The first major event of the offseason, the NFL Scouting Combine, is now in the rearview mirror as the focus shifts toward the 2015 season. The action should begin to pick up in the weeks ahead as free agency gets underway before the draft takes center stage.Right now, front offices around the league are working to clear as much space under the salary cap as possible. That's usually accomplished by releasing veterans or restructuring their contracts. It's all done to create flexibility to fill the necessary voids before training camp arrives.The endless cycle of player movement is what's made the NFL a year-round league, even though the offseason spans about five months. So let's check out some of the latest buzz as teams start plotting their strategy to upgrade their roster.Philadelphia Eagles Targeting Marcus MariotaChip Kelly is still searching for a quarterback who perfectly fits his offensive approach. Michael Vick, Mark Sanchez and Nick Foles have all been given an opportunity and failed to secure the starting spot. In turn, the links to Mariota, his former college signal-caller, have heated up.It's unclear whether the Eagles have the available assets a team inside the top five of the draft would seek in order to trade down. That said, Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice reports the team is prepared to make a serious push to land the Oregon product:Every day, with little things I hear, evidence continues to build that the Eagles are going to make a strong play for Marcus Mariota. To note, this is something I had previously thought to be unrealistic, so as bits of information have trickled in, they've been absorbed on my end with skepticism. But it appears the Eagles are determined to get their guy."Obviously my relationship with Coach Kelly, it'd be a lot of fun to be a part of that offense and be a part of that team. But for me, any team that wants me to be part of their club, I'm all for it," Mariota told Rob Moseley of GoDucks.com in January.On the surface, it would be a perfect match. Any questions about him being a system quarterback obviously fade if he can stick with Kelly. And the Eagles would finally get somebody built to play the fast-paced style rather than trying to force somebody into it.The question is price. Philadelphia owns the 20th pick. Should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take Jameis Winston, then things will get interesting. If the Eagles can then move up to get Mariota without giving up another elite asset aside from their first-round pick, it's probably worth taking the chance.Mike Iupati Becoming Coveted CommodityIupati has been a stalwart member of the San Francisco 49ers offensive line since getting drafted in 2010. He's been selected to three consecutive Pro Bowls and was named a First Team All-Pro in 2012. Now he's set to hit the open market.There is no shortage of teams looking for upgrades along the offensive line. So it shouldn't come as much surprise that he's already generating interest. Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington reports the Washington Redskins and the aforementioned Bucs are going to get involved:The Redskins are certainly in need of improving their front five. They finished 19th in rushing yards last season and gave up 58 sacks. If the franchise is still hopeful of Robert Griffin III regaining his previous form, he'll need much better protection than that.Tampa Bay is in a similar situation. It ranked 29th in rushing and allowed 52 sacks. With the team likely to add a new quarterback with the first overall pick, more stability up front is essential. Iupati would be a terrific addition for either squad.Rugby Star Jarryd Hayne Considering OptionsHayne's journey will be an extremely interesting story to follow once he finds a team. A longtime rugby star in Australia, he's going to test his talent in the NFL. He represents a signing with some upside, but clearly no guarantees of success.There are a group of teams apparently prepared to take a chance on him. Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports the 27-year-old former member of the Parramatta Eels is still taking his time to mull over the available offers:But Hayne has yet to sign and a person close to the process said today that Hayne "is still exploring all options at this point" with no specific timeline. Some Twitter rumors have hinted that Hayne will make a decision early next week.He visited Detroit, San Francisco and Seattle and those teams are regarded as the favorites for the 27-year-old Hayne, who projects as a running back and returner.Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post states Hayne recently clocked in at 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash. It's believed he'll enter the league as a running back, but nothing is set in stone. His most immediate impact will probably come on special teams.Based on the workout information and his successful rugby career, it seems Hayne certainly has the physical tools to succeed. He's still a project, though. There will be a transition period. But the potential reward clearly makes it an intriguing option for teams like the Lions, 49ers and Seahawks.
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