2015 NFL Free Agents: Predictions for 2nd-Tier Options on Market

There will be a ton written in the coming days about the top free agents available on the market, but very often the best signings are the second-tier players that represent better value in contract terms but also are brought aboard to dramatically improve a position of need. 

Sure, we all want to know where Ndamukong Suh or Randall Cobb end up, but the following players might actually end up being far better signings—or at least better values—for the teams they join in the long run. Let's predict where they'll end up. 

Mark Ingram: Philadelphia Eagles

There are a lot of reasons why the Philadelphia Eagles were willing to trade LeSean McCoy. His huge contract was the primary reason. His decline in production in 2014 contributed to the decision. Getting back a young, talented player at a need position in linebacker Kiko Alonso helped. The fact Chip Kelly likely feels his system is more important than individual players can't be overlooked.

But perhaps the factor that really sold the Eagles on moving on from McCoy was noted by Christopher Hansen of Bleacher Report:

Indeed, McCoy's lateral style wasn't a great fit for Kelly's offense. Yes, McCoy often had success because he was able to make up for the fact he sometimes missed the hole with sheer talent alone. But a more downhill, one-cut runner probably makes more sense than McCoy's dancing ways.

Enter Mark Ingram, who is already being linked to the Birds, per Lyons Yellin of WWL-TV:

The New Orleans back is a physical, straight-ahead runner who can carry a heavy load and would pair perfectly with the shiftier Darren Sproles. He would get the tough yards down by the goal line and certainly wouldn't dance around looking for the home run, rather than the sure yards. 

C.J. Spiller is also an option, as he doesn't offer the physicality of Ingram but is more of a downhill runner than McCoy was and is always a threat to tear off a huge run. Spiller has already hinted he would be interested in joining the Eagles, per the NFL Network on Twitter:

Or the Birds could choose to draft a running back. Well, if they don't trade all of their picks to select Marcus Mariota, that is.

But Ingram makes a ton of sense. The Birds have the cap space to pay him, he's a young running back who fits Kelly's scheme, and it's hard to imagine a more appealing scheme out there for Ingram than the Eagles' run-friendly system. I think this happens.

Rahim Moore: Chicago Bears

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The Bears desperately need to improve at free safety, a position that isn't particularly deep in this year's draft. It's hard to imagine Devin McCourty leaving the New England Patriots or the Bears ponying up the cash needed to re-sign him if they do, but it's not hard to see them making the next best option, Rahim Moore, their priority in free agency.

The Denver Broncos have a lot of players they need to try to retain this offseason, so Moore could fall through the cracks. If he does, expect the Bears to pay him big bucks to make his way to the Windy City.  

Jordan Cameron: Denver Broncos

While Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders give Peyton Manning excellent weapons, the fact Julius Thomas will probably get big bucks with a new team and the decline of Wes Welker means the Broncos really need to add another weapon in the passing game.

Jordan Cameron would not only be cheaper than Thomas, but it's arguable he would be just as productive. Yes, he comes with some risk after an injury-riddled 2014 season, but as he proved in 2013, he is one of the better tight ends in football when healthy. 

Manning would love having Cameron to work the seams and provide a nice weapon in the red zone. The Broncos are going to lose a key player or two in free agency, at least, but they'll get one back by signing Cameron.

Chris Culliver: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are going to be very, very busy in free agency. They are probably the front-runners to land the top corner in this class not named Darrelle Revis. Byron Maxwell and Chris Culliver would complete the rebuilding of the cornerback position.

Like Maxwell, Culliver has the size and physicality to fit the scheme the Eagles want to run, and he still has plenty of good seasons left in the tank. Add in Brandon Boykin covering the slot, and one of the Eagles' biggest weaknesses in 2014 could be one of their biggest strengths in 2015 if they can snare Maxwell and Culliver.

I think they'll get both.