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Eight big-name free agents likely to be available for your NFL team

The New England Patriots have won a fifth Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Roar Guru
23rd February, 2015
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NFL free agency starts on the 10th of March, but agents and general managers are already discussing player contracts at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

Fans of all 32 teams, once again at 0-0 and full of hope, are earnestly awaiting the start of the free-for-all that comes with free agency and hoping that their team will pick up that player (or three) that could be the difference between squandering at the bottom of the division, and Superbowl 50.

Here’s eight players that I believe will be available on the market (that is, not re-signed by their 2014 teams) and can make a big impact.

1. Ndamukong Suh, DT
He’s been a controversial figure in the NFL, with numerous on-field discretions after the whistle, but there’s no doubting he’s also disruptive during the play.

Suh all but admitted he would be leaving the Lions for the highest bidder in free agency, and it seems likely he’ll receive the largest contract as a team looks to excite their fan-base with a player who has 36 sacks over the last five seasons.

2. Ryan Mathews, RB
A first-round pick in 2010, Mathews hasn’t had the ideal start to his career, missing 20 games since coming onto the Chargers as a replacement to the famed LT.

Mathews is a tough, impact runner, with a career YPC of 4.4, and 23 touchdowns. I don’t expect him to re-sign in San Diego after only being able to play in six games last year, where they already have Donald Brown.

He’s 27, and would be an ideal to match for any team looking to upgrade their backfield for a relatively small investment.

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3. Charles Clay, TE
A player who really came on in his third season in 2013, Clay is a versatile TE who can line up all over the field, and is a great piece for teams who like to play around with different formations and take advantage of match-ups. I think Clay will be looking to move to a team a better shot of a playoff run instead of the Dolphins, and as he’s the youngest FA TE on the market, I don’t think he’ll be short of suitors.

3. Jeremy Maclin, WR
The 26-year-old known for big plays down the field missed a whole season in 2013, and played a one year prove-it deal in 2014 with the Eagles, finishing with an impressive 10 touchdowns and 1,318 yards.

He definitely proved himself a worthy of a big contract, but I think the uncertainty with the Eagles quarterback situation will behoove Maclin to seek a new team for 2015. Maclin’s likely to be looking for one of the top five biggest contracts of free agency.

4. Mike Iupati, OG
A five-year starter, Iupati has been a stalwart piece of the 49ers offensive line since being selected in the first round in 2010.

Iupati had some contract disputes with the 49ers in the past that makes me feel like he’ll be ready to move on, and is probably the most obvious FA for teams looking to upgrade their line (who isn’t?).

5. Kareem Jackson, CB
He might not be a household name quite yet, but Jackson is well known to the receivers in the AFC South, where he’s been doing a good job for the Texans – three consecutive years where he’s had at least nine pass deflections.

The cornerback market isn’t strong this year, but Jackson seems to stand out and the word with the Texans is that they won’t break the bank to keep him.

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6. Brandon Spikes, LB
Spikes wore out his welcome with the Patriots in 2013, and kept off the radar with the Bills in 2014 with a career-low 54 tackles and only starting ten games.

However, this is a player who can be a hard-hitting force in the middle (who in 2012 forced five fumbles) and an intriguing personality. He may stay under Rex Ryan, but I think he’ll be wanting to get out of the AFC East to make his name with a higher-profile squad.

7. Jason Pierre-Paul, LB
JPP was one of the heroes of the Giants’ 2011 Superbowl championships, with 16.5 sacks that year. Since, he’s been maligned with back injuries, and never quite reimagined the heights of that season (although, he looked good in 2014 with 12.5 sacks).

I feel that Big Blue will move on after souring on the defensive end, and this could pave the way for a team looking for a pass-rusher (who isn’t) to snatch up a well-known name.

8. Jared Odrick, DT
Odrick was a first round pick of the Dolphins in 2010, and although he doesn’t put up major statlines, is an interior pass-rusher who can wreak havoc with guards.

If Miami doesn’t end up tagging Odrick, he and his five pass knock-downs may be heading to greener pastures (perhaps Detroit?).

Others to keep your eye on: Shane Vereen, RB, CJ Spiller, RB, Ryan Mallett, quarterback, Jordan Cameron, TE, Wes Welker, WR, Greg Hardy, DE

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If you’re wondering where guys like Justin Houston, Dez Bryant, and Devin McCourty are on this list – I don’t think their current teams will let them go, and therefore aren’t likely to be available.

Which free agents do you see moving? Who are you hoping your teams will sign?

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