2015 NFL Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions During NFL Combine

The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine isn't just a hub of new information regarding the next crop of potential NFL stars. With so many team executives and scouts rubbing elbows with media in Indianapolis, the combine can be a fine time for updates on potential free-agent movement.

Not every dilemma facing each team can be solved in the draft. There is a wealth of talented players in the 2015 free-agent class, and sure enough, the rumors have been flying as of late.

Here is the latest buzz on three offensive weapons, along with predictions on where they will eventually land.


Julius Thomas, TE

The Denver Broncos will be focused this offseason on finding ways to sustain the brilliant levels of offensive success they've enjoyed in the Peyton Manning era.

There are no guarantees, however, with Manning turning 39 in March, a new head coach in Gary Kubiak and Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Wes Welker all being impending free agents.

There will likely be a casualty of the numbers game in this group as the team works to invest in the right players this spring and summer. If it happens to be the tight end Thomas, well, he should have no shortage of suitors after posting 108 receptions and 24 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

Bleacher Report's Cecil Lammey has insight on two teams that apparently have their sights set on signing the 26-year-old star:

Thomas appears highly unlikely to stay in Denver at this point. Frank Bauer, Thomas' agent, noted the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new contract last season and the current climate might not be conducive to his client returning to the team, per Mike Klis of The Denver Post: 

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The Broncos came to me, we tried to get it done, it didn't work. Does Julius love Denver? Yes. Does Julius love the fans there? No question. Does he love the organization and the community? Look at what he does for kids in that town.

But for some reason people are trying to tear him down. In my opinion what they're doing by tearing him down is pushing him away.

"

This bodes well for both the Falcons' and Jaguars' chances. While the likes of Buffalo, Oakland and Seattle, among others, could also use a tight end, Atlanta might be the team in the best position to sign Thomas.

Matt Ryan is a proven NFL quarterback, giving the team a leg up over the likes Blake Bortles in Jacksonville, Derek Carr in Oakland and E.J. Manuel (or whomever) in Buffalo. Ryan developed a strong rapport with legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez during the latter's five-year stint in Atlanta.

The Seahawks could use a new weapon for Russell Wilson, but their main areas of concern will likely be inking the signal-caller to a new contract and dealing with running back Marshawn Lynch, who may already have a deal in place with the team, per CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora.

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

The overall weakness of the NFC East might also sway Thomas' decision-making. The Falcons won only six games last season, but they were in the playoff hunt right up until the final few weeks of the regular season.

An improvement of just two or three more wins might be enough to get the Falcons into the postseason in 2015. Those are better prospects than what he might face in Jacksonville, which has to contend with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans.

Oakland also appears to be a few years away from contending, although Carr's play in his rookie year is promising.

Then again, those two teams could shell out megabucks to Thomas, as Jacksonville and Oakland rank first and second, respectively, in 2015 salary-cap space.

While many teams will likely be clamoring for Thomas' signature if he does hit the open market—and Seattle's recent success will be very difficult to ignore—don't be shocked if Atlanta comes through with a compelling offer and pries away Thomas.

Prediction: Thomas signs with Atlanta.

Ryan Mathews, RB

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has never quite been able to capitalize on his undeniable talent. Multiple injuries and early-career fumbling problems have limited his ability to get into a rhythm in San Diego and establish himself as a feature back.

Season	G	ATT	RSH YDS	Total TD	FMB
2010	12	158	678	7	5
2011	14	222	1,091	6	5
2012	12	184	707	1	2
2013	16	285	1,255	7	2
2014	6	74	330	3	1

There is no guarantee the Bolts will re-sign the free-agent running back, even as he heads into his prime athletic years.

It stands to reason risk-averse teams might want no part of the oft-injured back, but it appears the 27-year-old Mathews may have at least one suitor this offseason.

According to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole, the San Francisco 49ers could target Ryan Mathews as a replacement for Frank Gore if the latter back doesn't return to the team:

Mathews is four years younger than Gore, an age gap amplified by the fact that Gore is on the wrong side of 30—a dreaded number for tailbacks. Gore had a down season in 2014, rushing for 1,106 yards and four touchdowns, his lowest totals since the 2009 season.

However, part of this dip in performance was due to the San Francisco 49ers moving to more four- and five-wide receiver sets in order to take advantage of the varied skill set of quarterback Colin Kaepernick. NFL.com's Marc Sessler recently noted that Gore expressed doubt about his situation on social media:

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When asked after the season if running back Frank Gore might wind up playing elsewhere come September, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said point blank: "We sure hope not."

Gore isn't so certain San Francisco's front office is behind him.

"I know the fans love me but I need to know if the management does," Gore wrote Sunday on his Instagram account, before removing the post.

He followed up with a second note asking his followers: "(What) should I do(?)"

"

The Niners may have interest, but they do have a potential replacement for Gore in young Carlos Hyde, and it might be tough to justify replacing an aging running back with one who has broken down time and time again—unless they can somehow sign Mathews at a much cheaper rate.

Sessler also noted that new head coach Jim Tomsula wants to run the ball, which could improve their chances of convincing Gore to sign for less than the $6.45 million he made last season.

Plus, the Niners could still face competition from down south, as the Chargers have running back concerns of their own.

Danny Woodhead missed nearly the entire 2014 season with a broken fibula and is not an every-down back. Branden Oliver performed well in flashes, but it's to see him maintaining a high level of production over the course of a full NFL season as the focal point of a rushing attack. Donald and Ronnie Brown are non-starters.

Look for the Bolts to bring back Mathews on a short-term, incentives-laden contract and hope against hope that the Fresno State product can remain healthy for a push at the top spot in the AFC West.

Prediction: Mathews re-signs with Chargers.

Charles Clay

Steven Senne/Associated Press

While Thomas could be the blue-ribbon prize of the 2015 class of free-agent tight ends, Charles Clay could be a nifty consolation prize for a team in need of help at the position.

He's a Swiss Army knife on offense, with the ability fit into schemes and formations as a pass-catcher, decoy or run-blocker.

He's also likely to come much cheaper than the likes of Thomas, and his appealing traits have reportedly grabbed the attention of the Buffalo Bills, per Vic Carucci of the The Buffalo News.

"How will they go about getting one? The first option is the free-agent market, which opens March 10. The Bills are known to be taking a hard look at one possible free agent from the AFC East, Charles Clay of the Miami Dolphins," he wrote.

Carucci also notes that Clay's versatility would mesh well with Buffalo's offensive plans.

"At 6'3" and 255 pounds, Clay, whom the Dolphins made a sixth-round draft pick from Tulsa in 2011, offers the athletic versatility to occasionally line up as a fullback and function as a lead blocker, an important element to the run-oriented offense the Bills plan to employ," he wrote.

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

The 26-year-old Clay's performance dipped a bit between 2013 and 2014, but he still managed to catch 58 passes for 605 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bills, among several other teams, could use a player like Clay, but don't be surprised if the Dolphins bet on Clay to return to his 2013 season form. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald noted in late January that the team is apparently looking to re-sign Clay:

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Though the Dolphins have been non-committal with several players, they privately indicated they want to re-sign free agent tight end Charles Clay. An offer is expected in the coming weeks. Tight end is one position the Dolphins feel good about, with Clay and Dion Sims. In his final media availability, Bill Lazor was very complimentary about Sims' development.

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It seems that the Fins are willing to make signing Clay a priority, whereas teams looking to pry him away from the good life in South Florida might see him as backup option after whiffing on Thomas or potentially Jordan Cameron of the Cleveland Browns.

Look for Clay to stay in Miami and continue to develop his connection with Ryan Tannehill, who appears set to make good on his promising skill set after throwing 27 touchdowns last season.

Prediction: Clay sticks with Miami.

Contract and salary-cap information courtesy of Spotrac.