NFL Rumors: Latest Gossip Before 2014 Trade Deadline Day

The 2014 NFL trade deadline is just over 24 hours away, and as the cutoff for these transactions draws near, rumors have begun to come out of the woodwork. Some rumors involve specific players and some involve team strategies, but all are incredibly fascinating.

Piecing together buzz from different sources in an effort to predict what moves could possibly transpire before trades are cut off is very alluring. After all, at this point of the year, NFL speculation can almost become a type of art form.

That said, there are a few juicy rumors that have recently hit the Web that could serve as compelling pieces of conversation or debate until we know for sure if they are to actually come to fruition. Let's take a look at some of the best gossip prior to the trade deadline.

Patriots Search for a Running Back

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The New England Patriots lost running back Stevan Ridley for the season due to a devastating knee injury. While the team does have the versatile Shane Vereen in the fold, it lacks experienced backs capable of running between the tackles. Once the weather turns, this will become a necessity for this playoff-caliber team.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the team is in the market to possibly acquire another ball-carrier before the trade deadline. Writes Florio, "Per a league source, the Pats and coach Bill Belichick are looking for a running back."

There haven't been many running backs' names floating around the rumor mill, but there are two interesting options for New England.

ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted a certain Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back who teams have already been inquiring about:

Another potential option comes via Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. He writes, "With Zac Stacy falling out of favor in St. Louis and not playing last week, it's likely they fielded some calls about his availability."

Both of these running backs appear to fit what the team is looking for. It may come down to how well Belichick can wheel and deal with these franchises.

49ers' Defensive Clearinghouse

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With several key players set to return to the team this season, the San Francisco 49ers could be looking to deal away some defensive players before the trade deadline, according to Schefter on ESPN.com:

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The San Francisco 49ers need roster space with several players poised to return and are looking to create room before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline, according to sources.

Come Tuesday's trade deadline, the 49ers will be interested in dealing a defensive player or two on the back end of their roster to get back a late-round pick and, more important, a roster spot or two, the sources said.

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It's unclear as to which players the team is looking to deal, but Florio reported one franchise interested in help at the safety position. He writes, "The 5-1 Eagles aren't fully content with the roster that got them there.  With the trade deadline two days away, the Eagles are looking to add a starting-caliber safety, according to a league source."

If the 49ers are looking to unload one of the six safeties they are currently carrying on their roster, they could have a potential trade partner waiting in the wings.

Lynch-less in Seattle

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Marshawn Lynch revived his career when he joined the Seattle Seahawks after several lackluster years with the Buffalo Bills. From 2011 to 2013, Lynch rushed for at least 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns in each season. However, the running back may be wearing out his welcome in Washington, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen:

Unfortunately for running back-needy teams like the Patriots, Lynch doesn't appear to be available before the trade deadline. Although, Mortensen makes it clear that it is highly unlikely for the ball-carrier to remain with his current team for another season.

In 2015, Lynch is due a base salary of $5 million and $3.5 million in bonuses in his current contract, according to Spotrac.com. If Seattle isn't happy with the running back, that is certainly a contract it would love to offload during the offseason.

Expect to continue to see Lynch in a Seahawks uniform throughout the remainder of the season. After that, he appears to be fair game for any willing takers across the league.