Rumors throughout the NFL are starting to heat up as the 2013 NFL Draft fast approaches. The Jets are still attempting to work out a deal with Tampa Bay for Darrelle Revis, while the Patriots once again dip into the veteran portion of the free agent pool.
NFL roundup: Darrelle Revis rumors heat up, Patriots sign Tommy Kelly, Cowboys reportedly in talks with Eric Winston
Trade rumors between the Jets and Bucs continue to heat up, while the Patriots signed a veteran defensive lineman. Here’s the latest around the NFL.
Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE
Here’s a run down of the latest NFL news and rumors swirling through the league on Monday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets continue to work on a trade for the Jets' star cornerback, Darrelle Revis. Tampa Bay remains Revis' only known suitor, and it seems like the Buccaneers and Jets will get a deal done at some point prior to the 2013 NFL Draft.
Recent reports indicate that the Jets are holding out for Tampa Bay’s 2013 first-round draft pick -- the No. 13 overall pick in the 2013 draft.
Adding Revis would help complete a major overhaul to Tampa Bay’s secondary. The Buccaneers boasted the league’s top run defense in 2012, but also had the league’s worst passing defense.
Bill Belichick added a veteran piece to his defense on Monday, signing former Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly.
Kelly joins a defensive line anchored by Vince Wilfork. With experience at both end and defensive tackle, Kelly's presence will allow Belichick to get creative with his defensive line. Kelly could help New England's pass rush from the interior line -- something that has been lacking in recent years.
New England reportedly gave Kelly a two-year deal, but terms of the deal are currently unknown.
The Dallas Cowboys have had trouble protecting Tony Romo in recent years -- but Dallas appears to be taking steps to rectify that situation. Dallas is reportedly in talks with free-agent right tackle Eric Winston, which would remove Doug Free from his right tackle duties.
A report by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram denies Dallas’ interest in Winston, but Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys and Winston are engaged in talks.
Free is owed over $10 million -- and that money is currently dead against the salary cap. The Cowboys could attempt to move Free to guard, or, wait until later this season and release him, and spread out the salary cap, freeing up money for 2013.
Quarterbacks could go early in NFL Draft
Despite being seen as a relatively weak quarterback class, there could be a run on quarterbacks in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Sports Illustrated's Peter King mused that E.J. Manuel and Ryan Nassib could be first-round selections, while an anonymous general manager told ESPN's Adam Schefter that quarterbacks could 'fall like logs' in the draft.
Schefter's source made his prediction even after the Bills, Cardinals and Raiders acquired Kevin Kolb, Carson Palmer and Matt Flynn to take over at quarterback.
Geno Smith is expected to be the first quarterback taken, but quarterbacks typically are drafted earlier rather than later -- which could mean Nassib, Manuel and Matt Barkley are all drafted sooner than expected.
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