2015 NFL Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Best Available Players

So far, 2015 NFL free agency has been one bombshell revelation after another. Ndamukong Suh to the Dolphins. Darrelle Revis to the Jets. DeMarco Murray to the Eagles. This has been one of the most thrilling free-agent frenzies in recent memory, one which included a furious string of moves right when the signing period began on Tuesday.

"

First five minutes of NFL free agency is better than the first five months of MLB season.

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) March 10, 2015"

While many of the league's superstars have already signed, there are still a few big names on the market.

Let's take a look at the top three remaining free agents. What are insiders saying? And where are these players most likely to land?

Greg Hardy

MIKE MCCARN/Associated Press

The defensive end played just one game last season before being placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List in September amid charges of domestic violence. Hardy had been found guilty in a bench trial in July, but charges were dismissed last month when his accuser did not show up for an appeal hearing, according to David Newton of ESPN.com. 

Hardy remains on the Exempt List and reportedly met with NFL officials on Wednesday to make his case to be reinstated, per NFL.com. Regardless of whether he's reinstated, Hardy is now eligible to sign a new contract, though Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole reported Wednesday that the league plans to suspend him for one or two games. 

Several teams, including the Falcons, 49ers and Panthers—the latter of whom Hardy has played for throughout his five-year career—have expressed that they will not be pursuing Hardy despite his obvious talent: He posted 15 sacks in 2013 and 11 in 2012.

But NFL.com's Ian Rapoport also reported Wednesday that six teams are interested in the 26-year-old:

"

Greg Hardy has 6 interested teams, looming as one of the more talented available FA. May take a visit.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2015"

Jordan Schultz of B/R and The Huffington Post took it a step further on Thursday, saying that the Raiders are "in discussions" with Hardy and are likely to sign him:

"

Hearing Greg Hardy in discussions with Raiders. I would say 60-40 he gets a deal with Oakland. #NFLFreeAgency

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 13, 2015"

If the Raiders don't sign him, the Bucs would seem like logical suitors.

Prediction: Hardy to Oakland  

Percy Harvin

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The Jets released Harvin on Tuesday, and it didn't take long for the rumors to swirl. 

New England, according to Rapoport, could be the front-runner:

"

Team to watch for Percy Harvin: The New England #Patriots. I’m told there is a good chance that’s his spot.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2015"

But he also made his first official visit on Wednesday with the Bills. That had Bills Mafia, as well as second-year Buffalo wideout Sammy Watkins, pumped up:

"

Did we get Percy Harvin?????

— Sammy Watkins (@sammywatkins) March 13, 2015"

Harvin is undeniably talented but has played for three teams in the last three years without ever matching his 2011 performance with the Vikings, which included 87 receptions for 967 yards and nine total touchdowns. In the three years since, he's played in just 23 games and totaled 1,177 receiving yards.

There have also been plenty of references to his "attitude issues." 

If Harvin's decision is between Tom Brady and EJ Manuel (or Matt Cassel) throwing him the ball, he would presumably choose the Pats.

But the Bills have shown a real willingness to spend this offseason and a serious desire to compete for a division title. They might just do enough to woo Percy.

Prediction: Harvin to Buffalo

Nick Fairley

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

The four-year Lions defensive tackle reportedly visited the Bengals on Wednesday and the Rams on Thursday. Rapoport, again, was on top of it:

"

Nick Fairley is on his way to visit the #Rams after spending yesterday with the #Bengals. Imagine that St. Louis D-Line…

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2015"

A Rams defensive line that includes Fairley is indeed a frightening thought: Robert Quinn and Chris Long on the outside, and Fairley, Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers on the inside.

Fairley missed eight games last season with a knee injury. He was selected one pick before Quinn in the 2011 NFL draft but has seemingly never reached his full potential due to various injuries and weight issues.

"Presumably, if Fairley were ever to live up to his potential, he'd be able to do it in St. Louis, where line coach Mike Waufle is one of the league's best," wrote ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner. 

The Rams seem poised to give Fairley a short-term deal and take their D-line to the next level.

Prediction: Fairley to St. Louis