Top 25 NFL free agents

Jason Fitzgerald

Top 25 NFL free agents image

Here are our selections for the top 25 available free agents. The free agency period gets underway on Tuesday at 4 p.m., ET.

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Lions

In five years Suh has four Pro Bowl and three All-Pro selections. He wants big money and will try to convince a team that a defensive tackle is worth $16 million a year. The Dolphins and Colts are expected to be the frontrunners.

Greg Hardy, DE, Panthers

Hardy had 15 sacks in 2013 before legal troubles landed him on the exempt list. Teams will anxiously await the leagues decision on his status as he is looking at upwards of $13 million a year.

Mike Iupati, G, 49ers

Generally regarded as the top guard in the NFL, Iupati has a strong chance of earning over $8 million a year, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. Teams with a run-heavy offense will likely make the strongest offer.

Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, Bills

Surprisingly, Hughes was not franchised despite his status as one of the best pass rushers in the league. His 19-1/2 sacks since 2013 should help him earn a contract in the $11 million to $12 million per year range.

Devin McCourty, S, Patriots

McCourty is one of the better all around safeties in the NFL and the lack of available players at the position is going to make him very attractive. He may look to surpass the $9 million-a-year mark.

DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys

Murray’s 1,745 yard season would have earned him $10 million a year just a few years ago, but now he will have to really negotiate to try for more than $6 million- $7 million a year.

Randall Cobb, WR, Packers

The young receiver fulfilled all expectations by playing all 16 games and putting up a 1,200-yard season in 2014. Cobb might top $10 million on his new deal if people believe he can do it without Rodgers. The Raiders have expressed strong interest, reportedly.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles

Maclin took the risk of a one-year contract to help improve his value and he had a career-year with 1,269 yards. His stats trailed off in the second half, but he should sign a deal between $9 million and $10 million.

Pernell McPhee, OLB, Ravens

McPhee had his best season as a pro and may be following the same path Paul Kruger did a few years back when he received an $8.1 million per-year deal from the Browns.

Byron Maxwell, CB, Seahawks

Maxwell’s stock is rising due to the lack of cornerbacks that are available in free agency and it seems clear that he is going to receive tier-1 money.  He will aim to earn more than Chris Harris’ $8 million a year.

Jason Worilds, OLB, Steelers

Worilds doesn’t have the upside of the elite rushers, but can be a steady seven-sack-a-year player in the right defense.  That’s worth $6 million-$7 million a year, plus incentives.

Bryan Bulaga, T, Packers

Bulaga played in 15 games this year and will be the top available right tackle. He should be able to turn earn a $6 million to $7 million per year contract unless there are more concerns about his durability that drive that number down.

Brian Orakpo, OLB, Redskins

The three-time Pro Bowler is a lock for eight to 10 sacks a year when healthy, which he has rarely been, missing 24 games in the last three years. He could opt for a one-year contract rather than settling for a lower-value contract.

Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens

Smith didn’t make the most of his contract year, posting career lows in yards and receptions while struggling with drops. He’ll be the top-rated tier-two player at the position.

Julius Thomas, TE, Broncos

Thomas has posted back-to-back seasons of 12 touchdowns, but just 489 yards in 2014 and is injury prone. His reputation could carry him to a $7 million-plus annual deal, making him a top candidate for most-overpaid and high-risk signing.

Orlando Franklin, T/G, Broncos

Franklin has shown the ability to play either guard or right tackle at a very high level. His former teammate, Zane Beadles, received $6 million a year and Franklin should expect similar.

Derrick Morgan, OLB/DE, Titans

Morgan has been a consistent six-sack-a year player who is well rounded in all phases of the game. He hasn’t shown the upside of some others but will be a nice, complementary rusher worth round $5 million a year.

Brandon Graham, DE, Eagles

Graham only received limited opportunities from the Eagles but has been very efficient as a situational rusher. He could provide great value at $5 million a season but could have the upside to earn much more in free agency.

Rodney Hudson, C, Chiefs

One of the better young centers in the NFL, Hudson should have more than his share of suitors as teams look to improve the interior of their line. He could push $7 million a season if he gets three teams involved in the bidding.

Vince Wilfork, DL, Patriots

The veteran tackle has more than enough name value and leadership qualities to draw interest from a number of teams despite his age. He’ll be looking at a two-year contract in the $5 million-$6 million per-year range.

Terrance Knighton, DT, Broncos

Knighton has shut down the middle lanes for the Broncos the last two seasons and stands to earn in the $5 million-a-year or more range from a team looking to improve their interior.

Kareem Jackson, CB, Texans

Jackson will get more looks than expected in free agency due to a combination of lack of available talent and his former first-round draft status. Jackson’s reputation for a nose for the football should earn him over $6 million a year.

C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills

Spiller struggled with injuries and did not seem to be favored by his head coach, but he averaged over 1,000 yards in his two prior seasons. He can earn $4 million or more in free agency.

Nick Fairley, DT, Lions

Fairley showed just enough before getting injured to convince at least one team that he unlocked his potential last year. Teams are often blinded by high-draft status and that makes Fairley an expensive risk.

Corey Peters, DT, Falcons

Peters is one of the few tackles who can play both the run and pass effectively. He posted five sacks in 2013 before he was injured and was a four-year starter. He won’t be 27 until June so if he can convince a team he is 100 percent back from his injury, he’ll be signed as a starter.

MORE: Bears reportedly shopping Marshall

Jason Fitzgerald

Jason Fitzgerald is an NFL salary expert and contributor for Sporting News. Read more of his writing at OverTheCap.com and follow him on Twitter: @Jason_OTC.