NFL Rumors: Latest Gossip Surrounding Marshawn Lynch, Justin Houston and More

The 2015 free-agency period is fast approaching, and the NFL is abuzz with teams picking up—or declining—contract options, working feverishly to strike deals before soon-to-be free agents hit the open market and deciding if utilizing the franchise tag is the right move.

Who says the offseason isn't exciting?

While teams may be frantically attempting to keep key players around for at least another year, some NFL veterans have already decided a change of scenery is the right move. Many have already followed suit by giving indications of where they would like to land and what kind of money they're looking to make.

Needless to say, rumors are abundant right now, so let's take a look at a few interesting pieces of information that have recently surfaced from trusted sources around the web.

Marshawn Lynch

Matt York/Associated Press

We already know the Seattle Seahawks are intent on keeping star running back Marshawn Lynch in the fold for the foreseeable future. Not long ago, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the team offered the prolific ball-carrier a lucrative deal:

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On the heels of another dominant season for the running back nicknamed "Beast Mode," multiple sources tell me Seattle has made Lynch an offer on a huge contract extension that would keep him in a Seahawks uniform for years to come.

The deal is believed to include more than $10 million for Lynch in the 2015 season alone. Lynch currently is slated to make $5 million in 2015, the final year of what originally was a four-year, $31 million deal.

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The offer was never accepted.

Meanwhile, other reports surfaced stating Lynch was considering retirement following the 2014 season. That's rather odd news for a running back who continues to dominate the NFL. However, as it turns out, health is the primary concern here.

According to Rapoport, via Dan Hanzus of NFL.com, Lynch has chronic back issues that could keep him out of action for good:

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NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday's edition of NFL Total Access that Lynch's back issues are chronic and will be a major factor in his decision-making this offseason, according to people close to the star running back. Lynch has compressed cartilage in his back, a condition that will not heal and can get worse as a result of Lynch's punishing running style.

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Lynch was dealing with back issues during the 2014 season, but the severity was unknown—until now.

One of the NFL's most bruising runners, Lynch rushed for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry last season.

Justin Houston

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason following the expiration of his four-year rookie deal that paid him just shy of $2.8 million. Needless to say, after leading the NFL with 22 sacks in 2014, he'll be looking for a raise.

The Chiefs know the immense value Houston brings to their defense, and according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the team will attempt to strike a long-term deal with Houston in short order:

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Per a league source, the Chiefs and Houston's agent, Joel Segal, will make another attempt early in the week at making progress on a long-term deal.  The Chiefs are expected to apply the franchise tag to Houston, who racked up 22 sacks in 2014, absent an agreement.

Houston had been expected to sign the franchise tender immediately.  It’s possible that a new strategy will emerge if the coming talks fail to result in Houston receiving the kind of contract he believes he deserves.

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Last season, Houston was Pro Football Focus' top-ranked 3-4 outside linebacker by a huge margin. He earned a plus-51.1 overall rating, besting the second-ranked player by a full 25.0 points. Again, a major raise is in order.

So, what kind of money will Houston command? Back in October, Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports projected Houston's new contract to include something in the vicinity of the fully guaranteed $30.8 million received by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt.

It's time for Kansas City to open up the checkbook.

Shane Vereen

Steven Senne/Associated Press

Adding to the bevy of talented running backs set to hit the open market, New England Patriots ball-carrier Shane Vereen will be looking for a new deal this offseason. While he isn't much of a between-the-tackles runner, his value lies in his versatility and his ability to excel as a receiver out of the backfield.

Vereen's four-year rookie deal paid him just north of $3.4 million, and according to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, the running back will be looking for a nice raise:

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For those looking at a potential financial market for running back Shane Vereen in free agency, one respected NFL source pointed me to the three-year, $10.5 million deal ($4 million guaranteed) signed by Donald Brown with the Chargers last year as the starting point. I could see Vereen exceeding that, and I have doubts the Patriots—given their recent free-agent history with running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead—would match it.

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Reiss brings up a very solid point. The Patriots seem to have a never-ending carousel of running backs and haven't had much of a history of committing to impending free agents at the position. So, if another NFL franchise feels Vereen is worthy of such a price tag, he should be relatively easy to pluck from the open market.

Last season, Vereen rushed 96 times for 391 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He added 52 receptions for 447 yards and an additional three scores through the air.