NFL Free Agents 2017: Latest Rumors and Predictions Ahead of Market's Opening

This weekend was a nice reminder to football fans that just because it's the offseason doesn't mean that the NFL is done until the Fall.

After the conclusion of the NFL combine on March 6, free agency and the NFL draft are up next before OTAs, training camp and then the preseason. Time flies, huh? 

While there is plenty of time before the next season kicks off, there is still a lot of work to be done on many teams regarding roster personnel. Free agency can be a time for teams to improve their rosters by signing players off the market, but it can also be a stressful and painful time to see star or key players leave franchises to join another. 

Here, we'll examine a few different players who could be on the move or staying put this free-agency period. Let's get started, shall we?

DeSean Jackson 

David Banks/Getty Images

There aren't many players like DeSean Jackson.

There is no arguing that he is one of few players who can stretch a defense and make plays downfield on a consistent basis. Jackson's speed and aggressiveness when the football is in the air is elite, and the Washington Redskins might not be able to keep him around next season.

There are a lot of moving parts in regards to Jackson's free agency. Is he worth re-signing to a big contract? Should they re-sign Pierre Garcon, who is also a free agent, instead? Both players are dynamic and reliable wideouts, but it appears that Washington is leaning toward bringing back Garcon and letting Jackson walk.

Teaming up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be a win-win for both sides. The Buccaneers could use another wideout alongside Mike Evans as Vincent Jackson has shown a decline in play, and DeSean could take the top off a defense to keep an opposing defense honest and not bring a safety up to the box to defend the run. 

Giving Jameis Winston a weapon like Jackson could be the missing ingredient to an already dangerous offense. 

Prediction: Jackson joins forces with Tampa Bay. 

Andrew Whitworth

George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Andrew Whitworth is not a sexy free-agent name by any means.

A 35-year-old left tackle who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that missed the playoffs last season? On paper, Whitworth doesn't look like much. But for the Bengals, losing him to free agency could be catastrophic for a team that is in a do-or-die situation heading into next season. Especially since Whitworth has been a consistent force protecting Andy Dalton over the years. 

While it is expected that Whitworth will re-sign with the Bengals, according to Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer, how much would it cost? At such a seasoned age, it's hard to suggest that Whitworth's best days are ahead of him. Whitworth will do what is best for him, as he should, but that could mean taking bigger money elsewhere for a team that could win some games next year and compete in the playoffs.

But Whitworth is not a player to leave his team for a cash grab. He's found a home with the Bengals and has become one of the league's best at his position. It would be a shock if the Bengals didn't find a way to retain his services.

Prediction: Whitworth remains with the Bengals 

Tyrod Taylor

Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

The curious case of Tyrod Taylor: Is he a franchise quarterback or is he just good enough for now?

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Taylor was cleared from injury after he underwent groin surgery and is due $27.5 million on March 11 if Buffalo opt to keep him around. That's a lot of money for any quarterback, but it's an even larger sum if it's for a player your franchise isn't totally committed to building around.

The Bills have the No. 10 pick in this year's draft and could select a new signal-caller to replace Taylor, but would he wouldn't be anywhere near as good right away.

There aren't many quarterbacks on the market besides trading for a player like Tony Romo, and the Bills would be silly to let a player like Taylor, who has thrown for 6,058 yards with 37 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions over the past two seasons, go for nothing.

While $27.5 million is a lot of money for one player, finding a new franchise quarterback will be even more of a headache for an already desperate franchise. 

Prediction: Bills have no other option. They keep Taylor.