2015 NFL Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Top Available Stars

It's a little early for NFL free-agent rumors, but let's examine the scant bit of rumblings around the league just days after Super Bowl XLIX. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it seems there is a decent chance troubled Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will be released to the open market for the highest bidder.

A.P. to Big D?

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Per Schefter: 

"

Peterson might not be entirely comfortable returning to Minnesota. That is the bigger issue here. And if he's not comfortable in Minnesota, then the question becomes where Peterson would like to play. By my count, at least a half-dozen teams have done some background work on Peterson in the event he becomes available, per league sources.

"

Schefter speculates that the Dallas Cowboys might be one of the teams interested. If Dallas can't afford to bring free agents DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant back, it could let Murray walk and sign A.P. for a lower cost.

After such a tumultuous 2014 season, it would make sense that both Peterson and the Vikings organization might need a fresh start. The time away from the game may have done Peterson's knees some good. As dynamic as he is, A.P. will be 30 years old in March. 

That's usually near the end of the line for a running back in the NFL. We'll see what owner is willing to take the chance on one of the NFL's all-time greats if he does indeed become a free agent.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys

Suh to Bolt Lions?

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The defense was one of the Detroit Lions' best qualities during the 2014 season. Ndamukong Suh was the best player on that unit. He's a free agent and the Detroit Lions simply can't afford to let him walk away.

Per Schefter: "Those who know Suh believe that playing in New York, Dallas or Chicago always has appealed to him. The four teams in those cities certainly have the need; then again, any team could use Suh."

With the money the Cowboys will have to shell out to re-sign Bryant and Murray, it would seem to be a long shot that Suh would land in Dallas. The New York Giants and Chicago Bears are more plausible options. 

The Lions seem determined to maintain Suh's services and aren't likely to be outbid. The decision may simply come down to his preference. Former teammate Willie Young signed with the Bears last offseason. Before he got hurt, he was having an excellent season. He could help to make Chicago's pitch the most appealing.

Prediction: Chicago Bears

Bryant Confident in Remaining a Cowboy

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It looks as if Bryant is priority No. 1 for Dallas this offseason. It's the right thing to do. As great as Murray was in the regular season, running backs are far more expendable than elite wide receivers.

Recently, Bryant expressed his desire to stay with Dallas. In an interview with NBCDFW.com, Bryant said: 

“Regardless, I’m a Cowboy. But it is what it is. It’s business. I am a free agent. I’m very confident that something is going to happen, something is going to get done, and have these Cowboys fans excited for a long time. I’m a Cowboy at heart. It’s Cowboys forever.”

Like Bryant said: something "will get done," and he'll almost certainly be headed back to Dallas.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys