Here is a look at some of the top rumors for Tuesday, July 21:
The next quarterback to get a contract extension this offseason could be New York Giants QB Eli Manning. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Giants "hope to do a deal either before training camp or early on in training camp." Manning's contract -- a six-year, $97.5 million extension signed in 2009 -- expires at the end of this season. Rapoport said he's heard both sides "think and hope (a deal) will get done this year." In March, sources told ESPN's Dan Graziano that the sides weren't close on an extension and that New York would be comfortable letting Manning play out the final year of his deal. Graziano also reported that an extension for Manning could be impacted by the five-year, $99 million extension Ben Roethlisberger signed in March, a deal that exceeded what the Giants would prefer to pay Manning.
With Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills now gone, the New Orleans Saints appear to be turning to 2014 first-round pick Brandin Cooks as their offensive focal point. Larry Holder of NOLA.com says "there's little doubt Cooks will be Drew Brees' top target in the passing game" this season, suggesting that last year's 20th overall pick has the potential to become an "Antonio Brown-like threat." Cooks certainly showed ability as a rookie, when he caught 53 passes (with a 76.8 catch rate, an NFL-best among WRs) for 550 yards and three touchdowns before a broken thumb ended his season in Week 11. With the speed and elusiveness to burn up the Superdome turf, Cooks could rack up the numbers in his second season.
Heading into the final year of his contract, Seattle Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung plans to negotiate his next contract without an agent, according to a post he wrote for The Players' Tribune. Okung did note that he'll pay an expert a one-time flat fee "to read the paperwork." A few players, including Baltimore Ravens safety Matt Elam and Giants tackle Ereck Flowers, have negotiated their own rookie deals in recent years, but rarely does that happen with a veteran on his way to free agency. Okung's writing makes it sound like the Pro Bowler plans on extracting his full value from the market, which may make it tough for Seattle to re-sign him. The Seahawks have handed out several big extensions recently and still have Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner approaching free agency. Okung's hefty rookie contract -- six years, $48.5 million signed in 2010, the last year before the new CBA began -- further limits the team's leverage.
Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta is likely to begin the regular season on the physically unable to perform list, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Pitta, who signed a five-year, $32-million deal last offseason, fractured and dislocated his right hip in each of the last two seasons, missing 12 games in 2013 and 13 games in 2014. According to Wilson, there is concern that Pitta could suffer the injury a third time, potentially ending his career. Either way, it appears Pitta will miss at least six games by starting the season on the PUP list.