NFL Rumors: Analyzing Latest Buzz on Ndamukong Suh, Randall Cobb and More

The most exciting portion of the NFL offseason is fast approaching.

This year's draft class already went through the motions at the scouting combine, and pro days are just getting underway. That means one thing: The draft is right around the corner. Although, even before a new crop of rookies is welcomed to the NFL, the free-agency period will shake up the league, as teams will attempt to bolster rosters with experienced veterans. Also, let's not forget about the ongoing possibility of big trades.

With so much going on at this time of year, rumors begin to run rampant across the Web. Inside sources begin to divulge information regarding the availability of big-ticket players and potential interested suitors. Of course, not all of these rumors come to fruition, but it's always fun to speculate.

As free agency approaches, let's take a look at some recent gossip surrounding three players who appear likely to hit the open market.

So Many Suitors for Suh

The Detroit Lions opted to refrain from using the franchise tag on defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. While he's one of the team's key players, it was a smart move, as Detroit would have been forced to pay Suh $26.9 million for the coming season. Although, while the team has a small amount of financial flexibility, it now stands the chance of losing its prized player in free agency.

If Suh hits the open market, there will be a massive amount of teams looking to acquire his services—it seems as though more potential suitors keep popping up by the day.

Even before the offseason began, the Cleveland Browns were rumored to be a team looking to make a move for Suh. Well, the list has grown exponentially since, as Dianna Marie Russini tweeted four more interested squads:

Oh, it doesn't stop there.

Interestingly enough, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reported interest from the New York Giants as well:

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As improbable as it seems on the surface, several NFL sources believe the Giants are considering a run at the NFL's top free agent when the start of free agency begins this Saturday. It would be an expensive move and difficult, since the Giants currently project to have only about $13 million of room under the NFL's $143.28 million salary cap.

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That would be a difficult acquisition for the Giants; however, if they could find a way to get a deal done, they would immediately have one of the league's most dangerous defensive lines after recently hanging on to defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul with the franchise tag.

But wait, there's more.

Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel reported Wednesday that the Miami Dolphins would also be in the mix for Suh: "The Miami Dolphins are expected to make an all-out pitch to sign defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, which will likely feature an offer that will make the four-time Pro Bowl pick the NFL's highest paid defender, according to multiple team and league sources."

This will likely all come down to which team is most willing to bust open its checkbook and pay Suh upward of $100 million over six years. Of the defensive tackle's rumored suitors, the Jacksonville Jaguars have the most cap space; however, they are followed closely by the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns.

Get ready for a wild ride.

Cobb on the Move?

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb appears to be headed to the open market. The veteran pass-catcher is looking for a nice pay increase, and while the Packers were willing to work with him, it doesn't appear likely the two sides will work something out before March 10.

Here's the latest update on the situation, via Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: "According to sources, Sexton has been told by the Packers they'll sign Cobb to a five-year contract averaging in the $8 million to $9 million range. Sexton basically has told the team he's confident more lucrative offers await come Saturday."

Since Cobb didn't ink a new deal with the Packers for that rate, and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, appears confident there will be better deals available in the near future, we can expect the wide receiver to don a new uniform in 2015.

But where will he wind up?

The Raiders may be considered the front-runner after a recent report from Bill Huber of Scout.com:

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Packer Report has learned that at least one team is prepared to offer him $11 million per season.

According to a league source, the Oakland Raiders — led by former Packers director of player personnel Reggie McKenzie — are considering offering Cobb a blockbuster deal.

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That's going to be a difficult offer to beat.

According to Huber, the Jaguars are also expected to "make a run at Cobb," but specifics on what the team is willing to offer are not yet known.

Ingram to Philly?

Rogelio Solis/Associated Press

The Philadelphia Eagles were one side of the year's first blockbuster trade, as they sent running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for linebacker Kiko Alonso, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Mike Rodak.

McCoy was highly productive out of Philadelphia's backfield, and the move leaves the team without an every-down back. So, what was the logic behind the decision? According to MMQB.com's Peter King, head coach Chip Kelly may be looking for more of a north-south runner.

If that's the case, Lyons Yellin of WWL-TV tweeted a very interesting option:

Mark Ingram broke out with the New Orleans Saints in 2014, rushing for 964 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry in 13 games. He's the epitome of a north-south runner and has already excelled in an offense that likes to spread the field.

Although, it may be difficult to pry the running back away from the Saints. During an interview with Jennifer Hale, via Nick Under of The Advocate, head coach Sean Payton expressed his desire to keep Ingram in the fold.

"I spoke with [Ingram] today. The good thing about Mark is that we're real close with his agent," he said. "We work a lot with Joel [Segal]. Mickey will talk with him quite a bit. Obviously he’s someone that we want to keep. Hopefully we can do that."

The Saints may want to keep the running back, but they are in a bad way in terms of cap space heading into the free-agency period and may not be able to match an offer from the financially flexible Eagles.