Around the NFL Offseason

The NFL doesn't have a real offseason; right now, we're simply in a period where no games are being played on the field. The NFL is still in the daily headlines, however, as we all speculate about free agent signings and mock drafts. A quick roundup of recent news:

The Brandon Marshall-to-the-Seahawks rumors persist. Seattle writer Chris Sullivan posts this complicated plan for the 'Hawks and Broncos to effectively switch out their draft picks in a Marshall trade. I, for one, do not see Marshall being traded this offseason. Denver won't deal him unless they're blown away by an offer, but teams may be even less inclined than ever to do that, considering that the Ravens just got Anquan Boldin and a 5th-rounder for only their 3rd- and 4th-round picks.

Another Bronco receiver on the block is tight end Tony Scheffler. Nobody seems to be mentioning this, but the Buffalo Bills would be wise to at least kick the tires on a deal. The Bills have lacked a pass-catching tight end since Jay Riemersma left town, and Scheffler would prove especially useful if Trent Edwards (known to Bills fans as Captain Checkdown) returns as quarterback, and if the Bills don't bring in another wideout to complement Lee Evans and negate the loss of Josh Reed. Young Bills tight end Shawn Nelson has shown promise, but his progress last season was slowed by injury.

Speaking of the Bills, they have signed offensive tackle Cornell Green to a three-year deal. Green is expected to replace the retired Brad Butler at right tackle. Green is expected to bring "leadership by experience," which Bills fans can only hope isn't code for "an old guy collecting a paycheck on a team desperate for help on th eoffensive line." He does have a Super Bowl ring from his days with the Bucs, however.

One major topic of debate has been the quarterback situation in Philly. The Eagles have, in a sense, three starting quarterbacks: incumbent Donovan McNabb, backup Kevin Kolb, who many feel is ready to start, and Michael Vick. Word is that Vick has not generated much interest, but several teams have inquired about McNabb and Kolb. I wonder if perhaps the Eagles could follow in the footsteps of the Browns and seek a complete overhaul at quarterback. The Browns have already dumped former Pro Bowler Derek Anderson and traded for Seattle backup QB Seneca Wallace, and are rumored to be making Brady Quinn available. The Eagles would likely get the biggest package in return by trading McNabb, but he can limit their options because any team acquiring him in a deal would almost certainly want him to sign a contract extension (his deal has only one season left on it). Should McNabb refuse, any deal would probably fall through.

Fantasy owners are presumably torn over the Chiefs' signing of former Jets running back Thomas Jones. Jamaal Charles was Kansas City's primary back after they dumped Larry Johnson, and Charles rushed for seven touchdowns and over 1,000 yards. Now he will have Jones stealing carries, and possibly getting the bulk of goal-line carries.

The Bengals are taking a long, hard look at Terrell Owens as a number two receiver to pair with Chad Ochocinco. Seriously, who didn't see this coming? I'm sure Cincinatti sportswriters are droooling at the amount of front-page quotes they would have to print next year if T.O. brings his act to Ohio. This signing would make sense, as the Bengals could use another offensive weapon, and nothing T.O. could say would faze quarterback Carson Palmer. I'm just wondering if there would be a clause requiring Owens to commit a felony so he'd fit in with the rest of the guys in the locker room.

I know it's old news now, but in my opinion, the Jets' tremendous pickup of cornerback Antonio Cromartie gives them the leg up on New England for the division title in 2010. Opposing teams could pick on Lito Sheppard all season, often leaving Darrelle Revis all by himself on Revis Island. But now, if you're an opposing offense, where do you throw? Their aggressive, blitzing defense doesn't give QBs much time to make reads, and they will now have to deal with two shutdown corners instead of one.