NFL Rumors: Analyzing Buzz Surrounding Justin Forsett, Byron Maxwell and More

The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing, and it's easy to forget about the impending free-agency period while a crop of talented draft hopefuls light up the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Well, during the workouts in Indianapolis, several rumors regarding league veterans have surfaced.

Not every team will be able to fill all of its holes through the draft. In fact, acquiring more than two players who are able to contribute on a somewhat consistent basis during their rookie seasons is quite fortunate. This is why many NFL franchises look to free agents for help.

While some big-name free agents will come with a high price tag, other solid veterans can be acquired at a relatively reasonable cost. Here's a look at a few rumors regarding players who meet the requirements for one of those two categories.

Justin Forsett

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

In 2014 with the Baltimore Ravens, journeyman running back Justin Forsett finally got his chance in the NFL after spending his five previous seasons on three different teams. The ball-carrier didn't disappoint, rushing 235 times for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. A versatile back, he added 44 receptions for 263 yards.

That production was on a one-year contract worth just $730,000, according to Spotrac.com—peanuts compared to other running backs who produced those kind of numbers. Well, he should be in line for a raise this season, as he's set to hit the open market.

While Forsett has expressed interest in remaining in Baltimore, according to the Ravens' official site, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reported the Atlanta Falcons are expected to be in hot pursuit of the running back: "The Atlanta Falcons will have strong interest in running back Justin Forsett if he hits the free-agent market, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation. "

Steven Jackson spent last season as the team's primary ball-carrier; however, the 31-year-old averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and has now eclipsed more than 2,700 carries in his 11 years of NFL experience. There may not be much tread left on the tires.

Meanwhile, while Forsett will turn 30 in October, he's carried just 582 times in his career, and considering he recently excelled in a zone-blocking scheme with the Ravens, he appears to be a perfect fit in coordinator Kyle Shanahan's offense.

Byron Maxwell

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Speaking of veteran free agents who are expected to make some money this offseason, cornerback Byron Maxwell is coming off his first season as a full-time starter. The 6'1", 207-pound corner flourished in Seattle opposite Richard Sherman, racking up 39 tackles, two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 2014.

Here's what teammate Earl Thomas had to say about Maxwell's impending offseason, via Zach Berman of The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Maxwell is coming off the four-year rookie contract he signed as a sixth-round pick out of Clemson that paid him $2.1 million. With a big raise expected, one cornerback-needy team is already being linked to Maxwell, via Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net:

That should come with little surprise, as the Philadelphia Eagles secondary was its Achilles' heel in 2014. The team ranked 31st in the league against the pass, allowing an average of 264.9 yards per game through the air. That's exactly what happens to a squad without a legitimate cover corner.

If the Eagles are going to return to the playoffs following the upcoming season, the cornerback position must be addressed—perhaps with more than one player. Acquiring Maxwell would certainly get the team off to a good start.

Nate Irving

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Denver Broncos middle linebacker Nate Irving was placed on season-ending injured reserve in November of last year with an ACL injury. That's terrible news for a player who just broke into the starting lineup on the final year of his rookie contract.

But despite playing in just eight games in 2014, other teams must have liked what they saw, as ESPN's Josina Anderson reported the linebacker is already garnering some interest:

It's easy to see what other teams like in Irving. He was productive in the middle for Denver, racking up 46 tackles and one sack during his limited playing time last season. Pro Football Focus ranked Irving 22nd of 60 eligible inside linebackers with a plus-1.1 overall rating.

Irving doesn't excel as a pass-rusher or in coverage, but he's a good asset to have on the field in running situations. Any team in need of a two-down presence in the middle of the field could pursue him as a relatively inexpensive option.