2016 NFL Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Notable Veterans

The beginning of NFL training camps means holdouts, injury news and discussions on contract extensions. But there are still free agents on the market looking for deals.

Some of the free agents are younger guys just looking to find an NFL home, others are longtime veterans hoping to find somewhere they can help out in the twilight of their careers and then there are many other players in other types of situations.

Let’s check in with recent developments on the situations of Greg Hardy, Dwight Freeney and Roddy White.

Greg Hardy

Brian Blanco/Associated Press

It’s not easy to find an NFL home after an extensive history of personal problems. Just ask Hardy.

Easily one of the most talented pass-rushers in the world, the 28-year-old defensive end has spent the offseason getting the cold shoulder from NFL teams. Initially, it looked like the Washington Redskins were considering him, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder, but the Washington Post’s Mike Jones said that isn’t the case:

Hardy puts all types of teams in a tough spot. Contenders don’t want a detrimental personality in their locker rooms and all the negative attention surrounding him. Rebuilding squads looking to construct continuity and a winning culture don’t want Hardy influencing their young players. 

Training camps have started, and there’s been little interest in Hardy league-wide all spring and summer. It’s looking like the NFL may ignore him.

Prediction: Hardy does not sign a contract with an NFL team for the 2016 season.

Dwight Freeney

John Cordes/Associated Press

Another one of the better free-agent pass-rushers has also not yet signed with an NFL team, but for a different reason. Freeney can still get to the quarterback and is not an off-field nightmare, but he’s also 36 years old, which has a lot to do with the delay on negotiations. It’s likely Freeney just isn’t interested in absorbing the wear and tear of training camp again.

The Arizona Cardinals, Freeney’s team in 2015, traded for Chandler Jones in March, so it’s probable they won’t be the ones to get the veteran’s services.

Who else could pursue Freeney? The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Jeff Schultz said the Atlanta Falcons may be his top choice. Schultz wrote the following last Thursday:

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There’s a good chance Freeney will be signed in the next couple of weeks, perhaps following the Falcons’ first or second exhibition games (Aug. 11 vs. Washington; Aug. 18 at Cleveland). It’s not a certainty because Freeney has to decide if he wants to accept the deal the Falcons have on the table—likely a contract loaded with incentives. But the veteran has made it clear he wants to play another season, and the Falcons appear to be his first choice.

"

Atlanta would be an excellent destination for Freeney. The Falcons ranked last in sacks last season (19) and could desperately use some help in that area, even if the seven-time Pro Bowler only plays on passing downs. Vic Beasley, the eighth overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft, is a fast and undersized pass-rusher like Freeney and could benefit greatly from the tutelage of the 14-year vet.

Prediction: Freeney signs a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Roddy White

White is putting teams in a tough position this offseason. After the Falcons cut him in March, the 34-year-old wideout said he wants to play this season and “is in contact with a few teams,” per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (via ESPN.com's Isaac Chipps).

However, White also mentioned he wants to play with a contender, according to ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure, plus Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio said he wants more than just a minimum deal.

The question, however, is this: Is White even in a position to be demanding more than a minimum? As the Falcons’ No. 2 receiver last season, behind Julio Jones, White totaled just 43 catches, 506 receiving yards and one touchdown on 70 targets. 

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Considering his advanced age and dramatic drop in production in recent years, White will likely have to settle for less money, play for a non-contender or both. The team that might make the most sense for him is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a squad Florio also noted has been connected with White.

The Bucs aren’t contenders by any stretch of the imagination, but former Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is now the head coach there. Koetter and White worked together in Atlanta for three seasons, and the 11-year veteran could fit nicely as a slot receiver for Tampa Bay. Staying in the NFC South would give White a chance to get back at his former team twice in 2016.

Prediction: White signs a one-year deal above the minimum with the Buccaneers.