Peyton Manning, Randy Moss and the Latest NFL Rumors

It seems like every day there are infinite new stories springing up in the NFL about free agency, the draft and general concern about what to expect before the 2012 season kicks off.

Apparently Week 1 of the 2012 season can't begin soon enough, so to satisfy our craving for pro football, here's the latest buzz surrounding the sport.

Peyton Manning

By the time you finish reading this slide, there will likely be new information regarding Peyton Manning's future with the Indianapolis Colts, simply because that's how closely he's been followed since before 2011 began.

That said, here's what we got heading into the weekend.

According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk, a league source has said that negotiations have yet to commence:

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"Regardless, a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that, to the extent Irsay contends that negotiations have occurred regarding the money that Peyton would be paid on a reduced contract, no such negotiations have occurred.  “Numbers aren’t being discussed,” the source said."

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Considering that the entire football world has been following this all season, even more intensely as we get closer to March, anyone who even remotely follows the NFL will eventually find out what happens with Manning.

Yes, the Colts could still use him whether or not they draft Andrew Luck, but what if Indy lets him go? Which franchises will pursue Manning in the hopes of the future Hall of Fame quarterback reviving the team and his career?

Much like the rest of the universe, because it wouldn't be surprising that extra-terrestrials are most likely now intrigued, it's still an interesting saga to follow. As for Colts fans, it has to be agonizing, right?

Randy Moss

How about a twist in the hope of Randy Moss' return to pro football?

Well, he at least has the Indoor Football League to fall back on like Terrell Owens. According to Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune, Moss has been approached by the Chicago Slaughter:

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"The Indoor Football League team, which plays its games at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, has offered the controversial receiver a contract.

"What a great way to show the NFL he’s still got it,” Slaughter coach Steve McMichael said. “If he catches four or five touchdowns in his first game, the NFL will say he can still play.”

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Can you imagine how popular the IFL would become in 2012 if Moss gives it a go? Already having Owens playing on the Allen Wranglers, adding Moss would only enhance the league's reputation.

The only question thereafter is if he performs well, will an NFL franchise give him another opportunity?

It certainly should not be out of the question, considering he is younger than Owens.

DeSean Jackson

Before we start jumping to conclusions, the Philadelphia Eagles and DeSean Jackson may not part ways for the 2012 season.

According to Reuben Frank of Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman isn't ready to let go just yet:

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"Howie Roseman doesn’t sound like somebody who’s in a huge hurry to cut ties with DeSean Jackson.

“We feel very fortunate to have him on our team,” Roseman said Thursday. “He's a player that we drafted, we've grown (with), and we think he's got a great future ahead of us.”

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After a disappointing 2011 campaign, it would be a little surprising to see the Eagles retain Jackson.

However, Jackson still remains as one of the NFL's most explosive punt returners, and despite lacking anything but track speed as a receiver, he's still a threat for defenses to make a gameplan for.

Not only can Jackson beat anyone deep, but he will draw double coverage at times. On special teams is where he's most valuable because, as evidenced by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game, having your primary return man back deep is vital to final outcomes.

Let's put it this way: Would the Miracle in the Meadowlands II have happened if Philly had its backup return man in the game against the Giants?

Doubtful.

Then include Jackson's ability to widen a defense as a horizontal rushing threat and the Eagles' building momentum toward the season's end, and his versatility still fits well. Not to mention Philly went a division-best 5-1 in the NFC East.

Christian Ponder

Could the Minnesota Vikings have a quarterback controversy on their hands before the 2012 NFL season begins?

Well, it's certainly not out of the question right now since the Vikings may look at Robert Griffin III, if he's available for the No. 3 overall pick. According to Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Vikings aren't taking themselves out of anything:

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"I know we're very confident in Christian, but if one of those quarterbacks is too good to pass up, you also have to weight that in, too," Vikings general manager Rick Spielmansaid.

"We'll be doing full monty on [Luck] and RG3," Spielman said. "You never know what happens on draft day, and I would rather be overprepared than underprepared."

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Although it feels wrong at first thought, this isn't a bad idea for Minnesota because Ponder did only play in 11 games last season, so even he has yet to prove his ability through an entire season.

This is a classic, "better safe than sorry" perspective for the Vikings. What about a freak injury to Ponder or if he does not produce?

The kid definitely showed promise last season with 13 touchdowns to 13 picks and over 1,800 yards with hardly any legit receiving targets.

But, that's just a little over half a season and it's not often that two quarterbacks like Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III come along together. The quarterback position may not be Minnesota's top priority, but keeping it on the radar is a smart call.

Steve Johnson

He's not the most watched player this offseason, but the Buffalo Bills' Steve Johnson is definitely one of the better free-agent wide receivers on the list.

That said, the Bills can't afford to lose this guy as he is their best playmaker. And according to Rodney McKissic of The Buffalo News, a meeting is expected to occur:

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"The Buffalo Bills and representatives for Stevie Johnson have exchanged proposals and are expected to meet at next week’s NFL Combine, a league source told The Buffalo News."

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This comes as good news for Bills fans and for those interested in Buffalo's capably explosive offense.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has no doubt displayed signs of brilliance, but does need to prevent from getting into slumps and remain consistent. Perhaps the most interesting part lies at the running back position with Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller.

Before his injury, Jackson was dominating in 2011 with 917 yards through nine games. Losing him was a detrimental blow to the Buffalo offense, but Spiller picked up the pieces and closed out the season with 446 yards in the final six games, and 206 receiving yards in the final seven.

They're a two-back tandem that has a lot of potential in 2012 and provided that Johnson remains out wide, the Bills offense will make more noise next fall.

John Rozum on Twitter.