NFL Free Agency Rumors: Latest Buzz on Steve Smith, Michael Vick and More

NFL free agency has been open for what seems like weeks, thanks to big names like Darrelle Revis finding new homes, but things are actually still in the infancy stages as plenty of major names have yet to put ink to paper with a team.

Even better, players who can change the fate of a franchise on a dime continue to be added to the market as plenty of teams look to free themselves of financial constraints.

It has been a wild ride thus far, but a few intriguing storylines have yet to play out before the market can finally cool down and fans can get some sleep.

New York Giants Want Ted Ginn Jr.?

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

After one year with the Carolina Panthers, in which he racked up 595 yards on kick returns and another 316 on punt returns, Ted Ginn Jr. is quietly one of the hottest names on the market.

Teams understand the value of a strong returner on special teams who can swing the outcome of a game based on field position, which would be why Ginn is so coveted.

With the news that Jacoby Jones re-upped with the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Giants have turned their attention to Ginn, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com.

But do not pigeonhole Ginn as a one-dimensional player—he also caught 36 passes for 556 yards and five scores a year ago. Depth at wideout and consistently better field position would do the Giants well, so the fit makes sense if the two sides can work something out.

Then again, this may prove difficult with new Cleveland Browns safety Donte Whitner publicly campaigning for Ginn to go back home to Ohio, according to Tom Withers of the Associated Press:

New York may be about to enter a bidding war.

Kenny Britt Certainly Has a Market

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

At just 25 years old, one would think Kenny Britt would have a bigger market, thanks to his strong upside.

Quite the contrary—Britt was phased out of the offense in Tennessee last year in favor of younger options and ended up with just 11 receptions for 96 yards.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, there are several teams interested in Britt, and some of the possibilities are noteworthy:

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Per a league source, four or five franchises are interested.

The Redskins reportedly are keen on Kenny.  The coach who drafted him in Tennessee, Jeff Fisher, currently runs the Rams — and needs receivers.

Then there are the Patriots, who have developed a pipeline to Piscataway in recent years, gobbling up former Rutgers players.  Britt played for Bill Belichick’s BFF at Rutgers, which would attract New England’s interest.

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If Britt can stay healthy and play at a high level, he would be just what the doctor ordered in St. Louis as a dependable target to take some of the attention off of second-year wideout Tavon Austin. Fisher presumably has what it takes to get the most out of Britt.

Then there is New England, where Britt would surely find ample opportunity to turn things around while playing with Tom Brady.

The fact of the matter is simple—Britt will come at a very cheap price, which will keep various bargain-hunters in the race until he puts ink to paper.

New York Jets Still Hot for Michael Vick

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

How much Michael Vick has left in the tank remains to be seen, but his name still carries weight in NFL circles.

This is especially the case in New York—reportedly, of course. According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, Vick is still the top choice for the New York Jets:

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The Jets are looking for someone to play behind Geno Smith and possibly take over if he stumbles. They are also interested in free agents Michael Vick and Shaun Hill.
Vick is believed to be the Jets’ top choice, and there is mutual interest, according to sources. But Vick is going to take his time and see how the quarterback landscape develops, according to a source.

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Talk about a strange situation. New York wants a backup for Geno Smith who can still win games if called upon. Vick, who will be 34 by the time next season starts and has not played in a full 16-game season since 2006, wants to compete for a starting gig.

Do not expect this mess to get sorted out anytime soon.

Steve Smith May Already Have a New Home

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

To the scrutiny of many, including Bleacher Report's Aaron Nagler, the Carolina Panthers let go of veteran wide receiver Steve Smith:

General manager Dave Gettleman took the high road when he announced the move, via the Panthers' website:

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Steve Smith has been one of the NFL's finest receivers for over a decade and has been the face of the franchise for a large part of the team's history. This was not an easy decision. As a team, we made a step forward last year; however, we are also a team in transition, which is a part of the NFL.

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So where does a soon-to-be age 35 wideout with a potential grudge go? Not the NFC South apparently, but to...Baltimore? ESPN's Adam Schefter has the scoop:

It is hardly a secret the Ravens need more targets around quarterback Joe Flacco, but an addition like Smith was not something many could have predicted.

The star wideout, who was on the last legs of his final NFL contract, caught 64 passes for 745 yards and four scores a year ago. That sort of production is desperately needed in Baltimore to round out a balanced attack that was anything but a year ago, thanks to injury and a miserable offensive line.

Expect Smith to go somewhere that has a strong chance of winning a ring as his career winds down. The fact Baltimore may lead this race speaks volumes.