The 2016 NFL free agent class has some notable players hitting the market, including Lamar Miller, Doug Martin, Chris Ivory, Jermaine Kearse, Matt Forte, Kirk Cousins, Ronnie Hillman, Travis Benjamin, LeGarrette Blount, James Jones, Sam Bradford, James Starks, Chris Johnson, Alshon Jeffery, Percy Harvin, Anquan Boldin and Rueben Randle.
With the salary cap expected to rise this offseason, teams could be more willing to spend than in the past and that could lead to some big contracts for certain players. The quarterback position has Sam Bradford as the top available option and he could be a prime target for teams in the market for a new starter. Kirk Cousins and Ryan Fitzpatrick are also hitting the market, but those players are expected to remain with their current teams.
Bradford has a chance to return to the Eagles and the team could potentially use the franchise tag on him, but right now it looks like Bradford will have the chance to test the market. The running back position is expected to be a main focus for teams this winter, as high profile names like Matt Forte, Lamar Miller and Doug Martin are set to hit the market. Martin ranked second in the league in rushing this past season, while Forte has been one of the most productive backs in the NFL during his time in Chicago.
Miller may end up getting the most attention of all the running backs on the market based on his age and his past workload with the Dolphins. Miller will be just 25 when next season starts and is considered to be one of the fastest players at his position in the league. The Dolphins have also been criticized the past couple years for how they have used Miller, but that may end up being a positive for him now, as he does not have nearly as much wear and tear on his body as other players his age.
Miller told James Walker at ESPN.com that he is interested in coming back to Miami, but that "scheme and fit" will be the main factors in wherever he decides to sign. Adam Gase is taking over in Miami and that could bring Miller back into the fold, but there also is a chance Miller will want more money on this contract than Miami is willing to pay. Forte should be a prime target as well despite being 30, as he is a dual threat player that can handle rushing the ball and catching it out of the backfield. Forte is unlikely to go back to the Bears after the team did not engage in contract talks with Forte last season.
Chris Ivory, Jermaine Kearse, Anquan Boldin, Ronnie Hillman and LeGarrette Blount also could get attention on the market this offseason. Ivory had a strong year for the Jets with over 1000 yards, while Kearse has proven to be a capable number 2/3 receiver while with Seattle and that could net him a nice contract.