2017 NFL Free Agents: Latest Rumors, Predictions on Robert Griffin III and More

The NFL will have a hard time holding a candle to the NBA right now in terms of offseason drama, but with free agents and contract disputes up in the air, it doesn't fall far behind.  

For the NFL, this is holdout season, or at least it could be if major names decide to forgo the brutal summer months while making front offices and fans wait it out.

Guaranteed, at least, is chatter around some of the bigger free agents left on the market, which span from quality role players to even a big-name quarterback. Signings made in July don't normally translate into major developments, but it only takes one summer injury to spur a big move.

Below, let's take a look at the latest around the market's biggest names and come up with predictions as to how the situations might play out.

Orr Update

GAIL BURTON/Associated Press

Those outside of the Baltimore area likely don't know Zachary Orr's name, but he's the sort of late-July signing who could make a big difference for a team in a variety of ways.

Orr, a 2014 undrafted free agent, made a name for himself with the Baltimore Ravens, scratching and clawing his way to solid playing time before finishing 2016 with 133 total tackles and three interceptions.

Then he retired.

Orr had a neck injury that forced his hand, until he went and got another opinion.

"After people found out I only went to one doctor, they were telling me, 'You've got to go get a second opinion,'" Orr said, according to SportingNews.com's Alex Marvez. "It was kind of eating at me. Obviously, I wanted to play ball. I love ball. I went ahead and did that."

So Orr is back and on the prowl, with the Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson noting several teams in the fray:

It's hard to say which team will be willing to take the gamble on Orr after his sudden departure, but the Houston Texans could certainly use the competition in a linebacking corps with a handful of new faces this year.

Of the teams mentioned there, the Detroit Lions seem the most interesting. Remember, those Lions spent two draft picks on linebacker this year with Jarrad Davis and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, meaning Orr would likely show up and be a starter right out of the gates.

When he's done touring the market, it seems like the Lions give him the best chance to play plenty of snaps in a game he almost had to leave early.

Prediction: Orr signs with the Lions

Flowers Finds Footing

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Normally a name like Brandon Flowers wouldn't make a big late-July splash.

But this concerns the New England Patriots.

When Bill Belichick and the Patriots take notice on a player, it's a good idea everyone else should, too. So, here's ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Before the surprise Patriots interest, Flowers was a 10-year veteran at the age of 31 who could only suit up in six games last year before landing on injured reserve due to concussion issues, then eventually cut so his former team could save cap space.

Now things get interesting. Flowers is a versatile veteran who could play a few different roles for the Patriots and Arizona Cardinals. For the former, he could line up on the inside thanks to Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler, while the latter has enough of a need to play him right across from Patrick Peterson.

Then again, both teams could look at Flowers as quality veteran depth. Both have younger guys learning the paces and he hasn't been able to withstand the rigors of the game lately, so having him as an insurance option and a mentor presence registers as a win for either team.

One has to think, though, flowers would like to close out his career competing for titles. Arizona might give him more chances to get on the field, but New England gives him a shot at a Lombardi Trophy.

Prediction: Flowers signs with the Patriots

The RGIII Show Continues

Don Wright/Associated Press

Robert Griffin III isn't done yet, folks.

Griffin didn't make the impact he would have hoped for in Cleveland a year ago after finally freeing himself of a bad situation and landing with a team in need of his services. He appeared in five games, completed less than 60 percent of his passes and threw two touchdowns with three interceptions.

Still, Griffin is 27 years old and he has the game coaches might seek in a backup, if not the physical ability to stay on the field. As such, it isn't a major surprise to hear the Los Angeles Chargers have an interest, according to Schefter:

Griffin hasn't received much in the way of attention since his release in March, but it felt like a matter of time before teams started picking up the phone. He's a low-risk investment, as letting him run over the summer could give a team willing to bring him aboard a better backup than they'd planned.

This seems to be the thought process around the Chargers right now. Talk about Griffin eventually getting a shot as a franchise quarterback again seemed to simmer completely out during his stay in Cleveland, but if Philip Rivers goes down, he could at least come in and perhaps play better than other backups on the roster like Kellen Clemens and Mike Bercovici.

Even then, though, Griffin won't have an easy time making a final roster. The physical talent and mental side of things remain, but the stigma of his inability to stay healthy is something teams will keep in mind on cut day.

It'll be interesting to see if this is only the beginning of a bidding war of sorts for Griffin, as the Chargers are far from the only team in need of a capable backup behind a veteran. For now, though, it's hard to imagine a calmer landing spot for Griffin, who can refine his game behind Rivers for a few years or so before having to think about his next move again.

Prediction: Griffin signs with the Chargers

Stats courtesy of NFL.com.