NFL Free Agents 2015: Predictions for Biggest Names Left on Market

Halfway through the 2015 NFL preseason, it's quite the active time on the free-agent market. 

So it goes each year. Veterans slip through the cracks and miss out on jobs, only to see their phones ring once summer injuries start to take a grip on each of the 32 rosters.

For example, quarterback Michael Vick just landed a gig with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The New England Patriots brought Tom Brady some help with wideout Reggie Wayne, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Don't expect the market to cool down now. Below, let's take a look at some of the biggest names available and where they might end up. 

Dwight Freeney, LB

John Cordes/Associated Press

In a pass-happy league, there is no such thing as too many quality players who can get after quarterbacks.

Anyone familiar with the league should know the name Dwight Freeney, the guy who spent 11 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and two out West with the San Diego Chargers, racking up 111.5 sacks in the process and working out of different schemes.

Versatility is the name of the game these days for rushers, and Freeney, even at 35 years old, still has it. He mentioned earlier this summer that he's just waiting for something to come up, per Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com:

Freeney still touts plenty of value as a nickel rusher, and it's quite clear he will find a home after 53-man roster cuts around the league. He's a veteran who doesn't need to prove his worth or put his body at risk before coming in and helping right away.

Look for a team in need of more options, such as the San Francisco 49ers, to come calling. Freeney's the piece who can put a unit over the edge while also mentoring young names like Eli Harold.

Prediction: Freeney signs with the 49ers. 

Jake Long, OT

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

It's always odd to see a former No. 1 pick sitting at home watching the preseason at the crisp age of 30, but so it goes for Jake Long.

Injuries have marred Long's career to this point. Just last year, he missed the entire season with a knee issue, and it's perhaps the main culprit of his still being out of a gig.

If healthy, Long can act as at least a competent backup. In 2008, he ranked as the No. 10 tackle in the NFL at Pro Football Focus despite his rookie status. Not much has changed when he's on the field since—in 2013 he ranked seventh.

More than a few teams have kicked the proverbial tires on Long this summer, chief among them the New York Giants. Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News provided an update:

The key word there is "yet." A handful of teams will want to reel in Long once he can prove he's healthy. New York may want to pull the trigger before anyone else can, though, because keeping 34-year-old Eli Manning upright and healthy might mean NFC East contention.

As such, taking a risk on Long isn't a bad move for the Giants. Look for the two to keep in touch and make something happen.

Prediction: Long signs with the Giants.

Pierre Thomas, RB

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

The lack of action or interest around veteran running back Pierre Thomas stands as one of the more perplexing free-agent situations.

Turnover at the position is huge, sure. Rookies come in every year, and the nature of the position means most backs are expendable. But Thomas sits as a proven commodity who can rush and catch well, two critical factors in any backfield.

Yet Thomas sits on the market at 30 years old after eight seasons in New Orleans. Last anyone heard, he turned down a veteran minimum offer from the Houston Texans.

Bill Haber/Associated Press

It's a bold move for Thomas to bet on himself, but it might just work. His legs remain fresh if he skips the summer, and his resume speaks for itself—he's rushed for less than four yards per carry in just two seasons and has 29 or more receptions in seven of his eight seasons.

A desperate team won't have any problems fulfilling Thomas' bet on himself. This is where a franchise like the Dallas Cowboys comes into play. Darren McFadden never seems able to stay healthy (one 16-game season in seven years), and Joseph Randle is an unknown commodity.

If the Cowboys want to contend, crafting a better rotation behind Tony Romo might be a good idea. Once the exhibitions conclude and things start to matter, it makes sense to open up the checkbook and bring on Thomas, who will want the opportunity to help alongside the cash.

Prediction: Thomas signs with the Cowboys.

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and are accurate as of Aug. 26. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.