NFL Free Agency Speculation: Latest Darren Sproles Rumors & Speculation

A few weeks (or months?) from now, once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, madness will ensue regarding free agency once the clock strikes midnight.

Though players are allowed no contact with their respective employers until then, it hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning out the latest rumblings.

Let's take a look at the latest whispers around the league regarding free agency,and where several key veterans could end up this fall.

Darren Sproles Leaving San Diego?

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Running back Darren Sproles #43 of the San Diego Chargers rushes against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Gett

Running back/returner Darren Sproles has long been a fan favorite in San Diego.

However, his days as a Charger could be finished.

The pocket-sized playmaker's contract has expired and with free agency lurking, all indications are the team is prepared to move on without him.

Sproles is a dynamic return man and one of the better change-of-pace backs in the league. However, with his high price tag and last year's first-round pick, Ryan Mathews, entering his second season with high expectations, the Chargers may have deemed Sproles as expendable.

San Diego drafted returner Marcus Gilchrist in the second round and running back/returner Jordan Todman in the sixth round, thus increasing whispers that Sproles could be on his way out.

Where Will Matt Hasselbeck End Up?

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to throw the ball during pregame before taking on the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

With Matt Hasselbeck entering free agency and the Seahawks opting not to select a quarterback in this year's draft, all indications are that it is Charlie Whitehurst's time in Seattle.

Sports Illustrated's Peter King remains adamant that Hasselbeck is finished in Seattle. A multitude of local and national reporters seem to agree. If Hasselbeck is moving on, which teams will be interested?

In a question-and-answer session with his followers in the wee hours of Wednesday night, King cited the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings as potential suitors.

Two of those teams—Tennessee and Minnesota—spent their first-round draft picks on their presumed quarterbacks of the future, Jake Locker and Christian Ponder, respectively.

Arizona is thought to be one of the front-runners in the Kevin Kolb sweepstakes.

Miami doesn't seem to be completely sold on quarterback Chad Henne or at the very least may be looking to bring in a veteran to promote competition at the position. Miami is one team rumored to be interested in Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, but owner Mike Brown maintains Palmer will play for the Bengals in 2011, or he will play nowhere.

Should King's proclamations about Hasselbeck ring true, it will be interesting to see what type of market develops for his services.

Much of it will have to do with how long the lockout lasts.

Sidney Rice Moving On?

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings in action against Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice's contract has expired, and judging from recent events, there doesn't appear to be any plans for him in Minnesota's future.

When recently asked to talk about the direction of the Vikings' offense in 2011, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave told the Star Tribune, "We've had a number of meetings this offseason as a staff, devoting ways to get the ball into Percy Harvin's hands, ways to get the ball into [Visanthe Shiancoe's] hands, ways to get the ball into Adrian Peterson's hands—whether it be conventional or unconventional ways."

One notable name missing is Rice. 

Either Musgrave didn't feel comfortable enough about Rice's future with the Vikings to include him, or he simply forgot to mention arguably the team's most dynamic playmaker outside of Peterson.

Since Rice has just four years of NFL service, his status—like many other big-name free agents—is uncertain until the rules of free agency are decided in the new collective bargaining agreement. However, there will be a number of teams that will be in reeling in Rice.

Out for much of 2010 due to a hip injury, Rice had a monster 2009 season and, at 6'4" is an ideal red-zone target.

Will Plaxico Burress Land with the Philadelphia Eagles?

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants warms up for the game against the Arizona Cardinals on November 23, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Rumors regarding possible landing spots for wide receiver Plaxico Burress have gone haywire since the moment his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, bear-hugged him upon his release from prison on Monday.

However, one team that doesn't seem to be going away amongst all of the rumors is Philadelphia Eagles. Perhaps the speculation comes from the success they enjoyed behind another former high-profile skill position player and former prison inmate last season.

With the Michael Vick experiment turning out better than many ever thought possible, Eagles fans are licking their chops at the possibility of similar results from Burress.

It will probably take Burress some time to get back into the pace of the NFL, but the combination of Vick, Burress, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy has the potential to be a very dangerous one in Philadelphia.

Though speedy and dynamic playmakers, Burress offers something fellow receivers Jackson and Burress don't have—size. At 6'5", Burress could provide Vick with the huge red zone target, perhaps the only thing this Eagles offense lacks.

Jacksonville Looking for a Linebacker?

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TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 30: Linebacker Barrett Ruud #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sets on defense against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on November 30, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

According to Jason Love of Jacksonville Jaguars blog Black and Teal, Jags general manager Gene Smith has indicated the team will sign two to four free agents.

Among the team's biggest needs, signs point to Jacksonville pursuing some help at linebacker.

Inside backers entering free agency include Paul Posluszny, Barrett Ruud and Stephen Tulloch, although it is widely believed the Buffalo Bills will do all they can to retain Posluszny.

Possible targets at outside linebacker could include Thomas Howard, Quincy Black, James Anderson, Rocky McIntosh, Manny Lawson, Takeo Spikes and Stephen Nicholas.

A fairly talented group to choose from, the Jags should have no problems improving their linebacker corps this offseason.

Mathias Kiwanuka to the New England Patriots?

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 12: Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants looks on against the Carolina Panthers on September 12, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Panthers 31-18. (Photo by

The New England Patriots typically aren't a team with too many dire needs across the board.

However, one area in which the Pats could afford to improve is their porous pass-rush.

New England took plenty of heat in the 2011 NFL draft for passing on many elite pass-rusher prospects. Now, the team could be looking toward free agency to fill that void.

The Patriots have been mentioned as one of the possible suitors for pending free-agent defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka.

However, Kiwanuka was listed as a surprise participant in a workout with many New York Giants teammates on Tuesday, according to the New York Post.

Could Kiwanuka be staying with the Giants?

With five years of NFL service, Kiwanuka would be a restricted free agent if the league decides to use the 2010 rules regarding player movement. Also, prior to the lockout, the Giants placed a tender on the defensive end.

It seems New England may have to look elsewhere to pick up their pass rusher, depending on the rules regarding free agency in the new collective bargaining agreement.

Are the Philadelphia Eagles the Frontrunners for Nnamdi Asomugha?

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 25: Nnamdi Asomugha #21of the Oakland Raiders hops on the field during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs November 25, 2007 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Ever since ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported there was a clause in cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha's contract that would allow him to become a free agent and restrict the Raiders from placing a franchise tag on him, NFL teams have been bracing to send huge offers his way.

There isn't a team in the league who wouldn't love to have Asomugha on its roster, but one team has remained a front-runner since the moment Schefter broke the news—the Philadelphia Eagles.

Cornerback Asante Samuel still plays at Pro Bowl level, but the Eagles desperately need help opposite of him.

However, as far as Asomugha-to-the-Eagles rumors are concerned, CBS Sports' Clark Judge says not so fast.

"There's no question that Asomugha will be a hot property," Judge writes. "He's one of the game's elite defenders, so proficient that once he hits the free-agent market a bidding frenzy should erupt. But don't expect the Eagles to join the charge. I don't. And neither do others who are close to the organization."

"They tell me there is an indifference toward Asomugha," he continues, "mostly because he will cost a fortune but partly because he's a press cornerback who plays only the right-cornerback position. I know, I know, the Eagles need another cornerback like L.A. needs Sig-Alerts, and they could especially use one at the right-cornerback spot. But I've heard too many people say the Eagles aren't all that jacked up about Asomugha not to pay attention."

This is a very intriguing report with Judge claiming to have inside knowledge of the situation. However, even if it is true, it would be the first report of its nature among many that claim the Eagles are interested.

Donovan McNabb Headed to Minnesota?

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines against play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

There were interesting developments recently in Minnesota, with Jason La Canforna of NFL.com reporting that Minnesota quarterbacks Christian Ponder and Joe Webb had difficulties gathering veteran players to attend organized practices.

This has raised many concerns that a team with so many veterans with playoff (and Super Bowl) aspirations may be a bit hesitant to hand the reins of the team over to an rookie (Ponder) or unproven youngster (Webb).

Therefore, it's not out of the question for the Vikings to consider a veteran such as Donovan McNabb if (or when) he becomes available once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. Unlike Ponder and Webb, McNabb has experience as a leader on both the field and the locker room and may be a more intriguing option for Vikings vets who would rather win now than later.

In a division that hosts quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and former first-overall pick Matthew Stafford, the Vikings will need good quarterback play in order to be competitive.

At the very least, McNabb would be a nice bridge to the Christian Ponder era in Minnesota, allowing the rookie time to develop.

Ike Taylor Leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers?

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 24-19. (Photo by Nick Laham/G

Cornerback Ike Taylor is in a peculiar spot this offseason.

He isn't quite an elite cornerback such as Nnamdi Asomugha or Johnathan Joseph, both of whom will also be entering free agency, but has been a solid player for quite some time.

Consistent in Pittsburgh for several years, Taylor may want to test his market value.

With several cornerback-needy teams—Detroit, Washington, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Philadelphia—he could leave Pittsburgh chasing a big-money deal.

Or will he stay with the Steelers, who are seemingly always contenders in the AFC?

At 31 years old, this will be Taylor's last chance to land a big deal.

He may not be willing to give the Steelers a hometown discount.

Are the New England Patriots Looking for Weapons for Tom Brady?

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots have had a tremendous amount of success finding weapons for Tom Brady through trades and free agency.

Think of Randy Moss, Danny Woodhead and most recently, Deion Branch's return to the Pats last season.

There are rumblings that the Patriots will be looking for help at receiver this offseason, and there will be plenty of options.

Chad Ochocinco will likely be released by the Bengals, and if anyone can resurrect his career, it's Bill Belichick. Santonio Holmes would be a nice addition, but he figures to be re-signed by the New York Jets. Sidney Rice is an intriguing possibility, but depending on the new rules regarding player movement, he may not be leaving Minnesota. Steve Smith of the Panthers could also be a great fit. 

Also, let's not forget about Plaxico Burress, who is free to sign anywhere.