2015 NFL Free Agents: Latest Rumors, Predictions Before Final Divisional Games

A total of 26 teams have now officially begun their offseasons following the departures of the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers from the playoffs Saturday. After Sunday's divisional-round action, two more teams will be added to that category.

All of these eliminated teams have one thing in common: They must all make improvements to go the full distance next season. One of the quickest ways to get a boost at any position is via free agency. After all, proven veterans generally have small learning curves and can contribute immediately.

While the playoffs continue, free-agent talk remains at a minimum; however, some gossip has recently surfaced from trusted sources around the Web. Here's a look at a few interesting rumors and predictions for the players involved.

Antrel Rolle

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Rolle has been one of the leaders on the New York Giants defense since he arrived in the Big Apple back in 2010. A productive and durable player, he has yet to miss a game with the Giants and has tallied at least 87 tackles, one forced fumble and one pick in each of those seasons.

Despite his steady tenure with the team, a recent personnel move has stirred up speculation about his future in New York. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was fired by the team after retaining his position since 2010—the year Rolle was brought aboard. During an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Rolle expressed his chemistry with the coach:

This comment led to some speculation that the safety could test the waters in free agency and possibly even follow Fewell to his next location. That may not be easy. Rolle is an expensive player, holding the sixth-most lucrative contract for a safety, according to Spotrac.com.

Also, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News relayed another telling comment regarding Rolle's thoughts on returning to New York in 2015:

Rolle apparently wants to remain with the Giants, and if the team can build enough cap space to retain him, a new contract should be on the horizon.

Prediction: Rolle re-signs with Giants

Frank Gore

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Gore, the San Francisco 49ers' most trusted veteran running back, has enjoyed a very productive career in the Bay Area. Since entering the league in 2005, the ball-carrier has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in eight of his 10 seasons with the team, tallying 11,073 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns. However, he's set to hit free agency in 2015.

The veteran is coming off a three-year, $19.2 million contract, according to Spotrac.com, and it could be argued he's in line for either a decrease in pay or an incentive-laden contract due to his mileage at this point in his career. This could make him a coveted option for teams that need a running back.

Adding to his allure, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller tweeted Gore's durability:

"

Frank Gore hasn't missed a game since 2011. That's amazing to me.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 7, 2015"

One team that could seek out the running back in free agency is the Washington Redskins, according to Gabrielle McMillen of Sporting News. McMillen notes the team has added Scot McCloughan as its general manager—the same man who drafted Gore in the third round back in 2005. With Roy Helu set to become a free agent, there may be room for Gore on the roster.

Another interesting report comes from Gore himself. According to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee, the running back will be keeping a keen eye on the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round of the playoffs due to his curiosity of playing with Andrew Luck.

The 49ers drafted Carlos Hyde to be the running back of the future, and he showed flashes of being just that in 2014. Given a larger workload, he could certainly flourish in San Francisco, making Gore expendable.

Prediction: Gore signs with Colts

Duron Carter

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Being the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter, Carter has some great NFL lineage; however, he has yet to break into the league. That could change in 2015, as he's garnering plenty of interest around the league following two very nice seasons in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes.

The receiver emerged as a threat in 2013, catching 49 passes for 909 yards and five touchdowns, flashing his good hands and big-play ability. He became a star following that performance and hauled in 75 passes for 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns in 2014. That caught the attention of NFL scouts.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, Carter has already begun making his rounds:

Of the teams he's visited, the Minnesota Vikings were the most impressive to the receiver, according to Mark Craig of Minneapolis' Star Tribune:

"

It went really well. I met everybody and it looked really good. I like Minnesota, I like the facilities, I like the coaches and everything. It seems like things are looking up. I would say Minnesota is probably my front-runner right now.

The Vikings are No. 1, but I might as well go around and see what everybody is talking about. I can't sign anyway.

"

Carter may have liked Minnesota, but following the emergence of Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright, along with the team still trying to figure out what it has in Cordarrelle Patterson, he may not get the opportunity he is hoping for. Expect him to land on a team with a far greater need at wide receiver.

Prediction: Carter signs with Cleveland Browns