2016 NFL Free Agency: An Early Breakdown of This Year's Class

Yep, the 2015 NFL playoffs are here, and so are the early discussions by fans and others on just how they plan on improving their team this offseason.

Welcome to an extremely early look at the 2016 free-agency class (with an assist from Spotrac), one that figures to change a lot by the time early March rolls around.

Here we will be looking at 10 categories, and, yes, we haven’t forgotten the kickers and punters. Since this is a very early list, the idea is to identify the top candidates in each group (listed in team alphabetical order). If you are looking for the complete list for each slide, simply click on the title at the top of each page.

Take advantage of this initial look at the upcoming free-agency period while we all await 11 more games in this unpredictable season.

Quarterbacks

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Quarterbacks

Brock Osweiler, Denver Broncos

After taking over for an injured and ineffective Peyton Manning in the second half of the season, it appears the young quarterback is returning to his role as a backup. The top-seeded Denver Broncos saw the four-year pro go 5-2 as a starter over the last seven weeks, and he finished with 10 touchdown passes and six interceptions in 2015. Will he be re-signed by the club?

Brandon Weeden, Houston Texans

Talk about a Texas two-step? Weeden played for both the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans this season and had his better moments with the latter. The former first-round draft choice of the Cleveland Browns could get a look-see from a few clubs this offseason.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets

The journeyman signal-caller enjoyed a career year with Todd Bowles’ squad this season, throwing for 3,905 yards and more than twice as many touchdown passes (31) as interceptions (15). Unfortunately, three of those picks came in Sunday’s 22-17 loss at Buffalo—just one reason the Jets missed the playoffs despite a 10-6 record in 2015.

Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles

Atypical of the quarterback play for the Birds these past two seasons, the onetime St. Louis Rams signal-caller totaled nearly as many turnovers (17) as touchdown passes (19) in his first season in the City of Brotherly Love. Will it prove to be his only campaign with the Eagles, who are in search of a new head coach these days?

Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

As many will recall, the former Michigan State standout was the second of two quarterbacks drafted by the Redskins in 2012. After some ups and downs, Cousins and the team take a four-game winning streak into the playoffs as Jay Gruden’s club captured the less-than-scintillating NFC East.

The fourth-year signal-caller completed a league-best 69.8 percent of his passes this season, throwing for 4,166 yards and 29 scores compared to just 14 turnovers (11 interceptions, three lost fumbles). In his last three contests, Cousins has thrown 11 touchdown passes without an interception.

For the emerging quarterback, it’s a nice time to get a hot hand for more than one reason.

Worth Mentioning

• Drew Stanton, Arizona Cardinals
• Matt Hasselbeck, Indianapolis Colts

Running Backs

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Running Backs

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Forte has been one of the more versatile running backs in the league during his eight-year career. Injuries hampered Forte’s production and limited him to 13 games, but he still led the Bears in rushing (898 yards), finished third on the club with 44 receptions and tied for the club lead with seven touchdowns.

The two-time Pro Bowler has amassed 12,718 yards from scrimmage and scored 64 total touchdowns in his days in the Windy City. But is Jeremy Langford the heir apparent in the Chicago backfield?

Lamar Miller, Miami Dolphins

It was a dismal year in South Florida once again as the Dolphins fell to 6-10 after an 8-8 season. And after running for a career-best 1,099 yards in 2014, Miller rushed for only 872 yards this year. Still, he finished second on the team with 47 catches, and his 10 total touchdowns led Miami this season.

Chris Ivory, New York Jets

The onetime New Orleans Saints performer comes off a career year with the Green and White in which he ran for 1,070 yards (fifth-best in the NFL) and seven touchdowns. After a strong start, he ran for 100-plus yards just once in his final 11 games. In Sunday’s season-ending 22-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills he totaled only six carries, perhaps hampered by a knee injury.

“It was game-plan related,” head coach Todd Bowles told Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post. “We tried to give him a break a little bit, too. He wasn’t 100 percent, but he was good enough to play. We could have got him more plays in there, but the game didn’t dictate that way.”

We’ll eventually find out if the Jets’ plans in 2016 are dictated by having Ivory in their backfield.

Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As a rookie in 2012, the former Boise State standout rushed for 1,454 yards and finished third in the league with 1,926 yards from scrimmage. Derailed by injuries the next two years, Martin rebounded in a big way in 2015, finishing second in the NFL with 1,402 rushing yards—just 83 short of league-leader Adrian Peterson.

The Buccaneers declined to pick up the option on the fourth-year pro this offseason, but Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune tells us that the club is currently in talks to retain the talented running back.

“We’ve already talked a little bit,’’ said general manager Jason Licht last Friday. “We will definitely be talking (more). We’d love to have Doug back.’’

Apparently, both sides are on the same page. “I love it here and I have a beautiful home here,’’ added Martin. “I’d love to come back.”

Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins

After running for 1,000-plus yards in each of his first three NFL seasons, the former Pro Bowler led the Redskins in 2015 with 751 yards rushing. The Redskins like what they have seen from rookie Matt Jones (with the obvious exception of his penchant for fumbling), so it will be interesting to see if the team welcomes Morris back.

Worth Mentioning

• Chris Johnson, Arizona Cardinals
• Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos
• James Starks, Green Bay Packers
• Bilal Powell, New York Jets

Wide Receivers

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Wide Receivers

Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears

Between injuries and the absence of Brandon Marshall (traded to the New York Jets during the offseason), Jeffery enjoyed a less-than-scintillating 2015. While he finished with a team-high 54 catches and club-best 807 receiving yards, he totaled just four touchdowns in a career-low nine games.

It’s hard to believe the Bears will let him get away.

Marvin Jones, Cincinnati Bengals

Jones has been a key member of one of the league’s most balanced offenses this season, and he's rebounded in impressive fashion after missing all of 2014. Jones finished second on the club in catches (65) and receiving yards (816) and pulled down four touchdown passes. Back in 2013, the 2012 fifth-round draft choice caught 51 passes, 10 for scores.

Travis Benjamin, Cleveland Browns

One of the brighter spots during the latest lost season for the Browns, Benjamin finished second on the club with 68 receptions, good for 966 yards (14.2 average) and five touchdowns. He also averaged 11.6 yards on 28 punt returns and scored one touchdown. With a new regime ready to take over in Cleveland (again), will it be all about this Benjamin?

Rueben Randle, New York Giants

One of the few positives for the Giants this season was a passing attack that ranked seventh in the league in yards per game. Randle finished third on the team with 57 catches, but his 797 receiving yards and eight touchdown grabs were second only to Odell Beckham Jr. this season.

Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers

The 13-year veteran ranks 12th in NFL history with 1,009 receptions and 17th in league annals in receiving yards (13,195). He continues to aid his quarterback by making the tough catches and led the struggling 49ers with 69 catches (789 yards, four touchdowns) this season.

Like a few other names on this list, Boldin is currently with a team that is making a change at head coach. Stay tuned.

Worth Mentioning

• Mohamed Sanu, Cincinnati Bengals
• James Jones, Green Bay Packers      

Tight Ends

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Tight Ends

Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts

The first of two Colts on this list, Allen just hasn’t been the same performer since his rookie year, for numerous reasons. After starting 16 games in 2012 and catching 45 passes for 521 yards and three scores, the fourth-year pro has played in a total of 26 games over the past three seasons and racked up just 46 receptions. After totaling eight touchdowns in 2014, Allen was limited to 16 catches and one score this season—most of it without quarterback Andrew Luck.

Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts

Speaking of a former Stanford Cardinal player, Fleener enjoyed a quiet season for the disappointing Colts. While he ranked third on the club with 54 catches, he totaled just 491 yards (9.1 yards per reception) and scored only three touchdowns. Like Allen, he’s part of the team’s 2012 draft class, but has he played his last game with the club?

Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars signed former Pro Bowler Julius Thomas this offseason, and he responded with 46 catches for 455 yards and five scores. Lewis failed to reach the end zone in 2015, catching only 16 passes. He’s caught just 10 touchdown passes over the last four seasons after posting that total in 2011 when he was named to the Pro Bowl.

Benjamin Watson, New Orleans Saints          

When the Saints opted to deal three-time Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, they were pleasantly surprised to find out that Watson has plenty left in the tank. The veteran performer ranked second on the team with a career-best 74 catches, rolling up 825 yards and six touchdowns with the aid of quarterback Drew Brees.

Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

He remains quarterback Philip Rivers' favorite toy, and in limited action this season, Gates still managed to finish third on the club with 56 receptions, totaling 630 yards and five touchdowns. His 104 scoring receptions rank seventh in NFL history.

Worth Mentioning

• Vernon Davis, Denver Broncos
• Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers

Offensive Line

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Offensive Line

G Richie Incognito, Buffalo Bills        

Out of the league in 2014 due to personal issues, the talented performer was the league’s second-ranked guard this season, according to Pro Football Focus, and was one reason the Bills finished first in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Incognito started 16 games at left tackle, and only Denver’s Evan Mathis graded out better when it came to run blocking 2015.

T Andre Smith, Cincinnati Bengals   

This spring, the Bengals used the first two rounds of the draft to add a pair of young tackles (Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher) to their roster. The latter is playing tight end/H-back these days, but could either of those 2015 rookies push Smith out of a job this offseason? Smith’s career has had its ups and downs with the Bengals.

G Evan Mathis, Denver Broncos

Per usual, you can find Mathis among the top-rated guards in the league. And not surprisingly, the veteran performer was the league’s top-ranked player at his position when it came to run blocking. The top-seeded Broncos will need that in a big way this postseason.

C Stefen Wisniewski, Jacksonville Jaguars

The onetime Oakland Raiders pivot started 16 games for Gus Bradley’s club this season and was ranked as one of the better players at his positon in 2015. The Jaguars continue to have issue keeping quarterback Blake Bortles out of harm’s way, but another year with the club would  be a positive for Wisniewski and Jacksonville’s improving offense.

T Russell Okung, Seattle Seahawks                 

The 2010 first-round pick has missed the team’s last two games (three games total in 2015), and even when available, Okung has not enjoyed a good year in terms of pass protection. This will be an interesting decision for the Seattle front office.

Worth Mentioning

• C Will Montgomery, Chicago Bears
• G Willie Colon, New York Jets          
• T Donald Penn, Oakland Raiders      
• T Kelvin Beachum, Pittsburgh Steelers

Defensive Line

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Defensive Ends and Defensive Tackles 

DE Greg Hardy, Dallas Cowboys

In one of the more controversial moves of the 2015 offseason, the Cowboys signed the fiery Hardy, and he led the club with six sacks while totaling 35 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble along the way. At times, the emotional defender appeared to be more trouble than he was worth. It will be interesting to see if Dallas welcomes his back.

DT Haloti Ngata, Detroit Lions

After losing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to free agency in the offseason, the Lions orchestrated a trade to bring the former Baltimore Ravens standout and five-time Pro Bowler to the Motor City. In 14 games this season, Ngata finished with 24 tackles, totaled 2.5 sacks and knocked down three passes for a defense that got better as the season wore on.

DE Olivier Vernon, Miami Dolphins

While it was a very disappointing season in South Florida, Vernon led the club with 7.5 sacks in 2015. In four years with the Dolphins, he’s played in all 64 games (46 starts over the last three seasons) and has totaled 29 sacks. Despite being tied for sixth on the club with 61 tackles, there was a lack of impact plays from the four-year pro.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants

Given the franchise tag by the Giants last offseason, it was a forgettable year for the former Pro Bowler in more ways than one. A July fireworks accident left Pierre-Paul with a maimed right hand.

In eight games this season, the former first-round pick totaled just one sack for the league’s 32nd-ranked defense. However, he did total 26 tackles, knocked down six passes and recovered a pair of fumbles in the team’s 6-10 showing.

DE Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets

Has the talented defensive end—who led the Jets with 12 sacks this season—played his final game with the Green and White?

“You just can’t keep everybody on this defensive line,” third-year pro Sheldon Richardson told Jeff Roberts of the Record. “It’s just not realistic. Guys outplayed their contracts. I’m gonna miss ‘em.

“We grew up together, pretty much in the league,” added Richardson. “They helped me through a hard time in my life. It’s going to be tough.”

That’s in reference to the fact that Wilkerson’s contract expires soon, and Sunday he suffered a broken right leg in the third quarter of the team’s 22-17 loss at Buffalo.

Could the Jets slap the franchise tag on Wilkerson? That’s one of the better questions to be answered this offseason around the NFL.

DT Terrance Knighton, Washington Redskins

The noted defender played just 375 snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus, but he was effective against the run in that limited time. Still, the Redskins finished 26th in the league in rushing defense. Is Knighton in the future plans for the NFC East champions?

Worth Mentioning

• DT Pat Sims, Cincinnati Bengals
• DE Robert Ayers, New York Giants
• DE Jason Jones, Detroit Lions
• DT B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers        
• DT Nick Fairley, St. Louis Rams
• DT Brandon Mebane, Seattle Seahawks

Linebackers

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Outside and Inside Linebackers 

ILB Shea McClellin, Chicago Bears

After failing to find a permanent position in his first three seasons in the league, the Bears and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio moved the former Boise State product to inside linebacker. McClellin finished second on the club with 81 tackles in his first season at the position.

ILB Vincent Rey, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals finished 11th in the NFL in total defense, and only six clubs in the league allowed fewer rushing yards per game. Rey led Cincinnati with 98 total stops and also rolled up one sack and five passes defensed. The Bengals own one of the most talented rosters in the league.

OLB Von Miller, Denver Broncos

One of the cornerstones of the league’s top-rated defense in 2015, Miller led the Broncos with 11 sacks and three fumble recoveries and tied for the team lead with four forced fumbles. In five seasons with the franchise (72 games), the talented defender has racked up 60 sacks and 16 forced fumbles.

OLB Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs

The veteran performer totaled 6.5 of the Chiefs’ 47 sacks this season. In 15 games this year, Hali also racked up 48 tackles and two forced fumbles. The 10th-year pro has amassed an impressive 86 sacks and 32 forced fumbles during his standout career.

ILB Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

Following a lost 2014, the Pro Bowl defender has enjoyed a tremendous year for the club. Johnson led Kansas City with 166 tackles to go along with four sacks, two interceptions, a pair of forced fumbles and eight passes defensed. Look for him to be re-signed by the Chiefs once their 2015 postseason comes to a close.

OLB Bruce Irvin, Seattle Seahawks

A surprising first-round pick in 2012, Irvin has had his moments with the Seahawks, but the franchise did not pick up his fifth-year option this offseason. He totaled 38 tackles and finished third on the team with 5.5 sacks and has amassed 22 sacks in 58 regular-season games with the club.

Could Irvin be reunited with former Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn in Atlanta? It seems like a logical move.

Worth Mentioning

• OLB Dwight Freeney, Arizona Cardinals
• ILB Sean Weatherspoon, Arizona Cardinals
• OLB Courtney Upshaw, Baltimore Ravens
• ILB Rolando McClain, Dallas Cowboys
• ILB Danny Trevathan, Denver Broncos
• OLB Mike Neal, Green Bay Packers
• ILB Jerrell Freeman, Indianapolis Colts
• OLB Chad Greenway, Minnesota Vikings       
• OLB Calvin Pace, New York Jets

Cornerbacks

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Cornerbacks

Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers

Arguably the league’s best cornerback this season, Norman came up with numerous big plays and is in the discussion for NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. He finished with 56 tackles and a team-high 18 passes defensed. Add in four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), a pair of fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles, and he’ll likely be back in Carolina in 2016.

Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals            

The ninth-year pro comes off a season in which he totaled 55 tackles and picked off two passes. Hall has totaled 26 career interceptions, but did miss a pair of games in 2015. The Bengals have their share of young talent at the position.

Sean Smith, Kansas City Chiefs         

The Kansas City defense has been a major catalyst during the club’s current 10-game winning streak, and Smith has enjoyed a solid season. He’s totaled 45 tackles, one dozen passes defensed and two interceptions for the playoff-bound Chiefs.

Prince Amukamara, New York Giants            

For what it’s worth, no team in the league gave up more total yards and more passing yards than the Giants. Despite missing five games, the 2011 first-round selection finished fourth on the club with 63 stops. Amukamara totaled one interception and 10 passes defensed this season and has knocked down 10-plus balls in three consecutive years.

Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams

The 2012 second-round pick finished seventh on the club with 64 tackles, totaled three interceptions and ranked second on the Rams with 15 passes defensed. Five of Jenkins’ 10 career interceptions have been returned for touchdowns.

Worth Mentioning

• Adam Jones, Cincinnati Bengals
• Terence Newman, Minnesota Vikings            
• Nolan Carroll, Philadelphia Eagles
• Brandon Boykin, Pittsburgh Steelers

Safeties

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Safeties 

SS Rashad Johnson, Arizona Cardinals

The unsung defender finished tied for the team lead with 61 tackles and five interceptions. Johnson also knocked down seven passes and recovered one fumble. He may have to do even more with safety Tyrann Mathieu out for the remainder of the season.

FS Reggie Nelson, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are in the playoffs for the fifth straight season, and Nelson has had a huge year, as he's tied for the league lead with eight interceptions. The veteran defender ranks second on the team in both tackles (77) and passes defensed (14) and has 10 of the club’s 28 takeaways in 2015.

FS Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs

A year after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Berry is headed back to the Pro Bowl. Berry finished third on the team with 61 tackles, knocked down 10 passes and totaled two interceptions. He’s one of numerous Kansas City defenders that could hit the open market this offseason.

FS Eric Weddle, San Diego Chargers

Potentially the top player available in free agency this offseason (so far), Weddle knocked down six passes and finished second on the club with 78 tackles. By all indications, the three-time Pro Bowler has played his last game with the Chargers, but who knows at this stage?

Worth Mentioning

• SS George Iloka, Cincinnati Bengals
• SS David Bruton, Denver Broncos
• SS Tyvon Branch, Kansas City Chiefs
• FS Walter Thurmond, Philadelphia Eagles
• SS Will Allen, Pittsburgh Steelers

Kickers and Punters

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Kickers and Punters 

K Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens

Usually one of the most accurate kickers in the league, Tucker missed on seven of his 40 field-goal attempts this season—although it should be pointed out that six of those failures came from 50-plus yards. Look for the Ravens to get this deal done quickly.

K Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers

While the Green Bay offensive unit totaled only 39 touchdowns this season, Crosby connected on all 39 PAT attempts and hit on 24 of his 28 field-goal tries. Three of his four misses came between 40-49 yards, but the veteran kicker hit on his final 12 field-goal attempts of the season.

P Shane Lechler, Houston Texans

In his third season with the Texans, the veteran specialist finished fifth in the NFL in gross punting (47.3 average) and put 24 of his 95 punts inside the 20-yard line this season. However, Houston was near the bottom of the league when it came to coverage in this department.

K Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts

Only Morten Andersen and Gary Anderson have scored more points and booted more field goals in NFL history than Vinatieri, who’s totaled 2,253 points and connected on 503 three-pointers. And remember that the 20-year pro has totaled more points than any other player in league postseason annals.

K Phil Dawson, San Francisco 49ers

The veteran NFL kicker ranks 16th in league history in points scored (1,611) and has connected on 386 career field goals—tied for the ninth-highest total in NFL annals. This season, Dawson totaled 92 points and hit on 24 of 27 field-goal tries.

Worth Mentioning

• P Bryan Anger, Jacksonville Jaguars
• K Greg Zuerlein, St. Louis Rams
• P Marquette King, Oakland Raiders
• P Jon Ryan, Seattle Seahawks          

All free-agent information courtesy of Spotrac. Unless otherwise noted, all player and team statistics come from Pro Football Reference and ESPN.com. All player ratings courtesy of Pro Football Focus.