NFL Rumors: Eric Weddle, Akiem Hicks, Broncos, Cowboys, & Packers

Eric Weddle

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reports that free agent S Eric Weddle has decided to keep the identity of all interested teams secret.
• According to Florio, Weddle is expected to reduce his reported list of four teams down to two in the coming days.
• Florio mentions that Weddle’s decision to not release the list of teams he’s considering is designed to prevent fans and players of teams from reacting negatively toward him and the franchise he ultimately chooses.

Akiem Hicks

• Greg Gabriel reports that while there’s no deal between the Bears and free agent DT Akiem Hicks right now, he’s still in Chicago.
• According to Patrick Finley, the market for Hicks is “still hot” and it’s unlikely an agreement with any team will happen tonight.
• Earlier in the day, Mike Reiss mentioned that it would be “an upset” if Hicks were to return to the Patriots, given the level of interest from the Lions and Bears.

Broncos

• John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that Brock Osweiler‘s agent, Jimmy Sexton, instructed him to go dark and not return calls, texts or e-mails from the Broncos or teammates, as he didn’t want sentiment to play a role if he could avoid it.
• McClain adds that Sexton never gave the Broncos a chance to match the Texans’ offer.
• A source tells Mike Klis that Osweiler was “gone” after the Broncos benched him in favor of Peyton Manning.

Cowboys

• According to Brandon George, the Cowboys had “some interest” in CB Casey Hayward before he signed a three-year deal with the Chargers.
• Bryan Broaddus hears that the Cowboys are not among the four reported teams in the mix for S Eric Weddle.

Packers

• Tom Silverstein mentions that CB Casey Hayward is first core member of the Packers’ defense to leave.
• Silverstein adds that OLB Mike Neal and DT B.J. Raji are still in question, but should sign with a team at some point in the near future.