NFL Free Agents 2016: Predictions for Biggest Names Left on Market

The NFL's regular season is finally on the horizon, which means the league's free-agent pool is running dry. 

However, a few intriguing names are still floating around as Week 1 of competitive action approaches. 

From troubled running backs to injury-plagued cornerbacks and veteran linebackers who are looking for work, a few potential game-changing prospects are available on the open market. 

Below, we'll break down the most compelling names and where they could land in the near future. 

Karlos Williams

Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

The Buffalo Bills cut running back Karlos Williams on Aug. 20 amid a bevy of off-field woes, and the 2015 standout is now officially a free agent after clearing waivers on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

The question now is whether Williams can convince a team he's worth a look after he was hit with a four-game suspension and gained weight during the offseason. 

And as the Buffalo News' Vic Carucci noted at the time of Williams' release, the 23-year-old didn't exactly ingratiate himself to Bills brass as the summer progressed: 

"I've always said this is a performance-based business, and the release of Karlos Williams was strictly performance-based," Bills general manager Doug Whaley said, per NFL.com's Marc Sessler. "He came in behind the eight ball and never caught up, and there [were] other guys on the roster that moved ahead of him."

Based on the way Williams repeatedly let the Bills down throughout the summer, it would be a bit surprising to see a team commit resources to him now with a four-game suspension on the horizon. 

That said, the New York Jets have expressed interest, according to WGR 550's Sal Capaccio: 

However, the Jets aren't particularly short on running backs with Matt Forte, Bilal Powell and Khiry Robinson all slotted on the depth chart. 

Injuries toward the end of the preseason or at the start of the regular season could change things, but for now, Williams may be forced to sit out and prove to teams that he's able to stay in shape and out of trouble one year after scoring nine touchdowns as a rookie. 

Prediction: Williams remains unsigned through the end of the preseason.

Keenan Lewis

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints let go of Keenan Lewis after the 30-year-old was bothered by hip issues throughout the early stages of training camp, but a market has developed for his services rather quickly.

ESPN's Josina Anderson relayed the particulars:

ESPN.com's Mike Triplett added that Lewis paid a visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday after cornerback Senquez Golson underwent Lisfranc surgery that could sideline him for up to four months, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac. 

The destinations Anderson noted are all intriguing, but the Steelers have a more pressing need for defensive backfield depth at this point in time with one of their key cogs out indefinitely.

And considering the Steelers could use a reliable veteran to provide some stability behind starters William Gay and Ross Cockrell, Lewis—a 2009 third-round pick of the Steelers—would seem to be a natural fit. 

Prediction: Steelers sign Lewis to a one-year deal.

O'Brien Schofield

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

O'Brien Schofield experienced moderate success during his first season with the Atlanta Falcons, and the veteran linebacker has maintained an interest in returning to head coach Dan Quinn's club after failing to latch on with another team in free agency: 

"I know the system," Schofield added, according to ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure. "I'm comfortable with the organization. I'm still the same guy, but I have a little more to bring to the team this year. My training has changed. I think it would benefit both of us."

Interest in a reunion has been reciprocal, but the two sides have yet to come to terms on a deal or even seemingly progress toward one.

"Scho's somebody that we certainly keep up with," Quinn said on July 26, per McClure. "And as we're going through it, we've had a lot of discussions. We haven't made a final decision on that, but he's certainly someone that comes up a lot for us."

In 16 appearances last season—including 11 starts—Schofield recorded two sacks, one forced fumble and 28 total tackles while working as a rotational piece of Atlanta's defense. 

Those numbers are hardly overwhelming, but then again, Schofield wasn't playing in his preferred role off the edge. 

"I'm a versatile player, but I want to play with my hand in the dirt," Schofield said, per McClure. "My goal is to help rush the passer. I have yet to play a full season just rushing the passer, and I think I can do that."

The Falcons may not need to make a call to Schofield unless adversity strikes their linebacking corps, but both sides have mutual respect for each other. Should the team find itself in need of a plug-and-play option at the second level, Schofield could come aboard.

Prediction: Schofield returns to the Falcons on a one-year deal.