NFL Free Agency 2018: Rumors and Predicted Landing Spots for Top Targets

We're approaching that part of the NFL offseason where things go from totally dead to everything happening at once.

With the NFL Scouting Combine in full swing, it's easy to forget that the free-agency period is also set to begin later in March.

With that comes potential cap casualties, but there are also some notable players who are already headed for the open market.

Below, we'll predict the landing spots for three top players, as well as examine some rumors surrounding a few other pending free agents and make predictions for them!

Predictions

Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Set to become one of the hottest free-agent running backs in recent memory, the market for Bell would be just about every team in the league.

However, the Steelers want to lock him up long term.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said they intend to speak to Bell's representation to "try to figure out common ground."

Losing Bell would be devastating for the Steelers offense.

And that's why they won't let him get away.

Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers

Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins

Arguably the top available free agent in the entire league, Cousins will be playing elsewhere in 2018.

With Washington's acquisition of Alex Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs, that all but spells the end of Cousins on the team.

There are numerous landing spots that make sense for Cousins.

The three that stand out right away are the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.

The Broncos come equipped with a solid defense, decent skill players and, of course, the allure of general manager John Elway. The Jets don't have much to offer besides a blank check, and the Vikings, who made it to the NFC Championship Game this past season offer the most upside in terms of winning, plus they have nearly $50 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.

The Vikings are quite interested, as Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network pointed out (h/t Chris Wesseling also of NFL Network).

If Cousins wants a balance between winning and money, and the Vikings are willing to part with Case Keenum, Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater, Cousins will end up there.

Prediction: Minnesota Vikings

Allen Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars 

After losing Robinson early in the 2017 regular season, the Jaguars' receiving options were limited, which hurt the team more than expected.

They made it to the AFC Championship Game, but Robinson would have added a whole other dimension to play calling, and his presence alone could have made a difference in deciding that game.

Coming off a brutal injury, though, it's safe to wonder if the Jaguars will give him the big bucks and lure him back to Duval.

According to Marc Sessler of NFL Network, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone has said "we've been in discussions," referring to bringing Robinson back next season.

The wide receiver draft class has its fair share of talent, but Robinson is on another level. The Jaguars cannot let him get away.

Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars on franchise tag

Rumor Roundup

Numerous Teams Interested in Jets CB Claiborne

After a solid 2016 season with the Dallas Cowboys, cornerback Morris Claiborne slipped up a bit in 2017 with the Jets but was still serviceable.

According to Calvin Watkins of Newsday, as many as "8-10 teams" could be interested in Claiborne should he hit the open market.

The desire for a competent corner is always high in the NFL, and Claiborne has shown he can be just that.

Due to the high amount of interested, it doesn't sound like Claiborne will be back in a Jets uniform in 2018.

Prediction: Detroit Lions

Jets Interested in a Pair of Running Backs

With the retirement of veteran running back Matt Forte, the Jets appear to be in the running back market to complement sophomore back Elijah McGuire.

Watkins reported one of those backs could be Damien Williams of the Miami Dolphins.

With the emergence of Kenyan Drake, Williams took a backseat and will be on his way out. Williams has flashed ability in the past, and paired with McGuire they could complement one another nicely for what the Jets are trying to accomplish.

Giants running back Orleans Darkwa also interests the Jets, according to Connor Hughes of NJ.com.

The Giants had a bad stable of running backs in 2017 and Darkwa was arguably the best one they had. However, with the No. 2 overall pick and entering a draft class loaded with talent at the position, it makes sense they'd rather go in that direction.

Williams Prediction: New York Jets

Darkwa Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers