Here's a look at some of the top rumors for Thursday, Dec. 10:
As we did Wednesday, we'll start off by taking a look at the uncertain future of a GM on a team mired in a lengthy playoff drought. ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi hears from a source that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam "has held at least one meeting to discuss how to pick up the broken shards" from this season, away from team headquarters at Haslam's part-time residence in Bratenahl, Ohio. Grossi notes that GM Ray Farmer was present, but it's unclear whether or not Farmer was under heavy scrutiny. Mike Pettine -- who ranked dead last in Football Outsiders' analysis of head coaches' game strategy -- is certainly on the hot seat as the team rides a 2-15 stretch carrying back to last season, but Farmer is certainly not exempt from blame. He's had a questionable track record of decision making in Cleveland, as Grossi details, and he also was suspended this year for sending texts to the sideline during a 2014 game. Haslam has already hired two head coaches and two GMs in just over three years owning the Browns, and that was after dismissing incumbents Pat Shurmur and Tom Heckert following the 2012 season. While more changes this offseason would only perpetuate the lack of continuity, Haslam could certainly shake things up again. Keep an eye on this one once the offseason arrives.
In more positive Browns news, the team is nearing an extension with tight end Gary Barnidge, per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. Barnidge has had a breakout season at age 30 -- 817 yards, seven TDs, and counting -- and appears to be getting rewarded for it. Regardless of who winds up being the team's quarterback next season, this move makes sense after Barnidge proved himself to be an extremely reliable target. And while it seems like Cleveland could be buying high here, Barnidge is due to hit the free-agent market in March, so getting a deal done now would help simplify the team's offseason plan.
Revisiting a key story from Wednesday afternoon, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported that Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones' foot is not broken, despite it being in a cast. Rapoport adds that Jones has a "slim chance" of playing this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. We'd be very surprised if Jones played on Sunday, but it's good news for the Bengals that he won't have an extended absence. Cornerback Leon Hall (back) was inactive last week and safety George Iloka has a groin injury that could keep him out as well, so the Cincinnati secondary could be in rough shape. Ben Roethlisberger & Co., who have been clicking on all cylinders, might be in for a huge day through the air. But while the Bengals are caught in a race for home-field advantage, they should be pleased to get Jones back in time for the playoffs.