5 NFL Rumors That Don't Pass the Sniff Test

When you get to the time between the Super Bowl and the NFL draft, you can be sure of one thing; there will be rumors galore!

From veterans possibly landing on new teams, to teams possibly trading up in the draft to star players either getting signed long term or franchised, you hear just about anything this time of year. 

Some rumors have substance to it.  For example, it's been reported the St. Louis Rams will trade their second pick and it makes a ton of sense.  The Cleveland Browns are an obvious possibility considering their desperate need for a franchise player and the fact they have a stock pile of picks following their trade with the Atlanta Falcons last year. 

However, for every rumor that is real, there are a host of others that will almost certainly prove to be false.   Here are five rumors we continually hear in the media that will not come to fruition. 

Peyton Hillis and a Franchise Tag

I frankly was in disbelief when I read this at first, yet it's a rumor that has recently come up that won't go away.  There are conflicting reports that the Cleavland Browns are considering placing the franchise tag on Hillis.

Really?  I mean.....really?!

For all the good we saw from Peyton Hillis in 2010, we certainly saw a lot of bad in 2011.  Perhaps the fame and the Madden cover curse got to his head, but Hillis was a shell of his self last season, playing in just ten games, running for only 587 yards; a measly 3.6 yards per carry, nearly a full yard less than last year.

Are we to really believe the Browns are going to pay this man what would amount to a top five salary for running backs?  Now, Hillis has been talking about the fact he considered joining the CIA.  This is no disrespect to the CIA. 

But you're going to invest millions of dollars in a guy who may not even have his heart in football?  Perhaps he stays in Cleavland, but do not expect him to be paid on the same level as one of the top backs in football. 

Mike Wallace Is Not Leaving Pittsburgh

There has been buzz for nearly a month that the Pittsburgh Steelers may be in danger of losing stud wide receiver Mike Wallace, who is a restricted free agent.  the scenario goes as follows.

The Steelers salary cap situation is possibly the worst in the NFL, and potential hall of famer Hines Ward has already been a casualty. 

Rumors persist a division rival such as the Baltimore Ravens may offer Wallace a contract even though they'd owe the Steelers a first round pick if Pittsburgh did not match the contract.   Why won't this rumor go away?  Because people worry Pittsburgh won't be able to pony up the cash to retain Wallace.

Believe me when I say that Pittsburgh will do just about anything to make sure they can keep Wallace.  He has emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and you can certainly argue he's one of the more important pieces in the steel city. 

Whether it's cutting Rashard Mendenahall or even a player not named Troy Polamalu on defense, Pittsburgh will make sure Mike Wallace isn't lining up for an AFC North rival next year. 

Matt Forte Will Not Get a Long Term Contract

If this were another NFL franchise, Forte would have likely already signed some sort of long term contract as he's long been asking for one.  Now you may cite Chris Johnson's huge contract and his downfall in production but Forte has never asked for contract numbers that would make him the richest running back in football.

Nevertheless, the Bears ownership and now two General Managers have been unable to get a deal done.  Despite the fact Forte is perhaps one of the five most valuable players to his offense in the entire league, Forte will have to be franchise tagged this year.

What will happen to the two sides in the long term future though is anyone's guess. 

The Redskins Will Not Trade for Robert Griffin III

With the St. Louis Rams announcing the fact they are going to trade their second pick in the upcoming NFL draft, there are rumors circulating as to who is going to trade up and get Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.

One popular destination is Washington who haven't had a franchise quarterback for years.  They're also a team that has no problem making a big move. 

No one will question the Redskins desire to get Griffin.  The problem is there are other teams, most notably the Cleavland Browns who can offer a much better trade package.

This doesn't mean Washington will come up empty this off-season.  However, once the 2012 regular season kicks off, expect to see Matt Flynn taking the snaps in D.C. 

Peyton Manning Will Not Be an Arizona Cardinal

When looking at possible destinations for Peyton Manning, the one I think would be the best fit would be Arizona.  A team that still has the offensive personnel for Kurt Warner to come back and run it, a healthy Manning could make the Cardinals an instant Super Bowl contender. 

However I just don't see the pairing coming to fruition.  Arizona will likely go up against many other suitors who have more money to spend on Manning.  Even though this would be the best fit, I see Manning going to a place like Miami should be end up entering the free agent market.