2015 NFL Free Agents: Top Rumors and Predictions Before Wild Card Weekend

Ndamukong Suh dominates the headlines as well as the trenches in large part thanks to his status as the top act in 2015 NFL free agency. 

Everybody with a dash of common sense concerning NFL matters knew this was on the way. Suh is on the way out of Detroit. Not that it is set in stone, but does anyone really believe he will be back?

Negative. Suh overrides other potential free agents such as Demaryius Thomas, Justin Houston and more thanks to controversy and sheer talent. The former portion of that equation, of course, being yet another on-field mistake:

So yes, free agency is about to be a wild ride.

Let's outline the many paths things could take with an initial toe-in-water dab at some early top rumors.

Ndamukong Suh and the Browns? 

The Cleveland Browns are in a world of hurt right now. 

A 7-9 finish is not that bad. Encouraging growth aside, the team has a number of issues to figure out, chief among them angst with Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon.

So why in the world the Browns have an interest in Suh is hard to determine, but Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com insists in a reader mailbag bit that the team has him in the plans:

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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. His defensive line teammate, Nick Fairley, also is a free agent and would be considered a consolation prize to teams failing to land Suh.

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The note about Nick Fairley aside, Cleveland has a want in the middle of its line and the financial means to do so. According to Spotrac.com, the Browns will flirt with having the most available cap space in the league with how things stand now. 

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This may sound like the Browns just want to make a big splash. Maybe so. Keep in mind, though, that Suh is quite effective at what he does when not breaking the rules—he ranks as the No. 3 overall tackle in the league at Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Few can do what Suh does. Even fewer come with such baggage. A safer bet is the team that tops the cap-space list, the Oakland Raiders. Think about it—the Silver and Black love the tough-guy reputation, and adding Suh would mean it can spend a top-five pick in the 2015 draft on another position.

It almost writes itself.

Prediction: Suh signs with the Oakland Raiders.

Uncertainty Surrounds Buster Skrine

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Let's somewhat stick with those Browns for a moment. 

The franchise that currently calls Cleveland home is set to undergo a wealth of changes, with one of the most notable being in the secondary.

Former scapegoat Buster Skrine is now a guy more than a few fans likely want back in the fold as he heads to free agency thanks to a rough rookie debut by Justin Gilbert. Tom Reed of Cleveland.com notes that the Browns may have missed their chance to keep Skrine in town last offseason:

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He declined to discuss anything about contracts or what his agent is telling him about the Browns' stance.

There's no doubt Skrine would attract serious interest on the open market.It's believed the Browns tried to sign him last offseason, but he wanted No. 2 cornerback money. He's likely to command it if he reaches free agency in March.

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Skrine assuredly has his ups and downs, but as CBS Sports' Dane Brugler muses, this year has been one of improvement for the Tennessee-Chattanooga product:

As Reed notes, Skrine wants to be back and the coaches want him back.

There is a built-in value to bringing back an improving young player who knows the system as opposed to bringing on more rookies or free agents. Look for the Browns to use that ample cap room to take care of one of their own. 

Prediction: Skrine re-signs with the Browns. 

Jason Pierre-Paul Watch

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Call it the JPPW for short, because this one is just getting started and has legs.

The No. 5 overall 4-3 end at PFF, Jason Pierre-Paul may be through with the New York Giants.

JPP himself knows a trip to free agency is in the cards—he tallied nine sacks over the course of his last five games to finish the season at 12.5. The next highest output on the team was Johnathan Hankins with seven.

Despite his impending trip to the market, JPP does not appear very concerned about leaving the Big Apple, as captured by Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News:

"Pretty sure" and "probably" are good signs, although ESPN's Josina Anderson hears that there has been no push on the contract front:

It is interesting that a six-win team did not have more of an eye for the future, especially when it comes to their best defensive player. Then again, a standoff may be in the cards considering JPP has only hit double-digit sacks twice in his career.

Right now, it is hard to see where else JPP lands, though. The market may dictate that he is not worth the cash he desires, especially with another elite class of rushers inbound. JPP can reach the market, though, and the Giants will not allow that to happen.

Prediction: JPP re-signs with the Giants.

Stats courtesy of NFL.com. Advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus (subscription required).