NFL Rumors: Victor Cruz, Terrell Owens and the Latest Buzz in Pro Football

Just because the Super Bowl is over and the 2012 NFL Draft isn't for roughly another two months, pro football's offseason still has some fun news sifting out and about.

Whether it's free agency, new coaching considerations or any kind of draft speculation, the offseason only means one thing—to begin preparing for the upcoming season.

So with that in mind, here is some of the latest buzz happening in the NFL.

Victor Cruz: WR, Giants

The man simply wants to get paid, period.

According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz feels like he's earned a raise:

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“I think I was paid, you know, relative to where I came in this year and, you know, I came in as a free agent so that’s the salary I was on, so I don’t feel like I was underpaid,” Cruz said.  “I mean, I feel like after my performance this year, you know, I feel like I deserve to be paid more money at this point. 

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That said, Cruz does have the right to ask for more dough because well, he sliced opposing defenses all season.

An undrafted free agent heading into the 2010 season, Cruz got a legit opportunity to showcase his skills in 2011 and went berserk. In a good way.

Cruz broke the Giants franchise single-season receiving yards record with 1,536 on 82 catches and scored nine touchdowns. Big Blue won its fourth Vince Lombardi Trophy and Cruz was an All-Pro, so more cash should be considered.

Terrell Owens, Free Agent WR

Oh goody, Terrell Owens is once again in NFL news. Don't sound so excited.

In an article by Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas, Owens wants another shot in the NFL:

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"It was an opportunity for myself and my family," Owens said. "It's a way for myself to keep in shape. I haven't retired from the NFL. I want to play a couple more years. This right here will allow me to do that and assess where I am. I know I'm physically fit to play the game still."

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Yeah he may be healthier and still believe that he can play the game, but that doesn't mean he's physically in-shape enough to withstand the rigors of a full NFL season.

Not to mention when he was a free agent in 2011, no NFL team bothered to give him a chance.

Right now, Owens is 38-years-old and currently playing for the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League. He is however, the NFL's No. 2 all-time leading receiver with 15,934 yards but it doesn't appear that total will increase.

The picture of him playing in the Celebrity Beach Bowl looks to be the closest he'll get to the NFL at this point. So, unless a team is supremely desperate for a receiver to stretch the field, don't expect to see him on any NFL sideline.

Channing Crowder, Free Agent LB

Channing Crowder to the Atlanta Falcons? Well, considering that Crowder is only 28 years-old, it's a much more realistic possibility to see him in the pros than T.O.

According to Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Crowder and the Falcons have spoken:

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Crowder, the former North Springs High and Florida standout who prematurely retired at age 28, is ready to make a comeback. The Atlanta Falcons, who hired Crowder’s last defensive coordinator in Mike Nolan, have been in touch and will most certainly check out Crowder.

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Crowder also expressed optimism about playing for the Falcons:

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“I’d love to play in Atlanta,” Crowder said. “Coach Nolan is my guy. Actually, when he got the job in Atlanta he [sent] me a text.

“I told him if he needs a better linebacker let me know,” Crowder said. “He texted me back and said ‘I’ll keep in touch.’ ”

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It's certainly not the worst of ideas as the Falcons need all the help they can get on defense. Plus, being that Nolan runs a 3-4 front, complementing Curtis Lofton in the middle would be solid (if Atlanta re-signs him).

Still, keep an eye on this situation because the Falcons are only a step or two away from becoming NFC title contenders.

John Shoop and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

And so begins the Greg Schiano era with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One of his orders of business, looking for assistant coaching candidates.

Well, here we have John Shoop who does have NFL experience (seen here with the Chicago Bears) and is currently in the college ranks.

According to Aaron Knox of Tampa Bay Online, Shoop is expected to be interviewed:

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"FOXsports.com also reported Wednesday that the Bucs would interview University of North Carolina offensive coordinator John Shoop, a former Tampa Bay assistant coach."

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An offensive-minded coach, Shoop spent time in the pros from 1995 through 2006 with the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders.

Since 2007, Shoop has been the offensive coordinator for the North Carolina Tar Heels and it's safe to say he's developed some solid NFL talent. First we have receivers Hakeem Nicks and Greg Little and one of the bigger stories of the 2011 season, Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates.

For as horrendous as the Bucs' offense was last season, Shoop is a good candidate and it would not be surprising if Schiano brought him aboard.

John Rozum on Twitter.