NFL Free Agents 2015: Rumors and Predictions for Top Remaining Veterans

When the 2015 free-agency period began March 10, available top-tier NFL veterans found new homes at an alarming rate. Although, we're now four days into the process, and things have begun to slow down.

There are still some game-changing players on the open market; however, at this juncture, many are meticulously deliberating before making a decision, as they have garnered interest from several potential suitors.

A few of the top remaining available veterans are in that exact position, so as we anxiously await the reveal of their homes for the upcoming season, let's make some predictions based on the latest rumors to recently surface around the Web.

Greg Hardy

MIKE MCCARN/Associated Press

Former Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy may be in Roger Goodell's doghouse and is potentially awaiting a suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy, but that hasn't stopped him from generating interest.

A tremendously talented pass-rusher, Hardy generated a total of 26 sacks in 2012 and 2013 before playing just one game last season—and he still notched a sack and forced fumble in that contest. Acquiring his services would immediately upgrade any defensive line, and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, there are "at least six teams" that have shown interest.

Schefter also relayed a comment from Hardy's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, noting the defensive end "has started negotiations with a team that does not want to be identified, and others are interested as well."

Early speculation was that the Oakland Raiders were the one team courting Hardy; however, owner Mark Davis quickly shot those rumors down, via Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News, "False, falser and falsest. That is not true."

Davis also didn't rule out potentially signing Hardy, but indications are there haven't been any talks just yet.

Don't expect anything to materialize in the near future, as any interested teams may opt to wait to sign Hardy until he's officially reinstated by the NFL and a ruling is made regarding a potential suspension. That said, Hardy is likely to sign with a team in desperate need of a pass-rusher that is also familiar with him—that leads us back to the NFC South.

Prediction: Hardy signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Vince Wilfork

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Vince Wilfork spent 11 seasons with the New England Patriots, and now he finds himself on the open market. At 33 years of age, he may not be the backfield disruption he once was, but he's still a very capable player who can stuff the run as well as anyone.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted teams interested in Wilfork but also mentioned the defensive tackle's willingness to take his time with a decision:

According to Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com, Wilfork is open to joining the Houston Texans due to "familiarity with the Texans staff." That is an interesting connection, especially when taking this tweet from Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel into consideration:

So, apparently two teams have offers in for the defensive tackle, and based on the aforementioned rumors, those squads could be the Patriots and Texans. That will make things difficult for Wilfork, as he must decide between the team he's spent his entire NFL career with and the team that also boasts some familiar faces within its coaching staff—Mike Vrabel and Romeo Crennel.

Although, if we're making a prediction based on familiarity, nothing is more natural to Wilfork than plugging up running lanes on the interior of New England's defensive line.

Prediction: Wilfork signs with the New England Patriots

Stevie Johnson

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Seven-year veteran Stevie Johnson hit the free-agent market after one season with the San Francisco 49ers. He hauled in 35 passes for 435 yards and three touchdowns in a limited role; however, despite his lack of production, Johnson can still be a viable option as a deep threat.

That skill set has intrigued at least two teams to this point in free agency. According to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, the San Diego Chargers already had the receiver in for a visit:

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The former 49er visited the team facility, his first free-agency visit since San Francisco released him a day earlier. San Diego has a need at the position and been working this week to address it. While Johnson left town unsigned, the visit was considered positive, and he plans to make a decision no later than Monday, a source said.

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Although, while Johnson is deliberating, another team appears ready to swoop in to acquire his services, according to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4:

Both the Chargers and Patriots have a need for Johnson. San Diego already bolstered its receiver corps by bringing in Jacoby Jones, but it's still looking to surround quarterback Philip Rivers with more options. New England has a vertical threat on the outside in Brandon LaFell, but the team has never shied away from adding veteran weapons for Tom Brady during free agency.

Johnson is very familiar with the Patriots after his time with the Buffalo Bills, and having the opportunity to work with Brady and the reigning Super Bowl champions may be too difficult to pass up.

Prediction: Johnson signs with the New England Patriots