The NFL free agency period starts in March and this year there are some big names hitting the free agent market, including players like DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Jeremy Maclin, Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul, Frank Gore, Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Randall Cobb, Mark Ingram, CJ Spiller, Ryan Mathews, Nick Fairley, Walter Thurmond, Antrel Rolle, Bryan Bulaga and Eddie Royal.
The Dallas Cowboys will have plenty to say when it comes to Dez Bryant, as they will likely lock him up, while everyone is wondering what the team will do with DeMarco Murray. The Giants have Jason Pierre-Paul and Antrel Rolle hitting the market along with Walter Thurmond, while the Philadelphia Eagles have Jeremy Maclin as a free agent. The Broncos are dealing with significant players hitting the market, including Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Orlando Franklin, Rahim Moore and Wes Welker.
The NFC North division has some big names hitting the market as well, including Randall Cobb, Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Bryan Bulaga.The running back position has some solid names hitting the market past Murray, including Frank Gore, Mark Ingram, CJ Spiller, Ryan Mathews and Knowshon Moreno.
Coming into the 2015 offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns are the three teams with the most projected cap space and they could be big spenders. The Jets, Titans, Colts, Bengals, Broncos, Bears and Buccaneers all are ranked in the top part of the league in salary cap space and other teams will create space by cutting players as the league year gets closer to starting. Here is a look at the top 10, in no particular order:
DeMarco Murray: the top running back on the market, had 1845 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. But the Cowboys may not be able to keep him and Dez Bryant.
Dez Bryant: the Cowboys are making Bryant a priority and they could use the franchise tag if a deal cannot be reached. Bryant had 16 touchdowns last season and was Tony Romo's top target.
Jeremy Maclin: coming off of a strong season after signing a one year deal following an ACL injury. Maclin was the leading receiver for the Eagles and could be the top WR behind Bryant on the market.
Ndamukong Suh: Suh has a dirty reputation, but the All-Pro player should find work very easily this offseason.
Jason Pierre-Paul: the Giants want to keep JPP and after a bounce back season he will be asking for money. But is this the Pierre-Paul of 2011 and 2014 (when he had 16.5 and 12.5 sacks) or the JPP of 2012-13 (when he had 8.5 combined and was injured).
Frank Gore: rushed for 1,100 yards again this season, but Niners likely letting him go and will satrt Carlos Hyde.
Demaryius Thomas: leading receiver for Peyton Manning, had over 100 catches, likely not going anywhere.
Julius Thomas: leading tight end for Manning, may end up out of Denver so Broncos can sign Demaryius and still afford other players.
Randall Cobb: likely staying with Packers, but another team could try and woo him with major money, possibly the Raiders.
Mark Ingram: Saints did not pick up option on Ingram, but early reports have New Orleans a favorite to keep him.
Bonus player: CJ Spiller: likely out of Buffalo, early target is the NY Jets and former head coach Chan Gailey, who is now offensive coordinator. Spiller had best season of career with Gailey.
