NFL Rumors: Big Names on the Move

While some people may say that this time of year is the worst for sports fans, I strongly disagree.

This time of year is second on my list of favorite times of year; the actual NFL regular season remains on top.

This time of year is packed full with juicy rumors and leaves us wondering if any of them are true.

Bring out the rumors...

Shaun Rogers, DT, Detriot Lions 

ESPN's John Clayton reports that the Detoit Lions have listened to numerous offers for their defensive tackle. There are five or six teams that have expressed interest in Rogers.

Lions GM Matt Millen has confirmed that he is listening to offers.

Rogers name has been brought up in trade talks in recent years, but nothing came of it.

Roy Williams, WR, Detroit Lions 

Despite the rumors, Lions head coach Rod Marinelli wants to see both Williams and Calvin Johnson together in 2008.

Marinelli told the Detroit Free Press, "Those two guys together, I want to see those guys where they can really impact the game."

Jonathan Vilma, LB, New York Jets 

The Jets have given their linebacker permission to seek a trade. If Vilma finds a team that is interested in him, New York will begin negotiations right away.

There is a catch, however.

The New York Jets have put the New England Patriots on the restricted list, not allowing Vilma to seek a trade with them.

Tedy Bruschi, LB, New England Patriots 

The Patriots are in need of a decision from Bruschi regarding his future status in a Patriot uniform. They would like a choice by Thursday, which is when free agency begins.

If Bruschi doesn't choose to play a 13th season in the NFL, the Patriots would need to sign a veteran linebacker to fill the gaping hole in their defense.

35-year old Bruschi is currently mulling over his future with his wife, and is expected to make his decision soon.

Troy Williamson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have given Williamson permission to pursue a possible trade.

Williamson's agent has said that there are three front-runners in this rapidly moving race, but those teams haven't been revealed yet.

ESPN's Scouts Inc. reports that Jacksonville could be a possible landing spot for Williamson, who struggled with dropped balls last year.

Normally, this would discourage any team from trading for him, but Williamson's excellent speed has left teams intrigued.

If there is a deal, expect it to be announced as soon as Friday.

DeAngelo Hall, CB, Atlanta Falcons 

Hall made known his desire to be traded from the Falcons at the NFL Combine this last week.

Hall thinks his chances of staying with the Falcons are "slim to none," though he hasn't officially requested a trade yet because he doesn't want to go anywhere he's not wanted.

Teams interested are New York, Washington, and Tampa Bay, but because of Atlanta's strict policy of not discussing roster moves, there is no news from them so far.

Lorenzo Neal, RB, San Diego Chargers 

With the return of Tomlinson to full health, Neal is fearful that his role will be drastically reduced in 2008.

Neal requested an immediate release in order to get a move on his possible new team. When this was declined, Neal officially requested a trade. GM A.J. Smith has accepted this, and is trying to find a place for Neal before the start of next year.

Mushin Muhammed, WR 

After being released by the Bears, Muhammed has been actively pursuing a team to spend what could be the rest of his career.

His agent Joel Segal has made public Muhammed's desire to return to the Carolina Panthers, where he started his NFL career.

According to John Clayton, the Panthers and Muhammed have exchanged words, but haven't reached an agreement yet.

Clayton also reports that Muhammed is interested in San Francisco and Washington if he can't play in Carolina.

DeShaun Foster, RB

Foster, who was released by the Panthers on Feb. 20, is expected to become Frank Gore's backup in San Francisco soon.

Foster was contacted by San Francisco practically hours after the Panthers released him.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also in the market for a backup to starter Cadillac Williams. Bucs GM Bruce Allen admits that they have also been in contact with Foster.

L.J. Shelton, OT

Shelton was released by the Dolphins on Feb. 11, along with eight other former teammates.

Shelton has a visit scheduled with the Detroit Lions this coming Wednesday, and could possibly take over at the right tackle position.

Keyshawn Johnson, WR

Johnson seems serious about resuming his career as a wide receiver in the NFL. According to Yahoo! Sports, Miami is the likely destination for the 35 year old.

Johnson recently was an analyst for ESPN Radio, where he worked alongside Bill Parcells on the same show.

Johnson has said that he and Parcells converse all the time, but just not about Johnson's future in the NFL.

"Me and Bill talk all the time. We talk about football a lot. We talk about everything, except playing for the Miami Dolphins...he's helping me go over the pros and cons of coming back versus staying at ESPN. He's always treated me like a father figure more than anything else. But not once has he said, 'Come play for me in Miami.' "

Bill Parcells was also a former coach of Johnson at Dallas.

Dwight Smith, S 

After being released by the Vikings on Feb. 20, Smith is being pursued by both the Steelers and the Lions, according to John Clayton.

Dan Morgan, LB

After his release by the Panthers on the 29th, the New Orleans Saints have expressed interest in acquiring the veteran linebacker.

One of the Saints goals this offseason was to vamp up their linebacking corps, and Morgan might be just the man they need to do that.

Dallas Cowboys 

Despite all the rumors concerning the Cowboys trading up to acquire the first overall pick in the NFL draft, owner Jerry Jones has dismissed this concept.

"We haven't talked about that at all," Jones said. Jones is a graduate of Arkansas, and it's said that he wants to draft running back Darren McFadden.

Dallas is the only team to have more than one first round pick, with both the 22nd and 28th overall selections.

It is possible that they could package these picks and throw in another player and offer Miami the chance to upgrade in multiple positions, but it appears the Cowboys haven't even discussed it.

Now that you have the rumors, I leave the fun part up to you: waiting to see what, if anything, comes true.