NFL Rumors: Allen Robinson, Patriots Eye D.J. Chark, Saints Quarterback

In this edition of NFL rumors, D.J. Chark is drawing interest from Patriots, Allen Robinson has his suitors, and Saints in on Deshaun Watson.

It’s the Monday edition of NFL rumors on Full Press Coverage and just as we are entering the start of legal tampering and free agency, the football world got flipped upside down once again Sunday night.

After just 40 days, Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady announced his return for a 23rd season and his third year in Tampa Bay. Needless to say, the Buccaneers are now very out of the veteran quarterback market which has heated up in recent days, mostly surrounding Deshaun Watson. In addition, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins signed an extension on Sunday which takes the Vikings out of the market as well.

Forget about the quarterbacks, the NFL rumor mill is swirling just days ahead of free agency. Let’s take a look at the latest rumors from around the league.

Around FPC

NFL RUMORS: NFL Rumors: Amari Cooper, Von Miller, and Tyrann Mathieu

NFL NEWS: The Wild West: Russell Wilson Trade Reshapes AFC West

NFL DRAFT: NFL Draft Profile: Linebacker Nakobe Dean

NFL DRAFT: 2022 NFL Draft Profile: OL Ikem Ekwonu

NHL: NHL Insights: Tyler Toffoli Trade, Jack Eichel’s Return and Wild West

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 34: Russell Wilson Traded To Broncos; Aaron Rodgers Stays In Green Bay

WR Allen Robinson – Suitors Lining Up?

Rumor: The New York Jets, Detroit Lions, and Las Vegas Raiders are among the teams interested in Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson, according to Ian Rapoport.

Over the span of the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson had 200 receptions for 2,397 yards and 13 touchdowns. He took a huge step back in 2021 with just 38 receptions for 410 yards a one touchdown which has put him on the outs in Chicago. However, that hasn’t stopped teams from expressing interest. The Raiders, of course, have a talent deficiency, especially at the receiver position. The Jets would likely want to add as much talent around second-year quarterback Zack Wilson but they are more than just a tweak or two from a postseason appearance. The same can be said about the Lions. Rapoport did mention the Browns as a potential dark horse. Cleveland has already acquired Amari Cooper this offseason but appears willing to part with Jarvis Landry. Robinson could be a relatively cheap replacement with a very high ceiling.

D.J. Chark Drawing Interest From Patriots?

Rumor: Jaguars receiver, D.J. Chark, has at least two notable suitors, one of which is the New England Patriots, according to Jeremy Fowler.

The New England Patriots have been “connected” to just about every free agent and available receiver on the market as they look to upgrade the position around quarterback Mac Jones. Chark played in just four games in 2021, however, he had 53 receptions for 706 yards and five touchdowns in just 13 games in 2020 and set career-highs in 2019 with 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns in just his second season. Chark could offer the Patriots that big-play, downfield receiver they want to compliment this offense.

Saints Are Serious Contenders For Deshaun Watson

Rumor: The New Orleans Saints have become serious contenders for quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to Aaron Wilson.

This made a ton of sense BEFORE Tom Brady announced his return to the Buccaneers for the upcoming season. Now, the Saints are even more desperate to solve their quarterback woes. Doubly important is the fact that one of the other prime contenders for Watson’s services resides in the Saints division. As it was reported earlier, both the Saints and Panthers have sent offers for Watson, however, it is ultimately up to Watson himself whether he would accept a trade to any team. The presence of wide receiver Michael Thomas on the roster should make the Saints situation, post-Sean Payton, far more appealing.