins placed defensive ends Phillip Daniels and Alex Buzbee on injured reserve and signed defensive lineman J.T. Mapu. … Receiver Mario Urrutia signed a four-year contract with the Bengals. … The Broncos agreed to a deal with cornerback Jack Williams. … The Raiders signed former Chiefs safety Greg Wesley to a one-year contract. … The Vikings agreed to terms with two draft picks — fifth-round defensive tackle Letroy Guion and sixth-round receiver Jaymar Johnson .

Associated Press