NFL Rumor Wire: Pre-Draft Hearsay

I have done a few of these Rumor Wires in the past, but I have yet to focus on one specific event. This edition will highlight different rumors that could play a direct role in influencing who your team picks come Saturday.

Chad Johnson 

John Clayton of ESPN reports that Johnson's suitors are starting to line up. Oakland, Dallas, and Philadelphia have all expressed interest in acquiring the receiver.

This all hinges on whether or not Cincinnati is willing to trade the troubled wideout, and John Clayton says that they are not.

Brian Urlacher 

This linebacker apparently doesn't want to rebuild with the Bears under his current salary.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Urlacher's agents have asked Chicago to pursue a trade that would get him out of town. 

The parties have been negotiating for a few weeks now, and Urlacher wants something done regarding a new deal.

He has threatened to skip both Mini-Camp and Training Camp if something isn't reached soon.

Jared Allen 

Pacman Jones 

The reported deals that would send Pacman Jones to Dallas appear to be nearing the end. Says Cowboy owner Jerry Jones of the trade talks:

"It looks to me like it's pretty much just floating out there, not really with much energy or activity. There has been no movement."

Matt Ryan 

Ryan is rising on draft boards across the country, and it is seeming more and more likely that the Baltimore Ravens will not have a shot at him with their eighth pick this year.

With the recent retiring of Steve McNair, ESPN's John Clayton reports that the Ravens would absolutely not pass up Ryan if he fell into their laps at eight.

If he is taken earlier (most likely by the Falcons at three) the Ravens would be expected to trade down lower into the first round so they could address their quarterback situation with the next best guy possibly Brohm or Flacco (which would be a reach).