2015 NFL Free Agents: Latest Predictions Following Week 17

With the NFL regular season in the books, a lot of the analysis you will see involves the postseason. However, there is another event coming down the pipeline that's critical to evaluate where all 32 teams are headed in 2015.  

Free agency in the NFL is different than every other major sport because the salary structure of contracts is so unique, not to mention the franchise tag bailing teams out if they aren't able to re-sign a key player to a long-term contract. 

Despite the ability for teams to retain their players, there's always a number of big moves that take place to transform one team from an outsider to a true playoff contender. There are also teams forced to make cuts due to salary-cap restraints that reshape a roster. 

Here are the top rumors running around for some of the key free agents who will be eligible to test the waters on March 10, 2015. 

Browns Looking At Major Target For D-Line

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Of the many problems facing the Cleveland Browns this offseason, shoring up the defensive line has to be a priority. The team entered Week 17 tied for 26th in sacks and last in run defense (142.4 yards per game), so finding a player who can get after the quarterback and plug holes is a high priority. 

One player entering free agency who would fill both needs for the Browns is Ndamukong Suh. Detroit's defensive tackle has had at least eight sacks in three of his five seasons and has the 305-pound frame to be a force in the running game. 

According to Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, answering a mailbag question, the Browns are exploring adding Suh and should have the money to do so:

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I have heard the Browns are considering Suh as a prime free agent target. They are once again among the league leaders in projected salary cap room and may be willing to make him the highest-paid defensive lineman in NFL history. That’s the type of contract it will take to attract Suh. 

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According to Spotrac.com, Cleveland is currently projected to have the fourth-most cap space in 2015 with nearly $36 million in available money. 

The Browns will be a fascinating team to watch this offseason. They have their share of question marks with the quarterback position and Josh Gordon's always-volatile status, but the team managed to start 7-4 with those problems and were in the playoff race until Week 15. 

If the team is unable to find a quarterback, bolstering an already-talented defense with an All-Pro player like Suh could make them the 2015 version of what San Francisco was in 2011 with a dominant defense and Alex Smith running an efficient offense. 

Given the money available and need, Suh makes the most sense as Cleveland's top priority in free agency. 

Prediction: Suh signs with Browns

Dez Bryant Staying Put

Though it likely won't surprise anyone who knows the way Jerry Jones operates, the Dallas Cowboys owner has made it perfectly clear that, one way or another, star wide receiver Dez Bryant will be with the team in 2015. 

Speaking on his weekly radio show on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Jones said the Cowboys will use the franchise tag on Bryant if necessary, via Charean Williams of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

While that part is good news for the Cowboys on a short-term basis, Joel Corry of CBS Sports noted it gives Bryant's camp all the leverage in future contract negotiations:

The Cowboys are facing several dilemmas this offseason. They are currently projected to have around $1.7 million in cap space, per Spotrac.com, so roster moves will be essential to creating space for Bryant. 

In addition to Bryant, the Cowboys also have to figure out what they will do about DeMarco Murray. Running backs are hard to project in free agency because the overall value of the position has decreased, but Murray did just have the most prolific year of any running back in team history, via the Cowboys' official Twitter account:

If a team is forced to choose between a star wide receiver or running back, the wideout should always take top priority. The Cowboys are also in a position of leverage when it comes to Murray because they can claim their offensive line makes anyone look good. 

Regardless of what the final decision ends up being, there's no doubt that Bryant will remain in Arlington next year. 

Prediction: Bryant remains with Cowboys

Denver's Offseason Plan

John Cordes/Associated Press

Much like the Cowboys, the Denver Broncos have two big decisions to make this offseason. Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas are set to become free agents at the end of the year.

Demaryius Thomas has three consecutive seasons with at least 1,400 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Julius Thomas has caught at least 12 touchdowns in the last two seasons, though he's also been susceptible to injuries, having never played more than 14 games in four seasons. 

One thing that's music to John Elway's ears is Demaryius Thomas' comments to NFL Total Access (via Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com) about possibly taking a discount to remain in Denver:

"Of course, why not?" Thomas said. "Peyton is one of the best in the game, and I've been blessed to have him as my quarterback. I learned so much from him. Denver, of course I gotta take my hats off to them, because they took a chance of drafting me in the first round."

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Rosenthal speculated in the piece that Denver could opt to use the franchise tag on Julius Thomas and sign Demaryius Thomas to a long-term deal. The Broncos, despite their offseason spending spree last year, are projected to have $26.3 million in cap space, per Spotrac.com.

According to an October report from Albert Breer of NFL Network, the 2015 franchise tag for tight ends is projected to be $8.33 million. 

As long as the Broncos have Peyton Manning, they are going to keep building for the now and worry about three or four years down the road later. It seems unlikely that either of the Thomases will leave, though there is a compelling case to let Julius test the waters because of his injury history. 

Given the relationship Manning has developed with Julius, especially in the red zone, the Broncos will do what they need to in order to keep this fruitful marriage going. 

Prediction: Demaryius Thomas signs a long-term extension; Julius Thomas accepts franchise tag

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