The Facts: This Dolphins' approach has been far more passive than the last, when former coach Nick Saban befriended Williams before bringing him back to the NFL. Still, though the Dolphins aren't coddling their former star as he prepares for reinstatement next month, Williams remains optimistic and excited, agent Leigh Steinberg said Monday.

Diehards Line:Steinberg also said he spoke to GM Randy Mueller on Monday. However, the team won't publicly include Williams in its plans until after he's a part of the roster. "Hasn't been discussed at all," Mueller told reporters Monday. "So nothing new. ..." Williams, who can apply for a return to the NFL in April, currently is working on a book, but that hasn't stopped him from staying healthy and drug free. "Ricky is in the best shape of his life," Steinberg said. "He's passed all of his drug tests, and he's at a place where he's ready to come back to the Dolphins."