NFL free agency rumour mill

With the three-day window officially open for teams to be in contact with agents but not strike deals, there is a lot of buzz about many of the NFL’s top prospects.

When the clock strikes 4:00PM on March 11, teams will be moving fast to secure the verbal deals they have bargained for during the ‘tampering’ period from March 8-11.

Here is a look at some of the buzz circling around the NFL right now:

The Houston Texans are in talks with the New England Patriots to acquire back-up quarterback Ryan Mallett in exchange for possibly their second round pick.

If this goes forward it would almost certainly mean they will take Jedaveon Clowney as the no.1 pick in the draft.

Jarius Byrd, who is arguably the most sought after player in free agency, is garnering a lot of interest from teams such as Miami Dolphins, St Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions.

Michael Bennett is being linked to the Chicago Bears, as they have expressed a heavy interest in the Super Bowl-winning defensive end. This would reunite him with his brother Martellus Bennett, who plays tight end for the Bears.

Aquib Talib is being linked with a number of teams including the Washington Redskins, New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers.

Arthur Jones, the former Baltimore Raven, may be the steal of free agency as he is going under the radar so far. With Michael Bennett and Michael Johnson garnering most of the attention, Jones is in the sights of many teams.

Hakeem Nicks, who is looking for a fresh start to revitalise his career, made comments earlier about his ability to play with elite quarterbacks. He mentioned Cam Newton, whose team is in dire need of another wide receiver and could be a match made in heaven for all parties.

But there may be other teams in the mix to get the services of the young wide out.

The Baltimore Ravens are looking for a no.2 receiver and have a genuine elite quarterback with a big arm in Joe Flacco. Tampa Bay and Minnesota also are in the mix with a need at wide receiver.

Chris Johnson may be on the move as the Titans are shopping him to other teams for trades. The market for Johnson is clouded at the moment but once free agency officially begins, there will be a lot of teams who could use the services of CJ2K.

With still time for more parties to come to the table in many negotiations the doors are wide open in this year’s free agency.

On March 11 the flurry begins and players start to make moves all over the NFL as some teams get one step closer to building a championship team.