NFL Free Agency Rumors: Breaking Down the Hottest Rumors This Week

The NFL free-agency period has been an action-packed event, and there are still a number of quality free agents that are looking to find work for next season.

The Peyton Manning saga has finally come to an end, and Tim Tebow has found a new home in New York.

Brandon Marshall has relocated from South Beach to the Windy City while Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks joined a young Buccaneers squad.

There will certainty be more twists and turns as this free-agency period drags on. Here are the latest rumors that are circulating around the NFL. 

The Jets Have an Interest in Tim Tebow

Update (4:25 EST): According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets and the Denver Broncos have run into problems completing a trade that would send Tebow to the Big Apple. The problems stem from Tebow's contract. 

Update (1:30 EST): The Denver Broncos have traded Tim Tebow and a seventh-round pick to the New York Jets for a fourth- and sixth-round pick. FOXSports' Jay Glazer broke the news.

The New York Daily News first reported on Tuesday that the Jets have legitimate interest in acquiring Tim Tebow.

“We are players in the Tebow race,” a source told the News.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum didn’t make any comments regarding Tebow other than to say, “Tim Tebow is a player under contract to another team.”

The Jets are a very realistic destination because new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano could use Tebow in certain Wildcat packages.

Chance that Tim Tebow is a member of the New York Jets: 60%

Rashard Mendenhall Has Carried His Last Football in a Steeler Uniform

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that the Steelers don’t see RB Rashard Mendenhall as being much of any use to them next year because of the torn ACL that the running back suffered last season. 

The injury leaves his entire 2012 season in doubt, and when you add in the fact that he’s entering the final year of his contract, there is a definite chance that the Steelers could look to release him to open up a roster spot.

The Steelers witnessed just how valuable Mendenhall is after they struggled on the ground after his injury, but it looks like the team will have to part ways and look for a replacement for the running back. 

Chance that Rashard Mendenhall is in a Steeler uniform next season: 50% 

Jets Showing Interest in BenJarvis Green-Ellis

Update (4:00 EST): ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Bengals and Green-Ellis have agreed on a three-year deal.  

Brian Costello of the New York Post reports that the Jets have interest in former Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, according to his source.

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The Jets have expressed interest in Patriots free agent running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, according to a source. The interest is preliminary at the moment and nothing is imminent. The two sides have yet to schedule a meeting.

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This move makes a ton of the sense for the Jets because it would allow them to fill the void that LaDainian Tomlinson has created due to becoming a free agent and it would allow the team to continue to have a quality one-two punch at the running back position.

Green-Ellis never fumbled in his 510 career rushing attempts and he would be able to excel in a part-time role with the Jets.

Green-Ellis has already visited the Cincinnati Bengals this week, but he currently doesn’t have any other visits planned.  

Chance that Green-Ellis signs with the Jets: 70%   

Eagles Are Talking to Plaxico Burress

Free-agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress isn’t known to have visited any teams since free agency started, but NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports that Plaxico Burress has been “in contact” with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Burress has made it clear that he would like to play with Michael Vick, and it seems like it would be a perfect fit for both parties. 

Burress would provide the Eagles with a goal-line presence, and he would be a solid target for Vick to throw the ball up to while under duress. 

Chance that Burress ends up in Philadelphia: 85%

Bush Visits with Seahawks

The Seahawks are continuing to be active in free agency. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that former Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush visited with the team on Tuesday.

Bush could be joining Marshawn Lynch in the Seahawks backfield, which would make a serious one-two punch in the Emerald City. 

Chance that Bush lands in Seattle: 70% 

Tracy Porter Could Be the First Domino to Fall After Peyton Manning in Denver

Cornerback Tracy Porter will reportedly visit with the Broncos on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Bill Williamson. 

Signing Porter should be a top priority for the Broncos because the 25-year-old cornerback would bring a mix of youth and experience to an aging Broncos secondary. 

Chance that Porter ends up in Denver: 80%

Bears and Forte Are Close to Signing Extension

Bears general manager Phil Emery told the Chicago Tribune that "he's continuing to work with Forte and his agent to get a deal done."

This is a deal that the Bears have to get done before the July 16th deadline or they run the risk of their top offensive player holding out. 

Forte has been a tremendous and valuable piece to the success that the Bears have had since he entered the league. It is time that the Bears return the favor.  

Chance that Forte signs a long-term deal before the July 16th deadline: 75%

Could Mike Wallace Be Traded to Denver?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are having some serious salary cap issues, which means that the chances of re-signing stud wide receiver Mike Wallace are becoming more and more unlikely.

The team should look into allowing the receiver to sign with another team, which would then allow the team to receive a high draft choice (the 25th overall pick in Denver's case) in return.

Wallace is a proven threat in the NFL, and at the age of 26, he is still young enough to build around. 

Denver has the cap space to make a play for Wallace and go after top free agents Tracy Porter and their own Brodrick Bunkley, making the move that much more attractive.

Chance that Wallace is traded the Denver Broncos: 55% 

Josh Johnson to the Redskins?

Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports that Josh Johnson will be visiting the Washington Redskins on Wednesday after the team has displayed some serious interest. 

Johnson does not have much NFL experience, but he has shown flashes of potential in the games that he has played. 

Chance that Johnson becomes a Washington Redskin: 70%