Hottest NFL Holdouts and Storylines Heading into OTA's

With OTA's coming up, the NFL still has top players like Drew Brees and Ray Rice holding out.

Yes, the league has news even in May, because there also was a fight in Detroit and a top player may get traded in Tampa Bay.

To find out the latest, let's see what's on the NFL's front line.

Hottest Holdouts

Drew Brees

In an interview with WWL AM 870, Saints quarterback Drew Brees expressed his frustration about the current situation (listen to full interview):

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"What's frustrating on my end is the lack of communication.  I know that we've reached out on quite a few occasions, and at times, I know I've been frustrated by the lack of response," Brees said.

"I don't think the negotiation should have been this difficult."

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By the sound of that, the only bright side is we're still in May. However, as June progresses, the situation will become more intense and if someone doesn't budge, then the Saints can kiss their 2012 postseason hopes goodbye.

Ray Rice

Unlike the Saints and Drew Brees, the Baltimore Ravens and running back Ray Rice have communicated. According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, we could see a deal done well before July:

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Both sides are talking regularly and seem motivated to get a deal done rather than waiting until close to the July 16 deadline to get serious. There also seems to be a lot more optimism from both sides than there was earlier this offseason.

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This is arguably just as big of a situation as Brees and New Orleans, because Ray Rice is the Ravens' offense. Not having him in the backfield ruins any kind of balanced production, and you know AFC North defenses will shut down Baltimore on the ground.

With play-action plays is no longer a threat, defenses will be more aggressive, and Baltimore won't be able to control the game tempo as much, either. This then adds more pressure to the defense, which is still vulnerable against the run between the tackles.

Matt Forte

Although it was LeSean McCoy who got the extension (according to the Eagles Insider), with Ray Rice in discussions, even more attention will now be on Matt Forte and the Chicago Bears.

McCoy came into the league a year after Forte, but we never heard anything about him complaining. The interesting part about Forte's situation, though, is that the Bears have Michael Bush to take the reins as the No. 1 ball-carrier.

Bush enjoyed a strong 2011 season in Oakland and has the same dual-threat capabilities as Forte, McCoy and Rice. Because of McCoy's deal and Rice's situation appearing better, the pressure is more on Forte because Chicago's offense won't miss a beat with Bush in the backfield.

Storylines

Titus Young

According to Anwar Richardson of MLive.com, Lions receiver Titus Young gave a cheap shot to teammate Louis Delmas last week and has been banned from OTA's:

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Detroit Lions receiver Titus Young was not allowed to participate in organized team activities today due to a fight last week with safety Louis Delmas, according to sources.

Young allegedly punched Delmas when he was not looking.

As a result, the team is disciplining Young by not allowing him to participate in voluntary workouts. 

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The Lions are certainly making a smart move in not allowing Young to partake in team activities. A message has to be sent, and there's obviously no room for that anywhere in sports. The only bright spot to come from that, however, is it opens to door for rookie receiver Ryan Broyles from Oklahoma.

Despite durability flags, Broyles has much more potential after a stronger college career and is bigger than Young to fit the slot/No. 2 receiver role.

Kellen Winslow

According to Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times, Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow said in an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio that he's getting traded:

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow has been told by coach Greg Schiano that the Bucs are attempting to trade him.

Winslow, appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio this morning, said Schiano told him the Bucs are moving in a different direction.

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The man has had a rather solid NFL career despite being in the shadow of a legend, but Winslow does have five impressive seasons to his credit. If anything, Tampa has to try and get something for Winslow, as he still has a good four years left in him.

Any team needing a receiving tight end that can beat single coverage suits well, especially in the red zone. And considering that the NFL is passing league, Winslow will surely draw some attention to help make an offense more explosive.

Morris Claiborne

It's not bad news for Cowboys fans but certainly not good news. According to Bryan Broaddus of the team's official website, via NFL.com, Morris Claiborne may not be ready until training camp:

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The Cowboys are still planning for Claiborne to be fully healed in time for training camp in late July, despite the corner saying he could be fully recovered by June 12, when the team begins a three-day minicamp.

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To that end, it's imperative that Claiborne be ready to roll once late July rolls around because Big D didn't trade up to get him for nothing. Dallas' pass defense cost the team in 2011, and the addition of Brandon Carr certainly helps take pressure off the front seven.

As for Claiborne, getting him brings talent and depth to the secondary in a strong passing division. Philadelphia is damn explosive, the Giants have excellent balance and the Redskins are back on the rise.

The Cowboys are also explosive, so a healthy Claiborne is needed because Big D will see a lot more passing attempts against them. And being full strength in the secondary must happen to hold up the fort and contend for the division.

John Rozum on Twitter.