NFL Rumors: Latest Buzz on Deadline's Biggest Names

NFL teams have until Thursday to pull off a trade and improve their teams heading into the second half of the season. A few big names have been tossed around the rumor mill, and if one of these stars changes homes, the balance of power in the league would undergo a drastic shift. 

The original trade deadline was Tuesday at 4 p.m., but the NFL decided to extend it by 48 hours due to extreme weather conditions on the East Coast, as SportsCenter noted via Twitter. 

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The @nfl has moved the trade deadline from Tuesday to 4 p.m. ET Thursday because of Hurricane #Sandy.

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 29, 2012"

Late-night phone calls and heated negotiations will continue for a little while longer as general managers across the league look for an attractive deal that will make their team more competitive.

Names like LeGarrette Blount and Jared Cook have been kicked around, but these players have never proven to be among the league’s best players. Here is all the latest news on the stars being mentioned in trade chatter.

Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams

Jackson is a two-time All-Pro running back and the Rams’ all-time leading rusher. These are the credentials of a star player.

However, he is 29 years old and St. Louis has seen a lot of positive signs from rookie RB Daryl Richardson. This has caused the team to field trade offers for Jackson, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted via Twitter.

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Rams have fielded trade inquiries for RB Steven Jackson over past few weeks in advance of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline… say.ly/uhz4sR4

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2012"

But Schefter’s colleague John Clayton said, “There is no action right now on Steven Jackson and because of that, don’t expect a trade.”

Clayton cites a few teams that are in need of a running back, but notes that the Detroit Lions do not have the financial means to take on Jackson’s salary. He also believes that the Green Bay Packers are too frugal to makes such a deal, and the Rams would never trade him to a team within the division, ruling out the Arizona Cardinals.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers

Williams has not been all that impressive this season, but he has averaged over five yards per carry in four of his first six season in the league and flashed his full potential in 2008 when he rushed for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Any semblance of the star that posted those incredible numbers would help any team. Once again, Schefter reported via Twitter that teams across the league have reached out to Carolina regarding Williams.

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With trade deadline Tuesday, teams around league have contacted Carolina to inquire about RB DeAngelo Williams. Panthers willing to listen.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2012"

But Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said, “We've got to sit here and see if somebody does call, but we're not looking to move anybody or send anybody away or try to get anybody out there,” via Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer.

Clayton also weighed in on the situation in the same ESPN segment and he believes that Williams will also stay put due to teams being scared away by his large contract.

 

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Bowe and the Chiefs are clearly not happy with each other, and this Kansas City squad has proven that it needs a significant amount of work before it will contend for a playoff spot.

Yahoo Sports' Jason Cole reported via Twitter that Bowe does not want to continue his career in Kansas City.

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I can report this: Bowe wants out of KC very badly. Not exactly a revelation, but true.

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeYahoo) October 17, 2012"

While getting rid of a disgruntled player is one source of motivation for the Chiefs to get rid of Bowe, ESPN’s Bill Williamson broke down other benefits of trading away Bowe before the trade deadline. He notes that adding draft picks in exchange for the wide out could allow the team to trade into a position in which they could draft USC's Matt Barkley or West Virginia's Geno Smith. 

Bowe is undoubtedly talented, as he proved by catching 15 touchdown passes in 2010. Teams that need a dominant receiver should certainly be interested.

However, NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal notes that teams are already forced to offer better than a third-round pick, and will want some insurance that Bowe will not bolt this summer. This may provide teams with too much to iron out, even with the extended trade deadline.

As is the case most years at the trade deadline, the NFL’s stars are unlikely to be involved in any deals.