Help Wanted: Who are the Top Free Agents?

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Updated: February 25, 2015

We are nearing the start of another action packed off-season this year in the league. Many teams are in need of help all over the place and will be looking to add a free agent or two this summer. Most teams are looking for immediate help on defense this year so look for a few of those guys to be rewarded handsomely for their services.

The question remains- Who are the top 2015 NFL free agents? Who’s going where? Who’s going to get paid the big bucks? Who would you bet your money on as if you were at https://www.betfair.com/sport/american-football?

Well lets break it down.

2015’s Top Free Agents by Position:

Quarterbacks– this group has name recognition but in 2015 can you really rely on any of these guys? Mark Sanchez, Josh McCown, and Michael Vick will impress teams with their experience while Ryan Mallet and Jake Locker will have teams wondering if there is any starter potential left to be unlocked. Ultimately, I’d say Michael Vick is probably the most reliable of this group and who I’d bring in.

Running Backs– We already know DeMarco Murray is the name everyone is looking at. If he hits the market you may see a dark horse team like Seattle clear out some cap room to offer him a lucrative one year deal if something crazy happens like Marshawn Lynch retires. Sadly, that’s about the value of runners these days. Other players such as CJ Spiller, Justin Forsett, and Mark Ingram could be more than serviceable starters if you can afford them. The group rounds out with an oft-injured group that includes Ryan Matthews, Ahmad Bradshaw, Darren McFadden, and Knowshon Moreno. Then there is are the guys no one may call until October in Ray Rice and Chris Johnson.

Receivers/Pass Catchers– Another big name out of Dallas heads the group in Dez Bryant. Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin, and Demaryius Thomas also have a slim chance of being available depending on what their respective groups do. The more likely to be sought after group includes a group of boom or bust guys like Torrey Smith, Michael Crabtree, Kenny Britt, and Cecil Shorts. Then there are the trusty veterans who you know what you’re getting in Hakeem Nicks, Ted Ginn, Wes Welker, and Eddie Royal.

The tight ends feature Pro Bowlers in Julius Thomas, and Jordan Cameron. The class rounds out with Jermaine Gresham, Owen Daniels, Lance Kendricks, and Charles Clay. There will be no short of tight ends available on the market this summer. Teams will be urgently trying to get the attention of Dez, Cobb, Maclin, and the Thomas’ as they are the elite pass catchers available.

Offensive Line– The best players available will be veterans Bryan Bulaga, Michael Roos, Doug Free, Mike Iupati and Orlando Franklin. I look for at least two of these big names to change teams.

Defensive Line– 2014 sack leader Justin Houston will lead the field. Behind him is Jason Pierre-Paul, and the troubled Greg Hardy. If your team wishes to break the bank Ndamukong Suh and Terrance Knighton will be taking all bidders. I look for both of those big guys to get PAID in a major way. I think Hardy will find a team like New England to help him rejuvenate his image on a cheap deal.

Linebackers– the best free agent linebacker is Sean Weatherspoon, followed closely by the erratic Rolando McClain. There are also solid pros such as David Harris, Brandon Spikes, Justin Durant, and Malcolm Smith on the market. If your team is looking for veteran leadership we got that too- the services of AJ Hawk, Lance Briggs, and Larry Foote will also be available.

Defensive Backs– Byron Maxwell will be looking to get paid after a great season serving as the back to challenge across from “the best corner in the game” Richard Sherman. I don’t think Seattle will look to retain him. Behind him are veterans Brandon Flowers, Kareem Jackson, and Antonio Cromartie. Cromatie has allegedly made it known he wishes to play in the New York area so look for him to show up in Buffalo with Rex.

Safeties Rahim Moore, Devin McCourty, and Antrel Rolle will be out there for your needs in the back of your defense. Moore is allegedly looking at $6 million plus a season and Denver is looking to give it to him… so realistically teams may have to look else where. Solid pros such as Louis Delmas, Stevie Brown, and the Landry Bros will be out there as well.