NFL Rumors: DeSean Jackson, Cortland Finnegan and the Latest NFL Rumors

One of the most interesting parts about the NFL offseason is that there's always something brewing.

Whether it's draft, free agency or trade related, pro football's offseason doesn't go too unnoticed. Then again, since it is America's favorite sport this also comes as no surprise.

All this being said, here's some of the latest NFL buzz.

DeSean Jackson, WR

According to CSN Philadelphia, the Eagles aren't ready to let DeSean Jackson loose right now:

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According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, citing league sources, the Eagles will not allow Jackson to join another team without receiving something in return. So in other words, the Eagles will either franchise Jackson—then keep him for next season or trade him—or sign him to a contract extension.

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For the Eagles, this is a smart move because Jackson is young and has a lot of potential to develop even more as a receiver and return man. After two Pro Bowl seasons in 2009 and 2010, Jackson had a disappointing 2011 season, so 2012 has clearly brewed some skepticism.

Still, the Eagles could use Jackson, and even if they sign a stud No. 1 receiver via free agency or take someone in the draft, keeping DeSean for special teams is crucial.

As we saw in the NFC Championship game, it's vitally important to have a reliable punt returner back deep. And with all the talent that resides in Philadelphia including Jackson, who finished on a four-game winning streak, Philadelphia will have a lot of momentum going into the 2012 season.

Not to mention, but the Eagles finished 5-1 in the NFC East.

Cortland Finnegan, CB

According to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions may be interested in Cortland Finnegan:

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According to a league source not affiliated with the Lions, Detroit could be one of the key teams interested in Finnegan if the Titans don't sign him before free agency starts March 13.

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For Lions fans, this is great news because Detroit is in desperate need of a top tier shutdown corner. Last season, the Lions finished ranked No. 22 against the pass, allowing almost 240 yards per game. In addition, their defense allowed 128 rush yards per game, ranking them No. 23 against the run.

Finnegan, however, was an All-Pro in 2008 and loves to play a physical game with an attitude. It's something the Lions will welcome on defense and in the secondary. Plus, Finnegan is a great edge-run defender.

With 473 tackles in six seasons as well as 68 passes defended, Detroit's defense would significantly improve in acquiring Finnegan. He takes away half the field and is a sure tackler against the run. In a division that lacks pass defense, the Lions could make up a lot of ground before 2012 begins.

Ken Whisenhunt, HC

This should come as no surprise since Ken Whisenhunt is the best head coach in Cardinals history, not to mention the future as his expectations increase.

According to Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic, the powers that be are supporting Whisenhunt:

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"I feel like it's really Ken's bailiwick," Cardinals President Michael Bidwill said. "If Ken was comfortable bringing Todd back, I would support him. If Ken is not comfortable bringing Todd back, I would support that, too."

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This is a great sign for Cardinals fans because if we've learned anything from Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys, it's that anyone with authority over the head coach doesn't need to always worry about the football side of the business.

Take for example, the consistently successful teams of the 21st century, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. The people within each organization who know the game through and through make football decisions.

You don't see Bill Belichick or Mike Tomlin worrying about marketing, finances, human resources, advertising, etc. So, why has Jerry Jones been all up in the grill of his head coaches like Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett?

Whisenhunt has made the Cardinals into a legit NFC team after two division titles and one Super Bowl appearance. Though 2011 looked bleak for Arizona, the team finished 7-2, including wins over San Francisco, Philadelphia and Dallas. With an improving defense, Arizona is back on the rise in 2012.

Ronde Barber, CB

He'll be 37 years old before the 2012 NFL season begins and is the outlier on one of the NFL's youngest franchises. Ronde Barber has had an illustrious pro football career that's included five Pro Bowls, three All-Pros and a Super Bowl in 2002.

He's got a Hall of Fame resume and is one of the more well-respected players in the league. And right now, Barber has yet to make a decision about playing next fall. According to Stephen F. Holder of the Tampa Bay Times, Barber is simply being patient:

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"Things have to play themselves out, like they did last year," Barber, 36, said at former teammate Shelton Quarles' charity event at the Loews Don CeSar Hotel. "We'll have a meeting of the minds, like we did last year, and if I fit in, we'll go from there.

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It's certainly a decision Barber must consider greatly as Tampa Bay had arguably the worst defense across the board in 2011. And with the Carolina Panthers on the rise as well as the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons still holding strong in the NFC South, the Bucs are easily a few steps back.

So, the question is whether Barber is willing to go through another season in a limited role on a team that at best, will likely finish 8-8.

Make no mistake about it, Barber's influence and leadership will be needed. However, under a new head coach it may be time to hang it up.

John Rozum on Twitter.