2016 NFL Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions Surrounding Notable Players

The allure of NFL training camps helps disguise what an odd time it is in the NFL.

Seriously, the Tennessee Titans just shipped away Dorial Green-Beckham, a second-round pick from 2015, in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, a move confirmed by the Titans.

The oddities extend to free agency, where one of the league's better defensive ends sits on the market because of off-field issues and reliable veterans wait for a chance, a job perhaps opening once an injury occurs in camp.

Let's examine free agency a bit by looking at some of the top names available.

Greg Hardy

By now, fans likely know the story surrounding embattled defensive end Greg Hardy.

For those who don't, ESPN.com's Dan Graziano wrote an excellent article on what it might take for an NFL team to think Hardy is worth the risk. Buried in the story is confirmation by sources that the Jacksonville Jaguars have been in contact with Hardy.

"The Jacksonville Jaguars recently had Hardy in for a visit and an extensive workout. Sources familiar with their plans said they weren't looking to sign Hardy at this time but rather to get a sense of his conditioning," Graziano wrote.

Translation: If a member of the Jacksonville defensive line goes down with an injury and Hardy looked like he was in NFL shape, his agent would likely be getting a call from the team.

Which is really the moral of the story in the write-up. It's going to take a desperate team to roll the dice on Hardy, the guy who was involved in a domestic violence dispute before feuding with his own sideline as a member of the Dallas Cowboys last year, so much so the Cowboys didn't even bring him back despite a rather obvious need.

From the sounds of it, Jacksonville has been the only team Hardy has met with this offseason. It's an interesting fit because Hardy would surely look great on a line already boasting Dante Fowler Jr., Jared Odrick and Malik Jackson. But it's a younger team hoping to turn a corner, so introducing an element like Hardy could prove detrimental.

Still, it's going to be hard for the Jaguars to ignore the idea of the risk, especially with other veteran pass-rushers such as Dwight Freeney off the market.

Look for Hardy to eventually land with the Jaguars, who could consider it a low-risk move because he'd surely arrive with a non-guaranteed contract and wave goodbye at the first sign of an issue.

Prediction: Hardy signs with the Jaguars

O'Brien Schofield

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

It's at the point of the preseason when a player like O'Brien Schofield has many offers on the table.

The former fourth-round pick has bounced around with three different teams since 2010. He spent last year with the Atlanta Falcons.

At each stop, Schofield has proved himself as a reliable rotational presence and special teams player, so it makes sense ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure revealed the veteran has six offers on the table.

"Former Falcons OLB O'Brien Schofield worked out for the Patriots last week and is currently mulling six offers, according to [a] source. He plans to make a decision in the next two weeks. Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Schofield is never ruled out," McClure wrote.

Schofield himself appeared to weigh in on rumors recently, or at least Twitter commentators asking about his future:

As much as Schofield seems to like Atlanta, the New England Patriots make a whole lot of sense for his skill set.

In New England, Schofield could play a multifaceted role in the same vein as Rob Ninkovich, and it's hard to imagine a free agent recruited by Bill Belichick can scoff at the idea of joining.

Look for the marriage to come to fruition, especially if New England doesn't make it through the next few weeks fully healthy.

Prediction: Schofield signs with the Patriots

Marques Colston

Brian Blanco/Associated Press

Remember Marques Colston, the seventh-round-pick success story who totaled more than 1,000 yards four seasons in a row from 2009 to 2012?

Colston used to be one of Drew Brees' favorite targets, but he's now 33 years old and recovering from a shoulder injury. The New Orleans Saints cut him back in February.

According to Aaron Kasinitz of PennLive.com, Colston isn't hurrying back to the league: "Colston, 33, hasn't been aggressive in pursuing another NFL opportunity in part because he is busy with off-field ventures. He is a part owner of the Arena Football League's Philadelphia Soul and is heavily involved in several sports science ventures."

Colston faded from the New Orleans offense last year, only receiving 67 targets and watching as the team focused on younger players such as Brandin Cooks.

Still, Colston is a reliable wideout with great hands who could act as key depth for a contender. Think a team in need such as the Carolina Panthers. As much as it might hurt Saints fans to see Colston latch on with another NFC South team, Carolina could use some third or fourth depth on the roster around guys like Devin Funchess.

Given the opportunity to play a depth role and act as a mentor to younger players such as Funchess and Kelvin Benjamin, it seems like Colston has a good fit in Carolina.

Prediction: Colston signs with the Panthers

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