NFL Free Agents 2016: Top Rumors and Updated Predictions

The first day of NFL free agency is always a bit wild, and this year has been no different. However, there is no time to rest because things are just getting started.

While a number of big-name free agents have already agreed to deals, many more are waiting for the right opportunity to come to them. Considering the high prices of some of these completed contracts, letting the market develop might be a smart decision. These negotiations could drag out for weeks or conclude at any moment, so fans better remain on their toes.

Here are the latest rumors surrounding notable free agents as well as predictions for where these players will end up at the end of the process.

C.J. Anderson, RB

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Although the running back was a major bust for fantasy teams during the season, C.J. Anderson was instrumental for the Denver Broncos in their run to the Super Bowl. He totaled at least 70 rushing yards in each of the three playoff games, including 90 yards and a score in the win over the Carolina Panthers.

Still, that didn't prevent the Broncos from low-balling the restricted free agent in his qualifying offer. Evan Silva of Rotoworld described the situation:

The 25-year-old running back seems unlikely to return to Denver, but the good news is there are still interested teams. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears have already expressed interest.

Every team on this list could use a player of Anderson's caliber, although Florio also notes, "the Dolphins make sense because they’ve lost Lamar Miller, and because Anderson played for coach Adam Gase when Gase ran the Denver offense."

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Miller's move to the Houston Texans, which creates an opening on the roster. The team does have Jay Ajayi waiting in the wings, but adding a proven starter could benefit the entire offense.

Other teams will likely show interest before a deal is done, but a move to the Dolphins might make the most sense.

Predicted destination: Dolphins

Robert Griffin III, QB

Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press

Teams are always going to look for upside, especially at a premium position like quarterback. Robert Griffin III hasn't done much on the football field in a few years, but the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year still has the potential to be a solid player at this level.

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted the former face of the Washington Redskins could be a possibility for the Broncos:

While the defending champions obviously need a quarterback, Joe Banner of ESPN explains that Griffin is just one of a bunch of names the team is considering:

"

Watch Glennon, Kap, Hoyer and RG3 in Denver. Glennon is the sleeper

— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) March 9, 2016"

Considering how good Denver is on defense, the team just needs a game manager to succeed. Any team looking at Griffin is one that could stand some risk or reward, potentially including the San Francisco 49ers.

Former starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick has reportedly requested a trade, leaving an opening at the position for new head coach Chip Kelly. Eric Branch of  the San Francisco Chronicle broke down the possibility of Griffin coming to the Bay Area, noting that general manager Trent Baalke hinted at searching for a quarterback who can run.

Griffin could be a dynamic player in Kelly's spread offense thanks to his mobility and accuracy. There is obviously a lot of risk, but the 49ers don't have much to lose after a disappointing 2015 season.

Predicted destination: 49ers

Eric Weddle, S

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Although he might have lost a step at 31 years old, Eric Weddle can still be one of the best players in the league at his position. The two-time All-Pro can be a leader for any defense and would be an instant upgrade for most teams around the league.

This makes it no surprise the safety has drawn interest from a team that could use a lot of help in the secondary in the Oakland Raiders, according to John Middlekauff of CSN:

With Charles Woodson retiring, the Raiders will lose a lot of playmaking ability in the secondary. They still need help at cornerback, but Weddle could help overcome a bunch of issues against the pass.

Of course, Weddle still has a lot of other options in free agency, per Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle:

While it's sometimes difficult to know what you are getting in a free agent, the veteran provided a very lucid self-assessment this week.

"I’ve got three to five years left in me," Weddle told Peter King of the MMQB. "I want to go somewhere I have a chance to win a Super Bowl. Until last year I’ve never been injured. I’ve never had surgery. I don’t drink, I don’t go out. My shoulders, back, legs, hip, they’re all fine. I think I bring a lot to a team."

Even though he is selling himself, it's easy to believe in him after such a productive career. There will be plenty of suitors, but the Raiders make too much sense not to happen.

Predicted destination: Raiders

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