NFL Rumors and News: Examining the Hottest Talk from Around the League

We've reached that part of the NFL season where significant changes are beginning to occur. Last week, the Eagles parted ways with oft-criticized defensive coordinator Juan Castillo. 

Monday, news broke in Charlotte that the Carolina Panthers fired general manager Marty Hurney. What will be in store for Panthers once a new GM is hired?

The obvious hot seat is Ron Rivera. Hired to coach the team by Hurney, Rivera has tallied a disappointing 7-15 record during his tenure. Additionally, new GMs like to bring with them coaches and personal of their choosing. Similar to the Broncos under the Elway regime, look for more changes in Carolina once a GM is hired.

The NFL trade deadline pales in significance to the MLB and NBA's deadline. Due to the complexities of offensive systems in the NFL, seldom do trades occur midseason. Last year, there was an exception when the Broncos traded Brandon Lloyd to the Rams shortly before the trade deadline.

Could any similar moves take place this week?

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reported Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowl wideout Dwayne Bowe "wants out of KC very badly." Bowe fits all the criteria for a midseason trade candidate. He's playing out the final year of his contract, and extension talks have ceased. The Chiefs 2012 campaign is circling the drain with a 1-5 record. If the Chiefs could get a high- to mid-round draft pick for Bowe, why not do it?

The latest report from Ben Volin of The Palm Beach Post says the Dolphins are not interested. Again, in the NFL landscape, a deal is unlikely, but keep an eye out for it nonetheless.

NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reported that the Rams (h/t Rotoworld) will be shopping players at the deadline. With the arrival on Daryl Richardson, it would appear that Steven Jackson would be another trade commodity.

His contract, like Bowe's, expires at the conclusion of this season. But what is his value?

At 30 years old, Steven Jackson has shown signs of regression. He's averaging 3.8 yards per carry, down significantly from his 4.4 a year ago. In today's NFL, an aging running back like Jackson won't gather much interest around the league. 

This time of year, the backup quarterback becomes increasingly popular. As teams fall deeper and deeper into the basement of their respected divisions, the signal-caller and coach receive the most criticisms. It's easier replace a quarterback then a coach, so expect some depth charts to get shuffled in the coming weeks.

In Philadelphia, Andy Reid has voiced his disappointment with the team's performance thus far. Michael Vick has been a turnover machine this season, and rookie Nick Foles waits patiently on the sideline. The Eagles have difficult assignment in Atlanta this week.If Vick's troubles continue, Foles could see time sooner than later.

The Chiefs officially benched Matt Cassel in favor of Brady Quinn on Monday. Quinn, in his six-year NFL career, has shown nothing that indicates his tenure as Kansas City's starter will last. Look for second-year quarterback Ricky Stanzi to get an opportunity at some point.

Others to keep an eye on include Terrell Pryor or Matt Leinart in Oakland, Matt Flynn in Seattle and of course Tim Tebow in New York.