2017 NFL Free Agency: Rumors and Predictions for Top Players Set to Hit Market

The NFL scouting combine is coming to an end, and free agency is set to begin. For at least a couple of weeks, the major focus of the football world is going to turn away from the draft and toward this year's crop of available veterans.

This year's edition of free agency is set to kick off on at 4 p.m. on ET Thursday, March 9. However, the excitement is going to ramp up sooner than that, as teams are allowed to begin contacting the agents of players on Tuesday, March 7.

With this in mind, let's take one last look at some of this year's top pending free agents, the latest rumors surrounding them, and our predictions.

Latest Buzz

DeSean Jackson Won't Last Long on Market

While this year's crop of free agents is expected to have some notable names—like Alshon Jeffery, Terrelle Pryor, DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon—the quality and depth of this year's rookie receiver class could leave free-agent demand on the light side.

Jackson, however, could be the exception and find himself off the market almost immediately after the new league year begins. At least, that's what is being reported by Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com.

"By all appearances, big money will be flowing in his direction," Florio wrote Monday. "Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Jackson is expected to agree to terms on Thursday, the first day of free agency."

It's unclear how badly the Redskins actually want Jackson back, but Garcon has said that he hasn't been contacted about his own potential return.

"I haven't heard anything from the Redskins, man," Garcon said on the Pat McAfee Show, a podcast presented by Barstool Sports and hosted by Garcon's former teammate with the Indianapolis Colts. "I have not heard anything at all."

Perhaps the Redskins are preparing to go hard after Jackson while allowing Garcon to enter the free-agent pool. If so, they're likely to have some stiff competition. Jackson could potentially return to the Philadelphia Eagles, who lack a No. 1 receiver. He could also wind up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who reportedly have a strong interest in him.

"Jackson could sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the free agency signing period begins Thursday, March 9," Lake Lewis Jr. of the Redskins Wire recently wrote. "I was told he is flying to Tampa midweek during the 'legal tampering' period when free agents can negotiate openly with other teams."

Our best guess is that Jackson is one of the first big-name players off the market.

Prediction: Jackson signs a deal shortly after 4 p.m. on Thursday, and it isn't with the Redskins.

Alshon Jeffery Open to Bears Return

Jeffery is another wide receiver that could command a lot of interest on the open market, though the Chicago Bears would certainly like to prevent him from reaching it.

Jeffery has already made it clear that he would prefer to sign with a contender this offseason.

“Whatever the next chapter is, I’m ready for it," Jeffery told ESPN's Josina Anderson. "I’m looking at the teams that obviously need a wide receiver, but also put me in the best situation to win a championship right now."

If Jeffery is looking to win now, he probably isn't looking too hard at returning to Chicago. However, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport has reported that Jeffery has talked to the Bears and is at least open to a return:

The problem is that Jeffery's mind could easily change if he begins to hear from teams that offer him a better shot at the playoffs. ESPN's Anderson noted teams like the Eagles and the Tennessee Titans are interested in chasing Jeffery.

Both the Titans and the Eagles appear more ready to win now than the Bears. If either gets a chance to talk to Jeffery, they'll likely land him or at least help set the floor for his market price. Our guess is that unless the Bears get a deal done before the legal tampering period begins, they're likely going to lose him.

Prediction: Jeffery does not return to Chicago.

Adrian Peterson Interested in the Patriots?

The Minnesota Vikings have decided not to exercise their option for running back Adrian Peterson, which means the veteran will at least get to test the open market. While it's unclear just how much Peterson has left in the tank, he's certainly one of the most accomplished players set to hit free agency.

If Peterson can get close to where he was before his latest significant injury, he might look awfully good in the backfield next to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. What's interesting is that this idea isn't outside the realm of possibility.

While the Patriots don't typically invest a lot of money in their running backs—LeGarrette Blount played on a $1 million deal last season—this might not totally deter Peterson. Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports that Peterson might entertain a Patriots-friendly deal:

"

Would Peterson even consider taking a Patriots-friendly contract for a go at a ring? A source close to Peterson told the Herald that since AP has already earned a ton—more than $97 million is his career—it’s certainly something he’d consider. Peterson knows how it worked out for Darrelle Revis and Chris Long. But naturally, there will be a lot of teams in the mix, including the Vikings.

"

One would think the Patriots would at least consider the possibility of adding Peterson, though a medical check and a workout or two would certainly be part of the equation. When Peterson was last healthy, in 2015, he rushed for 1,485 yards, 4.5 yards per carry and 11 touchdowns.

Ultimately, the Patriots' decision could come down to adding a big-name piece like Peterson, bringing back Blount or turning to the draft for a running back.

New England hasn't shied away from big-name players in the past, so if the team kicks the tires and likes what it sees, Peterson could be on the roster in 2017. We're not so sure, though, that the Peterson wants a role that yields fewer than 300 carries a season—Blount had 299 carried in 2016, but 88 came during Brady's one-month suspension.

Prediction: Patriots consider Peterson, ultimately re-sign Blount.