NFL Trade Rumors: The Latest Buzz from Around the Web

The 2011 NFL offseason has been completely different than anything NFL fans are used to. The NFL and NFLPA were unable to come to terms on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, thus the owners opted to lockout the players.

No trades were able to go down on draft day, and free agents have not been able to sign new contracts. 

With rumors circling that the lockout is coming to an end, there is a chance that players could be on the move very, very soon.

That is good news for players like Braylon Edwards, Sidney Rice, DeAngelo Williams, and Plaxico Burress, who will all be looking to get under contract very soon.

With rumors flying and the lockout concluding, here are all the latest rumors from around the web.

Nate Robinson to the NFL?

Now this is a good one. 

Apparently Nate Robinson likes sports that are in lockouts. Robinson played college football and basketball at the University of Washington, and many people forget that he was actually given a scholarship for football, not basketball.

However, at 5'7", Robinson played cornerback in college. It would be extremely difficult for Robinson to crack a roster as a 5'7" cornerback.

His best bet would be to convert to a slot receiver, in the Dexter McCluster mold, but no one is quite sure how good his hands are.

Robinson spoke with Slam Online about pursuing an NFL career, saying,"I might go play football. Do something that nobody’s tried to do. If I can, I would love to play football a little bit. I’ve been doing a little bit of training."

There is no doubting his athleticism but with a shortened offseason and knowing that he will likely jump back to the NBA once the lockout is lifted, it is unlikely that someone will take a shot on the Oklahoma City Thunder point guard.

Where Will Plaxico Burress Land?

Plaxico Burress was just recently released from prison and is looking to get back into the game. While Michael Vick went to the first place that offered him a deal, Plaxico Burress appears to have himself a wish list.

Since being released from jail, Burress has expressed an interest in signing with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Houston Texans.

The typical rumor this offseason has Burress landing with Vick and the Eagles. However, the latest rumor pins Burress in Chicago with Jay Cutler.

There is no doubt that Chicago could use a receiver with his talents and size, but it is unknown whether or not the Bears will pursue him.

According to NFL.com the Chicago Bears are one of the top three teams on his wish list. Burress had this to say about the Bears in a recent radio interview:

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"As a receiver, I have a lot of respect for Jay Cutler. I feel he's a phenomenal talent. With the right tools put in place ... I think he can go all the way to the top."

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Maybe Burress is just saying all of the right things, or maybe he truly wants to land in Chicago. At this point, all we know is that someone will take a shot on the former Super Bowl winning receiver.

Detroit Lions Rule out Pursuit of Nnamdi Asomugha

It is no secret that the Detroit Lions have a desperate hole to fill in the secondary, so it certainly makes sense for them to pursue Nnamdi Asomugha. However, early indications are that the Lions have no intentions of pursuing the former Oakland Raider.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, a team source has indicated to him that the team will not pursue Asomugha in free agency.

However, he did say that the Lions would be in the market for a cornerback.

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"The Lions would like to add a No. 1 cornerback such as Antonio Cromartie, Johnathan Joseph or Ike Taylor if the price is right."

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All three of those corners would likely come at a discounted rate when compared to the contract that Asomugha could get, especially if the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys enter the race.

Cam Newton to the Pine?

When the Carolina Panthers selected Cam Newton with the No. 1 overall pick, it was all but assumed that he would take over the starting job by default.

Not so fast. According to Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer, Jimmy Clausen will lead the Panthers out of the tunnel in the opening game of the season.

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"While Newton adjusts to the NFL, Clausen will get every opportunity to prove he can play. The Carolina Panthers almost certainly will entrust Clausen with their offense when they go to the road to play Arizona on opening weekend."

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It shouldn't be all that shocking, though, when considering the situation. Cam Newton has never really had to call plays or learn an NFL style playbook before.

There is no doubt that Newton is a project and if the Panthers understand that, he has a much higher chance of being successful.

Braylon Edwards Set to Cash In?

Here's a shocker: The Washington Redskins plan to overpay another free agent this offseason when they give up the house for Braylon Edwards.

According to Evan Silva's Twitter, ESPN's John Clayton believes the Redskins will make a large bid for Edwards' services.

Maybe this is true, or maybe Edwards' agents are smart and are using the Redskins to drive up the price for his services. The Redskins seem to be mentioned as a possible destination for every big name free agent, so this rumor should surprise no one.

The Redskins certainly have a need at receiver if they don't retain Santana Moss' services, though, so this rumor shouldn't be considered too outlandish.

Lockout Finally Over?

I for one am sick of logging onto the web everyday and reading that the lockout is almost over. Well, it's been almost over for a month, and no deal is in place.

The league and the players apparently have until July 21st, and ESPN is reporting that the new CBA should be completed by then so that the owners can ratify it at the July 21st meetings.

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"There is a growing belief inside league circles that the NFL and NFL Players Association will have an agreement in place that can be ratified during the July 21 league meetings in Atlanta, according to sources familiar with the state of negotiations."

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All I can say is that I hope so. The length of this lockout has been ridiculous and these sides need to come to an agreement sooner rather than later, at least to spare writers from using the "NFL Lockout Nearing End" headline every day.