NFL Free Agents 2015: Latest Buzz and Rumors After the Combine

Besides for showcasing the finest collegiate talent set to enter the NFL draft, the annual scouting combine serves another purpose: Unearthing nuggets of information about every team that had been speculated on since the end of the regular season.

Each year, representatives from (mostly) every team (looking at you, New England, New Orleans and Philadelphia) speak to the assembled news media, where they're asked about all the hot-button issues swirling around their respective franchises—so there is a lot to be gleaned from the NFL's sojourn in Indianapolis.

The new league year is set to begin on March 10, and with it comes the opening of the free-agent period, and that's where this column will focus. Every story listed here earned a new wrinkle at the combine and more light was illuminated on a possible conclusion for each. Some focused around the usage of the franchise tag, while others discussed where a particular free agent might sign.

Without further ado, we present to you the latest buzz and rumors after the combine for NFL free agency 2015, featuring our takes on what will happen with each individual situation.

Will the Giants Use the Franchise Tag on Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul?

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Last year, New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul recorded his best season since 2011, tallying 11.5 sacks and flashing the form that once had many believing he'd be a perennial All-Pro.

And now, Pierre-Paul is set to cash in on his monster season, as he'll become a free agent on March 10.

The question now becomes: Do the Giants have the financial resources needed to keep Pierre-Paul on Broadway? Big Blue has $10 million in cap space, so it will prove tricky, but owner John Mara pledged back in December that the team would keep the man known as "JPP" in the fold. 

It looks as if we have the answer to that question, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported (via Nick Powell of NJ.com) that the Giants are ready to slap the franchise tag on Pierre-Paul if a long-term pact isn't reached.

This move makes all the sense in the world for the Giants. Pierre-Paul is still young (26) and has a history of success. And don't get it twisted: There is no chance the Giants win the Super Bowl following the 2011 season without JPP. He was a stud on that run and dazzled down the stretch in 2014, lending credence to the theory that he'll once again ascend to superstar status.

Keeping Pierre-Paul is a must for the Giants in what's shaping up to be an extremely critical 2015 season. The franchise tag is the right move if a long-term deal can't be reached.

49ers Talk Contract with RB Frank Gore and WR Michael Crabtree

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

The San Francisco 49ers have a new head coach in Jim Tomsula, but the winds of change might not be done blowing through the organization, as two prominent skill-position players are set to hit free agency: running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

Speaking at last week's scouting combine, Tomsula addressed both situations, per Marc Sessler of NFL.com, starting with Gore, the 49ers' all-time leading rusher:

"

Frank Gore, we talk about all the things that he has -- you mentioned the leadership and the passion and all those things -- but let's not overlook that he is a prolific running back in the National Football League. I'm a big Frank Gore guy. I know those talks are ongoing now, starting this week along with our other free agents.

"

And then he discussed Crabtree:

"

Those talks (with Crabtree) are happening this week. I don't have the checkbook, so I'm not in those particular conversations, but I do know that leaving San Francisco, heading to the airport the other day, that everything was lined up to talk to all of our people.

"

While Tomsula has publicly thrown his support behind both men, there's also the matter of guard Mike Iupati's impending free agency—and one could easily construct an argument stating that Iupati is the team's most important free agent, even more so than Gore or Crabtree.

The 49ers have $21 million in cap space, so it's possible that Gore and Crabtree could be kept. But the bottom line is that despite the wonderful career Gore has authored, he's 31 years old, and the team spent a second-round pick last year on his theoretical replacement, Carlos Hyde.

As for Crabtree, well, he didn't exactly dazzle in 2014, catching only 68 passes for 698 yards and four touchdowns. 

Don't expect either man back in the Bay Area next year, as San Francisco's dramatic franchise overhaul will surely continue.

Talks Have Stalled Between the Browns and QB Brian Hoyer

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

Last season, Brian Hoyer was the primary starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns—and despite Hoyer tossing only 12 touchdown passes against 13 interceptions, the team went 7-6 with him at the helm.

Now, Hoyer is set to become a free agent—and in theory, it makes sense that the Browns would have interest, especially when considering the foibles of fellow signal-caller Johnny Manziel, who is currently in rehab. But in something straight out of the theater of the bizarre, things are currently being held up by the texting scandal swirling around Browns general manager Ray Farmer.

Yes, you read that correctly: Text messages sent by Farmer, during games, to the Browns coaching staff, could have a major impact on Hoyer potentially re-signing with the club. Only in Cleveland, folks.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Hoyer is holding out on a decision until he has a face-to-face meeting with Farmer. The presumption is that the aforementioned meeting would clear the air and provide both parties with a blueprint to follow. The assumption is that the texts had to do with Hoyer's level of play, and that's something Farmer will have to answer for if he'd like to keep Hoyer in town.

If we were betting people, we'd wager on Hoyer playing elsewhere in 2015. His late-season benching—coupled with his (unwitting) involvement in #Textgate—would seem to indicate that a divorce would be best for all parties.

Will the Bills Keep DE Jerry Hughes? Will They Sign TE Charles Clay?

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

The Buffalo Bills were a newsworthy team coming out of the scouting combine, with nuggets of information emerging about two different players—one currently with the team and one soon-to-be free agent.

The player already on the roster is defensive end Jerry Hughes, who will hit free agency on March 10. Hughes has been a revelation since coming over to Buffalo prior to the 2013 season, compiling 20 total sacks (10 apiece in 2013 and 2014) and providing pass-rushing oomph alongside fellow end Mario Williams.

Speaking at the combine, per Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com, Bills general manager Doug Whaley had this to say about Hughes:

"

We can afford to invest in that defensive line because we don't have a large part of our salary cap eaten up by a marquee quarterback. So that affords us the ability to be able to try to keep a Jerry Hughes and pay him what he's worth. The way we have to play we're going to have to have a strong defense and get after the quarterback and run the ball.

"

The expectation should be that the Bills pony up to keep Hughes in Western New York, providing new coach Rex Ryan with more firepower to deploy at opposing quarterbacks.

Also emanating from Buffalo, per Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, is a reported interest in Dolphins tight end Charles Clay, who is set to become a free agent. Clay would provide whomever the Bills quarterback is with a reliable target over the middle of the field.

Given the Bills have $27 million in cap space to work with, signing Clay shouldn't be too much of an issue if the team indeed decides to move in that direction.

Cowboys Want to Keep WR Dez Bryant in Town at All Costs

Richard Lipski/Associated Press

We already know that Dallas Cowboys star receiver Dez Bryant isn't exactly ecstatic about the idea of getting hit with the franchise tag.

And now, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has also expressed a desire to avoid that option, telling Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com, "I can tell you I’m not that excited about the franchise tag with Dez simply because I’d like to have our agreement and our business in place for a long time to come with Dez."

Bryant just authored a celestial campaign, catching 88 passes for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdown grabs. At age 26, he clearly has a lot of outstanding football still in him. But the Cowboys' financial situation is once again nebulous, with the team currently possessing just $5.1 million in cap space.

Despite Jones' consternation to the contrary, the franchise tag remains the most likely option for Bryant. If the Cowboys can't reach a long-term pact with Bryant by March 2, they will hit him with the tag. Why? Because he's one of the best players in football regardless of position, a true difference-maker capable of winning games by his lonesome.

There's no way the Cowboys will let Bryant walk. If a long-term deal can't be consummated, the franchise tag will almost certainly be used.

Chiefs Considering the Franchise Tag for LB Justin Houston

Reed Hoffmann/Associated Press

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston dominated in 2014 to the tune of a league-leading 22 sacks, which is a pretty solid way to enter the free-agent market. And by pretty solid, we mean absolutely perfect.

Houston, an impending free agent, will certainly break the bank this offseason, and the Chiefs would certainly like to be the team that lavishes him with cash. But right now, Kansas City is $5 million over the cap, making matters tenuous. 

If the Chiefs were to use the franchise tag on Houston, he would earn $13 million in 2015, and it's expected that general manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid would make enough corresponding moves to clear sufficient room to keep Houston in town. And Dorsey waxed poetic about Houston to Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star at last week's scouting combine:

"

I think Justin Houston is a fine football player. I think what he did this year, I mean, he did a wonderful job. Everybody, we applaud him for that. His representative is in town and I’ve had ongoing discussions with his representative. Like I’ve said all along, I envision Justin being a Chief.

"

Dorsey and Reid would be nuts to let Houston—a young (26), emerging pass-rushing demon—depart in free agency. The franchise tag remains the most likely option to keep Houston in town.

Lions Prepared to Exhaust All Options to Keep DT Ndamukong Suh

Matt Ludtke/Associated Press

Detroit Lions star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is set to hit free agency, and there's no question that the team would like to keep him in Motown for the balance of his career.

After all, Suh finished 2014 ranked as Pro Football Focus' third-best defensive tackle, compiling 8.5 sacks and terrorizing opposing offensive lines. 

Speaking at last week's scouting combine, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said this to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press about the possibility of slapping Suh with the franchise tag: "I'm not leaning any way (on the tag). It's not something we have to decide right now, so I'm not inclined to make that decision."

If the Lions did franchise Suh, it would set his cap number for 2015 at a staggering $26.9 million. Is that economically feasible? With the Lions holding just over $12 million in cap space, it's difficult to envision a scenario in which Suh is tagged—unless the team makes a number of corresponding moves to clear space.

Birkett also penned that Suh would like to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league, an honor currently held by Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt. With Detroit's cap situation being what it is, how can they possibly work out a deal to keep Suh in town on a long-term deal? And just how realistic of an option is the franchise tag?

We have written for weeks that we expect Suh to sign elsewhere for an exorbitant amount of cash, and that remains the thought process. While it's not completely outside the realm of possibility that Suh will be back in Detroit, it's also not the most likely scenario at this current point in time.

Will Ravens LB Pernell McPhee Sign Elsewhere for More Money?

Amy Sancetta/Associated Press

In the humble opinion of this author, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee is the hidden gem of the 2015 NFL free-agent class.

And now, it looks increasingly unlikely that he'll return to Charm City.

Per Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, the Ravens "probably" won't be able to afford McPhee, who is coming off a season in which he accrued 7.5 sacks despite being a part-time player. The Ravens only have $435,000 in cap space, and McPhee is clearly going to garner more cash than Baltimore can pony up.

McPhee, 26, finished 2014 ranked as Pro Football Focus' second-best 3-4 outside linebacker and is adept at both rushing the passer and stopping the run. Wilson went on to mention that there are several teams interested in McPhee's services, including the Raiders, Falcons, Buccaneers, Browns and Colts.

There's no doubt that McPhee will be a very rich man once the free-agent period opens on March 10, and if Wilson is correct—and we believe he is—that big-money pact won't be coming McPhee's way from the Ravens.

Is Broncos TE Julius Thomas Being Pushed out of Town?

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Over the past two seasons, Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas has emerged as one of the NFL's finest red-zone targets, hauling in 24 touchdown receptions (12 apiece in 2013 and 2014).

Unfortunately for Broncos fans, though, it doesn't currently appear that Thomas will be keeping his talents in the Mile High City for 2015 and beyond.

Thomas' agent, Frank Bauer, recently told Mike Klis of The Denver Post:

"

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.

"

Wow.

It seems as if there are a number of issues at play. First, the financial demands that Bauer likely asked the Broncos for were not met, and second, Bauer is likely attempting to soften the blow for Broncos fans when Thomas eventually signs elsewhere.

With the Broncos looking likely to slap wide receiver Demaryius Thomas with the franchise tag, it remains to be seen if they'll have the necessary greenbacks to retain Julius Thomas.

But we believe the most probable scenario sees Thomas chasing big money elsewhere, meaning his days in Denver are drawing to a close.

Where Will Free-Agent QB Josh McCown Sign?

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Earlier this month, the (horrendous) free-agent market for quarterbacks received a jolt when the Buccaneers released Josh McCown.

McCown, 35, is clearly not a franchise passer, but has proved reliable enough throughout his career that he'll be a coveted name throughout the process—especially when considering the dearth of competent options set to hit the market.

Per Marc Sessler of NFL.com, McCown met with both the Jets and Bears at last week's scouting combine, and preceded that by meeting with the Bills. 

All three of those teams have quarterback needs of varying degrees.

The Jets have Geno Smith as their incumbent signal-caller, and that's only good for opposing defensive backs. The Bears trotted McCown out as their starter for five games in 2013, and while he played very well (13 touchdown passes against one interception), it's tough to imagine McCown being named "the guy" in Chicago this year—especially considering the team still has Jay Cutler under contract. And the Bills are stuck with EJ Manuel, who is strongly threatening to be a first-round bust.

One team that remains an intriguing option is the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have a need at backup quarterback, as Tyrod Taylor will become a free agent, and the team's new offensive coordinator, Marc Trestman, was McCown's coach in Chicago during his torrid run in 2013.

If we had to guess, we'd tab McCown as Joe Flacco's next backup quarterback in Baltimore—although we acknowledge the possibility that he'll opt for a situation that presents him with a better chance to play.

Nick Kostos is a featured NFL columnist for Bleacher Report and a host for Bleacher Report Radio on SiriusXM. Follow Nick on Twitter here.