7 NFL Rumors That Just Won't Die

There's just no escape from certain rumors this NFL offseason. Discussions concerning Peyton Manning's future and the host of clubs set to trade for Baylor's Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL draft dominate NFL news cycles.

Then there is the eventual destination of free-agent Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn and will this finally be the offseason where the New York Giants trade Osi Umenyiora? None of these rumors is likely to die down anytime soon.

Here is a list of the seven main rumors that simply won't go away during this NFL offseason.

7. The New York Giants Trading Osi Umenyiora

Just when will the New York Giants trade Osi Umenyiora? The scenario seems to have been mooted for the last three seasons, and despite a second Super Bowl triumph in four years, Umenyiora is again talking trade.

The problem with Umenyiora always seems to center around playing time. He has suffered demotion from every-down duties, but the 30-year-old remains one of the best pure pass-rushers in the league.

Umenyiora chipped in with nine sacks last season and is a key component of Big Blue's fearsome defensive line rotation. It remains to be seen what kind of value the Giants could fetch for Umenyiora, but there are few teams in the NFL who wouldn't benefit from the threat he poses to opposing quarterbacks.

One thing is certain: If Umenyiora is not traded away before the start of the 2012 NFL season, then this rumor will once again resurface next offseason.

6. Matt Flynn to the Miami Dolphins

Even though cbssports.com recently indicated that he has emerged as a prime target for the Cleveland Browns, the most consistent rumor surrounding Matt Flynn this offseason involves a move to Miami.

The thinking behind the move is that it would give Flynn the opportunity to re-unite with new Dolphins head coach and Flynn's former offensive coordinator in Green Bay, Joe Philbin. Since Philbin was hired on January 20th, the Dolphins assumed the role as clear favorites to land Flynn.

The move has even been endorsed by Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Philbin can place Flynn in the same system that allowed him to amass 951 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions in only two career starts.

This kind of compatibility means the Flynn to Miami rumors are unlikely to subside in the build up to free agency.

5. Jay Ratliff Moving from Nose Tackle to Defensive End

There is constant speculation that the Dallas Cowboys are going to move the awesome Jay Ratliff to defensive end from nose tackle. The potential switch was a hot topic before the 2011 season and has once again re-surfaced in 2012, following the Cowboy's limp finish to the season.

At the start of February, profootballweekly.com reported that the Cowboys were once again thinking of sliding Ratliff out the end position in their 3-4 front. The debate has raged for the last month with Warren Sapp even offering his thoughts that Ratliff should stay inside.

Ratliff's best position is a tricky subject to tackle. Penetrating the line of scrimmage and rushing the passer are his two main strengths, so tying up blockers in the middle of a 3-4 does seem like a waste of his best talents.

But on his day Ratliff is as dominant as any nose tackle in the game. Surely the Cowboys system could be tweaked to better accommodate an undersized presence over the center.

Last Thursday, nbcdfw.com ran a story quoting Cowboys VP Stephen Jones which seemed to indicate that Ratliff is likely to stay at nose tackle. But don't count on that being the end of these rumors.

4. Vincent Jackson's Contract Rift with the San Diego Chargers

The ongoing saga of Vincent Jackson's contract status and long-term future with the San Diego Chargers has become one of the most tedious storylines in the NFL. Jackson has been seeking a new deal and has been embroiled in a mix of protracted negotiations and holdouts since 2010.

Prior to last season, the issue was still not resolved, with the Chargers belatedly offering a one-year franchise tender. Jackson actually managed to stay healthy, avoid the usual holdouts and play all 16 games in 2011.

The 6'5", 230 pounder hauled in 60 passes for 1,106 yards and nine touchdowns. But surprise, surprise the 29-year-old's future remains up in the air heading into the 2012 free-agency period.

Nbcsports.com recently reported that the Chargers are still open to giving Jackson the kind of deal he desires. So expect another round of a litany of Jackson staying or going rumors to continue throughout free agency.

3. Washington Redskins Trading Up to Take Robert Griffin III in 2012 NFL Draft

Aside from Peyton Manning, no player has featured more in the NFL rumor mill than Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Baylor star has been identified as the man who can revive the fortunes of the Washington Redskins.

The validity of these rumors seems almost to have been decided by Redskins fans. Their desperation to see a franchise quarterback lead the team has created a frenzy around the idea of Griffin III coming to D.C.

The main rumor is that the Redskins will trade up in the draft with the St. Louis Rams and move into the No. 2 spot to take Griffin. The feeling is that this is a move the Redskins simply must make.

In fairness, there is much to recommend Griffin as the player who could make the Redskins contenders again. He is a natural playmaker with an accuracy and zip on his passes that few quarterback prospects can match.

A Redskins trade for Griffin is regarded as a certainty by some pundits, and unless Mike Shanahan takes drastic action in free agency, don't expect these rumors to go away. 

2. The NFL Putting a Team Back in Los Angeles

This is easily one of the most persistent rumors to do the rounds in the NFL during the last few years. Although it seems inevitable that the league will eventually put a team back in Los Angeles, it hasn't happened yet.

Commissioner Roger Goodell recently indicated that a Los Angeles franchise would likely mean an expansion to a 34-team league. But the issue has become complex with even a new stadium being planned despite a lack of candidates to relocate to California.

Some teams have been mooted as ideal prospects to make the move, such as the St. Louis Rams and the San Diego Chargers. But count on there being plenty more negotiations and minutiae to wade through before the NFL makes a return to Los Angeles.

1. Peyton Manning Signing with Washington Redskins

When it became clear that Peyton Manning's future might lie away from Indianapolis, it was no surprise that the Washington Redskins were amongst the first to be linked with a move for the illustrious veteran.

The Redskins have a glaring need at quarterback, and their recent history is littered with examples of high profile, quick-fix solutions to team problems. The rumors of Manning landing in D.C. haven't died down and simply refuse to go away.

The rumors even prompted former Redskins Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Theismann to publicly and strongly declare his disapproval for the deal. This was promptly followed by the D.C. mayor offering thoughts along similar lines.

The Redskins remain in the hunt to secure Manning's services in the event that he and the rebuilding Colts do part ways. Even the latest mock drafts seem to support the idea. NFL Network's Chad Reuter has the Redskins picking North Carolina defensive lineman Quinton Coples, while Rob Rang of cbssports.com has suggested they may take LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.

There is only one reason to have the Redskins not taking a quarterback with their first pick. That is the belief that the most quarterback-needy team in the league is going to fix their problems under center with an established veteran. They don't come much more established than Manning.