NFL Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Jimmy Garoppolo, Deebo Samuel and More

Preparation for the 2022 NFL season is now underway. The Las Vegas Raiders have opened training camp, while the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams will do the same Saturday. And even for teams that aren't fully opening camp until next week, rookies will be arriving soon.

However, there continue to be rumors circulating about potential trades that could be made or extensions that players may sign in the near future. The offseason may be nearing its conclusion, but that doesn't signal the end of major transactions being made, as there could be more on the horizon.

In fact, some big-name players continue to be featured in reports, as quite a few of them have uncertain futures with the 2022 season less than two months away.

Here's some of the latest buzz surrounding the NFL as training camps begin to open.

Could Garoppolo Finally Be Traded Soon?

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass the ball in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

For much of the offseason, there's been speculation that the San Francisco 49ers could trade Jimmy Garoppolo. It seemed likely they'd move the 30-year-old QB, clearing a spot for Trey Lance to take over as the starter in his second NFL season.

Now, it seems that a Garoppolo trade could be imminent.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers have given Garoppolo's agents "permission to seek a trade." And not only that, but Garoppolo—who underwent surgery on his right shoulder earlier this offseason—has been cleared to start practicing, per Schefter.

San Francisco is set to fully open training camp on Tuesday, so if Garoppolo is still on the team at that point, he could be in action at practice. But that may not be the case, considering his agents may find a potential suitor by then.

There should be teams interested in Garoppolo since he led the 49ers to the NFC title during the 2019 campaign and then back to the conference championship game last season. He may not put up huge numbers, but he's proved that he can power a team to success.

Nothing Imminent Between Samuel, 49ers

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INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 30: Deebo Samuel #19 of the 49ers during the NFC Conference Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams on January 30, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Icon Sportswire)

Garoppolo isn't the only 49ers player who has been in the news this offseason. There's also star wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who reportedly requested to be traded by San Francisco earlier this year. However, he's still on the team as the beginning of training camp nears.

Even though Samuel reported to the 49ers' mandatory minicamp, that doesn't mean his future is more certain. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, San Francisco isn't too close to inking the 26-year-old wide receiver to an extension.

"The sides have been in communication, they have had contract talks on a long-term deal that would keep Deebo in San Francisco," Pelissero recently said. "But at this point, there is absolutely nothing that is imminent."

Samuel is entering the final season of his rookie contract, so if he isn't traded soon, then his time with the 49ers could still be ending following the 2022 campaign. That could change, though, if negotiations start to go better and he ends up signing a long-term deal with San Francisco. And that could be a wise move for the team, considering how well he's played over his first three NFL seasons.

Thomas on Verge of Getting Cleared to Play?

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BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 14: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Michael Thomas became one of the top wide receivers in the NFL over his first four seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2016-19. However, he hasn't played in a game since Dec. 13, 2020, a year in which he was limited to seven games because of injuries.

After missing all of the 2021 campaign because of ankle ailments, Thomas is still on the mend. But it seems things are trending in a positive direction for the 29-year-old.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport recently reported that there's "some optimism" from the Saints that Thomas could be cleared early in training camp and may soon "begin to look like the Michael Thomas of old." New Orleans is set to fully open camp on Tuesday.

The Saints' offense could use that type of boost as they enter the 2022 season with Jameis Winston looking to solidify himself as their starting quarterback. Thomas, who had 5,512 receiving yards over his first four seasons, would be a tremendous top target if he can get back to playing at that level.