Fact or Fiction for Latest NFL Offseason Rumors

As the NFL offseason nears a dead period for a few weeks, teams are dealing with contract situations before it’s time to play. Extending a player early can save millions of dollars down the line. Players with the franchise tag often were the long-term security that a new deal promises.

The ongoing discussions between teams and agents always seem to leak to the public. These juicy rumors have been collected in one place for you to read. But should we buy or sell the latest NFL offseason rumors?

We have the answers for each specific situation. For teams looking to win now, paying top-tier talent is almost a must. Unhappiness in the locker room in the midst of a Super Bowl run can derail even the best teams.

On the other hand, more fiscally limited teams may have to put their foot down and allow the season to play out. This won’t always jive with a player, who must receive their fair share of compensation for their effort and production as well.

After reading our productions, make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

New York Giants Won’t Extend Eli Manning: Fact

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

At 34 years old, the Eli Manning era in New York could be coming to a close. At least, that’s what the Giants are contemplating, pending the results of the 2015 season. According to Gary Myers of the New York Daily News, the Giants don’t plan on talking extension with Manning before the season.

There is a strong argument for keeping Manning for the foreseeable future. Myers opined that he is worth the early extension:

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Manning is 34 years old but has never missed a game in his 11 seasons due to injury. He had 30 TDs and 14 INTs last year after struggling in 2013 with just 18 TDs and a career-high and league-high 27 INTs. But his body is clearly not breaking down; he has started 167 consecutive regular-season games, the longest current streak for a QB and the third longest in NFL history.

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But, we’re buying this rumor regardless of how well Manning played in 2014. A major injury to Manning could change the way his future is viewed. Signing him to a big extension now is simply unnecessary; especially when the Giants can use the franchise tag next year.

If the Giants get close to making the playoffs in 2015, then rewarding Manning should be a viable option. Another sub-.500 season, though, should make the Giants think about drafting his replacement from the 2016 class.

Barkevious Mingo Will Lose Snaps to Scott Solomon: Fiction

David Richard/Associated Press

One recent rumor came courtesy of the Cleveland Browns. Steve Doerschuk of the CantonRep.com recently reported that 2013 sixth overall pick Barkevious Mingo is facing a positional battle against fourth-year professional Scott Solomon. This came after defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil praised Solomon’s effort.

"Scott is very quickly becoming one of my favorite players,” O’Neil said as minicamp ended Thursday. “The offense calls him ‘Bloodbath.’ He’s like a heat-seeking missile coming off the edge."

As exciting as it is that Solomon could be showing a tremendous amount of growth, this praise seems overly strong considering his lack of production elsewhere. He has just 20 career tackles and two sacks in three seasons.

On the other hand, Mingo hasn’t played particularly well, either. He’s notched just seven sacks in two years, despite having the reputation as a freaky pass-rusher upon entering the NFL.

Mingo has been a good run defender, if little else to this point. Pro Football Focus had Mingo as the seventh-best run defender at 3-4 outside linebacker. Even if Mingo doesn’t become an overly effective pass-rusher, it’s hard to imagine he can’t stave off Solomon for playing time.

Demaryius Thomas Will Receive Contract Extension: Fact

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

The Denver Broncos haven’t been shy about going all-in since signing quarterback Peyton Manning three years ago. Their strategy of signing veterans to augment the roster has helped the team go to the Super Bowl in 2014 and make the playoffs last season. Now, it’s time to pay a homegrown talent.

Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has put up eye-popping numbers with Manning at the helm. He’s a perfect system fit in the right situation. His athleticism is a major reason why he’s able to produce so well.

According to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com, the Broncos are weary of Thomas’ price tag.

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The problem, from the Broncos' point of view, is Thomas' asking price.

League executives have suggested to [Ian] Rapoport that Thomas deserves to be paid on par with Calvin Johnson, who signed an eight-year, $130 million contract in 2012.

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Ultimately, the price of paying outside free agents and not paying an in-house free agent like Thomas could be too steep. Rewarding the players who have been developed by the organization sends the right message to the current roster.

Thus, we’re buying that the Broncos will reward Thomas with a big new contract.

The Philadelphia Eagles Will Extend Sam Bradford: Fiction

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

The marriage between the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Sam Bradford could last a long time. Although Bradford’s injury history is scary, he is talented enough to become a franchise quarterback. He’s a perfect fit with head coach Chip Kelly. NFL Network’s Albert Breer described negotiations as having “no real progress”:

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Also, per sources, the Eagles have had preliminary contract talks with QB Sam Bradford. Sides talked a few times, but no real progress made.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 17, 2015"

That likely means the deal is on hold until Bradford can win the starting job outright. He shouldn’t have an issue with this, as his main competition is Mark Sanchez. Sanchez showed little promise in his limited playing time last season.

The Eagles should be interested in buying low on Bradford if he stays healthy through training camp and preseason. But they should have patience until then, as it’s been a year and a half since we last saw him in a regular-season game. We’re sticking with fiction on this rumor.

Josh McCown Is the Favorite to Start in Cleveland: Fact

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

Once again, there is drama in Cleveland over who will play quarterback. 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel has worked to change his lifestyle, but he's still trailing a journeyman veteran in the chase to become the Browns’ starting quarterback.

According to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, McCown is considered the favorite to start next season. There’s obviously plenty of time for Manziel to win the job, but this is disconcerting for Manziel’s outlook. McCown was awful last season for a Tampa Bay team that had a better surrounding cast than what the Browns have.

This is a critical season for Manziel to show he is salvageable. His atrocious on-field play in 2014 can only be forgotten if he can win the starting job and not have it handed to him like it was last season. If he cannot beat out McCown, that’s a damning statement on what the Browns’ coaching staff thinks about his future.

Brandon Carr’s Contract Will Be Restructured: Fiction

Brandon Wade/Associated Press

Restructuring contracts can be a dangerous game that eventually causes major issues in the future. By adjusting base salary to bonuses creates short-term relief, but it can hinder long-term flexibility because the guaranteed money changes in later years. Unless there’s a dire situation requiring some quick cash, restructuring a deal should be avoided.

Yet, the Dallas Cowboys apparently feel compelled to get more space now. According to Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants to restructure cornerback Brandon Carr’s contract:

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We are continuing to look for ways that we can do something that’s good for both of us. Good for both of us being the Cowboys relative to relief as to our cap management and good for him that would maybe be some pluses for him on his contract.

Again, any more than that and I’m getting into negotiating details. But there are ways that we can improve our lot that aren’t unrealistic. It would just be someone giving up something significant.

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For Carr, who had six interceptions last season, there’s little reason for him to restructure. The Cowboys will have more room to work with next season so they can re-sign receiver Dez Bryant. Carr’s entitled to his paycheck this season and shouldn’t succumb to the restructure.

Matt Cassel Is on the Roster Bubble: Fact

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

When isolating the Buffalo Bills’ roster away from just the quarterback position, it's as strong as anyone from top to bottom. The offensive line is subpar, but a talented enough quarterback could overcome that challenge. Unfortunately, the Bills’ quarterback position is among the NFL's worst.

Buffalo acquired Matt Cassel from the Minnesota Vikings this spring via trade, but he could be on the outs now. According to Mike Rodak of ESPN, Cassel has been the team's worst quarterback:

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I would give EJ Manuel the slight nod as the "winner" from spring practices but Cassel was the clear "loser" of the group. There wasn't a practice open to reporters where Cassel stood out among his peers, while there were at least one or two sessions where he was just downright bad.

I went into OTAs thinking Cassel had the best chance to be the opening day starter, given his level of experience, but I now question if he will make the roster. The Bills can wipe his $4.15 million base salary off the books if they release him prior to the start of the regular season, an appealing option if Cassel's struggles continue into training camp.

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If Cassel doesn’t separate himself as the starter, it makes the most sense for the Bills to release him. If Buffalo does so, the team can carry the $4.15 million saved into next year. This is key, as the Bills are projected to be just $1.4 million under the cap, according to Over the Cap.

The Bills’ key 2016 free-agent class includes defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, slot receiver Percy Harvin, offensive tackle Cordy Glenn and cornerback Nickell Robey. Releasing Cassel now could help save one or more of those players.

The Kansas City Chiefs Will Re-Sign Justin Houston: Fact

Ed Zurga/Associated Press

The situation between the Kansas City Chiefs and star pass-rusher Justin Houston shouldn’t be too difficult. Houston, the premier 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, has as much value as any defender, sans Texans’ lineman J.J. Watt. Now it’s up to the Chiefs to make this a long-term pairing.

Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star reported that head coach Andy Reid is optimistic that Houston will be in the building for the beginning of training camp.

"(Both sides) are continuing to talk, and whether he’s here or not, that just depends on how things go,” Reid said. “So we’ll continue to move on and hope that he is here at the beginning of camp."

Houston shouldn’t risk a major injury before signing a fat new contract. The Chiefs also should be willing to lock in a player of Houston’s stature, as he is the face of the franchise. Elite edge-rushers are the second-most important players on the field.

The ill will that could be created from the Chiefs playing hardball with Houston is dangerous. Losing a player of Houston’s caliber is tough to overcome. Kansas City should want to make this relationship last a long time.

All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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