Sun. March 10, 2013 ... So where are all the early pre-free agency rumors? Speculation-Explanation.

[woodbuck27]

Wow. It sure seems like the Ravens are in for a post-SB hangover. If Reed goes, that would be the third solid vet (Reed, Boldin, Lewis) gone, and Kruger is probably leaving too. Add Flacco's contract to that, squeezing them against the salary cap, and I think they'll be hard pressed to be a playoff team the next couple of years.

I see a ship listing to one side and a whole lot of rodents rushing and squirming to swim to shore.

[woodbuck27]

Lions looking like more likely landing spot for (Reggie) Bush.

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2013, 7:18 AM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/12/lions-looking-like-more-likely-landing-spot-for-bush/

"For a week now, we’ve been saying/suggesting/speculating/whatever that the next destination for running back Reggie Bush likely will be Arizona or Detroit.

As of right now, the Lions look to be the likely winners."

Comment woodbuck27:

I'm not at all sure why PFT has come to this decision. Between Arizona and Detroit, it seems to me the climate in Arizona may suit him better. That and the fact he'll walk into that organization as the very likely NO. 1 RB, without competion.

Remember when we used to discuss Reggie Bush in Green Bay?

[woodbuck27]

Manning, Freeney reunion becoming more likely.

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2013, 7:02 AM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/12/manning-freeney-becoming-more-likely/

" The comment made many wonder where Freeney would fit in an attack featuring defensive end Elvis Dumervil and linebacker Von Miller. The answer has since become clear — Dumervil and his $12 million base salary will be dumped by Saturday, at which time the payment becomes fully guaranteed.

While the Broncos have plenty of options, we’re told that Manning wants Freeney. Though Manning has no plan to make a power play, he has a way of getting his point across.

And it’s safe to assume he already has."

Comment woodbuck27:

So...is that the rest of the story? Stay tuned to Packerrats to find out. Free Agency is 8 hours and 10 minutes away. It's now 7:50 AM ET.

[woodbuck27]

Dolphins think Vikings may offer Mike Wallace $13 million a year.

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 12, 2013, 6:28 AM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/12/dolphins-think-vikings-may-offer-mike-wallace-13-million-a-year/

Comment woodbuck27:

Now here's a perfect example of the media having too much input towords a potential poor outcome. I'm trying to find something that backs up this speculation.

Personally I don't see Mike Wallace in Minny. They just traded a problem. Would they commit that large sum of CAP space ($13 million$) to a potential other?

Besides, what difference does another year make in terms of Mike Wallace and his need for more money? He made a bid for more last off season and how did that work out for him? Did he prove to the NFL last season, that he 'in fact' deserves if not a kings... a prince's ransom?

NFL GM's must stop over paying before this foolishness ruins the NFL.

RE: The Vikings. If they could attain Victor Cruz from the GIANTS for that first round pick they snaped from Seattle in the Percy Harvin deal, they would be better served.

[woodbuck27]

Bears “hot” on Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt

Posted by Darin Gantt on March 12, 2013, 10:37 AM EDT

"As the Bears attempt to bolster their offensive line, they’re looking to weaken a division rival’s by possibly making an early run at Minnesota’s Phil Loadholt.

The Vikings right tackle has started 63 of 64 games since the Vikings took him in the second round of the 2009 Draft.

While the Vikings want to retain him, they don’t want to go over $5 million a year for a right tackle in a market thick with blockers, according to Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com"

[denverYooper]

Hmm, interesting about Loadholt. He was part of the reason that the Vikes were very good running around the right side.

I wonder if AD is lobbying for Loadholt to be paid?

[woodbuck27]

Hmm, interesting about Loadholt. He was part of the reason that the Vikes were very good running around the right side.

I wonder if AD is lobbying for Loadholt to be paid?

The way the Vikings seem to be playing it. Their offense will likely go into some decline next season. That their running game will slip in 2013 and approach the status of their passing game.

It appears to me as if their re-loading.

[Patler]

I would like nothing better than for the Bears to overpay Loadholt. I think he is a decent player, but not a great one, so wasting a few extra bucks on him is a good thing. More importantly, it makes it more likely that Gabe Carimi will be playing a position he is not best suited for.

[woodbuck27]

This report is kinda funny:

Bears part ways with team chaplain Ray McElroy

Posted by Darin Gantt on March 12, 2013, 12:51 PM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/12/bears-part-ways-with-team-chaplain-ray-mcelroy/

" Apparently, not even God is immune to the pressure of a flat salary cap.

The Bears made the unusual move of getting rid of their team chaplain, according to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times. " FR. LINK

[pbmax]

He refused to nominate Ditka for Pope.

[pbmax]

Jason Wilde @jasonjwilde
Colts, Titans, Eagles, Saints (not #Packers) per @RapSheet. RT @ProFootballTalk: Ricky Jean Francois getting a good deal of interest

Packers interest either dried up or was a product of the agent looking to drum up competing offers.

[woodbuck27]

(Andy) Levitre looking at big money in Nashville

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2013, 3:42 PM EDT

" Per a league source, Adams’ Titans are expected to sign Levitre to huge-money deal after the free-agency period opens.

Levitre, who spent the first four years of his career in Buffalo, will bolster an offensive line in Tennessee that needs bolstering.

Either way, the checkered flag on free agency will be waved soon."


Comment woodbuck27:

I think he means 'green' flag not checkered flag that would signal the end of the Pre FA period we've looked at since last friday.

FA is about 10 minutes away.

[woodbuck27]

Ohh I watched a report of one more rumor on NFL Access just before the opening of FA:

I'm not sure who it was, but someone who seemed to have an inside on things Green Bay Packer suggested that ....Ted Thompson will be quiet in the early stages of FA.

I cannot imagine that being 'the TRUTH'.

I also have been hearing rumblings that several noted NFL players are relishing an opportunity to rub shoulders with Charles Woodson. That they would love to have him in their locker room; as their teammate for the experience credits he would provide.

Some of those players play for the Seattle Seahawks.