NFL Free Agents 2017: Top Rumors and Predictions for Best Names on the Market

On Tuesday, NFL free agency officially begins as teams openly negotiate with players on the market. Immediately after Monday's workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine, big names will surface with rumors pointing to potential landing spots.

For the most part, impending free agents have either re-signed or set their sights on testing their market values. As always, the quarterback is king in the league. Signal-callers under contract have been involved in swirling rumors as well. There’s much uncertainty within the Buffalo Bills organization concerning Tyrod Taylor, per CBS Sports reporter Jason La Canfora. If released, he’ll become a high-demand target.

The next stop for wide receiver Brandon Marshall might be a division rival. The potential suitor may cause the Jets' fan base to call him a traitor. However, the 32-year wideout probably wants a legitimate shot at experiencing playoff football before retirement. 

The Washington Redskins could lose both starting wideouts in the next few days. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson may be headed to a warm-weather team with a quarterback who can throw the deep ball. Does the overall fit make sense for the ninth-year veteran?

Cleveland Browns Interested in Tyrod Taylor?

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It’s never a good sign when decision-makers inside the organization can’t agree on whether to keep the starting quarterback or boot him. Taylor doesn’t stretch the field or move the ball downfield in chunks, but he’s a dual-threat game manager, who doesn't commit costly turnovers.

Over the past two seasons, Taylor threw 37 touchdown passes and only 12 interceptions. The touchdown total isn't an impressive number in box score view, but he doesn’t beat himself often with errant throws. Within the organization, there’s likely a philosophy split on offense between tossing the ball downfield and continuing to play it safe.

If Taylor starts anew, La Canfora’s sources pinpoint the Cleveland Browns as the most likely landing spot:

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League sources said the Browns have significant interest in Taylor as a free agent. Taylor has strong ties to some on the Browns staff already and if/when he hits the open market I would be shocked if the Browns don’t make a real push for him. Many in the league believe that’s where he will end up.

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For the Browns, acquiring Taylor would almost solidify Texas A&M edge-rusher Myles Garrett as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. After watching his combine workout, he’s clearly the best prospect in the 2017 class. Cleveland would have a new quarterback who’s a capable starter and a unique rookie talent to wreak havoc on the opponent’s passer. Of course, Buffalo would have to release Taylor to put the Browns’ plan in motion.

Prediction: Bills release Tyrod Taylor, Browns sign him to a four-year deal.

Brandon Marshall and New England Patriots Have Mutual Interest?

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The Jets cleaned house over the past month or so, and Marshall asked to be released, per Newsday's Kimberley Martin. It doesn’t come as a surprise considering general manager Mike Maccagnan's pivot toward the youth movement in New York. The 32-year-old receiver, without a single playoff game on his NFL resume, realized he’s not in a position to sit through a roster reboot.

According to Boston Globe reporter Ben Volin, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Marshall could become the NFL’s next odd couple:

The former Jets receiver has television obligations, and we all know Belichick prefers to keep everything in-house. With the exception of tight end Rob Gronkowski, Patriots players show very little personality with a camera in their faces. Marshall doesn’t fit the mold, in fact, he’s the exact opposite.

How would this marriage work out? Likely on a two-year deal without dead money owed after the first season. The Patriots would add a veteran receiver, who’s still a prominent red-zone threat as insurance for Gronkowski’s injury history.

However, Marshall’s television time may not sit right with Belichick, even for a year or two. The Patriots just overcame the biggest deficit in Super Bowl history without Gronkowski and a mediocre wide receiver corps. They likely don’t want a colorful personality rocking the boat in New England.

Prediction: Brandon Marshall signs two-year deal with the New York Giants

DeSean Jackson to Tampa Bay Buccaneers? 

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Quarterback Kirk Cousins doesn’t display a powerful arm that’s capable of leading Jackson downfield on a frequent basis. Some believe the Redskins quarterback should be putting up better numbers with the current wide receiver group in place.

Jackson’s career highlights will certainly showcase his ability to run deep routes and secure a catch over the high safety. At 30 years old, Jackson may look to add more spectacular 20-plus yard grabs in Tampa Bay, per DraftAnalyst.com's Tony Pauline:

“The belief right now is Jackson will end up with the Tampa Bay Bucs, as the combination of weather, a big-armed passer in [Jameis] Winston and no state tax will make it tough for any other team to match."

Let’s see, deep-ball action, more money in the bank account and nice weather? No one can blame Jackson for finding interest in the Buccaneers who seem to be on track to make the playoffs. Tampa Bay has improved their win total each season over the past three years. A wide receiver tandem featuring Jackson and Mike Evans would immediately put NFC South pass defenses on notice.

Prediction: DeSean Jackson signs three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Stats provided by NFL.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.