NFL Free Agents 2015: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Market's Remaining Names

The NFL free-agency hits just keep coming. 

Hailed as one of the best in recent memory, this year's free-agency period has lived up to the hype in every way imaginable.

Rebuilding teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars—who are bringing in tight end Julius Thomas, the team announced Wednesday—are breaking the bank.

Meanwhile, aspiring contenders continue to go all-in to reach that status—the Miami Dolphins doing a deal with Ndamukong Suh, per ESPN's Chris Mortensen, is one example of that.

The crazy thing is that the league is not even 24 hours into free agency. Believe it or not, there is still a huge amount of quality names available and loads of suitors on the hunt. 

The Brian Orakpo Sweepstakes

Evan Vucci/Associated Press

It's easy to forget about Brian Orakpo, who at one point was one of the league's premier edge-rushers.

Now 28 years old and the owner of just 0.5 sacks last season, the former Texas star continues to fade from the spotlight. Really, it's a silly turn of events given that he ranked as the No. 22 3-4 outside linebacker in the league last year at Pro Football Focus.

That goes a long way in explaining why so many teams have an interest in his services despite the lack of headlines. According to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, there are three heavy hitters in the running:

Perhaps the team with the most traction at this point is the Arizona Cardinals, as Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports notes that Orakpo will take a trip to the desert soon:

It would be a surprise if Orakpo leaves without a contract. He's a strong run defender and the Cardinals wouldn't mind help in the pass-rush department after last year's 35 sacks.

With a visit secured, look for the Cardinals to make Orakpo feel appreciated in a way he hasn't been for a while.

Prediction: Orakpo signs with the Cardinals.

C.J. Spiller's Situation

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Speaking of free agents not feeling appreciated, imagine how C.J. Spiller is doing now that he's for sure on the outs with the Buffalo Bills, who recently acquired LeSean McCoy.

Spiller is one of the most explosive players in the league and enters the market after five seasons behind one of the league's worst offensive lines—but he still touts a career mark of 5.0 yards per carry.

The problem is his durability, considering he only appeared in nine games last year and has only taken more than 200 carries in two of his five years as a pro. That would explain why, so far, many running-back-needy teams have little to no interest in the 27-year-old, per ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero and the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe:

So it goes for a running back these days.

The devalued nature of the position means backs such as Spiller score only niche roles in committee backfields. It explains why there's little interest in his services so far, even more so when factoring in his checkered injury history.

For now, the most interesting team is the New England Patriots. Neither party seems to be in a rush, but the Patriots could use a Shane Vereen replacement after his signing with the New York Giants, per FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo.

Look for New England to iron something out as the week progresses.

Prediction: Spiller signs with the Patriots.

DeMarco Murray's Market 

Speaking of Murray, one of the league's top backs is also why Spiller's market has yet to blossom. 

Things are odd between the Cowboys and Murray at the moment, as this strange social-media era can sometimes reveal. ESPN's Adam Schefter explains:

Before and after the the official start of free agency, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport pointed out many teams that would be in the running if nothing developed between Murray and the Cowboys:

Murray is the biggest domino yet to fall. He appeared in 16 games for the first time in his four-year career last season and ran for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The same rules that apply to Spiller, however, surround Murray, too. He's only played a full season once, and how much is a running back who benefited from playing with Tony Romo worth? When will the tires fall off, and will his body hold up for another full season?

All teams in the race make sense. The Oakland Raiders have some of the most cash to spend and want to turn things around. Philadelphia needs a franchise back. Arizona wants to contend for a title now, while Jacksonville, like Oakland, wants to surround a young quarterback with as much talent as possible.

How's this for a twist, though? Dallas is by no means out of the race, and Murray's best shot at a title comes with a return to Dallas. He's familiar with the area, has a home there and can play the role of the hero.

Once Murray realizes that the market for running backs isn't what it seems, look for him to return home for a tad less money rather than abusing his body on shaky teams. Besides, at 27 years old, going back to Dallas and leading the Cowboys to the playoffs might only make him more money in the long run if he has another chance to hit the open market in his prime.

Prediction: Murray re-signs with the Cowboys.

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of March 11. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.