NFL Rumors: Kyler Murray Bulks Up Before Combine Visit
Starting this week, prospects that are expected to be selected in the NFL draft will gather in Indianapolis for the annual scouting combine.
This is just the first step of the process that will end in Nashville for the draft in April.
Meanwhile, the business of free agency and roster shaping has essentially started as teams can select players to use the franchise tag on as a means of securing another year of service without free agency and in hopes of reaching a long term deal.
Teams have until March 5 to use it, and once it's tendered and signed, teams and players have until July 15 to try to negotiate a deal.
If no deal is reached, the player must play out the year under the tag, which is not to be worth less than the average of the league's top five salaries at the player's position.
In each of the past two years, five teams have used the tag on players, with only three able to reach a deal before the deadline.
Here are all the latest rumors and news from around the NFL.
• Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray bulks up to 206 pounds before combine. Murray was listed at 5'10," 195 pounds in college. (Peter King, NBC Sports)
• The Panthers are releasing nickel cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• The NFL's Competition Committee is set to meet in Indianapolis to discuss possible rule changes. (Judy Battista, NFL.com)
• NFL prospect and former Florida offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor has a mild hamstring strain and has been advised not to perform drills at scouting combine. (Adam Schefter, ESPN. com)
• Clemson defensive Austin Bryant, who had surgery last month on a torn pectoral muscle, also won't participate in drills at combine. (Ian Rapaport, NFL.com)
• An arrest warrant for Patriots owner Robert Kraft could come as early as Monday. Kraft was charged with in Florida with soliciting prostitution. (Michele Steele, ESPN)
• Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell hinted at interest in joining the Philadelphia Eagles. Bell was notified on Wednesday that the Steelers wouldn't be tagging him, making him an unrestricted free agent in March.
• Raiders coach Jon Gruden said he is open to trading any of his late first-round picks in the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft as there is "a lot of potential for trades." (Grant Gordon, NFL.com)
