2015 Mock NFL Free Agency: Fate Predictions Of the Top 25
By Erik Lambert
Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) sacks San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
NFL free agency may not hold the same spectacle as the draft, but it’s every bit as important to rebuilding a roster. Here are the top 25 names available and where they are likeliest to end up.
1. player. 124. Andy Reid and John Dorsey aren’t stupid. They know the focal point of the Kansas City Chiefs defense is Justin Houston and if they lose him things won’t take long to fall apart. It’s going to take serious contract moves to find enough space for the star pass rusher as the Chiefs are projected to be over the cap limit. That could mean some difficult roster decisions are ahead, but Houston is <a href=. OLB. Kansas City. Justin Houston
player. 57. There are a number of reasons why the Chicago Bears can land Ndamukong Suh. First of all, with a little maneuvering they can afford it. They stand at over $27 million in cap space with the ability to create as much as another $20 million just by restructuring the deals of Jay Cutler and Jared Allen <p>Secondly, strong rumors persist that Suh wants to play in a big media market and Chicago was referenced as one of the places he would consider. Lastly, there is the presence of John Fox and Vic Fangio, two highly respected defensive coaches who get results wherever they land. It’s a good fit all around.</p>. DT. Detroit. Ndamukong Suh. 2
123. Another team in a salary cap bind but the Dallas Cowboys have made it clear they aren’t letting Dez Bryant go anywhere. He’s the best offensive player on their roster, despite the presence of DeMarco Murray. Losing him would completely derail what they’ve built on offense over the past several seasons.. WR. Dallas. Dez Bryant. 3. player
45. The same situation with Bryant also faces the Denver Broncos with Demaryius Thomas. There is little question he’s the best weapon on the offensive side of the ball but retaining him would mean sacrificing other key pieces to their roster. Still, John Elway knows Peyton Manning needs every advantage he can get, and Thomas is one they can’t let go.. WR. Denver. Demaryius Thomas. 4. player
Denver. Julius Thomas. 5. player. 28. Among those key losses expected in the drive to retain Demaryius in Denver is tight end Julius Thomas. There is no denying he’s a difference-maker and a touchdown machine but he also is expendable due to his injury concerns. Even so, the Oakland Raiders make perfect sense because they have the money, Thomas grew up as a fan of them and he would fill a key need on offense.. TE