2015 NFL Free Agency: Bold Predictions From The Mocks Crew
By Erik Lambert
Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The time is almost at hand for 2015 NFL free agency. Everybody knows who the big names are that will hit the market and which teams are in play. So to spice up the excitement here are some bold predictions on what will happen, courtesy of the Mocks staff!
Joe Wedra
Browns will swipe Josh McCown from Buffalo
I think we’re going to see something very significant with Josh McCown, and it’s going to be soon. I think it’ll come down to Buffalo and Cleveland, with the Browns cashing in. They can get a very good QB in the 2016 class, but they need somebody now who can step in and fill a need for a year or two. McCown is that guy.
Charles McDonald
Somebody will break the bank for Brian Orakpo
My bold prediction for the free agency period is that a team desperate for an edge rusher will greatly overpay for Brian Orakpo. When healthy, there’s no doubting that he’s one of the best in the business, except he’s been extremely injury prone over the past few years. However, the need to find guys who can apply pressure to the quarterback is at an all time high and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a team empty the bank for his services. I’m talking in the ballpark of 60 million dollars over 5 years. A team with a lot of cap room (Jags, Raiders, Browns, Jets, Titans, Colts) won’t be able to help themselves and sign him to a monster deal.
Tyler Morales
Oakland Raiders break out the credit card
During this free agency period I believe Oakland will break the bank and try to lure in top flight free agents. Suh has been on Oaklands’ radar all year long but I believe they try more. Oakland will do whatever it needs to get free agents like Julius Thomas, Byron Maxwell, Randall Cobb or Brian Orakpo. Oakland has the cap space to make these kind of moves happen. With the Raiders high respected veterans I wouldn’t be shocked if they went after Greg Hardy if he was cut by Carolina. Reggie McKenzie needs to make a splash after recent bad off season moves, this is his chance to accomplish that.
Sayre Bedinger
Ndamukong Suh defects to a contender
For me, the biggest surprise in this years free agent class is going to be where Ndamukong Suh goes. Whether he returns to Detroit or leaves for another team, and seeing him sign with a contender like Seattle or Dallas would be a huge bombshell for free agency. Also, keep an eye on Adrian Peterson going to the Cardinals or Cowboys. That’d be a sight to see.
Erik Lambert
Kansas City tags Justin Houston but loses him to another team anyway
One of the rarest occurrences in the league is seeing a player who is franchise tagged still move to another team. The reason? It would cost not only a ton of money but also two 1st round picks to get him. Most teams aren’t willing to pay that price.
That will change this year. Kansas City is working fast to clear up enough space to retain star pass rusher Justin Houston, fresh off his 22-sack season in 2014. A long-term deal is still possible but most likely they will use the franchise tag to buy time given his obvious value. This is when it gets crazy. Another team will then come in with an offer, I’d say watch out for the Browns, Colts, Titans and Packers. Why?
The Colts sorely need a true pass rusher on their defense to take advantage of Andrew Luck.
Cleveland has the picks, the money and the motivation to make the move.
Tennessee would have a chance to pair him with Jurrell Casey and perhaps Leonard Williams.
Green Bay has Aaron Rodgers and could team him with Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers.
It sounds crazy, but when teams feel like a player can mean the difference to a championship, they’ll pay big prices. Houston has that kind of impact.