NFL Rumors: Recapping the Hottest Rumors of the Week

Two quarterbacks, one a Super Bowl MVP and the other a Heisman Trophy winner, had the NFL rumor mill swirling this week regarding their possible landing spots in 2012.   

Also, a Super Bowl hero sounds ready to catch-on with a new team, and are the Minnesota Vikings going to be big spenders this offseason?

Here are seven rumors that heated up this week and are expected to intensify as the offseason continues. 

Interest in Manning Is High

The most bantered about rumor this offseason has been where Peyton Manning will end up in 2012. It's becoming increasingly more likely that Manning will be healthy enough to play this season, and it likely won't be in Indianapolis.

The Colts have the first pick in April's NFL Draft and all indications are they will select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. Couple the arrival of Luck with the fact that the Colts are on the hook to pay Manning a $28 million bonus on March 8, and Peyton's place will almost certainly have a new zip code.

Manning has reportedly regained some of his arm strength following multiple neck procedures, and interest in the 35-year-old quarterback appears to be growing as a result.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Manning will be in high demand once he's released. Schefter didn't name names, but tweeted: 

"

There were teams at the combine that once said they wouldn't pursue Peyton Manning now pondering that possibility. Interest in 18 is high.

"

There is no advantage for the Colts to release Manning until March 8. So look for these rumors to only intensify as that day draws near.  

A Kings Ransom for the Rams' No. 2 Pick

The NFL Draft is still two month away, but already the St. Louis Rams are ready to deal their No. 2 overall pick.

According to ESPN and other sources, the Rams have already been approached by the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins about the pick. Expectations are that those teams will use that pick on Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Griffin III had an impressive showing at the NFL Combine and is expected to be the second player chosen in April's draft.

While several teams have been linked to the Rams and the No. 2 pick, Bleacher Report lead NFL Draft writer Matt Miller says the scouts he spoke with believe the Washington Redskins will trade up and draft Griffin III.

As for the compensation the Rams will be looking for in exchange for that No. 2 pick, Miller indicated it might take a team's first three picks this year and their first two picks in 2013.

Even though Griffin III likely won't play a down for St. Louis, Rams fans should be cheering Griffin III's success. His pre-draft stock is skyrocketing, and so is the value of the No. 2 pick. 

Super Bowl Hero Headed South?

Several NFL insiders are predicting New York Giants free agent Mario Manningham will be Tampa Bay-bound once free agency begins.

Manningham, whose long catch in Super Bowl XLVI set-up the game-winning score, is rumored to be on the Buccaneers radar. The Bucs are $67 million under the cap this season and will be looking for talent this offseason.

Manningham told the New York Post that he’s “75 percent’’ sure he won’t return to the Giants.

After an average season, Manningham would be smart to cash in on his Super Bowl success. Plus, with Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz both having big seasons, Manningham is the odd man out in New York.

If the Bucs don't land Manningham, Michael Fabiano says the Bears and Niners will have interest as well.

Cowboys Eyeing a New Carr?

When the Kansas City Chiefs signed Stanford Routt to a free agent contract last week, many believed it spelled the end of Brandon Carr in KC. While there's still speculation the Chiefs may franchise Carr, the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly very interested in him.

Reports out of Dallas are that the Cowboys are prepared to "go all-in" on Carr. According to Pro Football Weekly, sources say the Cowboys will make a run at Carr if he hits the open market.

Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones has already indicated that changes are coming for the Cowboys secondary. The 25-year-old Carr would be a significant upgrade over every cornerback currently on Dallas' roster.

  
 

Vikings Ready to Spend Big in Free Agency?

Pro Football Talk's Gregg Rosenthal raised a lot of eyebrows when he posted on Twitter that he heard at the NFL Combine that the Vikings "are ready to spend" in free agency.

This was somewhat surprising considering the Vikings only have around $10 million in cap space to spend. However, the Vikings could get to $23 million under the cap if they dump some big salaries, according to ESPN 1500's Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero writes that if the Vikings release guards Steve Hutchinson and Anthony Herrera, as well as cornerback Cedric Griffin, that would give the Vikings another $13 million.

If the Vikings do end up with that much money to spend, at least one NFL insider believes they "will have an interest in" free agent Vincent Jackson. John Czarnecki of FOXSports.com expects the Vikings and St. Louis Rams to make a run at the San Diego receiver. 

Hillis Won't Get Browns' Franchise Tag

Now that the Cleveland Browns have signed free agent linebacker D'Qwell Jackson to a five-year, $42.5 million deal, rumors began flying that the Browns could now use their franchise tag on Peyton Hillis.

However, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer quickly dispelled those rumors.

Cabot reports if the Browns use their franchise tag, which is unlikely, they would use it on kicker Phil Dawson before they use it on Hillis.

It's been reported that the Browns would like to re-sign Hillis, but not to the long-term deal that he's seeking.

 

New Center of Attention for Packers?

The Packers have a decision to make with free agent center Scott Wells. However, Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel suggests they may have already decided to move on without the Pro Bowler.

McGinn reports the Packers have turned their attention to Houston Texans free agent center Chris Myers.

McGinn also writes that the Packers met with Myers’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, at the NFL Combine to discuss Myers.

Indications are that contract talks between the Packers and Wells are going nowhere. However, this well-placed rumor may be just the thing to get those talks headed in the right direction.