NFL Free Agency starts on March 9th, and the next few days will feature several a plethora of rumors for all teams around the league. While free agency doesn't officially start until Wednesday, the league has "legal tampering" days leading up to the start of the new team year, meaning teams can discuss contracts with any player - although a deal can't be signed until Wednesday. With that in mind, here are a few of the more interesting rumors and news tidbits around the AFC West.
Brock Osweiler to sign with either Broncos or Texans
Quarterback Brock Osweiler will either re-sign with the Denver Broncos or will sign with the Houston Texans, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Denver and Houston shape up as the two primary potential landing spots for free-agent QB Brock Osweiler.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2016
Denver offered Osweiler a three-year deal worth $45 million, but he wants to see what he can get on the open market, and the Texans are the team that is pursuing him the hardest.
Broncos lose Malik Jackson to Jaguars
Former Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson is finalizing a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars that would make him the fourth-highest paid defensive lineman in the NFL, reports 9News's Mike Klis. The deal is worth $90 million over five years, with $42 million guaranteed. Jacksonville out-bid the Raiders, Bears, and Broncos for his services.
Tamba Hali re-signs with Chiefs
Defensive end Tamba Hali has re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year deal, reports Schefter.
Chiefs and LB Tamba Hali reached agreement on three-year deal that will enable him to finish career in KC, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2016
Oakland pursuing Doug Martin
Running back Doug Martin had a bounce-back year in 2015, rushing for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are trying to re-sign him as a free agent, but the Raiders are hoping that their now vastly improved offensive line will help entice him to come to Oakland.
Thought Oakland was done? I'm told they are now entering the Doug Martin sweepstakes. He could be scary behind that upgraded offensive line.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 8, 2016
Talks with Martin are still in the early stage and nothing is imminent. However, Oakland views him as the power back they want to pair with Latavius Murray.
Olivier Vernon a target for the Raiders
Most of Oakland's defensive targets in free agency come in the secondary, but they're also in the mix for defensive end Olivier Vernon, according to Yahoo! Sports' Charles Robinson.
Expect the market for #Dolphins transition-tagged Olivier Vernon to include: #Giants, #Raiders, #Jaguars, #Browns, #Titans. It'll be robust.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 7, 2016
The Miami Dolphins were expected to keep Vernon, but now that they're on the verge of signing Mario Williams, they appear content to let Vernon walk.
Chargers unlikely to make big move in free agency
San Diego has over $30 million in cap space this offseason, but they're unlikely to make a big splash in free agency. ESPN's Eric D. Williams explains why:
San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco's philosophy is to use free agency as a way to supplement his team’s roster while focusing on the draft to build the foundation.
So even though the Chargers have over $30 million in cap space, which puts them among the top half of teams in the NFL, don’t expect San Diego to make a big splash once free agency begins on Wednesday.
First, California has the highest state income tax in the country. That makes it hard for San Diego to compete with teams in states with no state income tax like Florida, Texas and Washington.
Add to that the fact that the Chargers are coming off a disappointing 4-12 campaign, have one of the worst stadiums situations in the league with a coach on a short leash in Mike McCoy and do not know where they will play in 2016, and you begin to understand why San Diego might not be on the short list of a potential free-agent prospect.
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