NFL Free Agents 2015: Rumors, Predictions for Top Available Players

While most of the teams around the NFL are spending these weeks finding ways to cut players off their rosters, there are also a number free agents who could still be picked up before the start of the regular season.

Former Pro Bowlers like Wes Welker and Steven Jackson have not yet retired and have both expressed interest in a possible return. Of course, injuries and age will likely prevent either one from getting a realistic shot.

Still, a few players on the open market have a strong chance of getting a contract, especially if there are more injuries in the next few weeks. Look out for these free agents to get a deal before too long.

Jake Long, Offensive Tackle

Tom Gannam/Associated Press

Before the start of the preseason, it seemed like Jake Long was in high demand. He went on visits to the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Denver Broncos, but he left without signing a contract with any of them.

Although he is coming off a surgery to repair a torn ACL, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com reported it apparently isn't an issue. He wrote last month, "[Long] is believed to have checked out medically (despite two straight seasons with torn ACLs in his right knee) and went through an on-field workout for the [Giants], according to a person with knowledge of the visit."

Dom Cosentino of NJ.com reported Giants general manager Jerry Reese as saying, "He's a veteran, he's played a lot of football, and so we brought him in, gave him a physical to see where he was. We'll keep an eye on him."

He was clearly non-committal at the time, but the situation in New York hasn't improved. With Will Beatty out with a pectoral injury, rookie Ereck Flowers is expected to start at left tackle. Marshall Newhouse also has question marks despite apparently being locked in at right tackle.

Bleacher Report's Patricia Traina speculated that the Giants will take another look at Long:

With Long's experience and pure talent as a former No. 1 overall pick, it's clear he can start somewhere if he just waits for an opportunity. Still, New York might be desperate enough to shore up the offensive line with this deal before the situation gets worse.

Predicted destination: New York Giants

Cortland Finnegan, Defensive Back

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

His retirement was short-lived. After retiring in March, Cortland Finnegan is ready to make a return to the league, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:

While last season wasn't his best, Finnegan still made 12 starts for the Miami Dolphins and totaled nine passes defended. Even if he has lost a step or two, he could still provide plenty of teams with depth at cornerback if he comes at a reasonable price.

One possible destination is the Dallas Cowboys after they lost starter Orlando Scandrick for the year with a torn ACL and MCL. Finnegan could easily step in to help a defensive secondary that lacks much experience.

A team dealing with a similar issue is the Oakland Raiders, who, as Christopher Hansen of The Sports Daily notes, are too dependent on young players:

The X-factor in this scenario is whether a team wants to try out Finnegan at safety, similar to Charles Woodson. This could open up more possibilities for the veteran, but most likely any suitor will have an immediate need at cornerback.

Predicted destination: Oakland Raiders

Pierre Thomas, Running Back

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

Steven Jackson has had a better career, but Pierre Thomas would be more useful for NFL teams this season. Not only does he have a lot less mileage on his legs (818 career rushing attempts compared to 2,743 attempts for Jackson), but he is also a better receiver out of the backfield and can complement whichever running back is already on the roster.

Additionally, Thomas doesn't have the baggage of Ray Rice.

It appeared as though the former New Orleans Saints star was headed to the Houston Texans when Arian Foster was initially hurt, but Thomas reportedly refused a one-year contract for $870,000, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

He added there could still be a deal in the future: "Although the Texans’ veteran minimum offer with no guaranteed money wasn’t accepted by Thomas following a round of contract negotiations with the AFC South franchise, a source with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly indicated that talks could be revisited."

Of course, Houston might no longer be in need of a running back after hearing positive news concerning Foster's injury, via Jayson Braddock of ESPN Radio 97.5:

Still, this situation was very telling about what Thomas is looking for in a team. He clearly wants guaranteed money and likely a secure role within the offense. With this in mind, don't be surprised to see him wait until after the start of the season to see if a different injury creates an opening.

One team to watch out for is the Cowboys, who feature a number of oft-injured players like Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle. If he does earn a spot there, he could be set for a big season behind an elite offensive line.

Predicted destination: Dallas Cowboys

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