NFL Free Agents 2012: Breaking Down the Latest Buzz Around Top Unsigned Players

While NFL free agency has slowed to a near halt, there are several big names still on the open market.

Below, we break down the latest buzz surrounding some of the big names, including the Detroit Lions' interest in Ryan Grant, the options for tackle Chad Clifton, Jacoby Jones visiting the Carolina Panthers and Vince Young's trip to Buffalo. 

Ryan Grant Heading to the Motor City?

While the Green Bay Packers have been quiet about re-signing Grant, the 29-year-old running back is starting to see some interest come his way from outside Lambeau Field.

Just a week after visiting with the New England Patriots, Grant is reportedly mulling over a contract offer from the Detroit Lions and is scheduled to meet with team officials in Detroit on Sunday.

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on the Lions' interest after speaking with Alan Herman, Grant's agent. 

"We've had discussions," Herman told Silverstein of the Lions. "They're very interested."

Detroit has running back issues leading into 2012, as Jahvid Best has a long history of concussion problems, and Mikel LeShoure is facing a drug arrest. If Grant made it through camp, there could be a number of carries to be had in the Lions offense.

Chad Clifton Leaves His Options Open

When the Packers released Clifton before the 2012 NFL draft, many speculated that the soon-to-be 36-year-old was likely done playing football at the professional level. According to Clifton, however, there may still be a future in the right circumstances. 

"If there’s interest, we’ll see if I’m interested," Clifton told ESPN Milwaukee's Jason Wilde on Friday morning. "If it’s the right situation, I think I would."

Clifton missed 10 games last season with a torn hamstring, and the Packer failed his physical because of a lingering back issue. However, Clifton had surgery on his back this offseason and may just need time to rehab the injury. 

His return may be a long shot, but there could be a market for the 160-game starter if his back checks out. 

Vince Young Leaves Buffalo Without a Deal

Former Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Young met with Buffalo Bills team officials and participated in a workout on Wednesday, but he left the city without a contract and remains unsigned as of Friday.

According to Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News , Young threw passes to several Bills receivers during the workout. However, no deal appears to be in the works for Young to be the team's backup quarterback for 2012. 

As Gaughan states, Young's name may be bigger right now than his actual game.

He flamed out in Tennessee and looked overmatched in the handful of games he entered for the Eagles last season. Over 50 career starts, Young has thrown 46 touchdowns and 51 interceptions with a completion percentage of just 57.1.

The Bills will likely continue to search for viable quarterback options. Current backup Tyler Thigpen is scheduled to make $5.5 million over the next two seasons. 

Former Texans WR in Carolina 

Receiver Jacoby Jones isn't wasting any time after the Houston Texans cut him loose on Monday. According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle , Jones was in Carolina on Thursday for an official visit with the Panthers. 

Wildly inconsistent for the Texans, Jones was released this week after the team couldn't justify paying him $3 million for 2012. His last straw with Houston was likely in the Texans' playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, when Jones made several mistakes that swung the game away from Houston. 

The Panthers are likely doing their due diligence to fill out a receiving depth chart that lacks punch behind Steve Smith. At the very least, Jones would provide a veteran presence with experience returning punts and kicks. 

In 2011, Jones caught 31 passes for 512 yards and two touchdowns, while also returning a punt for a score.