2015 NFL Free Agents: Latest Rumors, Buzz and Predictions Before Playoffs

The NFL free-agency period begins on March 10, 2015, and we may not know which players will be officially hitting the open market until that time comes. As of December 29, franchises have been granted permission to sign their own would-be free agents for the 2015 season. Although, teams do have until March 2, 2015 to designate a franchise player.

Yes, there's plenty that's likely to happen between now and the official beginning of free agency, but it's never too early to speculate.

The 2015 free-agent class may be one of the strongest ever, depending on which players actually become available. Rumors surrounding some big names have already begun to swirl around the Web even though the playoffs have yet to kick off.

Here's a look at some buzz involving a few of the league's well-known superstars and predictions for where they'll call home next season.

Ndamukong Suh

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One of the most talked-about players in the league, Suh makes plenty of headlines—both good and bad—on the field. He was recently fined for stepping on the arm of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, marking another of the many times he's been docked by the league.

Still, it's difficult to overlook his tremendous play at the defensive tackle position. His 8.5 sacks this season is his highest number since he racked up 10 during his rookie year. Fantastic both against the run and the pass, Suh was ranked the third-most efficient defensive tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (subscription required) in 2014.

Suh made over $22 million this season, according to Spotrac.com. Per Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com, the Cleveland Browns may be interested in paying the man:

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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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So, there you have it. If the Browns are truly aiming to make Suh the highest-paid defensive lineman in history, there's a good chance they'll land him. After all, Detroit has the long-term, gaudy contracts of Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate to worry about already. Suh could simply be too much for the team to handle.

Prediction: Signs with Cleveland Browns

Jason Pierre-Paul

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Pierre-Paul's rookie deal is coming to an end, and his successful 2014 campaign will make him a very wealthy man.

Following a breakout 16.5-sack 2011 season, his production dropped in 2012 and his 2013 season was plagued by injury. Even the beginning of 2014 didn't begin with a bang, as he recorded just 3.5 sacks in his first 11 games. Well, he atoned for his slow start in a big way, racking up nine sacks over his final five games to finish the season with 12.5.

Pierre-Paul has been an integral part of a New York Giants defense that accumulated 47 sacks this season—the fourth most in the league. While the defensive end would probably like to stay put, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News relayed an important comment:

There will be no discount for the Giants, so they'll have to pay if they want to keep him. Here's the problem: the Giants don't exactly have much cap space, and Pierre-Paul is coming off his rookie deal that only paid him $4.6 million this season, according to Spotrac.com. That price will skyrocket for his next deal.

Although, Vacchiano did relay one interesting comment from John Mara:

If New York does intend to place the franchise tag on Pierre-Paul, it will be looking at spending upwards of $13.1 million, which was the amount paid to the position in 2014, according to NFL.com. Wanting to tag Pierre-Paul is one thing, but having the means to do so is another.

Expect this player to land on a team with cash to burn.

Prediction: Signs with New York Jets

Jerry Hughes

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The Buffalo Bills made a great move by adding Hughes in 2013. He fit the mold of what the team was looking for in a defensive end, and he flourished in his new role, amassing 19.5 sacks during his two seasons in Buffalo.

Although, with that production comes a big price tag. This season, Hughes finished out his current contract and was paid a total of just under $4 million, according to Spotrac.com. Due to his consistent production over the past two years, he should expect to receive a contract worthy of a top-10 defensive end. That would put him roughly in the $11 million-per-year range.

Like Pierre-Paul, Hughes is planning to cash in during the free-agency period and won't be giving the Bills any kind of a discount, according to Matthew Fairburn of Syracuse.com:

Due to a great team effort on the defensive side of the ball that wound up leading the league with 54 sacks, Buffalo should be expected to do anything within its power to retain this valuable defensive end. That may include using the franchise tag, and according to Fairburn, Hughes doesn't seem to be against that option:

Is Hughes worth top-five money? For Buffalo, the answer is absolutely. The team already knows he fits perfectly in its system, and he's consistently produced over two seasons. If a long-term deal doesn't get done, Hughes will remain with the Bills on a lucrative one-year deal.

Prediction: Retained with franchise tag