NFL Rumors: A Look into 4 Free Agents
With Super Bowl XLIX over, the focus has moved on to this year's 2015 NFL draft as well as the many highly coveted free agents. Here is a look into four players who will hit the open market next month.
1. Dez Bryant
Dez Bryant's future will rely heavily on how the Dallas Cowboys want to run their offense next year. The wide receiver excels at his position and can outplay many of the league's corners. Last season, Bryant caught 88 passes for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns. Over the past three seasons, he has amassed 41 touchdown catches.
According to CBSSports' Jason La Confora, Bryant's personality could become a factor for the Cowboys.
La Confora wrote: "Bryant's off-field issues are having a significant impact in talks on a long-term deal, league sources said, and trepidation about putting a ton of guaranteed money on the table is likely to limit the tenor of long-term talks. Going year-to-year with Bryant is OK with Jerry Jones, even at this steep price, and in terms of on-field importance, Bryant is seen as more significant than franchising running back DeMarco Murray."
2. DeMarco Murray
Runningback DeMarco Murray will most likely be headed out of Dallas if the Cowboys choose to focus their efforts on re-signing Byrant. Regardless of what the Cowboys do, Murray can expect to be courted by many teams in free agency. In this season, Murray led the league in rushing with 1,845 yards. Despite having a great season, CBSSports' Pete Prisco believes that Murray will be headed for another team.
"So in the end, which one should the Cowboys prioritize? There is no doubt it's Bryant," Prisco wrote. "Some personnel people think that would be risky with Bryant, who has had some off-field issues in the past, although there hasn't been anything in the past few years. I could see the Cowboys tagging Bryant and then trying to sign Murray to a team-friendly deal. But as much as they would love to keep both, it might be impossible. And, in the end, the running back, as is the case more and more, is the more expendable one.
3. Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Thomas will also be a free agent this year although many people tend to forget that because, according to La Canfora, there is no way the Denver Broncos will let him go. Thomas, 27, is at the middle of his prime and is one of the most consistent receivers in the league.
"Thomas is a freak of nature and, sources said, the top offseason priority for the Broncos. He will be franchised in hopes of getting a long-term deal done. Whether it's Peyton Manning or Brock Osweiler at quarterback, this is the most vital target in the passing game," La Canfora wrote.
4. Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is arguably the biggest free agent on the defensive side of the market. He recorded a combined 53 tackles and 8.5 sacks this season. According to several reports, the Detroit Lions most likely will not have enough to keep Suh, who could go to the highest bidder.
James Walker with ESPN.com wrote, "Suh, a former No. 2 overall pick, played his first five years with the Detroit Lions and is not expected to return. Suh will cash in big this offseason and there will be no shortage of suitors....Suh is expected to get a contract in the range of $90-$100 million."
Some early rumors reported that Suh wants to play for the Seattle Seahawks.
