NFL Rumors: What's the Latest Buzz After Draft Dust Has Cleared?

Now that the 2012 NFL draft has come and gone and the dust is starting to settle, you might be thinking that we're entering a slow point in the NFL year—but think again. 

There are still rumors—let me rephrase that, there are rumors galore. 

I guess there's never really a slow point in the NFL, as this is a game that is reported 24/7/365. 

In that spirit, let's take a look at the latest buzz and rumors now that the draft dust has cleared. 

New England Patriots Signed Former Colts Running Back Joseph Addai

The New England Patriots might have lost BenJarvus Green-Ellis via free agency to the Cincinnati Bengals but they replaced his veteran presence by bringing in former Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai.

Addai just turned 29 and has been dealing with injuries ever since his rookie season back in 2006.

If Addai can stay healthy then he'll be a lethal weapon for Tom Brady and the Patriots as he's a solid runner, a great receiving out of the backfield as well as one of the best pass-blocking running backs that the NFL has to offer.

To read more about the signing, you can check out Patriots Plus. 

Big 12 Coaches Don't Believe in Brandon Weeden

I have to admit that drafting Brandon Weeden at No. 22 overall was a bit of a stretch by the Cleveland Browns and I certainly am skeptical about this prospect considering that he'll be 29 years old when Week 1 rolls around. 

An interesting report came out on NBC Pro Football Talk discussing how many Big 12 coaches believe that Weeden doesn't handle pressure very well—pressure when the pocket is collapsing that is. 

From the report, Iowa State defensive coordinator Wally Burnham weighed in after watching film when Weeden and Oklahoma State played against the Cyclones: 

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"He got quick feet. He got nervous. He really threw the ball away in a hurry. I’m not saying he was scared, he just wanted to get the ball out to his hot receiver.”

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We all have been ragging on Weeden for being so old and now this—it will be interesting to see how he handles himself as a pro. 

The Miami Dolphins and Cameron Wake Agreed to a Contract Extension

Apparently sitting out a few portions of OTAs worked for Cameron Wake as the Miami Dolphins decided to extend his contract. 

Wake and the Dolphins agreed to a four-year extension worth a whopping $49 million. This is certainly a huge pay raise over the $650,000 that Wake was owed entering 2012. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sign LSU Quarterback Jordan Jefferson

Jordan Jefferson is certainly a talented football player but after a rocky career at LSU, Jefferson went undrafted and many believed that he wouldn't have a future in the NFL.

But there's still a chance—now that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were impressed with Jefferson's performance at this past weekend's rookie minicamp that they signed him to a contract. 

Jefferson will join a quarterback corps with Josh Freeman as the No. 1 and Dan Orlovsky at the No. 2, and then Jefferson will have to compete with Brett Ratliff and Zach Collaros for the team's third quarterback role—if they choose to carry one. 

There Is No Progress Between Cliff Avril and the Detroit Lions

According to ESPN, the Detroit Lions and franchise-tagged Cliff Avril have not made any progress in reaching a long-term contract as Avril has yet to sign his one-year franchise tender.

According to the report, both sides do plan on reaching an agreement on a long-term deal despite zero progress being made. 

This situation is certainly going to get interesting as the Lions coughed up $132 million for Calvin Johnson earlier this offseason and it will be interesting to see how much they're willing to give up to lock down Avril for a long time. 

Robert Griffin III Is the Washington Redskins Starting Quarterback

Well, no surprise here—it's simply a confirmation that Robert Griffin III is the starting quarterback of the Washington Redskins heading into 2012. 

In a recent ESPN report, Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan made it loud and clear that RG3 is the starter: "He's the starter. Period." 

LaDainian Tomlinson Is Almost Retired

Why do I say LaDainian Tomlinson is almost retired? Well he's not 100 percent retired.

According to NBC Sports, Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated tweeted that Tomlinson is "95 percent retired." 

If L.T. does retire, he will finish at the fifth all-time leading rusher with 13,684 yards and as No. 3 on the all-time touchdown list with 162. 

A Tribute to Junior Seau

As we come to an end to this recap of the past few day's recent buzz, I'd like to stop and take a minute to pay a tribute to one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, Junior Seau.

The passing of Seau came this past Wednesday as the entire NFL family lost one of the most genuine players that we ever saw step foot onto the football field. 

By reading statements from past teammates and coaches of Seau, I have come to conclusion that Seau enjoyed the game of football more than anyone else has ever. 

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said it past in his statement, "We lost our 'Buddy'."