NFL Rumors: Latest News on the Hottest Free Agents This Offseason

With NFL free agency set to begin March 13, a league-wide shakeup is just around the corner. 

Unlike last year, the craziness is going to be taking place at its normal time, and most likely its normal pace. 

This year, there are a number of players who will make noise come free agency, and the list must begin with the most notable quarterback on the market—Peyton Manning.

Peyton Manning

While this year's free agency won't have the rush that last year's did, don't expect the former face of the Indianapolis Colts to be on the market for too long.

Manning is rumored to be making a decision this week on where he will sign this offseason, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that 12 teams have already contacted the 35-year-old quarterback:

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Of those 12 teams, sources tell ESPN that the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and New York Jets have actually been in contact with Manning's representatives.

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Andrew Luck and the upcoming NFL Draft are big reasons why Manning was released by the Colts Wednesday, no doubt about it. But on a team that is actively looking to rebuild, Manning's $28 million bonus, which he would have been due this week, was surely an important factor as well.

ESPN's John Clayton has reported on which of the interested teams so far would have the best chance at fitting Manning into their cap. He noted that the Redskins, Seahawks and Chiefs make up the top three most likely, below them are the Cleveland Browns and Dolphins and bottoming out his list are the Cardinals and Broncos.

Cortland Finnegan

The Tennessee Titans are not expected to make the cornerback a contract offer, and will likely let him walk this offseason.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports has reported that Finnegan is likely headed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which would immensely help a defense that gave up the most points per game last season.

If the Buccaneers are able to pick up Finnegan, the team finds itself with some flexibility when it comes to the upcoming NFL Draft. The No. 5 pick could be used on LSU's Morris Claiborne to further bolster their defense, or it could be used to draft Alabama's Trent Richardson to add to the backfield.

Vincent Jackson

According to NFL Network Insider Jason La Canfora, the Redskins and the Chicago Bears could find themselves in a "bidding war" over the 6'5", 230-pound wide receiver.  

Cole of Yahoo! Sports, however, notes that defensive free agent Cortland Finnegan could do his share of recruiting and has been texting the wide receiver in an attempt to lure him to the Bucs this offseason.

The Buccaneers have made it clear that they intend to spend the money they saved last season, and filling the team with Finnegan, Jackson and a top draft pick would surely do wonders for their chances at a turnaround next season.

Mario Williams

Williams has been linked to many teams all over the NFL this offseason, including the Seahawks, Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars and of course, the Houston Texans.

The Texans, however, have already re-signed running back Arian Foster to a five-year deal worth up to $43.5 million, which could make it difficult to bring in Williams come free agency.

According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, the Texans have yet to even begin serious discussions regarding Williams' future with the team, just days away from the kickoff of the 2012 free agent season.

Florio notes that the team could fill his position with a less expensive player, the team performed well without Williams this season and that the money could be better used at a run in the Manning Sweepstakes this summer—all reasons to let Williams walk.

If Williams is heading out the door this spring, he will have many suitors come free agency, and the one thing that's certain is that he will bring in a massive salary wherever he ends up next season.

Randy Moss

Moss might not be considered a big-time signing considering he is a 34-year-old wide receiver coming out of a short-lived retirement, but with the New Orleans Saints interested in possibly bringing him on as another weapon for quarterback Drew Brees, it's a splashy signing nonetheless. 

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported via Twitter this week that he was told Moss looked good in his workouts and even "looked like the Old Randy."

The "Old Randy" set the record in 2007 with 22 receiving touchdowns in a single season, and if Moss can be even half that good next year, he could be fun to watch alongside Brees and a great addition to the already great offense of the Saints.