Here's a look at some of the top rumors for Wednesday, Dec. 9:
The future of Buffalo Bills GM Doug Whaley appears to be up in the air and will remain so until the offseason, according to Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News. Carucci heard from a Bills source that a potential extension for Whaley won't be discussed during the season, although it's unclear whether that means the Bills are inclined to keep Whaley around or hire a new GM. Carucci adds that Whaley could have departed last offseason after owner Terry Pegula tried to hire Bill Polian, an analyst at ESPN and former GM of the Bills who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in August. We heard whispers in early September about miscommunication between Whaley and head coach Rex Ryan, so a separation wouldn't be surprising, but the Bills' offense has shown serious improvement this season with the additions of Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy. However, Whaley's decision to trade a 2015 first-round pick to move up for Sammy Watkins in the 2014 draft raised plenty of eyebrows and hasn't been a resounding success. This situation is certainly worth keeping an eye on when the offseason arrives.
A rough season could be getting worse for the New Orleans Saints. NFL Media's Rand Getlin reports that running back Mark Ingram's shoulder injury is "serious" and "there is some fear it could be season ending." That would be tough news considering Ingram's terrific season, the first of a four-year deal signed last offseason. While it won't really impact the playoff race given the Saints' 4-8 record, the injury might prove pivotal for fantasy owners. Ingram has quietly been the No. 3 back in leagues with ESPN's standard scoring this season, consistently posting solid outings. With Khiry Robinson already out for the season, it's unclear who would take over the every-down role in New Orleans if Ingram indeed misses the rest of the season. C.J. Spiller has been a huge disappointment as a complementary player so far, while Tim Hightower and Marcus Murphy are next up on the depth chart.
It sounds like former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Cary Williams could find a new team soon after being released on Monday. The Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson reported Tuesday evening that "several" teams had reached out to Williams already. Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that the Rams -- who have been riddled by injuries at the position -- are one of those teams. It wasn't surprising to see Williams go unclaimed through waivers, considering his hefty contract, but now that he can be signed at any price, it makes sense for a team to grab the veteran. Getting let go in Year 1 of a new, three-year contract doesn't reflect well on Williams, but he surely has some decent play left in him, especially if he plays in a scheme with plenty of safety help over the top.
Speaking of veteran cornerbacks who haven't impressed on new contracts, Antonio Cromartie is "basically a lock" to be released by the New York Jets this offseason, according to Seth Walder of the New York Daily News. This appears to be more analysis and conjecture than inside information, but it's a reasonable expectation, especially considering the team-friendly structure of Cromartie's contract. Walder also suggests the Jets could part with quarterback Geno Smith (via cut), defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (free agency or trade), left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson (cap casualty) and nose tackle Damon Harrison (free agency). There's still plenty to be sorted out in each of those situations, but the point is made: GM Mike Maccagnan could continue his extensive shake-up of Gang Green's roster in his second offseason with the team. Keep an eye on the Jets this offseason.
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle has had a disappointing season so far, and he expressed some frustration Tuesday in an appearance on WFAN radio, per Ebenezer Samuel of the NYDN. "My opportunities have been cut down a little more," Randle said. "Odell [Beckham Jr.] is pretty much the prime target for us offensively ... It’s definitely frustrating. As a receiver you want to get more involved. It can be kind of tough when the opportunities are limited." Randle later added that he has "no problem" with Beckham being the primary option on the offense, but it's clear that he's not happy with his role. At this point, it's fair to say Randle hasn't lived up to his draft status as a second-round pick in 2012, with a career average of 39.7 receiving yards per game and 16 touchdowns in four seasons. It wouldn't be surprising to see him leave New York when he becomes a free agent this offseason.