NFL free agency has a strong class for 2016, as players like Matt Forte, Sam Bradford, Mario Williams, Kirk Cousins, Greg Hardy, Alshon Jeffery, Lamar Miller, Doug Martin and Von Miller all could be available for teams on the open market. Other names include Josh Norman, Muhammad Wilkerson, Eric Berry, Bruce Irvin and Jason Pierre-Paul.
The quarterback position has some solid names hitting the market, including Sam Bradford, Kirk Cousins, Brock Osweiler and Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Redskins are interested in keeping Cousins on an extension and while that is a likely move, it is no certainty with how Cousins has played this season. Cousins' value may not be higher than it is right now and he may want to test the market.
Bradford is coming off of a so-so year with the Eagles, but with Chip Kelly gone, there is a chance he could end up on a different team. Fitzpatrick had one of his best seasons and could return to the Jets, while the Broncos likely will try hard to keep Osweiler after he stepped in and played fairly well with Peyton Manning out. The NFL draft has a deep class of players at the QB position as well, but some teams may want to gamble on a free agent over the possibility of drafting a player that won't work out.
The running back position has some notable players, including Matt Forte, Doug Martin, Chris Ivory and Lamar Miller. Forte is getting to the age when most running backs break down and after dealing with some injuries his market may not be as big as once expected. Forte should still get a solid deal, but it likely will not be with the Bears after the two sides did not talk an extension earlier in the season. Miller is expected to be a major target for teams in need of an RB, while the Buccaneers and Martin have reportedly started talking about a new contract already.
Greg Hardy signed a one year deal with the Cowboys for this season and will be a free agent and while he could return to Dallas, there is a chance another team may try and sign the defensive end. According to the Dallas Morning News, Jason Garrett did not say whether or not he wants Hardy back after being asked about the situation, but added that Hardy "did some good things for us on the field." Mario Williams is not a free agent, but reports have the Bills considering cutting the defensive star, as he has a major cap hit for 2016. Williams would be a top target if he hits the market.
Alshon Jeffery is expected to return to the Bears, but other teams could go after the wide receiver this offseason. Jeffery is young and while he is coming off of an injury plagued season, he has been productive for the Bears and should have a number of suitors.
