Roundup: WR Nicks wants multiyear contract ~ Acantha Sports

Hakeem Nicks actually wants a long-term deal. (USATSI)

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As we make our way toward free agency on Tuesday, here were the news, reports and rumors that happened on Sunday.

Coming off the news that Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks wouldn't mind signing a one-year, prove-it deal in order to make himself a more attractive free agent next offseason, Nicks would like to amend that theory.

Speaking to ESPN's Josina Anderson, here's what Nicks said: "Ideally this is what I want: I want to go to a team where I'm the missing link. There are a number of teams that I have my eye on once I hit the market. I know if I went to a place like Indianapolis I would be dangerous with a quarterback like Andrew Luck. I can see myself catching passes from Cam Newton or even Philip Rivers. Players have already started to reach out to me from other teams saying they would love for me to come join them. I just want to make it clear that I want a long-term deal and I want to be happy. I'm excited about talking to teams and making it work."

For the record, the Colts are about $38 million under the 2014 salary cap, while the Panthers are only about $7 million under (unless they release Steve Smith) and the Chargers are only $5 million under.

But considering how mediocre he's played the past two years, it's fair to say that Nicks might not get that long-term deal quite yet. Instead, he might have to sign with somebody for a year in order to rehab his image.

Hit the road, Jack

According to CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora, Vikings defensive end Jared Allen will not be back in Minnesota. Allen has whittled his free agency wish list down to five teams, but the Vikings are not one of them.

With a 2014 salary cap number that was nearly $15 million, the Jets did the expected Sunday and released cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Said coach Rex Ryan: “Cro is one of the finest athletes I've ever coached. He was willing to contribute wherever the team needed him to win games, be it defense, special teams or offense. He has a passion and enthusiasm for the game and I wish him and his family the best.”

Got to get paid

With the assumed loss of defensive end Jared Allen, the Vikings made a big play for another defensive end, reportedly signing Everson Griffen to a five-year deal worth $42.5 million (with $20 million guaranteed). Griffen only has 17.5 sacks in his first four seasons in the league, but apparently, he's been impressive enough for Minnesota to re-sign him to a huge deal.

Linebacker Jasper Brinkley will return to the Vikings on a one-year deal, according to Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo. Brinkley spent the first four seasons of his career in Minnesota, but he signed with the Cardinals before the 2013 season. He was released by Arizona at the end of last month.

Rumors

The Ravens apparently are feeling more optimistic they can re-sign left tackle Eugene Monroe, according to the Baltimore Sun. If Monroe is signed, the paper expects that it would cost the team between $8.5 million and $9 million per season.

I'm not sure I understand why the Texans would be interested in acquiring Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett for, say, a second-round pick. It sounds like it's not going to happen anyway, but it's a little bit of a mystery why Mallett's name emerges as potential trade bait every year.

With the Saints already cutting receiver Lance Moore and running back Darren Sproles in order to save money on the salary cap, there have been rumblings that running back Pierre Thomas could be the next to go. He's due $2.5 million in base salary and another $400,000 in bonuses, and he counts $2.9 million against the 2014 salary cap (and would leave behind no dead money if he was to be released). But so far, Thomas' agent, Lamont Smith, says everything is status quo for now.

Panthers cornerback Mike Mitchell, coming off a season in which he recorded a career-high four interceptions along with 72 tackles and two forced fumbles, has plenty of suitors, according to the Charlotte Observer. Among those who are reportedly interested include the Redskins, Bears, Eagles, Broncos and Falcons with Washington and Philadelphia showing the most interest.

Browns safety T.J. Ward reportedly has interest from as many as a dozen teams, according to the National Football Post. On the CBSSports.com free agent list, Ward ranks 13th (and as the No. 2 safety).

It sounds like Chris Johnson is not long for Tennessee. Reportedly, the Titans will try to trade Johnson, and if that fails, it sounds like the team will release him.

Photo of the day

With the death of Lions owner William Clay Ford at the age of 88, here's a photo of him from 1953, via Getty Images.

In the picture, King Paul of Greece is sitting in one of the Ford company's first cars, called the Quadrangle. William Clay Ford is standing to the right, while Henry Ford II is to the left.

Tweet of the day

NFL Hot News

Saints looking to unload offensive weapons?

ESPN's Adam Schefter has cited his "sources" as reporting that the New Orleans Saints are shopping WR Lance Moore and RB Pierre Thomas, and could even be open to deals involving RB Darren Sproles.Sproles has been one of the focal points of the Saints offense since coming to New Orleans in 2011. Thomas emerged as another receiving threat out of the backfield for Brees this season, joining Sproles in the 70+ reception club. Moore took a step back in production in 2013 after having his first 1000 yard season for the Saints in 2012.

Sproles was a bit of a letdown in 2013. He did manage to eclipse the 70 catch mark for the third straight year since coming to New Orleans. However, he only found the end zone three times, as opposed to nine and eight TD's the previous two years.Thomas, while not having an amazing season, was a pleasant surprise in PPR formats in 2013. He compiled over 1,000 yards, hauled in 77 passes, and found the end zone five times. Again, not RB1 numbers, by any means, but still a top 20 back in PPR scoring.Moore has been a Saint his entire nine year career and has had marginal success, largely due to decent chemistry with QB Drew Brees. 2013 was the first season of the past four in which he didn't exceed 50 receptions.Odds are they'll try to move Moore and either Thomas or Sproles.Ultimately, these are all "good" players who have benefitted from having Drew Brees as their QB. Moore and Sproles are both slight of build, at 5'9", and will both be 31 when the 2014 season opens. Thomas will be 29... not old, but all of them are definitely playing the back 9 of their career. If they end up anywhere besides New Orleans, from a fantasy perspective, buyer beware!! Losing Moore won't affect much, as he wasn't much of a contributor. If Sproles or Thomas is traded, the remaining between the two and RB Mark Ingram would be in line to get a boost over their 2013 numbers.

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