Although nothing is imminent (per Adam Schefter), the Minnesota Vikings appear to have genuine interest in LaDainian Tomlinson, 30, as do several other unnamed teams. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune adds, “The fact Tomlinson remains on the market is evidence of the fact his best years are behind him. But he could play a valuable role as the backup to Adrian Peterson. ”

Tomlinson would replace Chester Taylor, now in Chicago, as the running back in Minnesota’s offense who doesn’t fumble. Although Taylor didn’t serve a great role as a ball carrier, he was very important in passing situations. Tomlinson, despite recent injuries and a decline in ability, remains one of the league’s most capable receivers at running back.

He has 530 career receptions for 3,955 yards and 15 touchdowns. Last season was the first in his career in which he had 50 or fewer receptions (he had 20).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Bryant has scheduled a visit with the Washington Redskins. This news comes shortly after Bryant paid a visit to the Cincinnati Bengals today.

Bryant, who is entering his ninth NFL season and will be joining his fifth franchise this offseason, is coming off what is statistically his worst season since 2004. Bryant’s best season came just two years ago when he set career highs in receptions (83), yards (1,248), and touchdowns (7).

In addition to Bryant, the Bengals have also been tied to Terrell Owens and Brandon Marshall in recent news. Washington, on the other hand, could make Bryant the team’s featured wide receiver, and the franchise has not been tied to any other substantial rumors.

Over the past few days, the Bengals have been tied by rumors to two of the most controversial wide receivers of the decade: Terrell Owens and Brandon Marshall. (If only there was a news report suggesting interest in Randy Moss…)

Chad Ochocinco (another player in the aforementioned group) has lobbied for the Bengals to get Terrell Owens, and now it looks like a legitimate possibility. According to Drew Rosenhaus, who represents both Ochocinco and T.O., the Bengals are a very potential suitor for Terrell Owens.

“Right now, I would say that everyone knows that the Cincinnati Bengals have expressed some interest in Terrell, and they have spoken with him and myself,” Rosenhaus said. “Where we go from here, I’m not sure, but I think it’s at least a positive dialogue. … And we’ll just see how that plays out. But certainly that’s something that is a possibility. I guess that’s about the most I can say right now.”

But it doesn’t sound like a deal will get done for Marshall. Recent analysis over at PFT suggests the Bengals are merely trying to drive down the price on Terrell Owens (and Antonio Bryant) by feigning interest in Marshall. That makes some sense, and I’ll repeat what I’ve said in the past: at the end of the day, Brandon Marshall’s most likely home next season is Denver.

The Denver Post is reporting today that JJ Arrington is more important to the Broncos than most fans may realize. The Post cites “many [anonymous] personnel executives” around the league who believe Knowshon Moreno wore down last season. Whether this argument is accurate is hard to say. Moreno was carrying 19+ times per game between weeks 12-15; in weeks 12-13 he put up great numbers and in weeks 14-15 his numbers dipped significantly. Whether that’s a sign of him wearing down is a matter of debate.

On the other hand, Moreno didn’t prove himself to be a terrific receiver out of the backfield. His 7.6 yards per reception average is respectable, but there were only five games in which he caught three or more passes. Josh McDaniels loves what Arrington did in Arizona in passing situations, but injuries and surgery kept him from playing in 2009. The Broncos have signed him again this offseason at a very modest price, but if he can be a successful third-down back and someone who can sometimes spell Moreno, he’ll be regarded as one of the most important signings for the Broncos in 2010.

The Eagles, who not long ago released long time starter Brian Westbrook, are now considering signing restricted free agent Mike Bell. Bell, who is coming off one of the two best seasons of his four-year career, looked excellent last season in New Orleans offense. Though sidelined part of the season and in a change-of-pace role the rest, Bell did manage to rush for 654 yards on 172 carries.

The Eagles tend to sign running backs with high receiving potential. Bell hasn’t played any type of receiving role in an offense since his rookie season in 2006 when he had 20 receptions for 158 yards in Denver’s offense. Bell was second to Tatum Bell that season in the offense, but he was a solid short yardage contributor with eight rushing touchdowns and 677 rushing yards on 157 carries.

Perhaps the best question concerning Bell is not where he’ll end up but rather, what number will he wear on his jersey next season? In his four NFL seasons, spread between two teams, Bell has had four number changes. Between 2006-2009, he wore numbers 20, 30, 40, and 21, respectively.

One Bay Area beat reporter isn’t afraid to suggest LaDainian Tomlinson’s most likely suitor is the Oakland Raiders. Oddly, this speculation comes despite Tomlinson’s statement that he will never sign with the Raiders.

“The Raiders are pretty set in the backfield,” he said. “Even if they weren’t, I wouldn’t become a Raider.”

But writer Jerry McDonald does make one good point: the Raiders love to sign former stars, even those well past their prime (think Jerry Rice). There’s little doubt in my mind Al Davis is thinking of bringing in Tomlinson.

I’ll also throw this out there: the Raiders aren’t set in the backfield. After releasing Justin Fargus, Oakland is left with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Bringing in a veteran leader, especially one as productive as LT, would be a big boon for the Raiders.

Unfortunately, most players want two things when their careers are winding down: the opportunity to play and the opportunity to win. Tomlinson may get the former in Oakland, but history suggests the latter is a pipe dream.

Defensive end Julius Peppers is paying a visit to the Chicago Bears today, increasing the likelihood he’ll sign with the franchise sometime in the near future, perhaps as soon as later today. Peppers, who recorded 10.5 sacks last season, will no doubt demand a high salary. Chicago’s desperation for help on the defensive line could drive them to pay Peppers, who turned 30 in January, more than he’s worth.

That said, Julius Peppers has tremendous size and athleticism. He has 25 sacks the past two seasons and will immediately make an impact on the Bears’ defense, which ranked middle of the pack in sacks last season. In a division with weak pass protection — Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Matt Stafford combined for 108 sacks in 42 games last season — getting Peppers to harass opposing quarterbacks could give the Bears an advantage.

In addition to Peppers, ex-Vikings running back Chester Taylor is also visiting the Bears. Taylor, who has excelled in his role as a 3rd down back with the Minnesota Vikings, turns 31 this season. But due to his role in Minnesota (and previously Baltimore), Taylor has only carried 1,028 times in his eight-year career. In other words, he still has tread on the tires and gas in the tank. If the Bears do offer Taylor a contract, expect him to start at running back after Matt Forte’s disappointing 2008 season.

With rumors swirling concerning where Broncos wide receiver and restricted free agent Brandon Marshall will wind up, don’t expect Cincinnati to be a potential suitor. According to Joe Reedy of Cincinnati.com, the Bengals won’t make a move for Marshall because (a) they’ll need to give up a draft pick and (b) Marshall has off-field problems too severe for the team to justify giving up a first round draft pick.

Speaking of Marshall, the Bears are very interested according to reports. Keep in mind, however, that Chicago would need to negotiate another trade with the Broncos to get him. They gave up their 2010 first round draft pick in last year’s infamous Cutler trade, so they can’t sign any restricted free agents with a first round tender. That said, don’t rule them out as a possibility. Reuniting Marshall with Cutler might be just what the team needs to reinvigorate the offense and get things rolling.

Also, one last potential suitor: the Washington Redskins desperately need to upgrade their offense. Mike Shanahan and Brandon Marshall get along fine, and Shanny might want to make a move to get Jason Campbell (or another quarterback, depending on how free agency plays out) a big target with huge production potential.

But, at the end of the day, the most likely home for Marshall is still Denver. Josh McDaniels has publicly said there are no barriers to bringing him back, and if the Broncos lose Marshall, their wide receiver corps weakens significantly. Not good news for an offense that struggled at times to move the ball last season.

The Green Bay Packers might have a little turmoil at the offensive line position. According to the Journal-Sentinel’s Greg Bedard, Daryn Colledge is “privately furious” about being tendered with (an expected) 2nd round draft pick.

“If it’s a second round, maybe I have a chance to move,” Colledge said on the radio. “Maybe I could be coming to a city near you.”

According to reports, Colledge is tired of playing in Green Bay where he was been forced to play multiple positions last season. Unfortunately, his venting and frustrations aren’t likely to buy him out of Green Bay. Watching him play in Green Bay, Colledge is a mediocre offensive lineman with little room for development. Him leaving would hurt the Packers because they lack depth (and starters, really), not because he’s a surplus of talent.

Expect Green Bay to use free agency and the upcoming NFL draft to upgrade the offensive line that gave up 51 sacks last season and at one point was on pace to set an NFL record. If they don’t make a move, Allen Barbre could end up with a starting role at tackle. Those who saw his performance against Minnesota last year ought to be frightened by that possibility.

Apparently in recognition of their defense’s below-average performance last season, the Chicago Bears are reportedly looking into signing either Julius Peppers or Aaron Kampman, both considered among the best available defensive ends in free agency.

Perhaps the better value would be Aaron Kampman, and stealing him from Green Bay would be icing on the cake. He’ll likely come at a premium in comparison to Peppers, and Kampman’s work ethic is well documented. He would bring the team a speed rusher with the potential for 10 or more sacks next season. It’s only a shame he’s coming off an injury that ended his 2009 season early.

“I think Aaron was doing very good,” said Packers GM Ted Thompson. “It’s a shame he got hurt, but he was doing fine. He’s physical, he’s got the ability to ‘get thick’ on people. Somebody told me that term the other day, and I wanted to use it, so there it is. He can play the game. He sacks the quarterback, and that’s unbelievably valuable in our league.”

Peppers, on the other hand, will likely with a bigger price tag. But the Bears, considered desperate for a good defensive end, will likely pony up the cash. And, really, why not? He has incredible size and his athleticism, though waning, is still impressive. He’s racked up more than 10 sacks in five of the past six seasons, and he’s a fumble forcing machine. Forcing turnovers — and getting Cutler’s arm under control — might be just what the Bears need to make a run at a division title.

Stay tuned to this rumor as it develops.