2015 NFL Free Agents: Latest Rumors and Predictions Following Wild Card Weekend

Only eight teams remain in the hunt for a berth in Super Bowl XLIX following Wild Card Weekend, leaving 24 teams feverishly preparing for the offseason.

Part of their offseason preparation will surely be looking at the crop of free agents slated to hit the open market and deciding if any player is worth targeting. This year's free-agent period could boast a very talented and diverse groups of veterans, featuring plenty of big names.

While we can count on several blockbuster deals—there are usually a few every year—smaller signings are also highly important, as role players will be added for depth and insurance.

The playoffs are still in full swing for eight teams, and six other organizations are still without a head coach. Of course, that leads to a small amount of free-agent rumors. However, there are a few floating around the Web, so lets take a look at what's being said and predict where the players in question are likely to land.

Ndamukong Suh

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Suh's name has been tossed around the rumor mill for a while now. After all, he's slated to become a free agent on March 10, and he'll be demanding top dollar. The defensive tackle is coming off a five-year, $63.5 million contract with the Detroit Lions and made more than $22 million in 2014, according to Spotrac.com.

That's a whole lot of money to shell out if the Lions intend to keep Suh around, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk speculated the defensive lineman would be leaving town following the team's playoff loss on Sunday:

"

Suh's emotional, tearful demeanor revealed that he understands that his future will entail a team other than the Lions.

Suh will become a free agent in March. The Lions won't use the franchise tag, since doing so would cost more than $26 million in guaranteed 2015 salary. Unless the Lions offer Suh more than anyone else does on the open market or Suh decides to take less to stay in Detroit, he'll be leaving.

"

This leads us to the first rumor that surfaced in regards to Suh. Right as the regular season ended, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported rumored interest by the Cleveland Browns:

That move would make plenty of sense, considering the Browns are expected to have a significant amount of cap space heading into the new league year and they are in dire need of a fierce presence along the defensive line.

However, Cleveland is sure to have competition, and according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, that may come from Detroit:

Of course, the Lions may not have as much money to play with when it comes to striking up a contract with the big tackle. Allowing Suh to test the market could easily backfire on Detroit, as teams generally overpay for the services of a player like Suh very early in free agency. That said, this defensive tackle will go to the highest bidder, and that won't be the Lions.

Prediction: Suh signs with Browns

Buster Skrine

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Yes, the Browns are making some noise in the early days of 2015, as they are not only looking at potential free agents leaving other franchises, but focusing on their own as well. One such player is Skrine, a cornerback coming off a four-year, $2.2 million contract with the team, according to Spotrac.com.

Following the 2014 draft, Skrine appeared expendable. Joe Haden has been Cleveland's top corner since he was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft, and the Browns spent a first-round pick on Justin Gilbert in 2014, attempting to create a formidable duo at the position.

Well, 16 games later, the Browns are still looking for answers. Gilbert didn't have a productive season with the team, and now Skrine appears to have become a priority, according to Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

"

With questions surrounding Gilbert's attitude and professionalism and the importance placed on cornerbacks in Pettine's scheme, Skrine figures to get a long look from the Browns. Fourth-round pick Pierre Desir only began earning playing time the past two weeks and Williams has been sidelined with concussion and hamstring issues.

Skrine's versatility also is a factor. He can play outside and in the nickel.

"

Zac Jackson of FoxSportsOhio.com tweeted his thoughts on the matter as well:

There is certainly some talent at the cornerback position set to hit the free-agent market in 2015, and the Browns could look at some enticing options coming from other organizations. However, Skrine's versatility and familiarity with the defensive scheme could lead Cleveland to re-signing him at the right price.

Prediction: Skrine re-signs with Browns

Brian Hoyer

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

Now, we have a trend. The name of yet another Brown is being tossed around the Web, and this time it's a quarterback. Hoyer had a chance to prove himself worthy of being a long-term starter this season, but he faltered down the stretch, finishing the year with 3,326 yards, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Although, luckily for Hoyer, rookie Johnny Manziel didn't look anywhere near ready to take command of a football team during his small sample size under center. This may prompt the Browns to bring the veteran back on a new deal. However, head coach Mike Pettine didn't seem so sure during an interview with Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com:

"

I don't know where Brian is with Cleveland, and I'll be very interested to hear where we are from an organizational standpoint. Personally, I have a very good relationship with Brian. He was a big part of our success this year, but it's something that I just don't know if the circumstances can come together for him to be back here next year.

"

Pettine may not think Hoyer has much of a chance to come back, but according to the Browns' official Twitter account, the quarterback would be willing to do so:

Browns general manager Ray Farmer added this interesting piece of information, via Around The NFL:

So, here's the question: Will Hoyer want to return to Cleveland? There are several quarterback-needy teams that may look into his services during the free-agency period. If he's offered a chance to compete for a starting gig in a more lucrative setting, there's a good chance he'll leave. Manziel is still expected to be the future in Cleveland, after all.

The lack of free-agent talent at the quarterback position could actually make Hoyer a bit of a commodity on the open market. This isn't to say teams will engage in a bidding war, but it's highly likely he's offered a better contract on a better offense with a better chance to start elsewhere.

Prediction: Hoyer signs with St. Louis Rams