NFL Free Agents 2015: Latest Rumors and Predictions Heading into Week 3

Now more than ever, it's easy to turn away from NFL free agency. 

That's understandable. With Week 3 on the horizon, Ndamukong Suhs give way to rotational rushers, Darrelle Revis give way to nickel corners and Dez Bryants swap out for receivers whose best traits come on special teams.

If only it were so simple.

In reality, this is one of the most important times of the year on the NFL calendar. A team's ability to grab a strong veteran presence as a stop-gap solution is the difference between spending a first-round pick on a boring name or on an electric one.

Without further ado, the biggest names making the rounds in Week 3 are as follows.

B.J. Raji-Packers Reunion?

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Former Boston College standout B.J. Raji is the perfect example of why these next few weeks are so important.

Just 28 years old, Raji might be the difference between a team spending a high pick on a lineman or looking elsewhere.

ESPN Wisconsin's Jason Wilde notes a re-up with the Green Bay Packers is possible, but they might not be the only team in the running for his services:

"As for Raji, there is mutual interest in him returning, but he was reportedly weighing some other offers. The guess here is that both Raji and Letroy Guion, who took over for him after his ruptured biceps in preseason, will return."

It makes sense Raji would want to return to Green Bay, where he has spent every year of his pro career since 2009. The Packers would be wise to iron out a deal too, as it figures to be of the "prove-it" variety after Raji missed all last season with an injury.

Green Bay might need to hurry, though. It wasn't too long ago that Raji ranked as the No. 7 3-4 defensive end in the NFL at Pro Football Focus. That came in 2012, and that strong performance might be indicative of what Raji can do if he's back to full strength.

All signs point to a deal with the Packers based on his knowledge of the system, health and cost. The front office might need to hurry, though.

Prediction: Raji re-signs with the Packers.

Alan Ball Has Options

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Now is the time when interest in role players such as veteran corner Alan Ball picks up.

It's not such a bad thing for teams in need of depth with starting experience. Ball heads into his age-30 season as a player who ranked as the No. 40 corner in the league last year at PFF.

Ball's two-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars proved productive, as a weak depth chart allowed him to showcase his skills. It helps to explain why he has not only visited teams but may have more lined up, as Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer details:

ESPN's David Newton added that the Carolina Panthers are still in the running:

Carolina needs help on the depth chart if it wants to field another top-11 pass defense in 2015, but it's impossible to blame Ball for attempting to entice other suitors in search of the best deal possible.

This figures to squeeze more money out of the Carolina front office, which might be Ball's ultimate goal—there's perhaps a starting position for him with the Panthers and maybe a shot at the playoffs too.

Look for Carolina to crunch the numbers and get Ball back in town.

Prediction: Ball signs with the Panthers.

Rolando McClain Drama

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Rolando McClain might be the most controversial name left on the market.

The former Alabama star is a stud at 25 years old and revived his career with the Dallas Cowboys last year after sitting out the 2013 season. In Dallas, he tallied 81 combined tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions while ranking as the No. 8 inside linebacker in the league at PFF—above players such as Patrick Willis and Brandon Spikes.

Now for the problems. McClain suffered a few head injuries near the end of the season. He also faces a four-game suspension. As ESPN Dallas' Jean-Jacques Taylor details, it sounds like McClain's time in Dallas is up:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that the Cowboys seem to have already made moves to shore up the position in case things don't work out with McClain:

Here's where it gets tricky. McClain may have caused drama in Dallas and some may not want him back. Fine, but the Cowboys are going to have little to zero competition when it comes to re-signing him off the open market.

Should there be no interest in the troubled young linebacker, it makes sense for the Cowboys to roll the dice for a second time at a cheap financial cost to shore up what has been one of the team's weakest positions for years.

It might take a while, but look for Dallas to soften its perceived stance and bring back McClain.

Prediction: McClain re-signs with the Cowboys. 

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of March 21. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.