NFL Free Agency Rumors: Latest Buzz from Around the Web

With most of the press headlines dominated by the inexorable progress of the collective bargaining negotiations, free agency speculation has been a little thin on the ground in the last week.

Most of the free agency news has been concerned with the decisions teams will have to make regarding their own personnel, once league business is allowed to resume.  A couple of high-profile names from the past have also been attempting to smooth the way for a possible return to the gridiron in 2011.

In the event that tensions between the league's owners and the players union are actually beginning to thaw, certain franchises have begun making plans to secure their top targets, should the free agency market take place.

Here are seven of the best rumours recently circulating the web.

7. Reggie Wayne or Robert Mathis?

On NFL.com, Bucky Brooks speculates that the Indianapolis Colts would be better off retaining the services of wide receiver Reggie Wayne over defensive Robert Mathis.  Both have one year running on their current contracts.  Brooks argues that the Colts need to ensure that quarterback Peyton Manning has the strongest possible choice of weapons around him.

It's a tricky situation for the Colts.  The presence of 2010 first round draft selection Jerry Hughes may seem to make Mathis all the more expendable.  But Hughes underperformed during his rookie campaign and the Colts need a rush threat opposite Dwight Freeney, in order to alleviate the pressure on their top sack specialist.

The production of the underrated Mathis, prevents offensive blocking schemes from slanting towards Freeney.  The Colts defense is heavily reliant on the dual pass rush provided by their bookends.

There may be young players waiting in the wings to replace Mathis, but a similar argument can also be made regarding Wayne.  In fact, some of the Colts young wideouts could be more primed to step into the lineup than some of their young defensive linemen.

Peyton Manning is likely to illicit production from any combination of receivers and while losing a supremely talented flanker like Wayne would be a blow, he may be easier to replace than Mathis. 

6. Stephen Tulloch to Test Market?

ProFootballWeekly.com indicates that Tennessee Titans middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch will opt against returning to the AFC South outfit and instead tout his services in free agency.

After posting a career best 169 tackles in 2010, Tulloch might actually be deemed expendable in the Music City.  It seems new defensive coordiantor Jerry Gray could turn Tulloch's duties over to veteran Will Weatherspoon.

It would certainly be interesting to see the talented Weatherspoon afforded the opportunity to take on a leading role on a defense.  Tulloch himself should find plenty of 4-3 teams interested in acquiring his services.

5. Double Redskin Swoop for Cullen Jenkins and Aubrayo Franklin

A report late last week in the Washington Post indicated that the Washington Redskins are open to bolstering their talent level at both nose tackle and defensive end, once free agency free begins.

The Post claims that Green Bay Packers disruptive five technique Cullen Jenkins and San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Aubray Franklin are the ideal choices of the Redskins hierarchy.

Jenkins is apparently open to considering a move to D.C. and Franklin would represent something of a coup for head coach Mike Shanahan.  By snaring Franklin, probably the most prized nose tackle available in this year's free agent class, Shanahan could finally resolve the most important position in his 3-4 experiment.

Acquiring established 3-4 talents for the defensive line would definitely speed up the Redskins rebuilding efforts and also help put the Albert Haynesworth debacle firmly behind the franchise.  The moves would certainly be in keeping with the traditional free agency approach of lavish spending owner Daniel Snyder.

But Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen have begun the process of moving away from the quick fix culture of the past.  The duo have also placed a strong emphasis on getting younger.  Both Franklin and Jenkins are 30.

With so many pressing needs a move for both could be too much to hope for and might even end up being counter productive in the long run.

4. Plaxico Burress Auditions for Eagles and Jets

Plaxico Burress likes a few teams">Espn.com features a story about comments made by former New york Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress during two recent interviews.  The report suggested that Burress indicated a willingness to return to the league as a member of either the New York Jets or the Philadelphia Eagles.

Espn cite an interview Burress gave on NFL network in which the tall flanker spoke in glowing terms about Jets owner Woody Johnson and head coach Rex Ryan.  Later on in an interview for a local radio outlet, Burress expressed some excitement of joining up with dynamic playmakers Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson in Philadelphia.

Both options have some merit for Burress.  Each franchise is no stranger to controversy and could both benefit from the presence of the former Super Bowl winner.  The Jets have question marks at wideout concerning the contract situations of Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes.

A receiver the calibre of Burress, capable of handling the possession routes as well as going deep, could be invaluable to the Jets as they seek to take their final steps towards achieving a championship.  For the Eagles Burress would offer NFC East experience and become a useful outlet for Michael Vick.

At 34 Burress could be a risk for most teams but for two franchises seemingly on the cusp of a Super Bowl berth, he could be an ideal signing.

3. Cleveland Browns Plan to Add Depth at Running Back

NBCsports.com cites a report from the Cleveland Plain-Dealer suggesting that the Cleveland Browns will pursue a running back as insurance for Peyton Hillis in free agency.

Hillis noticeably wore down as the 2010 season progressed.  His heavy workload in not something the Browns coaching staff want to have to burden him with in 2011.  The article believes that due to the injury concerns surrounding current understudy Montario Hardesty, the Browns will seek more reliable cover.

It is unlikely that Cleveland will make an attempt for a big name back to share the load with Hillis.  The battering ram runner will still receive the majority of the carries.  The Browns may opt for a back who can relieve Hillis of some third down responsibilities.

2. Paul Posluszny Plans Buffalo Stay

Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Paul Posluszny has expressed a desire to remain with the AFC East cellar dwellers according to NBCsports.com.

Retaining Posluszny would be something of free agency coup for the Bills as he is considered a leader and is one of the team's most consistent performers.  NBCsports believes that a lucrative offer will need to be made by the Buffalo front office in order to keep Posluszny.

A productive linebacker, Posluszny could benefit this season from the play of third overall draft choice Marcell Dareus would should shore up the defensive line and allow the Bills linebackers more room to make plays.  If so, Posluszny could become a key figure on defense for a Buffalo squad that demonstrated some promise towards the end of the season.

1. Ronde Feels Brother Tiki Not the Best Fit for Tampa Bay

CBSSPORTS.com carries some quotes from Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, given in an interview with the St. Petersburg Times.  Ronde was referring to the idea of his brother Tiki joining Tampa Bay.

36-year old New York Giants all-time leading rusher Tiki Barber is finding it tough to attract suitors for his signature.  His attempted comeback has been mired in controversy and largely greeted with derision.  It remains to be seen how much a youthful Bucs squad would benefit from the addition of Barber.

His experience may be useful to young starter LeGarrette Blount, but with Cadillac Williams still part of the rotation, Barber would have to be prepared for only a minor role.

If the lockout is soon drawn to a swift conclusion, teams will have to move quickly to address their free agency needs.  Rumour and speculation are to sure to once again be rife during such a short window of opportunity.