2012 NFL Free Agents: Latest Free-Agent Chatter Around the NFL

Technically, the NFL free-agent frenzy won't begin until Tuesday.

Realistically, it began weeks ago. The free-agent market has been taking shape ever since the end of the season, and the rumors have been coming fast and furious.

If you're looking for a roundup of all the latest buzz, you've come to the right place. Read on to fill your brain with all the latest and greatest NFL rumors.

Note: For lack of a better idea, we shall proceed in alphabetical order.

Matt Birk, C

Veteran center Matt Birk was believed to be leaning toward retirement, but he's apparently not ready to hang up his spikes just yet.

According to Pro Football Talk, a source close to Birk has said he "feels great" and is looking to play a couple more years.

Birk has been in the league since 1998 and has been selected to six Pro Bowls. He'll turn 36 in July.

Matt Flynn, QB

Matt Flynn has been linked to the Miami Dolphins in past months, primarily because former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is now the head coach in Miami. 

But not so fast. Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports has reported that the Dolphins have yet to express even "remote interest" in Flynn. 

This is probably because they have their eyes on another quarterback. More on that in just a minute.

Peyton Hillis, RB

The Browns have indicated that they're willing to re-sign Peyton Hillis, and Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer says they're not changing their tune:

"

#Browns GM Tom Heckert said the Browns will try to re-sign Peyton Hillis, but prob not until he becomes a FA on Tues.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 8, 2012"

Hillis told Cabot last week he's willing to take a discounted contract to stay with the Browns, but he presumably wouldn't pass up a better offer from another team.

Peyton Manning, QB

As you probably won't be surprised to hear, there is a ton of Peyton Manning buzz on Thursday. 

There are a lot of teams interested in making a run at Manning. In fact, ESPN's Adam Schefter passed along word on Thursday morning that Manning's reps have already been contacted by 12 different teams, roughly a third of the league.

Among the teams that have called, according to the report, are the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. The report also notes Manning has been linked to the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans and New York Jets.

The process of elimination has already started. The New York Post claims people close to Manning insist he has no interest in playing in a cold-weather environment. Per Mary Kay Cabot, the word out of Washington is that Manning has no interest in playing for the Redskins either:

"

Peyton Manning has told the Redskins he doesn't want to play for them, Chris Russell of ESPN 980 Washington told Sportscenter today.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 8, 2012"

Nevertheless, the Redskins are ready to make a run at Manning. Marke Maske of The Washington Post has reported that the team is currently in the "early stages" of its process to try to sign Manning.

The best home for Manning may be the Cardinals. Adam Schein of FOX Sports has reported Arizona is serious about signing Manning, and Manning himself has "put out feelers" about the Cardinals.

According to Mike Freeman of CBS Sports, the general consensus around the league is that Manning already has a short list of teams he's interested in, and that Miami, Denver and Washington are the front-runners.

Then again, this would contradict some of the other reports out there. From the look of things, you'll get a different list of potential front-runners depending on who you ask.

This is as good a sign as any that the courtship of Manning is going to be totally nuts.

Alex Smith, QB

Reports claimed the San Francisco 49ers were near an extension with quarterback Alex Smith, but the latest word around the campfire is that the two sides are having trouble ironing out the details.

According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the length of Smith's new deal and the amount of guaranteed dollars are proving to be hurdles. Smith's agent is apparently pushing for a five-year deal.

The thinking is that the situation will be resolved sooner or later, but the 49ers could always decide to pursue other options if they get frustrated enough.

Reggie Wayne, WR

According to Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star, Reggie Wayne has yet to hear a single word from the Colts since the end of the season. 

"Nothing. I have not heard a word," Wayne said. "Not a phone call, not a text message, not a note from a pigeon. Nothing. That tells me it's been real, but things happen and teams move on."

It has been speculated that Wayne and Peyton Manning could be a package deal in free agency. According to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the two players "realize its [sic] a possibility."

Kamerion Wimbley, OLB

The Chicago Bears are in the market for a linebacker this offseason, and the word from Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune is they'll give Kamerion Wimbley a look if he's cut by the Oakland Raiders:

"

If Raiders are close to cutting Kamerion Wimbley expect Bears to take a long look. He was Bears No.1 target in '11 before he re-signed.

— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) March 8, 2012"

Wimbley has racked up 16 sacks over the last two seasons with the Raiders. Bill Williamson of ESPN.com reported this week Wimbley will be cut very soon unless there is a "major change."

Mario Williams, DE/OLB

You can cross one team off the list of teams that might be pursuing Mario Williams in free agency. Per Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository, Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert has ruled out making a run at Williams.

“We’re not gonna go crazy in free agency. We’re not gonna do it.” he said. “Personally, I don’t think there is a Reggie White in free agency.”

Cleveland's disinterest probably won't cost Williams in the long run. He's going to get paid a ton of money.

Check back here periodically for more updates. Rest assured, the rumors aren't going to stop swirling.