NFL Free Agency Rumors: Jermichael Finley Drawing Interest; 49ers Eyeing Michael Bennett?

Jermichael Finley
Jermichael Finley
Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley Benny Sieu USA TODAY Sports

Jermichael Finley has yet to be medically cleared for football, but it’s not stopping teams from checking in on the soon-to-be former Green Bay Packers tight end. According to the Boston Globe, the New York Jets, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers have all shown interest in signing Finley.

The Jets may be a long shot after re-signing Jeff Cumberland and the Steelers extended Heath Miller, but the Giants need a tight end to replace impending free agent Brandon Myers. Antrel Rolle has been recruiting Finley to New York this offseason, but have also been connected to Green Bay’s other tight end, Andrew Quarless.

The Chiefs have a void at tight end, and the Seahawks are set to lose Anthony McCoy in free agency and could potentially release Zach Miller.

After news surfaced that Michael Bennett will not be returning to Seattle next season, one team that immediately rose to the top of the list of suitors was the San Francisco 49ers. According to Pro Football Talk, there is a belief Seattle’s NFC West rival will make a run at Bennett — joining an already talented defensive line that includes Justin Smith and Aldon Smith —  or try to drive up the cost of Bennett to ensure the Seahawks cannot afford more players in free agency.

Bennett could eventually succeed Smith or allow him to become a situational pass-rusher. Or, because of his versatility, Bennett could line up at different positions along the defensive line and even stand up as a pass-rusher.

Other teams that could be interested in Bennett include the Chicago Bears, where Bennett’s brother, Martellus Bennett, plays tight end. The Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys have also been mentioned as potential landing spots.

It seems as if more and more Pro Bowlers are heading toward the open market. Next in line: Vontae Davis.

According to the Indy Star, Davis and the Indianapolis Colts are “not close to a deal,” though talks between the team and player continue. No deal is imminent, per the report, and the sides are far apart in negotiations. Davis is reportedly seeking a deal greater than the one signed by Brent Grimes, who got a four-year, $32 million from the Miami Dolphins.

Davis was reportedly the Colts’ top offseason priority, but if they allow to let the 25-year-old cornerback walk there are other options available. Aqib Talib, Brandon Browner and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are the top free agents available at the position.

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Sam Spiegelman
Sam Spiegelman is a native New Yorker covering sports in New Orleans. He likes Game of Thrones way too much. Tweet him @samspiegs.