NFL Rumors: Carson Palmer, Santonio Holmes and the Latest Contract Buzz

The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine has the competitive juices flowing for the NFL front offices, and the latest rumors around the biggest stars in the spot are increasing by the day.

With huge names like Carson Palmer and Santonio Holmes facing tough fiscal choices and cap casualties like Steve Breaston trying to find homes, the rumor mill is already hard at work this offseason.

All of the following stars have been on the lips of the NFL, and the latest reports will not be the last time fans hear these names attached to rumors.

Steve Breaston Drawing Interest

After being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs in the overhaul by Andy Reid and the new management, veteran wide receiver Steve Breaston will be meeting with the Cleveland Browns about possibly joining the team, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer:

“Free agent receiver Steve Breaston, cut by the Chiefs last week, will visit the Browns sometime over the next few days, a source confirmed for the Plain Dealer.”

The Chiefs didn’t utilize Breaston at all in 2012—catching just seven passes for 74 yards—but a team like the Browns that is desperate for offensive weapons would make good use of a veteran with solid hands.

Brandon Weeden is not a great quarterback, but he would be the best QB to throw Breaston a pass since Kurt Warner was still in Arizona. This would be a great move for all parties involved.

New York Jets Looking to Restructure Santonio Holmes’ Contract?

New York Jets star wide receiver Santonio Holmes played in just four games last season after injuring his foot and being placed on the injured reserve (h/t Manish Mehta), and now the team reportedly wants to restructure his high-priced deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Holmes has struggled to become the star he was in Pittsburgh since signing with the Jets in 2012, amassing just 123 catches in parts of three seasons in the Big Apple, and the bad situation at quarterback could result in the wide receiver refusing to restructure his deal (h/t Pro Football Talk.)

The team would likely cut Holmes if he won’t rework his current deal, and while the veteran would take a pay cut hitting the open market, he would be away from Gang Green and the chaos that is the quarterback position in New York.

Oakland Raiders Looking to Restructure Carson Palmer’s Contract?

The Oakland Raiders are in absolute rebuild mode right now under GM Reggie McKenzie, and one of the primary goals this offseason will be restructuring the deal with veteran quarterback Carson Palmer, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Despite issues along the offensive line and injuries that ravaged the depth chart, Palmer had a solid season—throwing for 4,018 yards and 22 touchdowns—but is not worth the base salary of $13 million he is due.

Oakland would love to claim it has a better option at quarterback, but until Terrelle Pryor proves he can put up any kind of consistent offensive numbers, the Raiders should have Palmer under center.

Expect Palmer to start in Oakland next season but at a much more affordable price.

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