Here is a look at some of the top NFL rumors for Tuesday, July 14:
With Wednesday's deadline to agree on a long-term contract looming, the Denver Broncos and franchise-tagged wide receiver Demaryius Thomas still appear to have some distance in contract discussions. According to 9NEWS's Mike Klis, the Broncos have offered Thomas a deal that would comfortably make him the second-highest paid receiver in the league behind Calvin Johnson. Klis writes that the Broncos' offer is "well north" of Mike Wallace's contract -- the league's second-most lucrative deal -- which averages $12 million per year and includes $30 million in guarantees. Klis adds that Thomas is looking for a deal that would pay him more than Johnson's contract, which averages more than $16 million per year. If the gap cannot be bridged between the two sides by Wednesday's deadline, Thomas can hold out or play out the season on the franchise-tag tender, which would pay him $12.8 million this season. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, if either Thomas or Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant does not sign a long-term deal before the deadline, the NFLPA will pursue collusion charges against the Broncos and/or Cowboys. Graziano writes that the NFLPA believes success in the claim "would result in treble damages, entitling the player or players in question to triple the value of the highest current wide receiver contract on the market." The status of both Pro Bowl receivers, who went two picks apart in the first round of the 2010 draft, will merit plenty of attention moving forward.
Cincinnati Bengals fans should be happy about the likelihood of their own Pro Bowl wide receiver, A.J. Green, eventually re-upping with his team. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Bengals consider an extension for Green a top priority, but a deal is not likely to get done until next offseason. Green said last week that he doesn't plan on worrying about his contract until next offseason, limiting the chances of his situation becoming a distraction in Cincinnati.
New York Jets linebacker Demario Davis appears to be set for a bigger role in Todd Bowles' defense this season. According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, the 2012 third-round pick will be a "huge presence" in the middle of the Jets defense and will even have opportunities to rush the passer from the outside. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Davis could boost his value by capitalizing on any chances to get after the quarterback.
The Rams appear to be very happy with rookie third-rounder Jamon Brown so far. According to NFL.com's Gil Brandt, Jeff Fisher and the Rams see Pro Bowl potential in Brown, who played tackle at Louisville but projects as a guard in St. Louis. The Rams could have as many as three first-time starters on the offensive line come Week 1, including Brown, who is battling at right guard. Rookie second-rounder Robert Havenstein could start at right tackle, while 2013 fourth-rounder Barrett Jones may be the favorite at center. Tackle Greg Robinson -- the No. 2 overall pick in 2014 -- and guard Roger Saffold are likely starters on the left side.