It appears Thursday could be a critical day in the sweepstakes for Saints running back Ricky Williams.

The Dolphins hope that offering their first-round choice at No. 25 this year, plus a fourth-round choice next year that could be upgraded to a first-round choice based on Williams' performance with Miami, would entice the Saints to give them Williams and a third-round pick.

The Browns would give the Saints the 17th choice in the draft this year and possibly a player or two in a trade that would net them Williams and a third-round choice.

On Thursday, most teams will be attending the University of Miami workouts. If there is going to be a trade made, it would be finalized in conversations along the sidelines.

Browns spokesman Todd Stewart told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the team would not comment on trade talks. Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt told the Miami Herald on Tuesday that Browns coach Butch Davis, a close friend of his, told him Cleveland is not high on a trade for Williams.

"One way or another, we want to have something done this week if it's going to get done," New Orleans coach Jim Haslett told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The Dolphins and Saints have been negotiating for days with a variety of proposals involving draft picks. Miami is believed to have made a final offer.

Prior to Monday, the Dolphins were willing to give up the 25th pick in the draft for Williams, plus a third-round choice this year provided they received a second-round choice back from New Orleans. New Orleans' counter was to have a first- and third-round choice or a first-rounder this year and a third-rounder in 2003. That third-rounder would upgrade to a second if Williams gained 1,300 yards for the Dolphins.

The Dolphins confirmed there are no players being offered in the deal. If they can't acquire Williams, Miami will bring in running backs Garrison Hearst and Warrick Dunn later this week for visits.

Rick Spielman, the Dolphins' director of player personnel, told the Associated Press he hoped something could be worked out by the end of the week.

"We tried to come up with some things that are reasonable to both clubs," Spielman said after talking for several hours with Saints general manager Randy Mueller at the NFL's scouting combine Monday. "If it's good enough, maybe it will work. If not, it won't."

The Dolphins don't want to give up first- and third-round choices this year because they don't have a second-round choice.