NFL News & Rumors: Thursday 2/21

There’s a lot of news and rumors circulating around due to the NFL Combine, so we’ll be updating this post throughout the day. Check in for the last updates.

NFL Draft

• Georgia LB Jarvis Jones will not work out at this year’s NFL Combine and instead focus on his Pro Day. (Adam Schefter)
• Alabama CB Dee Milliner will undergo surgery following the Scouting Combine to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. (ESPN.com)
  
• Alabama OT D.J. Fluker has dropped 16 pounds since the Senior Bowl and weighed in at 339 pounds on Thursday. This could boast his draft stock a bit. (Daniel Jeremiah)
• Short arms could be an issue for Stanford TE Zach Ertz. (CBS Sports)
• North Carolina G Jonathan Cooper measured 6-foot-2 1/8 and 311 pounds, which could be an indication that he may play center at the next level.
• There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Duke QB Sean Renfree as a potential sleeper in this year’s draft.
• “Rumors persist” that Florida State DE Tank Carradine will be able to work out for NFL teams before the draft.  (National Football Post)

49ers

• GM Trent Baalke mentioned that 2012 first-round pick WR A.J. Jenkins didn’t see a lot of playing time due to the fact that he didn’t know the team’s offense. (Sacramento Bee)
  

Bears

• The Chicago Bears could target LT Jermon Bushrod during free agency. (NFLTR)
  
• New HC Marc Trestman mentioned that the evaluation of free agent Brian Urlacher is an “ongoing process.”  (Jeff Dickerson)
• GM Phil Emery told reporters on Thursday that Shea McClellin will stay at defensive end. (Brad Biggs)
• GM Phil Emery mentioned free agent G Lance Louis is progressing well following ACL surgery.
• GM Phil Emery indicated that they may consider re-signing OT Jonathan Scott this offseason. (Chicago Tribune)

Bills

• President Russ Brandon mentioned that they intend to use the franchise tag as a last resort. Jarius Byrd figures to be the most likely candidate for the designation. (Tim Graham)
  
• There appears to be a growing sense that the Bills will not be able to retain free agent G Andy Levitre. (NFLTR)
• Buffalo has yet to approach QB Ryan Fitzpatrick about restructuring his contract. (Buffalo News)
• GM Buddy Nix mentioned that they would like keep free agent CB/KR Leodis McKelvin. (BuffaloBills.com)

Broncos

• Impending free agent LT Ryan Clady mentioned that he would like to secure a similar contract to that of Joe Thomas and Jason Peters. (NFLTR)
  
• HC John Fox expects QB Peyton Manning to be “even better this year.” (Mike Klis)
• The Broncos could look to add another running back this offseason. (ESPN.com)

Browns

• Browns intend to meet with free agent Josh Cribbs‘ agent at the Combine.  (Mary Kay Cabot)
  

Buccaneers

• HC Greg Schiano mentioned that they’ve yet contact free agent FS Ronde Barber about returning next season.
  

Cardinals

• There are “decision-makers within” the Cardinals’ organization who like the idea of adding QB Alex Smith. (Arizona Republic)
• The Cardinals could be a landing spot for free agent RB Rashard Mendenhall. (NFLTR)
  

Cowboys

• The Cowboys began informal extension discussions with the Tony Romo‘s representatives on Wednesday. (CBSDFW.com)
• VP Stephen Jones mentioned that it’s a “real possibility” they could draft replace for free agent Felix Jones this year. (Dallas Morning News)
  
• VP Stephen Jones said that he “wouldn’t rule Doug [Free] out.” (Dallas Morning News)

Dolphins

• GM Jeff Ireland “indicated” that they’ve already decided on who will be franchised in the next few days. (Gregg Rosenthal)
• GM Jeff Ireland mentioned that he “certainly would” envision Reggie Bush having a role in their offense next season. (Palm Beach Post)
• GM Jeff Ireland referred to re-signing free agent DT Randy Starks as a priority. (Palm Beach Post)

Jaguars

• GM David Caldwell said that they have no intention of using their franchise tag on free agent CB Derek Cox. (Ryan O’Halloran)
  

Lions

• The Lions are expected to restructure the contract of WR Nate Burleson to free up some extra cap space. (Dave Birkett)

Panthers

• Panthers have reportedly reached out to free agent DT Dwan Edwards regarding a new contract.  (Joe Person)
  

Patriots

• CB Alfonzo Dennard is unlikely to face a suspension from the league because the incident took place before he was an NFL player. (Boston Globe)
  

Rams

• RB Terrance Ganaway could have an increased role, especially if they loose Steven Jackson in the coming months.  (St Louis Post-Dispatch)

Ravens

• The Ravens are expected to meet with the representatives for ILB Dannell Ellerbe and CB Cary Williams at the Combine. (Baltimore Sun)

Seahawks

• GM John Schneider mentioned that they may end up keeping quarterback Matt Flynn for another season. (NFLTR)
  

Steelers

• Steelers will meet with free agent WR Steve Breaston‘s agent at the Combine. (Ed Bouchette)
  

Titans

• GM Ruston Webster told reporters that they will retain free agent TE Jared Cook this offseason. Franchise tag seems more likely than a long-term deal. (Terry McCormick)
  
• GM Ruston Webster m mentioned that they want to “improve our OL and overall defensively” this offseason. Webster added he’s not opposed to drafting G in first-round. (Rob Rang)
• The Titans plan to tender an offer to restricted free agent C Fernando Velasco. (Nashville Tennessean)

Vikings

• OT Phil Loadholt is a “plausible candidate” for the franchise tag, but the Vikings would prefer to sign him to a long-term contract. (ESPN 1500 Twin Cities)
  
• DT Kevin Williams has a $7.5 million cap figure in 2013. There’s a chance he could be asked to take a pay cut. (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
• G Charlie Johnson is a candidate for release. (ESPN 1500 Twin Cities)