2012 NFL Free Agents: Randy Moss and the Latest News Surrounding Free Agency

As the NFL's free agency period closes in, each day only gets more intense as to what may or may not happen.

Well, here's some of the latest news about free agency and what seems to be unfolding as March commences.

Randy Moss, WR

According to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, Randy Moss has become of interest to a few franchises:

"

Multiple teams are interested in veteran wide receiver Randy Moss, and visits could begin after the end of the NFL Scouting Combine, league sources said Sunday.

Sources also said a deal could be a possibility before the March 13 start of free agency if Moss is close to being in the condition that he has been telling people.

"

This comes as no surprise considering that Moss still has at least a few years left in him. After sitting the entire 2011 season, Moss if anyone, has the natural and raw talent to become an immediate deep threat for anyone interested.

Obviously his attitude concerns will remain an issue but with limited time left (currently 35 years old), Moss is simply looking for another opportunity. And if your team is in need of a well-established No. 1 receiver, Moss isn't a bad option to stretch the field despite his age.

Matt Flynn, QB

In an article by Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin, the Green Bay Packers don't appear to be slapping backup quarterback Matt Flynn with the franchise tag:

"

While the possibility still can’t be entirely ruled out, it’s looking more and more like the Green Bay Packers will not use their franchise tag on backup quarterback Matt Flynn and will allow the unrestricted free agent to depart for a starting opportunity elsewhere.

"

All things considered, not tagging Flynn is the correct decision. Wilde goes on to add what would happen if the Packers however, decided to do so:

"

Tagging Flynn would carry a one-year, $14.5 million guaranteed salary, and the Packers would have to clear enough salary-cap space to accommodate that contract.

If Flynn signed the tender and the Packers were unable to trade him, Rodgers would likely go to the team and ask for his contract to be reworked immediately.

"

So pretty much for future finances, the Packers need to part ways with Flynn. Plus, after his dominating performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 17, Flynn deserves a chance to start in the NFL anyway.

He's easily one of the more appealing free agents and Green Bay simply needs to hope another backup can develop just like him. After all, recent history is in the cheeseheads' favor with Rodgers developing under Brett Favre and Flynn under Rodgers.

If need be, the Packers can also just draft a quarterback in the middle or later rounds to accommodate for Flynn's spot.

Vincent Jackson, WR

To a certain extent, Vincent Jackson remaining a San Diego Charger would be quite surprising. And although it's certainly a good move for the Bolts to retain Jackson, the question is whether that happens or not.

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chargers are interested in keeping Jackson:

"

The agents for Vincent Jackson heard for the first time directly from the Chargers that the team desires to keep Jackson in the fold and that using the franchise tag is an improbable option.

"

The downside to this is Jackson won't be getting that long-term deal. Despite this being the worst-case scenario for Jackson remaining in San Diego, it's better than not having him, right?

Acee goes on to add about Jackson's own interests:

"

Jackson, too, has expressed his desire to remain in San Diego, with Rivers and Turner, despite past tensions with the front office. However, he has desired a long-term commitment from the Chargers for more than three years and his list of suitors will make re-signing him a challenge once he gets to the open market.

"

So, what this basically comes down to is whether Jackson is willing to remain a Charger after seeing what other teams have to offer. Smart money though, would be that if he's not franchised, Jackson goes elsewhere.

If Jackson doesn't get that long-term commitment from the Bolts, it wouldn't be surprising to see the franchise tag. And if the Chargers are smart, retaining him is imperative. After all, the man has two Pro Bowl selections in the last three seasons (2009, 2011).

Mario Manningham, WR

It would be a tough loss for the New York Giants and a great gain for any franchise that acquires him. Mario Manningham is unlikely to suit up for Big Blue in 2012.

According to Tom Williams of The Vindicator in Youngstown, Ohio, Manningham indicated there's a high chance he'll be elsewhere next fall, but didn't elaborate:

"

New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham won’t guarantee he will be with the Super Bowl champions this spring.

The Warren Harding High graduate said Friday that he’s “75 percent” sure he’ll sign with another NFL team when free agency begins on March 15.

"

To that end, after Manningham's impressive postseason numbers of 13 receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns, it's clear he has at the very least, No. 2 receiver talent. Not to mention his one catch against San Francisco in the NFC title game was a touchdown that gave New York a fourth-quarter lead.

Include his unbelievable catch in Super Bowl XLVI and Manningham's reliability in big games only makes him that much more appealing to franchises needing of receiver of his potential.

John Rozum on Twitter.