Peyton Manning, DeSean Jackson and Matt Flynn: Latest News from NFL Rumor Mill

At the end of last week and through the weekend, there was some news regarding three popular potential free agents in the NFL: Peyton Manning, DeSean Jackson and Matt Flynn.

That being said, here's the latest scoop on each player and what to make of it as we also get ready for Super Bowl XLVI between the New York Giants and New England Patriots.

Peyton Manning

In an article by Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle, Solomon believes the Texans should consider making a move for Manning:

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"If there are two lines, one for teams not interested in having a healthy Manning as their starting quarterback and one for everybody else, the Texans would be in that long one. Preferably at the front."

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Solomon continued about why Houston should pursue Manning:

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"The Texans possess an experienced offense with a strong line and some top-notch weapons as well as a stingy defense. The franchise should hold a dominant position in a weak division for the next couple of seasons, a point that theoretically should translate to a sure playoff berth and an easier path to the Super Bowl than most other potential suitors.

With Schaub missing the final eight games because of foot surgery, the Texans would be remiss if they didn’t try to woo Manning."

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That said, Solomon makes some excellent points as evidenced by Houston's 2011 campaign. The concern, however, isn't over yet. According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, colleague Peter King provided an update on the day of the Pro Bowl:

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"Peter [King] said that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is struggling to get healthy.  With barely more than a month to go before the March 8 trigger for payment of $28 million, that makes it even less likely that the Colts will pony up the cash."

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Well, with so much uncertainty in the air, it's still not a bad decision for Houston to consider. Manning still has roughly seven months to get healthier and the Texans could use his services.

At the very least, it would be a learning experience for Matt Schaub and allow him more time to heal up while giving Manning one more shot. Regardless, keep an eye on the situation as the AFC South continues to get more interesting.

DeSean Jackson

According to Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News, the Eagles and receiver DeSean Jackson are virtually at opposite ends of the spectrum:

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"Owner Jeff Lurie said earlier this month that the Eagles would welcome the wide receiver back, "if the right terms develop." But league sources said Jackson's opinion of his worth continues to be night-and-day different from the Eagles'."

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So with that, it's more reasonable to suspect that Jackson and the Eagles part ways before the 2012 season. Philadelphia would definitely be losing a dangerous playmaker on punt returns and in the receiving game. However, the extra baggage would also be gone.

If anything, Philadelphia needs a better route-running receiver and to draft someone who can replace Jackson as a return man. Therefore, don't be surprised if Philadelphia decides to pursue a guy like Reggie Wayne.

He's a savvy veteran who can influence the younger players across the board and is a great route-runner. As for Jackson, he's better off signing with a team who desperately needs to improve on special teams and has the need for a receiver who can simply stretch the field.

Such options are Jacksonville, Cleveland or St. Louis.

Matt Flynn

In an article by Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Pluto quotes former NFL scout Dan Shonka about the Browns pursuing Packers QB Matt Flynn:

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"Matt Flynn is a perfect fit for their offense," Shonka said. "The book on him is not big. He started one year at LSU, and I admit we had him as a fifth- or sixth-rounder. In the NFL, he has two good games -- against New England and the Lions. He has great receivers in Green Bay. But I think he can play, and he is already in a West Coast offense."

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It's certainly not a bad idea considering the Browns lack of offense since, well, the days of Otto Graham and Dante Lavelli (1950s). Both of Cleveland's quarterbacks, Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace, do have potential, but have dealt with injuries on more than one occasion.

Also, Cleveland needs to address the receiver position as well as defense in the draft. The Browns may have ranked No. 2 against the pass, however, that's only because their run defense was so horrible; there was no reason to throw the ball against them.

In turn, that's why they lost a lot of close, low-scoring games. The opponent controlled the clock, wore down their front seven and had no need to throw the ball.

With Flynn, he'll also be reuniting with former Packers running back Brandon Jackson. Provided that Cleveland can improve on defense via the draft and snag a legitimate receiver through free agency, there's no reason why the Browns shouldn't make a move for Flynn.

After all, what do they have to lose?

John Rozum on Twitter.