NFL Free Agents 2015: Nailing Down Predictions for Hottest Free-Agency Rumors

The names that slip through the cracks of the free-agent market never fail to amaze. 

Then again, in this instant-gratification league, it even seemed strange to see DeMarco Murray last about 48 hours on the market before agreeing to a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, per the team on Twitter.

The deal in itself—Murray joining the Dallas Cowboys' biggest enemy in the NFC East—serves as a taste of just how wild the opening week of the new NFL calendar has been.

Things will only become more chaotic as March rages forward, as some of the more intriguing names yet to find a home now sit atop the market and can play teams against one another.

The Michael Johnson Reunion Tour 

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Speaking of playing teams against one another, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Michael Johnson might have the approach in mind. 

Johnson cashed in on a big contract with Tampa Bay last offseason and then recorded just four sacks in an injury-riddled campaign before his departure.

Now, he is once again a free agent and figures to choose between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Pro Football Talk provides the scoop:

While one of the most obvious situations on the market, it's also one of the most interesting.

Johnson may see fit to go join head coach Mike Zimmer in Minnesota on a defense that generated 41 sacks last season. Zimmer's defensive acumen as the coordinator in Cincinnati over the course of Johnson's five years with the Bengals does much to explain why he went from a project out of Georgia Tech known only for blocking kicks to one of the hottest names in the league.

Then again, Johnson may want to join the Bengals and help a 20-sack defense from last year in need of an every-down starter on the right side of the line.

The difference, if it doesn't come down to money, is the future. Cincinnati has been to the playoffs four years in a row and counting. Johnson is familiar there and can ease right back into his every-down role.

It writes itself.

Prediction: Johnson signs with the Bengals.

Teams on the Hunt for CB Depth 

USA TODAY Sports

Veteran corners on the open market such as Patrick Robinson carry a high value each year. 

The NFL's a passing league, so there is no such thing as too many quality defensive backs on a roster.

Then again, this year, it is more important than ever to grab proven veterans, with the incoming rookie class a mystery. As ESPN's Josina Anderson reveals, many teams are in on Robinson:

It was just a matter of time. The Florida State product is 27 years old and last year ranked as the No. 40 corner in the league at Pro Football Focus. Robinson is a bit of a late bloomer, as last season was the best of his career.

Potential suitors are buying into the upside and the hope that he can only further improve, as well as stay healthy considering he has played in a full 16-game season only once in his five years as a pro.

Robinson's old team figures to be out of the running after the New Orleans Saints agreed to terms with Brandon Browner, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Look for the Miami Dolphins to pull the trigger. The team is already one of the biggest spenders on the market this offseason, and Robinson won't be a huge investment by any means. The shoe fits, even more so with Robinson as one of the top corners left.

Prediction: Robinson signs with the Dolphins. 

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of March 13. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.