2015 NFL Free Agency: Ndamukong Suh and Others Who Will Get Paid

Finding the bargains is often how winners are built through free agency, but another part is those teams who are willing to spend the big money on a high-profile veteran in hopes they continue to dominate the league as they did prior to leaving.  The 2015 free agency landscape will have plenty of such players.  Which of them are likely to leave their current teams and seek out the big pay day they are sure to command?

Ndamukong Suh – DT

Current team:  Detroit Lions

Rumors have persisted for months that Ndamukong Suh is leaning towards testing the market in hopes of landing in city with a larger financial base like New York.  He knows the Detroit Lions can’t franchise tag him and given the year he’s had (5.5 sacks, highest rated DT on Pro Football Focus), there is little doubt a team won’t jump at the chance to get him.  He’s a rare player who has the ability to single-handedly control games.

Price range:  $17-18 million per year

Julius Thomas – TE

Current team:  Denver Broncos

Three of the top 10 names in 2015 NFL free agency will come from the Denver Broncos.  There is receiver Demaryius Thomas, cornerback Chris Harris and tight end Julius Thomas.  All three are considered among the best at their positions.  Is it really feasible to think the Broncos can pay them all?  No.  Thus it comes down to who is expendible.  Julius Thomas is a true difference-maker at tight end, but his Achilles heel is health.  He tends to suffer nagging injuries as he has again this season.  That won’t stop him from getting top dollar from somebody else though.

Price range:  $9-11 million per year

Randall Cobb – WR

Current team:  Green Bay Packers

Speedy receivers are en vogue across the NFL at the present what with Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders slicing up defenses.  Randall Cobb is part of that group as he’s ridden the Aaron Rodgers train to the top with the Packers.  The thing is Green Bay has done a good job of adding insurance on their roster with rookie Davante Adams.  His presence may convince the team to not risk overpaying to keep Cobb.  They’ve let receivers go in the past.

Price range:  $7-8 million per year

Jason Pierre-Paul – DE

Current team:  New York Giants

Here’s the thing.  The sacks haven’t been coming lately for Jason Pierre-Paul and it has many worried that he isn’t the Michael Strahan heir hoped for.  At the same time, the defensive end is healthy and has 3.5 sacks over the past two weeks.  He’s regaining that form he showed in 2011 when the New York Giants won the Super Bowl and with it his free agency stock should rise rapidly.  At age 25, he is just entering his prime and a host of defensive coaches will look to get him on their fronts.

Price range:  $11-12 million per year