NFL Rumors: Analyzing Free-Agent Buzz on Tony Romo, DeSean Jackson and More

The NFL's 2017 free-agency period began on Tuesday, as teams were allowed to begin negotiating with players on new contracts prior to the start of the official 2017 NFL year, which begins on Thursday. 

The new league year officially starts at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, at which point teams and players are allowed to officially sign their new deals. 

Despite the fact that nothing is official until Thursday afternoon, numerous free agents have already agreed to deals and rumors are flying around the league involving the remaining big names on the free-agent market. 

As we approach the start of the new league year, here's a look at some of the most recent whispers around the league involving some of the biggest names on the market. 

Tony Romo 

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has talked openly about letting Tony Romo go this offseason, so his release was expected at some point. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter caught a lot of fans off guard with his report on Wednesday that the Cowboys would release Romo at the start of the league year on Thursday:

As Schefter mentions, Romo is expected to be pursed by the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos. But there could be some unwritten agreement between Romo and the Cowboys which dictates where he is allowed to sign. 

Since Romo was still under contract with the Cowboys, Jones recently said he would follow his "do-right rule" in an effort to find Romo a new home, according to Jon Machota of the Dallas News. Presumably this meant Jones was willing to let Romo leave, but only under certain conditions. 

The Washington Redskins would likely be on any list of teams Romo agreed not to sign with since they play in the same division as the Cowboys. It's possible the list is longer, but neither the Cowboys or Romo have talked publicly about the details of their "do-right rule."

Earlier this week, Mike Klis of 9News reported that the Broncos were interested in pursing Romo. The Broncos and Cowboys are scheduled to play in 2017, but since Denver plays in the AFC they would likely be an acceptable destination for Romo. 

DeSean Jackson

Evan Habeeb/Getty Images

One of the most explosive wide receivers on the free-agent market may not be searching for a new home after all. 

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Washington Redskins are making a surprise effort to keep veteran receiver DeSean Jackson:

Mike Jones, Master Tesfatsion and Liz Clarke of the Washington Post reported earlier this week that the Redskins were expecting to lose both Jackson and Pierre Garcon. But after losing Garcon to the San Francisco 49ers, the Redskins have apparently changed their plans. 

The decision to make a last-ditch effort to re-sign Jackson could also be related to recent changes in the Redskins front office. 

The trio of Washington Post reporters also shed some light on Scot McCloughan's "dwindling role" within the organization. With other front-office execs taking on a larger role, it's possible they switched directions in terms of their handling of Jackson's free agency. 

Brandon Williams

Matt Hazlett/Getty Images

There has been relatively little news surrounding one of the biggest names on the free-agent market, as former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams remains unsigned. 

ESPN.com recently ranked Williams the No.1-overall free agent on the market. Doug Farrar and Bleacher Report's NFL1000 team placed Williams at No. 12 on their list. 

According to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, despite the lack of rumors there is a large market for Williams:

The lack of early rumors surrounding Williams could be a tactical move on his part. This is a deep free-agent class at the defensive tackle position and Williams may want to see what type of deals other players get before inking his own new contract. 

Others such as Bennie Logan, Johnathan Hankins and Dontari Poe will also cash in on the free-agent market. Williams' strategy may be to let them sign first to set the market for his contract. 

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole projects Williams' contract to eventually land among the highest-paid players at his position:

According to Spotrac, Damon Harrison netted $20 million guaranteed, the fifth-highest total among current defensive tackle contracts.