NFL Free Agents 2015: Predictions Based on Rumors Surrounding Available Veterans

The 2015 free-agency period keeps rolling along, and rumors surrounding remaining available veterans continue to circulate around the Web.

Since the early madness of the new league year has died down and all players commanding lucrative contracts are off the open market, signings have begun to slow down. That makes the remainder of this process extremely intriguing, as we have the time to piece together gossip from several sources in an effort to determine where certain veterans will ultimately land.

Based on word of scheduled visits between players and teams, as well as reports of interested potential suitors in available free agents, let's take a look at a few players who have been generating recent buzz and determine where they will call home for the 2015 NFL season.

Michael Crabtree

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree took a little while to generate some interest on the open market, and that may have been due to never quite meeting expectations in the NFL.

A former first-round selection, Crabtree eclipsed 1,000 yards in a season just once (2012) and is coming off a year in which he recorded 68 receptions for just 698 yards and four touchdowns. Crabtree isn't a burner, but he can be utilized as a possession receiver in the right system.

ESPN's John Keim tweeted two potential suitors for the wide receiver:

Both the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers make sense as landing spots for Crabtree. Washington has a pair of solid wide receivers in DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, but it could still use a bigger chain-moving target. San Diego has been in the market for a wide receiver who can complement Keenan Allen and has been linked to former 49er Stevie Johnson as well.

It's uncertain if Washington is just kicking the tires here, but San Diego is most certainly looking to bring in another pass-catcher for Philip Rivers. Expect the Chargers to add a wide receiver, and due to the competition for their other targeted free agents, Crabtree appears to be the likeliest addition.

Prediction: Crabtree signs with San Diego Chargers

Cecil Shorts

Gary McCullough/Associated Press

Speaking of wide receivers generating interest, former Jacksonville Jaguars pass-catcher Cecil Shorts remains on the open market after spending four years with the team. 

Shorts displayed his playmaking ability in 2012, catching 55 passes for 979 yards, an average of 17.8 yards per reception, and seven touchdowns. However, he continues to deal with nagging injuries, missing three games in each of his last two seasons and seeing a decline in performance as well.

Still, the receiver may be a solid option for a team in need of depth at the position, and according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, a familiar wide receiver-needy team has Shorts on its list of targets:

The Chargers will have some competition from other teams in need of receivers, and Dom Cosentino of NJ.com relayed one possible suitor: "A person with knowledge of the situation told NJ Advance Media on Thursday the Jets have reached out to free agent wide receiver Cecil Shorts III, who spent the last four seasons with the Jaguars. That person asked to remain anonymous because the process is still playing out."

Adding to the list of interested parties, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler tweeted another:

In this scenario, we should be able to eliminate the Cleveland Browns. Yes they need a receiver; however, it appears they are strongly interested in former Kansas City Chief Dwayne Bowe, as Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reported the team was bringing him in for a visit. That leaves the New York Jets and the Chargers.

While both teams could use Shorts' services, San Diego has other options it may find more appealing, as it has strong interest in Crabtree and already brought Johnson in for a visit. That leaves the door wide open for Shorts to sign with the Jets.

Prediction: Shorts signs with New York Jets

Justin Blalock

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Following eight seasons with the Atlanta Falcons in which he started all but three games, offensive guard Justin Blalock is making his rounds on the open market.

At 31 years of age, Blalock is still a very capable interior lineman who specializes in pass protection. Last season, Pro Football Focus ranked him 25th out of an eligible 75 offensive guards with a plus-3.8 efficiency rating.

ESPN's Michael Rothstein tweeted three teams currently showing interest in the guard:

It appears as though the Detroit Lions are the most interested party, as they brought Blalock in for a visit. The Lions could certainly use an upgrade on the interior of the offensive line to help keep Matthew Stafford upright and help the league's 28th-ranked run defense from a season ago.

After releasing offensive tackle Jake Long, the St. Louis Rams may look to shuffle things around on their offensive line. Adding Blalock on the inside would allow 2014 first-round pick Greg Robinson to play his natural position at tackle.

The Tennessee Titans are an interesting team in this situation, as they have two solid guards in Andy Levitre and Chance Warmack. But the team doesn't have much depth behind those two players, and that could be the reasoning behind the potential addition of Blalock.

Available cap space could be an issue for the Lions in this scenario, as they have just over $5 million to spend, according to Spotrac.com. That could be the reason Blalock left the team's facilities without a deal. In this case, the team that hasn't been afraid to make some moves this offseason will get the upper hand.

Prediction: Blalock signs with St. Louis Rams