NFL Free Agency Rumors: Brandon Moore to the Bears, Dustin Keller to the Titans?

Dec. 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard Brandon Moore (65) looks to make a block during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Although we have not hit the official opening of free agency quite yet (Tuesday afternoon), we have hit the limited negotiation period, and the rumors are starting to fly. A couple of those rumors involve New York Jets’ free agents.

In a report on the nfl.com website, the Chicago Bears are reportedly interested in signing the Jets’ former starting right guard.  Although he may be outside the Jets’ price range, Brandon would be an asset to any team that needs help on the offensive line.  He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2011, and has no problems with durability, not having missed any games since 2003.

And the Bears could sure use the help on the offensive line, ranked 24th in the league last year in pass blocking, per Football Outsiders.  16th overall in run blocking, and a 25th power ranking show just an overall bad job by their offensive line.  Brandon Moore made $4 million last year, so he won’t come cheap.  But if the Bears can cough up the dough, it will be great acquisition.

In other news, our buddy Jake Steinberg had this to say, via Twitter, during the afternoon yesterday:

The Tennessee Titans have contacted the agent for TE Dustin Keller. He’s not coming back to the #Jets. #nyj

— Jake Steinberg (@Steiny31) March 9, 2013

Dustin Keller is another guy that sparks a lot of debate amongst the Jets fan base. For all of the fans that think he can excel in the Marty Mornhinweg offense, there are just as many guys that say he is not tough enough. They didn’t franchise Dustin, and expect Jeff Cumberland back, so the writing is on the wall that Keller is out of here.

If Dustin is back to his healthy self, this is a definite upgrade for the Tennessee Titans. Jared Cook was their top tight end in 2012, and he only recorded 44 receptions for 523 yards and 4 TDs. In 2011, for comparison, Keller was 6th overall in tight end receiving yards with 815. He would be an instant positive for the Titans.

Is this the right move for the Jets, to let him go? I still say it’s debatable. The “soft” argument is certainly a fair one, but it is tough to see the Jets let go of another Mark Sanchez weapon. Hopefully, the Jets know what they are doing by showing all of this confidence in Jeff Cumberland.

We will find out soon enough.