2015 NFL Free Agents: Rumors, Predictions for Top Defensive Players Available

The adage that defense wins championships is becoming somewhat outmoded in today's pass-happy NFL. With that said, teams know the value of a great defense, and they're not wasting any time trying to sign this year's top free agents on that side of the ball.

The market isn't flush with Pro Bowl-caliber stars, but there are plenty of players a step below that level who could make a serious difference with new teams in 2015.

Below are updates on three of the top defensive players still available.

Justin Houston

Rob Carr/Getty Images

The saga wasn't over when the Kansas City Chiefs slapped the franchise tag on Justin Houston.

At the time of the decision, Kansas City general manager John Dorsey indicated on the team's website that his ultimate goal was to reward Houston with a long-term deal:

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Justin is a talented player and a key contributor to our defense. Today was the deadline to designate a franchise player, and it was in the best interest of the club to place the tag on Justin. We will continue to discuss long-term options with him and his agent. Our goal is to reach a deal that is mutually beneficial. We want to keep Justin in a Chiefs uniform for years to come.

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However, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio initially reported that Houston wasn't exactly thrilled with the decision:

Florio delivered another report on Sunday in which he wrote Houston is trying to force his way out of Kansas City.

Any team can technically throw an offer sheet Houston's way, but it would mean parting with two first-round draft picks. Florio argued the idea isn't as crazy as it seems:

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First, he enters the process after completing a 22-sack season.  No player with that kind of performance has been available on the heels of it, with or without compensation.

Second, he’s motivated to move on.  Per multiple sources, Houston is very upset with the Chiefs.  It’s believed that he’ll actively solicit an offer sheet in the hopes the Chiefs won’t match it.

If an offer sheet doesn’t happen before the 2015 draft, something could happen after the draft, because at that point a team signing him would give up first-round picks in 2016 and 2017.  For a coach or G.M. who may be fired at the end of the season, giving up draft picks they may not be there to use is a small price to pay.

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At this point, it's way too early to say that Houston's relationship with the Chiefs is damaged to the point that they can't come to an agreement on a multiyear contract.

Although Kansas City has most of the leverage in this situation, the team knows it can't afford to lose a player who led the league with 22 sacks in 2014.

Bet on Houston and the Chiefs coming to some sort of agreement by the time the season rolls around.

Nick Fairley

USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions might be looking at a future in which they lose both of their top defensive tackles.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that the Miami Dolphins have a deal in place with Ndamukong Suh that is worth $114 million, $60 million of which is guaranteed.

As if that's not enough, the Indianapolis Colts are trying to get in pole position to sign Nick Fairley, per Bleacher Report's Ian Wharton:

Football Outsiders ranked the Colts 19th in run defense last year. Adding Fairley would really help strengthen Indianapolis inside. Since the team has cash to burn, it makes sense that the 27-year-old would be on the Colts' shopping list.

According to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, however, losing out on Suh has made the Lions even more desperate to retain Fairley:

Fairley is one of the toughest players to gauge on this year's free-agent market. ESPN Insider's Mike Sando put the defensive tackle atop his list of "buyer-beware free agents," citing Fairley's inability to play a full season or show much consistency on the field.

Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo, on the other hand, thinks Fairley could emerge as one of the biggest bargains this offseason:

While the Colts could be players, it's hard to see Fairley leaving Detroit. The Lions will pony up the dough to keep him.

Terrance Knighton

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Terrance Knighton might have felt disrespected by the Denver Broncos' perceived lack of interest, but his frown must be turning upside down given the amount of interest he's receiving throughout the league.

Both ESPN's Josina Anderson and The Denver Post's Troy Renck reported Knighton is getting calls from the Colts, Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears.

"I want the process to happen pretty quickly," he told Anderson. "Once the market opens I'm going to decide which one I have the strongest interest in, and move strategically with potential visits from there and not waste my time."

The only relatively sure thing about Knighton's free agency is that a return to the Broncos is out of the question. After that, it's really anybody's guess. 

Over time, the Bears and Raiders might separate themselves from the pack. Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio and Chicago head coach John Fox both worked with Knighton in Denver, and that kind of continuity is always tempting for a player.

ESPN.com's Jeff Dickerson argued that Knighton would be a great fit for the Bears considering the relationship he had with Fox:

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It’s equally important for the Bears to fill the locker room with high-character individuals who possess a certain level of familiarity with the new coaching staff, especially with Fox. A veteran player such as Knighton knows exactly how Fox handles his business and what the head coach expects from the players. Knighton could theoretically pass that information along to the rest of the locker room, helping to create a much better working environment in Lake Forest.

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Chicago hasn't been great as of late, but Oakland might be the most moribund franchise in the league. It's not a coincidence the Raiders haven't landed any major free agents despite having a king's ransom to spend.

If Knighton goes anywhere but the Bears, it will be a surprise.