2015 NFL Free Agents: Bold Predictions for Top Available Players

Super Bowl Sunday is the culmination of one year's worth of hard work for two teams, but once the game is over, everyone goes to work preparing for next season. One key component of that preparation includes free agency. 

It's a dangerous game to play because free agents, at least for the top players, require a lot of guaranteed money, which can have significant ramifications on the salary cap even if they are productive for their team. Front office personnel want to win a championship but are bound by certain limitations that make it tricky. 

Because free agency in the NFL is so different from every other major sport, predictions are often hard to make. That's also what makes it so fascinating to watch it play out, so here are the bold predictions for where this year's top available players will end up. 

Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

No player embodies the fickle nature of NFL free agency better than Ndamukong Suh. He's unquestionably the most talented defensive player available in this year's class, boasting a history of being able to sack the quarterback and disrupt the running game. 

At 28 years old, Suh has plenty of productive seasons ahead of him. After the 2013 season, Pro Football Focus had the big defensive tackle ranked as the No. 17 player in the NFL:

"

Five sacks must mean Suh wasn’t that good right? Wrong. Ever since his eye popping rookie numbers people have set unrealistic expectations for Suh, celebrating in his failure to reach them amidst concerns over his character. The truth is it’s taken longer than some might have expected, but he’s become the dominant player he was destined to be with 2013 his best (and most complete year) to date.

"

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the one thing that seems certain with Suh is returning to Detroit is off the table:

"

Many around the league do not expect the Lions to use their franchise tag on Suh because it would cost them $26.87 million -- just too steep a price. Assuming Suh is not tagged, he will be free to leave, and he probably would be the most desirable unrestricted free agent on the market. Those who know Suh believe that playing in New York, Dallas or Chicago always has appealed to him. 

"

Given the markets that Schefter mentions Suh wants to play in, he's asking for trouble. The media in New York, Dallas or Chicago will be salivating to get a shot at some of the antics he's known for on the field. 

The Bears have plenty of projected cap space at $27.6 million, per Over The Cap, and certainly the need based on how inept their defense has looked over the last two years. John Fox is the new head coach in Chicago and has a defensive background, so he understands what this team needs to be successful. 

Dallas and New York, at least the Giants don't seem like viable options, as the Cowboys have to worry about Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray. The Giants do need help on the defensive line, though, they still need to worry about re-signing Jason Pierre-Paul. 

The Jets would be an interesting option, as they currently have two young stars in Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson on the defensive line. Suh's presence would make them even more formidable, and their new head coach Todd Bowles comes from a defensive background. 

With all things being considered, the Bears have the need and money to make a significant play for Suh. He might also relish the opportunity to get two chances against Detroit for letting him walk. 

Prediction: Suh signs with Chicago

Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver

It may not provide much drama, but it seems like the biggest upset of free agency would be if Dez Bryant doesn't return to Dallas. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has essentially said there's no way his star wide receiver is going anywhere, via Charean Williams of The Fort Worth Star Telegram:

All you have to do is look at Bryant's production to understand why Jones wants him back. The 26-year-old has turned into one of the NFL's best weapons, racking up at least 1,200 receiving yards in three straight seasons and 41 touchdowns since 2012. 

Todd Archer of ESPN noted that the Cowboys' recent history suggests more moves may be on the horizon this offseason:

"

The 2010 Cowboys did not sign an unrestricted free agent. Since the inception of the current system, the Cowboys did not sign an unrestricted free agent in 1993, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2010. The 1993 team was so loaded it didn't need much help in winning consecutive Super Bowls. In the other five years, the Cowboys failed to make the playoffs. 

Free agency is not the cure all. Teams are never a player away, but the Cowboys can make smart additions in free agency in 2015 to help grow the program. 

"

It's clear the priority is Bryant, as it should be. But that will limit Archer's plan since the team has just $7.4 million in projected cap space, per Over The Cap, not to mention the free agency of DeMarco Murray. 

If the choice is between Bryant and Murray, the answer is obvious. As great as Murray was in 2014, running backs are easier to find than wide receivers. It would be nice if there was more drama around Bryant, just to see Jones squirm, but it's not going to happen. 

Prediction: Bryant re-signs with Cowboys

Justin Houston, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

There are few free-agent cases as fascinating as Justin Houston. His contract discussions with Kansas City last year broke down, then he proceeded to go out and record 22 sacks in 2014, only increasing his value heading into free agency. 

Whether a deal gets done or not, Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports did report that Houston's agent and Kansas City general manager John Dorsey met during the Senior Bowl:

However, the Chiefs face a problem in the form of their cap situation. Per Over The Cap, Kansas City is one of seven teams projected to be over the $140 million total. It doesn't take a math genius to understand adding Houston's large salary will make that number go up. 

If the money prevents Kansas City from keeping Houston, either with a long-term deal or franchise tag, Bleacher Report's Chris Simms speculates that the Colts would be a wise choice for the All-Pro.

The Colts are flush with cash to spend, currently projected to have $33 million in cap space. They are going to re-sign Andrew Luck at some point, but he's under contract through next year with an option for 2016 that will eventually be picked up. 

In other words, Indianapolis doesn't have to rush anything with Luck. It can use that cap space now to try supporting him with a defense that will help the franchise get over the playoff hump. 

Even though Houston returning to Kansas City makes the most sense, the Colts are a fascinating wild card that should make a serious move. 

Prediction: Houston signs with Indianapolis