2017 NFL Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Big-Ticket Names on Market

We're now at the point of the 365-day NFL calendar in which fans from around the league are hitting the refresh button or staring at Twitter on their phone waiting for a free-agency update.

NFL free agency begins Thursday, March 9, at 4 p.m. ET, and rumors are already flying. Here's the latest surrounding four names.

Alshon Jeffery

Jeffery did not enjoy a good season in Chicago last year, catching 52 passes for 821 yards and two touchdowns. He was also suspended four games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy.

However, Jeffery may be returning to the Windy City, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:

The 6'3", 218-pound Jeffery is a clear No. 1 wide receiver and target monster when he's healthy. He enjoyed a great two-year stretch in 2013 and 2014, accumulating 174 receptions for 2,554 yards and 17 touchdowns.

On the flip side, Jeffery has only played a full 16 games twice in his five-year career, as he's battled injuries throughout his time in Chicago.

Still, Jeffery is only 27 years old, and in the right city, he could return to his former superstar form.

Prediction: Tennessee Titans

The Bears have won five, six and three games in their last three seasons, respectively. Meanwhile, there is a team in a far warmer climate more friendly to wide receivers that just so happens to be on the elevator going up thanks to a great young quarterback and a tough running offense.

Jefferey and the Titans are a perfect match, as Tennessee needs a No. 1 wide receiver and playmaker. Rishard Matthews did well last year, but he's better off as a No. 2 wideout.

Imagine this offense next year: quarterback Marcus Mariota, running backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, Jeffery, Matthews and tight end Delanie Walker. That's frightening.

Calais Campbell and Tony Jefferson

Kent Somers of azcentral.com reports that 6'8" defensive tackle Calais Campbell and strong safety Tony Jefferson could be heading out of Arizona:

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The feeling at the combine is that Campbell and Jefferson, at least, won’t be back. They’re going to command more money than the Cardinals are willing to commit.

Multiple outlets reported Sunday that Jefferson’s new contract could average $7 million. One source close to the situation, however, believes that number could be closer to $10 million.

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Campbell is one of the better defensive linemen in the NFL and can be routinely found on "best 2017 NFL free agents" lists around the Internet, including one from Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.

Campbell ranks eighth on that list, and here is what Rosenthal had to say: "There's no other player quite like Campbell, as thoughtful and savvy as he is physically overwhelming at 6-foot-8, 282 pounds. He would make a great 'get over the hump' piece for a team looking for a title."

Jefferson is a hard-hitting safety who flies around the field. He is only 25 years old and managed 96 tackles this season. Jefferson could be a huge boost to a secondary looking for some energy.

Prediction: Campbell to Oakland Raiders, Jefferson to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If I'm Campbell (and I'm not, but bear with me), I'm looking at all of the teams with tons of cap space and noticing that a great deal of them aren't close to contending for a Super Bowl, and some will never be.

Campbell is 30 years old and probably looking for a chance at a Super Bowl at this point in his career, so a place that makes sense is one that could pay him a lot of money and compete for a Lombardi Trophy.

Oakland, which needs to fill some holes on defense, would kill two birds with one stone. Campbell can come into Oakland and compete for a Super Bowl right away. Plus, Oakland has the ninth-most cap space in the league, per overthecap.com.

As for Jefferson, the Buccaneers need a serious overhaul in the secondary in over to get to the next level. As good as Derek Carr and the Raiders are, no team should be able to throw for over 500 yards as the Silver and Black did against Tampa Bay last season. Jefferson could come in and immediately inject some life into the Buccaneers' secondary, perhaps vaulting Tampa Bay to the playoffs in the process.

Stephon Gilmore

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reports that Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore is looking to break the bank this offseason:

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Multiple sources tell PFT that Gilmore hopes to exceed deals previously signed by Janoris Jenkins ($12.5 million per year at signing) and Richard Sherman ($14 million per year in new money; $11.48 million per year at signing).

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Gilmore had an up-and-down season in Buffalo last year following a great one in 2015. Clint Brooks of Bills Wire did a great job explaining Gilmore's 2016 campaign, with this passage standing out:

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In Coach Ryan’s defense, Gilmore was often tasked with being on an ‘island,’ playing a lot of man coverage while facing some of the NFL’s best pass-catchers in one-on-one situations. No matter how talented a player may be, any cornerback is vulnerable on any given snap.

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The Bills defense was poor during former head coach Rex Ryan's tenure, as defensive players and coaches seemed to never be on the same page. In a new city, Gilmore could break out and be part of a system that will let his talents shine through.

Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Green Bay Packers

Both teams have the cap space to sign Gilmore, and both teams need help in their pass defense. Tampa allowed 7.7 yards per attempt this regular season (tied for fourth-worst in the NFL), and Green Bay allowed 8.1 YPA (worst in the NFL).

It may come down to whether Gilmore is sick of the cold (hence signing with Tampa) or whether he wants to compete for a Super Bowl now (hence signing with Green Bay).