Since the free agent era, a term coined for the emergence of enormous contracts and hunger for dollar signs, many teams and players alike have made out like bandits. With names like Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson and even the great Reggie White, tons have left their longtime homes for the insatiable urge of a lucrative multi-year contract. This off-season is no different. With many household names set to hit the market come spring, numerous franchises will be on the hunt for the next big score. Here are my top 5 free agents for 2015 in no particular order.
5) Justin Houston
Coming off an incredible 22 sack season shadowed only by phenom J.J. Watt’s dominant performance, outside linebacker Justin Houston has quietly became one of the leagues most underrated players. In just his fourth year, the 26-year-old from Statesboro, Georgia has notched 48.5 sacks, made three straight pro bowls and this year broke the Chiefs single season sack record. While most teams would love to have him anchor their defensive core, few will get the chance to court the feared OLB. The most predictable outcome would be a franchise tag by his current employer the Kansas City Chiefs. Other compatible possibilities include the Oakland Raiders whom have tons of wiggle room and in my opinion the Cleveland Browns, a team that has a great pass Defense and would excel with an elite pass rusher like Houston.
4) Demaryius Thomas
After suffering several injuries throughout his first two seasons, Thomas was part of an outstanding playoff miracle with former QB Tim Tebow. Following the Cinderella run, Denver went and acquired one of the biggest free agent names to ever hit the open market in Peyton Manning. Demaryius flourished in running routes for the elite QB, accumulating touchdowns and yards at a torrid pace. Catching passes from someone like Peyton isn’t a trait many can call their own. The chemistry comes naturally though and any mediocre WR would post somewhat amazing numbers. The real test now comes with trying to fit into another offensive scheme. With his speed and ability to really get open, Thomas should find a nice fit in many places. Green Bay and Baltimore instantly come to mind as both teams will be on the hunt for marquee receivers to play with their all-star quarterbacks. The Ravens have been in search of a WR since basically their inaugural season back in 1996 and The Packers are set to lose Randall Cobb to free agency. Either team would reap the benefits of Demaryius Thomas on their offense.
3) Demarco Murray
With talks relatively quiet between the Dallas Cowboys front office and 2015 Offensive Player of the Year, Demarco Murray, free agency has become a reality for both sides. After setting a Cowboys record for consecutive 100 yard games along with having a career year, It’s truly hard to imagine any team would let someone of his calibre go. Having a WR like Dez Bryant in need of a new contract in the same season doesn’t bode well for Murray. The money that will be handed over to 88 will far exceed the limitations needed to ink both athletes to deals, leaving Demarco Murray in search of a new team. The likelihood is slim he will be back in a Cowboys uniform next season but the chance he stays a free agent for long definitely is not. Teams like The Colts and The Chargers are in desperate need of a star RB, not to mention a few other playoff worthy teams such as the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens who most likely both part ways with their current running game. Also on the list could be the Super Bowl champion Patriots, whom relied heavily on the arm of Tom Brady, something that they will not be able to do for long as the years pass.
