NFL Free Agents 2015: Rumors and Predictions for Players with Multiple Suitors

The 2015 free-agency period officially begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and due to a massive amount of rumors floating around the Web, much of the mystery has already been taken out of the process.

Even though no player can actually ink a contract with a new team until the new league year begins, we already know of a couple blockbuster deals. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh appears ready to join the Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, and tight end Julius Thomas will likely sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, via Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com—those are just two of the many examples.

Although, for those of us looking for some surprises when free agency commences, there are still a few veterans who have been linked to several teams and have not made a decision (that we know of) just yet. Let's take a look at the rumors surrounding a few of those players and predict where they'll call home in 2015.

Justin Forsett

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Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett was a feel-good story in 2014. A journeyman during his first six seasons in the NFL, Forsett was never given a chance to shine, always playing a supporting role wherever he went. Well, due to an unsettled backfield in Baltimore last year, that all changed.

Forsett delivered a fantastic season-long performance, rushing 235 times for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the NFL with an average of 5.4 yards per carry. A solid receiver as well, the ball-carrier racked up 44 receptions for another 263 yards. He did all of that on a cheap, one-year deal and is now set to hit the open market.

According to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, Forsett has several suitors:

Wilson also wrote that Baltimore remains an option for the running back going forward.

Each aforementioned team has a need in the backfield; however, due to a recent rumor regarding the Indianapolis Colts' strong interest in Frank Gore, according to ESPN.com, they can likely be eliminated here. The Atlanta Falcons may have the biggest need, as they recently parted ways with veteran Steven Jackson.

However, Forsett has the desire to remain in Baltimore, according to NFL.com (h/t ProFootballTalk's Josh Alper): "That is the plan, they gave me my shot, they trusted me and believed in me enough to give me that shot so I'd like to stay. They expressed that they want me back. I want to be back, so we'll see what happens."

The only thing holding Baltimore back in this situation is its lack of cap space. The Falcons are in much better shape in terms of financial flexibility, and they may be able to offer the ball-carrier a deal the Ravens won't be able to match.

Prediction: Forsett signs with Atlanta

Brian Orakpo

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Linebacker Brian Orakpo has been very productive—when healthy—during his six NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins.

In the four seasons in which he played at least 15 games, Orakpo never tallied less than 8.5 sacks and 50 tackles. Although, he played a total of just nine games in his other two seasons and is coming off an injury-shortened 2014 campaign.

Despite his history with injuries, Orakpo has a number of teams willing to acquire his services when he hits the open market. Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports tweeted the details:

So, there we have it. While Orakpo was linked to the Falcons, they don't appear to be in the mix right now. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals are in dire need for pass-rushers, and their 3-4 base defenses suit Orakpo's skill set nicely. Then, there's the matter of Washington attempting to keep the linebacker in the fold.

All three teams have more than enough cap space to sign Orakpo; however, due to his injury history, he'll presumably require a contract laden with performance-based incentives or another form of protection from the veteran missing time. The fact that Washington hasn't been able to get something done yet is concerning, so the team with the most to offer will win Orakpo's services.

Prediction: Orakpo signs with Indianapolis

Shaun Hill

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Having an experienced backup quarterback who is still capable of stepping in when called upon is extremely important in today's pass-happy NFL. The free-agent market for this kind of signal-caller isn't strong, but there are far worse options than veteran Shaun Hill.

The 35-year-old quarterback has spent 13 years in the league and boasts a career passer rating of 85.5. He's still playing to that level, as he played in nine games with the St. Louis Rams last season, passing for 1,657 yards and eight touchdowns against seven interceptions for a passer rating of 83.9.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch tweeted a couple backup-needy teams looking to possibly acquire Hills' services:

Both of those teams make sense for the veteran. The Dallas Cowboys simply need a player who can step in should Tony Romo suffer an injury, whereas the Oakland Raiders may be looking for a veteran who can help mold second-year quarterback Derek Carr.

Although, there's a third team in the mix. According to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com, the Minnesota Vikings are looking at Hill as well:

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According to a league source, the Vikings have made an offer to the 35-year-old Hill, and will be in touch with the quarterback's agent on Monday afternoon. Hill, who spent the 2006 season in San Francisco with current Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner, has "genuine interest" in returning to Minnesota, where he spent his first NFL season, and he could give the Vikings a veteran backup for second-year QB Teddy Bridgewater.

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Hill's familiarity with Norv Turner may help seal the deal here. Coming into a system in which he already has some experience will help both Hill and second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Cap space isn't an issue for the Vikings, so consider them the front-runner in this case.

Prediction: Hill signs with Minnesota