NFL Free Agents 2015: Latest Rumors and Predictions as Market Prepares to Open

The NFL rumor mill is alight brighter than any NFL owner's burning checkbook at the moment.

Alright, maybe not more than Stephen Ross' in Miami after $114 million with $60 million guaranteed going to Ndamukong Suh, per ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen, but the point stands.

Right now, teams are scrambling in the "legal tampering period" to nail down deals with players believed to be the answer. Some front offices want a quick fix, others want a complementary piece to build for the future.

Regardless, it is critical to stay up to date on the latest rumblings with the market so close to opening the floodgates.

Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB

David Richard/Associated Press

One of the more underrated names on the market is former Cleveland Browns linebacker Jabaal Sheard.

The Pittsburgh product spent the first four years of his career in Cleveland and is just now beginning to see his market take an upswing. As Yahoo Sports' Rand Getlin points out, there are many teams in the running for his services:

While the market may focus on bigger names such as Greg Hardy, there is so much interest in Sheard because of his scheme-versatile skill set that allows him to rush the passer from an upright position or with his hand in the dirt.

Cleveland preferred the former, and last year Sheard shone as the league's No. 16 ranked 3-4 outside linebacker at Pro Football Focus, accumulating two sacks, four quarterback hits and 24 hurries in the process.

This is an invaluable track record in versatility in today's pass-happy league—especially coming from a player who will be only 26 years old by next season's kickoff.

The safe bet is Sheard landing with a team such as Cincinnati. The Bengals have plenty of cap space to spend and are familiar with what Sheard is worth after playing against him in the AFC North for the past four years. As a remedy to a 20-sack campaign, Sheard is a smart fit for the Bengals.

Prediction: Sheard signs with the Bengals. 

Brandon Graham, DE/OLB

USA TODAY Sports

Go ahead and stick with edge-rushers, the hottest position on the market right now. 

For good reason, too, as the Philadelphia Eagles allowed Brandon Graham to test the waters—a bad move, all things considered.

Graham is like Sheard in that he's young at 26 years old and spent the first five years of his career with the Eagles. Oddly enough, the Eagles never gave the Michigan product an every-down role, something he is sure to get on the open market, as Pro Football Focus' Pete Damilatis points out:

Believe the hype.

On the same list that ranked Sheard 16th, Graham came in at No. 3 overall with six sacks, eight hits and 39 hurries. This under-the-radar productivity explains why so many teams are in the running, as Derrick Gunn of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia notes:

Despite 47 sacks a season ago, the New York Giants are always on the prowl for productive pass-rushers to help strengthen an already-stout rotation.

Graham fits the bill in a big way, and he projects as an even better fit with his hand in the dirt. Like Sheard and the Bengals, there is also that insider-esque knowledge of playing in the same division.

Look for the Giants to get the deal done.

Prediction: Graham signs with the Giants.

Julius Thomas, TE

It's a one-man race at tight end on the open market this year.

There are recognizable names such as Jordan Cameron and Jermaine Gresham, but Julius Thomas takes the proverbial cake as the top target.

Thomas racked up gaudy totals over the course of the past two seasons while playing with the Denver Broncos:

SEASON	REC	TGTS	YDS	TD
2013	65	89	788	12
2014	43	60	489	12

Don't let the fact that he played on an offense led by Peyton Manning be deceptive, though—Thomas is worth every penny.

At only 26 years old and last year's No. 13 overall tight end with even strong grades as a pass- and run-blocker at PFF, Thomas is a valuable addition to a team in need. That would explain why a team with a young quarterback such as the Jacksonville Jaguars have a strong reported interest, according to Mike Klis of The Denver Post.

Not so fast, though, as CBS Sports' Rob Rang suggests the sweepstakes are still wide open:

To be fair, all options are still on the table until the market opens Tuesday.

This gives other teams plenty of time to swoop in and attempt to steal one of the league's most promising players at the position. It's also one heck of a bargaining chip for Thomas' agent.

At the end of the day, though, it's hard to see how the Jaguars let Thomas get away. The front office needs to do whatever it takes to help along Blake Bortles, which means opening up the checkbook and even overpaying for a reliable option.

Prediction: Thomas signs with the Jaguars. 

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of March 9. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.