The 2016 NFL free agent class has some notable names hitting the market, including Lamar Miller, Matt Forte, Travis Benjamin, Chris Ivory, Jermaine Kearse, LeGarrette Blount, James Jones, Ronnie Hillman, Alshon Jeffery, Doug Martin and Rishard Matthews.
The salary cap is expected to rise and teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears could be potential landing spots for players this offseason. The running back position is deep with players hitting the market and that group could get a lot of attention from teams this offseason. Miller, Forte and Martin headline the group, but players like Blount, Ivory and Hillman also could be value targets for teams.
The wide receiver position has some solid names hitting the market in Alshon Jeffery, Percy Harvin, Jermaine Kearse, Travis Benjamin and Rueben Randle. Jeffery is the top player at the position that will be available, but it is widely expected that he will remain with the Chicago Bears, either on a new contract or with the franchise tag. Jeffery dealt with injuries last season, but at his age and with his past production, the Bears will likely not let him get to the open market.
Players like Kearse, Benjamin and Randle could be solid options for teams and they likely will cost far less than Jeffery. Kearse reportedly told ESPN that he is not going to take a hometown discount to stay with the Seahawks and that could put him in position to get a new deal from another team. Kearse put up career numbers this past season and could be a solid number two for teams around the league. Benjamin also had a career season and while reports have the Browns looking to keep him on a new deal, there is a chance he could end up leaving Cleveland.
Miller and Forte are likely going to be the top free agent targets at running back this offseason, as Martin is expected to stay with the Buccaneers. Miller is one of the fastest players in the NFL and he will be just 25 when next season starts. Miller also does not have as much wear and tear on his body as other running backs with his experience and that could make him an attractive target for teams. Miami is interested in keeping Miller, but there is a chance his price tag will be too high for them.
The Cowboys, Giants and 49ers could target Miller, while Forte could be a fit for those teams along with the Raiders and Dolphins (if Miller leaves). Chris Ivory had a strong season for the Jets and if he doesn't return to New York, he should get some attention on the free agent market.
