2015 NFL Free Agents: Unheralded Options Guaranteed to Outperform Modest Deals

The 2015 NFL free-agent class is as stacked with talent as any in recent memory, which means there will be plenty of bargains to be had as well.

With many teams focusing on signing the elite players on the market, other strong options are likely to slip through the cracks. That may ultimately result in smaller contracts than they hoped for, but that will work to the advantage of franchises that opt against getting into bidding wars for the big-name stars.

As the start of NFL free agency quickly approaches, here is a closer look at some under-the-radar players who will outperform the modest contracts that they will likely have to settle for in 2015.

Mark Ingram

Most seemed ready to declare New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram a bust entering the 2014 campaign. The 2011 first-round pick had yet to top 602 rushing yards or five touchdowns in a season, and he was part of a crowded backfield that included Khiry Robinson and Pierre Thomas.

Rather than fading into the background, though, Ingram proceeded to have the best year of his career. He essentially set career highs across the board, as he rushed for 964 yards and nine touchdowns on 226 carries in 13 games. The Heisman Trophy winner even got involved in the passing game with 29 catches.

He added another dimension to New Orleans' offense and was ultimately rewarded with the first Pro Bowl nod of his career.

Following his breakthrough campaign, Ingram made it clear that he wanted to return to the Saints if possible, according to Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com.

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I want to be a Saint. I was drafted there. I'm always appreciative and grateful for that. It's a great organization, first class. We have a great foundation of young talent. I just feel like we've got to keep improving and getting better. I definitely want to stay with the Saints. ... Of course there's always that 'what if you go somewhere and you could be the main guy and do everything', but I love the Saints and want to be a Saint.

"

While the Saints would likely prefer to retain him, they aren't in a great salary-cap situation, which means Ingram may have to go elsewhere.

Despite his huge jump in production last year, Ingram isn't receiving a ton of hype entering free agency. That is likely due to the fact that he is being overshadowed by Dallas Cowboys superstar DeMarco Murray. Although Murray may be the better signing over the short term, he'll cost a lot more and has much more wear and tear as well.

As pointed out by Joe Dolan of SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, Ingram is appealing since he is young and hasn't been abused at the NFL level:

There is reason to believe that his best years are ahead of him, which is something that can't be said for most backs when they hit free agency.

The light seemed to go off for Ingram last year, and the team that lands him could potentially have a budding superstar on its hands.

Da'Norris Searcy

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The Buffalo Bills boasted one of the NFL's best defenses in 2014, and with so much star power on one unit, it is easy to overlook a guy such as safety Da'Norris Searcy.

Searcy had big shoes to fill this past season as he became a full-time starter for the first time in place of Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd, who departed for New Orleans. The 26-year-old safety proceeded to enjoy a productive campaign, as he racked up 65 tackles and set career highs with two forced fumbles and three interceptions.

Since the Bills selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft, Searcy has been a consistent contributor. Now that he has proved he is capable of coming through in a starting role, the former North Carolina standout should generate some interest on the open market.

NFL.com's Chris Trapasso is of the mind that new Bills head coach Rex Ryan will attempt to retain his services:

If Buffalo is unable to keep Searcy, though, some team will be lucky enough to land a major bargain. While he won't be dirt cheap by any means, teams won't have to necessarily break the bank to land Searcy, especially with safeties such as Devin McCourty, Antrel Rolle and Rahim Moore also available.

Searcy has already become a far more effective NFL player than anyone could have predicted, and there is no reason to think that his form will drop off as he enters his prime.

Cecil Shorts

Perhaps no position is more stacked in free agency this offseason than wide receiver. With studs such as Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Randall Cobb and Jeremy Maclin potentially being available, it is tough for mid-range options to stand out.

That is the case when it comes to Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Cecil Shorts. The 27-year-old receiver is extremely skilled, but he has been held back by injuries and poor quarterback play. If he can remain healthy and ends up landing in a better offense, though, his fortunes figure to change.

Shorts has had nightmarish luck with quarterbacks in Jacksonville, with the likes of Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne and Blake Bortles throwing him the ball since he entered the league in 2011. Even so, he has flashed signs of greatness at times.

In 2012, he finished with 979 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games despite playing in a poor offense. His numbers have dropped off a bit since then, however, which has a lot to do with the fact that he has been banged up.

There is no denying that Shorts has a big-time skill set, which is why Bleacher Report's Matt Miller views him as an ideal sleeper on the free-agent market:

Teams won't have to overpay for Shorts since the wide receiver crop is so deep and because he has something to prove as well.

Any team looking to add a complementary pass-catcher this offseason would be wise to strongly consider Shorts due to the untapped potential he so obviously possesses.

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