NFL Rumors: Olivier Vernon, Chargers, Chiefs, Steelers, & Titans

Olivier Vernon

Peter King of MMQB.com reports that several teams contacted Olivier Vernon‘s agent during the legal tampering period including the Cowboys, Bears, 49ers, Raiders, Jaguars, Giants and Jets.

However, it was clear that the Jaguars, Giants and Jets were the most interested teams in this group, according to King.

Vernon’s agent wanted Vernon to sign a five-year deal, seeing as this would give him another opportunity to test the open market after that deal is up. According to King, the Giants and Jets were willing to give Vernon a five-year contract, but the Jaguars preferred a six-year deal.

The Jaguars tried to move money around to compete with the Giants, but it became clear that they were the preferred option.

Chargers

• Chargers re-signed exclusive rights free agent G Kenny Wiggins. (Howard Balzer)

Chiefs

• Chiefs re-signed exclusive rights free agent DL David King. (Howard Balzer)

Steelers

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN takes a look at the Steelers’ free agents and their odds of being back in Pittsburgh next year.

• Fowler gives NT Steve McLendon a 40-percent of returning, even though the Steelers have expressed interest in re-signing him.
• Free agent LT Kelvin Beachum‘s odds are just 35 percent, according to Fowler, who mentions that it appears as though they’ll be parting ways.
• As for DBs CB Antwon Blake and S Will Allen, Fowler thinks their chances of being back are just 30 percent and 10 percent respectively.

Titans

New Titans RB DeMarco Murray said he feels “fresh” following a disappoint 2015 season with the Eagles.

“I feel like I took a year off last year, so I am fresh,’’ Murray said, via TitansOnline.com.

Murray admitted that he heard the criticism of him last year.

“I have never been one to pay attention to the critics, but you obviously hear stuff and are around people and you hear things that are said and it definitely fires you up and motivates you,’’ Murray said. “I’m 100 percent (motivated). The NFL is a place where you have to make the best of your opportunities, and every day is a challenge, every day is a competition. I look forward to competing every day and getting back on track and running the ball the way I know I can, and running plays I am intrigued by.”