2016 NFL Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Elite Stars on Market

A little thing called the NFL Scouting Combine might command the headlines right now, but fans of the league know better than to ignore free agency. 

Potential pro prospects running around in their underwear might be entertaining and carry rather large implications in the future of the league, but free agency can hold just as much weight with guys such as star defensive lineman Malik Jackson perhaps heading to the market.

Though free agents aren't typically franchise foundation blocks, they become a big part nonetheless as complementary pieces of the puzzle who put things over the top. Think DeMarcus Ware and the Denver Broncos.

Such a train of thought in mind, here's the latest making the rounds.

The Travis Benjamin Sweepstakes

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Most might not realize it because he played in Cleveland, but Travis Benjamin put up a rather monster season last year and is one of the league's better deep threats.

While it might not sound like it, Benjamin's 68 catches for 966 yards and five scores look great when taking into account it was Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel and others pushing the rock down the field.

After a report initially came out stating Benjamin and the Browns were close to getting back together, things have done a complete turnaround. According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net, two teams have emerged as favorites for Benjamin:

Let the bidding war begin.

Benjamin makes perfect sense in San Diego, where running back Danny Woodhead led the team in receiving. The complexion of the offense changes, though, if Benjamin can stretch the field deep while teaming with Keenan Allen.

It's much of the same story in Atlanta, where tight end Jacob Tamme was the second receiver behind Julio Jones. Running back Devonta Freeman was the third. Pair Benjamin with Jones, though, and the Atlanta offense will move well.

Good luck predicting where Benjamin ends up, though. With guys coming off iffy teams and everything looking like an upgrade, the prediction isn't easy. That said, the Falcons look closer to contention than the Chargers, making them more appealing and willing to pay more, so look for Benjamin to start reeling in deep passes from Matt Ryan.

Prediction: Benjamin signs with the Falcons.

LeGarrette Blount-Patriots Interest

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Like Benjamin, LeGarrette Blount is one of those free agents who won't get the most attention.

On the field, though, Blount brings an obvious impact, his being a violent, physical, between-the-tackles presence that rarely falters.

Perhaps better described as a bowling ball, the Oregon product who comes in at 6'0" and 250 pounds has averaged less than four yards per carry just once in his career, and he took a career-low 41 attempts that season.

Last season with the New England Patriots, Blount took 165 attempts for 703 yards and six touchdowns. It's no secret Blount likes New England, and according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, the Patriots want him back, too:

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Running back LeGarrette Blount and the Pats have shown mutual interest in a new contract, according to a source. Blount could still hit free agency March 9, but that's not uncommon for a player who isn't expected to draw a massive payday. Negotiations between the two sides are still in the infant stages.

"

Believe it or not, Blount wound up leading the team in rushing. Paired with pass-catching extraordinaire Dion Lewis, New England quietly had one of the more respectable one-two punches in the league.

New England would like to have this back. But Blount will receive plenty of interest on the market if he makes it that far, as adding a cheap, proven piece of a committee approach rather than wasting a costly pick on a gamble almost always makes sense.

That said, Blount has done the whole leave-the-Patriots thing before. He spent 11 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014 and only received 65 carries and scored twice. He has a better chance of making a meaningful impact with the Patriots, and the organization has reportedly shown interest, so his trip to the market should be nothing more than a bargaining formality.

Prediction: Blount re-signs with the Patriots.

Malik Jackson Negotiations Update

While perhaps not a household name, the aforementioned Jackson is one of the most important names headed to the market. 

Jackson, 26, is a former fifth-round pick who morphed into one of the league's best defensive linemen last year, ranking as the ninth 3-4 defensive end in grading at Pro Football Focus, recording seven sacks, eight quarterback hits and 45 hurries.

It should go without saying that the Broncos want this important piece of the puzzle back, although Eric Goodman of Mile High Sports Radio noted that the two sides are still off in money talk:

So it goes for a championship winner. Helping a franchise hoist the Lombardi Trophy is one heck of a bargaining chip for impending free agents to slap on the table, helping them create a big payday somewhere.

That seems to be the case here, with 9News' Mike Klis revealing that the Jacksonville Jaguars have an interest in Jackson: "He will command anywhere from $11 million to $14 million a year in the open market. The Jacksonville Jaguars covet Jackson and they have an NFL-most $79.8 million in available cap space, according to the Overthecap.com."

Teams such as the Jaguars don't mind overpaying a tad for a proven star who can make a difference. It's one of the only ways to ensure a turnaround goes smoothly.

The Jaguars coughed up 28 points per game last season, but slapping Jackson on a line boasting Andre Branch and Dante Fowler Jr. will help turn things around in a hurry.

Jackson will see this, plus perhaps the closest he will get to his desired cap numbers, and take his talents to sunny Jacksonville. Denver simply has too many other things to worry about while walking the cap-space tightrope, from Von Miller to Peyton Manning and more.

Prediction: Jackson signs with the Jaguars.

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and are accurate as of Wednesday. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.