Free on bail but facing serious legal charges, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth will get ready for an upcoming NFL season not knowing if he'll play.

Stallworth surrendered in court yesterday on charges that he was driving drunk when he struck and killed a pedestrian while returning from a night of partying in Miami Beach on March 14. The 28-year-old Stallworth was released by Miami authorities after posting $200,000 bail.

He was expected to fly back to Cleveland last night. Stallworth intends to resume voluntary workouts with the rebuilding Browns, who must now consider their options and the possibility they will not have the seven-year veteran on their roster next season.

OUTSIDE THE LINES

GUARANTEED PAY CASE

The NFL Players Association has presented its case contesting whether teams can withhold guaranteed salaries and bonus money from embattled players Plaxico Burress and Larry Johnson.

Union lawyer Richard Berthelsen said yesterday that the NFLPA made its arguments during a 3 1/2 hour hearing before Stephen Burbank at the University of Pennsylvania on Wednesday, as did NFL attorneys. Burbank's ruling is expected within a week, Berthelsen said.

The union filed grievances on behalf of both players. The Giants withheld a $1 million bonus due Burress after the receiver shot himself in the thigh in November. The Chiefs said Johnson breached his contract — and is not owed $3.75 million in guaranteed money — after the running back was suspended by the NFL last season.

BEARS

3-YEAR DEAL FOR PACE

The Chicago Bears agreed to a three-year deal with free agent Orlando Pace yesterday, adding a seven-time Pro Bowl tackle to their offensive line on the same day they acquired quarterback Jay Cutler in a trade with Denver.

Released by the Rams three weeks ago in a move to clear $6 million in cap room, the 33-year-old Pace joins a team that went 9-7 and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.

COWBOYS

OL PROCTER RE-SIGNS

The Dallas Cowboys have re-signed guard Cory Procter to a one-year contract.

Procter was supposed to back up Kyle Kosier but wound up starting 11 games last season. He also started twice the previous season.

REDSKINS

DE DANIELS RETURNS

Phillip Daniels signed a one-year contract to return to the Washington Redskins yesterday.

The 36-year-old defensive end missed the 2008 season when he tore a ligament in his left knee on the first day of training camp.