NFL Huddle: Victor Cruz deal coming, Josh Freeman is Greg Schiano’s guy

The deadline for franchise tagged players to sign long-term deals is July 15. That means players, like the Dolphins' Randy Starks, will need to sign a long-term deal before that date or be forced to play out the season under the one-year franchise tag contract.

Ryan Mathews was NOT arrested this past weekend. Early Monday morning reports stated that he was, but as it turns out, he wasn't, according to San Diego Police. See the confusing story at Bolts From The Blue.

Victor Cruz deal coming? Chris Mortensen writes that Cruz will get a new contract by training camp. Big Blue View responds: "Mortensen's 'report' really doesn't seem like much of a report at all. It's more of the same regarding what Mortensen said last week about Cruz and the Giants when he said he would be 'shocked' if a deal was not reached prior to training camp."

Why didn't the Bengals draft Aaron Hernandez three years ago? Mike Brown responds: "That one is no secret. We just stayed away from it," Brown said. "We didn't question the playing ability. But we went for Gresham."

Greg Schiano backs Josh Freeman. The summer of controversy! "But we have a quarterback, it's Josh Freeman and he had a really good spring," Schiano said, via Bucs Nation. "I mean a really good spring. I think it's really coming together, being in this system for his second year now and hearing the things over again after being able to study it. I'm really encouraged."

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie said the Broncos did something other teams hadn't done: They told him about his flaws. No team had done that, DRC said. Bleeding Green Nation takes a look at those comments and points out one of his flaws.

The Redskins should continue operating out of the pistol, Hogs Haven writes. The pistol, not necessarily the read option.

A Colts safety was arrested recently but Stampede Blue writes that that shouldn't reflect poorly on everyone.

Jaguars offseason pick-up Jason Babin is nearing 100 percent after missing much of the Jaguars OTAs.

Could the Raiders actually be -- gasp -- good this year? Silver and Black Pride writes the time is now to see their potential. "This season in many people's mind has low expectations but I see a team capable of surprising everybody. What we need to see from this team now is to actually meet the potential instead of just having it there."

Buffalo Rumblings is counting down the top 10 Bills players who will decide the 2013 season. No. 10 is offensive lineman Eric Wood. "New head coach Doug Marrone was an offensive lineman during his playing days, and cut his NFL coaching teeth as a top-notch offensive line coach," Buffalo Rumblings writes.