NFL Free Agents 2016: Rumors, Predictions for Lingering Talent

The new NFL season is right around the corner, and a few notable players still haven't found landing spots. The silver lining for those free agents is the rash of personnel moves that always happen during the latter stages of the preseason.

Most teams usually look to the open market to fill a void or two after making their final cuts or when an injury arises late in the exhibition slate. Time is beginning to run out for those who are trying to make sure they're on a roster when the regular season kicks off, though.

So let's check out the latest buzz surrounding some of the noteworthy players still available and make predictions for where they will land.

Donte Whitner

Whitner is coming off a solid season with the Cleveland Browns that saw him register 81 total tackles in 14 games. The former first-round pick has never been much of a playmaker, but he's a dependable safety capable of dropping down into the box in run support.

His market had gone quiet in recent months, which raised questions about his ability to land another contract at age 31. But Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the veteran defensive back earned a workout with the reigning NFC champion Carolina Panthers:

The Panthers represent a nice fit on paper. Kurt Coleman and Tre Boston occupy the starting roles, but the team could use some battle-tested depth. Whitner could provide stability should an injury pop up in the defensive backfield.

Another team to keep an eye on is the Los Angeles Rams. They showed initial interest in April, but Nick Wagoner of ESPN reported the sides couldn't come together on the financial details. Perhaps that gap could close as Whitner gets more desperate to find a team.

Prediction: Rams

Karlos Williams

Williams is going to bring a lot of baggage wherever he lands. The running back received a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He also dealt with weight problems during the offseason, an issue he blamed on his fiancee's recent pregnancy, per Mike Rodak of ESPN.com.

Those issues aren't preventing front offices around the league from at least looking into the possibility of adding Williams, who recently got let go by the Buffalo Bills. Sal Capaccio of WGR noted a handful of teams have him on their radar:

Talented players always get a little more leeway, and Williams qualifies. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie for the Bills last season. The Florida State product's powerful downhill running style translated well to the NFL.

He'll probably need to prove he's back in shape before a team is willing to give him any type of serious guaranteed money. If he does, a team such as the New York Jets, who lack depth behind Matt Forte, would benefit from adding him to the rotation once his suspension is over.

Prediction: Jets

Stevan Ridley

Ridley couldn't stick with the Detroit Lions, but the former New England Patriots starter, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards and had 12 TDs in 2012, should get another opportunity elsewhere. While his days of leading a backfield are a thing of the past, he could still be a solid No. 2 or No. 3 back.

It's clear he still has a strong reputation around the league, because it didn't take long for him to get his first workout after Detroit let him go. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported the Indianapolis Colts wasted no time bringing him in for a look:

Frank Gore continues to defy the typical expectations for an aging running back, as he still makes an impact at age 33. He's going to slow down eventually, however, and Indianapolis doesn't have much in terms of proven depth behind him.

There aren't a ton of teams in need of another running back right now, so Ridley might have to wait if the Colts decide to pass. But a lot of injuries occur at the position, which means he should land a job before too long.

Prediction: Colts