2015 NFL Free Agents: Rumors, Predictions for Intriguing Offseason Storylines

Building through the draft may be the time-tested way to establish a long-term winner in the NFL, but sometimes all it takes is a premier free agent or two to put a team over the top.

The 2015 free-agency class is filled with a number of potential game-changers on both sides of the ball who could affect the immediate fortunes of a franchise. The next step will be signing those players, so it is no wonder that there are some rumors circulating around the league. 

Here are a few of them.

Ndamukong Suh

Drew Birkett of USA Today provided an update on arguably the NFL’s most coveted free agent: “The team also has told the agent of at least one pending free agent defensive tackle that they expect Suh to return, though the two sides have not yet resumed negotiations after the Lions tabled talks in July.”

It is important to note that the Detroit Lions are the one team that can officially talk with Ndamukong Suh about his contract until March 7, which is when the three-day free-agent negotiation period begins.

Detroit could theoretically use the franchise tag on Suh, but that would cost $26.9 million, which is realistically unfeasible with Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford already on large deals. That is a lot of money tied up in three players, which isn’t the best formula for long-term success in the NFL.

It is no wonder Suh will command so much money, though. He plugs the middle along the defensive front, which opens things up for the pass-rushers on the outside and shuts down the running game. (Detroit was No. 1 against the run this past season.) He is a physical presence who sets the tone for the entire defense up front on every play.

Birkett noted that “the Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars are among the teams that could have both the cap room and desire to lure Suh from Detroit.”

While all are intriguing options­—and Detroit is certainly still in play as well—Oakland has the money to land Suh, the need (it was 22nd in the league against the run last season) and a handful of young players like Derek Carr and Khalil Mack who are looking to turn the corner this season and beyond.

Adding a proven veteran like Suh would help this Raiders team compete in the AFC West.

Prediction: Suh signs with the Oakland Raiders.

Demaryius Thomas

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports provided an update on Demaryius Thomas: "Thomas is a freak of nature and, sources said, the top offseason priority for the Broncos. He will be franchised in hopes of getting a long-term deal done. Whether it's Peyton Manning or Brock Osweiler at quarterback, this is the most vital target in the passing game."

The Denver Broncos have a number of options in the passing game, but Thomas is the rare wide receiver who brings all the physical traits to the table. He is 6’3” and 229 pounds and big enough to outmuscle defensive backs for balls over the middle and win jump balls in the red zone. He is also fast enough to blow by press coverage and has excellent hands when fighting for passes.

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

All Thomas did last season was turn in his third consecutive year of at least 1,400 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches when he finished with 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns.

He also isn’t lacking for self-confidence given this late-season quote, via Bryan Fischer of NFL.com:

"

But I can say this—coming up my first year at Tech, the only person I really looked up to was Calvin [Johnson] because I didn't really play football in high school. I think we do two different things, but I have to say that I'm better than Calvin right now.

Other people will say different, but I'm the best Georgia Tech wide receiver.

"

The Broncos need Thomas back to keep the passing game going, regardless of whether Peyton Manning retires or returns. He is too valuable, and they will not let him go elsewhere. 

Prediction: Demaryius Thomas returns to the Broncos.

Dez Bryant

La Canfora also passed along some information on Dez Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys:

"

Bryant's off-field issues are having a significant impact in talks on a long-term deal, league sources said, and trepidation about putting a ton of guaranteed money on the table is likely to limit the tenor of long-term talks. Going year-to-year with Bryant is OK with Jerry Jones, even at this steep price, and in terms of on-field importance, Bryant is seen as more significant than franchising running back DeMarco Murray.

"

There is a lot to chew on there, but if we are talking strictly on-field production, it is hard to argue with Bryant.

He led the league with 16 touchdown catches to go along with his 1,320 yards and 22 catches of at least 20 yards. He is a game-changing wide receiver who helped open up the field for DeMarco Murray to lead the league with 1,845 rushing yards on the season because teams often had to double-team Bryant on the outside.

The Cowboys can only franchise one of their elite offensive weapons, which makes this a tricky situation.

The argument can be made that Murray is more replaceable because of the dominant offensive line in place for Dallas. Murray may be special, but a number of NFL-caliber running backs can rack up big yards behind an offensive line like the one in Dallas.

The Cowboys likely understand that and will respond accordingly by bringing Bryant back. 

Prediction: Bryant returns to Dallas.

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