NFL Free Agency 2015: Top Players Available and Post-Super Bowl Predictions

With the Super Bowl now over, the New England Patriots are the only team entering the offseason with the ultimate prize. For every other franchise, it's time to start building toward taking them down next season.

One huge part of the offseason is free agency, and there are several enticing options. Due to the multitude of offensive and defensive stars that might be on the move, this has a chance to be one of the most exciting free-agency periods in recent memory.

Free agency may not start until March 10, but here's an early look at the top players and predictions.

DeMarco Murray, Running Back

On the heels of his best season in Big D, the Dallas Cowboys' lead back might be on the market.

DeMarco Murray led the NFL with 1,845 rushing yards and tied with Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch with 13 touchdowns. The clear leader offensively for much of the season, Murray's importance cannot be overstated for Dallas. Though he can become a free agent, Dan Graziano of ESPN believes he'll remain with the Cowboys:

In a year in which expectations were low for Dallas, Murray was the difference on offense. Most analysts believed wide receiver Dez Bryant and quarterback Tony Romo would shine, but no one saw Murray eclipsing his rushing yards total from the prior two seasons combined.

ESPN Stats & Info noted just how significant his impact was in 2014:

While running backs have been devalued for years in the NFL, no one can deny how crucial Murray was to Dallas' success. He'll keep the star on his helmet for years to come if Jerry Jones truly wants to make another playoff run.

Prediction: Murray re-signs with the Cowboys.

Justin Houston, Outside Linebacker

During the regular season, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston was a terror for offensive coordinators. Though he was shutout in Defensive Player of the Year voting, Houston still led the league with a staggering 22 sacks.

You read that right. Houston was just a half sack away from Michael Strahan's single-season sack mark, yet he was completely shut out by J.J. Watt. He may be overlooked by some, but owners know exactly how significant of an impact he can have on defenses.

Though he's set to become a free agent without a new contract, that may not last long. Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports offered the latest rumor surrounding Houston:

Similar to Murray for the Cowboys offense, Houston gives the Chiefs defense an identity. If they lose that cog in the front seven, facing the AFC West will be a tall task. Expect this deal to be done before Houston ever becomes a free agent.

Prediction: Chiefs lock up 2014's sacks leader.

Demaryius Thomas, Wide Receiver

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has come a long way since his career started with the Denver Broncos. During his first two seasons, Thomas combined for 834 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Since 2012, he has finished with at least 1,400 yards and 10 scores each season.

That's the power of quarterback Peyton Manning. But with his future up in the air this offseason, some teams will be making a push to bring him to their franchise.

Former teammate Eric Decker, now with the New York Jets, has been recruiting the elite receiver. Decker spoke about his pitch to Thomas, per Brian Costello of The New York Post:

"

I’ve been pushing for the entire year now. It was just another opportunity to talk to him about it. ... If he happens to make it to free agency, I would love to sign him because playing alongside him for four years and especially the last two years made it a lot of fun and made it a lot easier. He’s just one of the great players in this league.

"

Thomas might want to play with Decker again, but leaving Manning isn't the best idea. Even if Manning doesn't have a long career ahead of him, Thomas doesn't want to drop off like Decker.

Yes, I'm aware it's incredibly boring to say all three players will return to their teams, but Thomas isn't going anywhere. The former Georgia Tech receiver has emerged as a superstar in the league—one the Broncos need to compete for a Super Bowl again.

Prediction: Thomas returns to Broncos on a long-term contract.

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