2015 NFL Free Agency: A Position-by-Position Overview

For one dozen NFL teams, the journey to Super Bowl XLIX has begun.

As for the other 20 clubs in the league, the objectives are much different.

Here’s an early position-by-position look at the 2015 unrestricted free-agent class, as well as salary projections for these players. We take a look at the best performers who could be available at each position, but, of course, this list will change by the time free agency begins on March 10.

The players at each position are listed in alphabetical order by their current teams. 

Please keep in mind that the financial predictions are mere estimates and a lot can happen with the salary cap between now and early in 2015. Joel Corry of CBS Sports reported recently that “NFL teams were informed at an NFL meeting on Dec. 9 that the 2015 salary cap is preliminarily projected to be between $138.6 million and $141.8 million."

What does that mean? Apparently, a lot of money will go around. We will give you our best guesses, but keep in mind we aren’t afraid to be generous.

Quarterbacks

Free agency is not the typical route an NFL team travels to get its starting quarterback these days. Here are the best of those who could become available in March.

Brian Hoyer, Cleveland Browns

He was benched after 13 games and finished with more interceptions (13) than touchdown passes (12) this season. However, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com says that Hoyer (via his agent) could actually be back with the Browns in 2015. It certainly bears watching.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $14 million

Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings

Obviously, the Vikings have moved on from the 12th overall pick in the 2011 draft in favor of Teddy Bridgewater. Ponder made one start for the team in 2014 and appears destined for a backup role elsewhere.

Projected 2015 Salary: 1 year, $5.5 million

Michael Vick, New York Jets

The first overall pick way back in the 2001 draft lost a quarterback battle this summer with Geno Smith that really never materialized. Vick started a handful of games in 2014 and struggled mightily. He could be hard-pressed to find work come the offseason.

Projected 2015 Salary: 1 year, $3 million

Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles

In 71 regular-season games with the Jets and Eagles dating back to 2009, Sanchez has thrown for 82 scores while turning over the football 103 times. But he did show enough signs with Philadelphia in 2014 (14 touchdown passes, 14 turnovers) to warrant a look-see from several teams in need of a quarterback next season.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $16.5 million

Shaun Hill, St. Louis Rams

The replacement for injured Sam Bradford this year, Hill also went down for a spell before returning in Week 11 and throwing eight touchdown passes and only six interceptions during the team’s 3-4 finish. Could the 10-year pro be back with the Rams in 2015?

Projected 2015 Salary: 1 year, $5 million

Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans

The eighth overall pick in the 2011 draft has spent far too much time on the sidelines. What’s the market for a talented quarterback who has made 23 starts but has also missed 23 games the last three seasons combined?

Projected 2015 Salary: 1 year, $4.5 million

Running Backs

This may be a quarterback-driven league, but a number of running backs put up big numbers this season, and several of them could be available in March.

Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens

The well-traveled running back enjoyed a career year in his first season with the Ravens, finishing fifth in the NFL with 1,266 yards rushing (eight touchdowns) while adding 44 catches for 263 yards. Forsett has played for four different clubs in as many years.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $11 million

DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys          

The first Cowboys player to lead the NFL in rushing since Emmitt Smith in 1995, Murray ran for 100-plus yards in 12 of the team’s 16 games this season, and his 1,845 yards on the ground was a franchise record. But can Dallas afford to keep him and Pro Bowl wideout Dez Bryant? Get ready for some creative financing.

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $26 million

Knowshon Moreno, Miami Dolphins

The former 1,000-yard rusher with the Broncos got off to a great start with the Dolphins in 2014, rushing for 134 yards and a score in the season-opening win over the New England Patriots. But injuries limited him to only two games the rest of the season. Could Moreno be playing for a third team in as many years?

Projected 2015 Salary: 1 year, $2.5 million

Shane Vereen, New England Patriots

Teammate Stevan Ridley is also a free agent, but Vereen has proved to be a versatile player. The four-year pro ran for 391 yards and two scores, plus totaled 52 catches for 447 yards and three touchdowns in 2014.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $8.4 million

Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints

The former Heisman Trophy winner comes off a career year in which he led the Saints with 964 yards in the ground—more than half of the team’s total (1,818 yards) in 2014—despite missing three games. Ingram was a bright spot in a disappointing season for New Orleans.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $11 million

Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

For the first time in his seven-year NFL career, McFadden played in all 16 games. But he totaled only 746 total yards from scrimmage and scored only two touchdowns, while the Raiders finished dead last in the NFL in rushing. Are his days with the silver and black over?

Projected 2015 Salary: 1 year, $2 million

Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

The talent is there, but the availability remains a question mark. One season after totaling a career-best 1,255 yards rushing, the one-time first-round pick ran for 330 yards and three touchdowns in only eight games this season. In five NFL seasons, Mathews has played in all 16 contests just once.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $10 million

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Another year and another productive performance from Gore, who finished with 1,106 yards on the ground and now ranks 20th in NFL history with 11,073 yards rushing. But the Niners do have Carlos Hyde (333 yards in 2014) waiting in the wings.

Projected 2015 Salary: 2 years, $5.5 million

Wide Receivers

Plenty of big-game pass-catchers could hit the open market this offseason. Will any team be willing to slap the franchise tag on one of their talented wideouts?

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys                       

His 16 touchdown receptions led the NFL in 2014 and was one of the higher totals in league history for a player in a season. Bryant caught 88 passes for 1,320 yards this season, and in 48 games the last three seasons, he’s reached the end zone 41 times. Will he get the franchise tag from Jerry Jones?

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $63 million

Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos     

He finished second in the NFL with 111 receptions and 1,619 receiving yards in 2014, both career highs. Thomas has caught 35 touchdown passes the last three years, including 11 this season. It would be stunning if he hits the open market.

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $59 million

Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers

The combination of Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Jordy Nelson gets the attention it deserves, but Cobb has come up big as well. He finished this season with 91 catches for 1,287 yards and one dozen touchdown receptions.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $35 million

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

Injuries have now been a factor two years in a row for the productive wide receiver, who ranks seventh in NFL history with 1,070 catches. Wayne finished this season second on the team with 64 receptions but scored only two touchdowns.

Projected 2015 Salary: 2 years, $14 million

Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles       

After missing all of 2013, the six-year pro bounced back in impressive fashion. Maclin led the Eagles in catches (85), receiving yards (1,318) and touchdown grabs (10). It will be interesting to see if Philadelphia allows him to hit the free-agent market.

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $52 million

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers  

It was a disappointing year for the entire San Francisco offense, and Crabtree’s play fell off as well. He totaled just 68 catches for 698 yards and four touchdowns in 2014 and failed to amass 100-plus yards receiving in any game this year.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $29 million

Tight Ends

Tight ends are as big of a part of the passing game as ever, and several players with Pro Bowl credentials could be available soon.

Owen Daniels, Baltimore Ravens            

The one-time Houston Texans Pro Bowler enjoyed a solid first season in Baltimore and did his best to fill the void left by the injury to Dennis Pitta. Daniels finished third on the club with 48 catches, totaling 527 yards and four touchdowns.

Projected 2015 Salary: 2 years, $7 million

Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals

The two-time Pro Bowler finished second on the team in 2014 with 62 catches for just 460 yards, but five went for touchdowns. In five seasons, Gresham has totaled 280 catches with 24 for scores.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $18.8 million

Jordan Cameron, Cleveland Browns      

Concussion issues limited the 2013 Pro Bowler to only 10 games and 24 catches, with two for touchdowns. The previous season, Cameron finished second on the Browns with 80 receptions for 917 yards and seven scores.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $21.5 million

Julius Thomas, Denver Broncos

Before injuries became an issue during the second half of the season, Thomas was off to a torrid start and still led the team with 12 touchdown receptions this season. But all of those scores came in the first nine games, as the productive performer caught just five passes in the four games he played down the stretch. He still earned a Pro Bowl invitation in 2014.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $23 million

Charles Clay, Miami Dolphins   

One of the more underrated player at his position in the league, Clay finished third on the Dolphins with 58 catches for 605 yards and three scores this season despite missing two games. He led Miami with six touchdown receptions in 2013.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $14.7 million

Offensive Linemen

The cornerstones of any offense, a good line can turn an ordinary team into a contender. We will enlist the aid of Pro Football Focus (subscription required) to make our cases for some of these potential free agents.

Tackles

Doug Free, Dallas Cowboys

Injuries limited Free to 11 games at right tackle this season. But he was steady when available on an offensive line that may have been the best in the league in 2014.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $22 million

Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay Packers

The one-time first-round pick has had problems staying healthy throughout his career, but this season Bulaga (who missed all of 2013) started a career-high 15 games for the NFC North champions.

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $35 million

Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans

It was a horrible year for the Titans, but Roos has enjoyed a solid career in Nashville. The former Pro Bowler and 10-year veteran missed the final 11 games of 2014, and his future with Tennessee may be up in the air.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $18 million

Guards

Mike Iupati, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers offensive line struggled all season, and via Pro Football Focus, Iupati had his issues in terms of pass protection. But he is still one of the top guards in the league.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $12 million

Centers

C Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland Raiders

Via Pro Football Focus, the 48th overall selection in the 2011 draft had his ups and downs this season, but Wisniewski could command some attention from a team looking to start over on the offensive front.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $8 million

Defensive Ends

In a quarterback-driven league, there’s a lot to be said for being able to drive the quarterback into the ground. Here are some worthy candidates.

Jerry Hughes, Buffalo Bills         

A disappointment as a first-round pick with the Colts, Hughes found a home with the Bills. In two seasons with Buffalo, the former TCU product amassed 20 sacks and helped the team lead the league with 54 sacks in 2014.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $35 million

Greg Hardy, Carolina Panthers 

Via Spotrac, Hardy inked a one-year deal as the team’s designated franchise player last year, totaling $13.12 million. But he played in only one game with Carolina last season due to his issues off the field. We’ll hold off on projecting a salary for the former Pro Bowler until we know more about his football future.

Projected 2015 Salary: None

Cory Redding, Indianapolis Colts             

The Colts defense still has its question marks, especially when it comes to stopping the run. Indianapolis ranked 18th in the NFL in rushing defense in 2014. This season, Redding totaled 35 stops and was fifth on the club with 3.5 sacks.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $23 million

Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants       

The former Pro Bowler had a quiet 12.5 sacks for the disappointing Giants, who ranked 29th in total defense this season. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com, Pierre-Paul could get the franchise tag from Big Blue this offseason.

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $43.5 million

Adrian Clayborn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 2011 (7.5) and 2013 (5.5), the former first-round draft choice played in every game and totaled a combined 13 sacks. In 2012, he missed 13 games, and this past season Clayborn played in only one contest. Could he jump-start his career elsewhere?

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $27 million

Defensive Tackles

The men in the middle set up their counterparts at both defensive end and outside linebacker when it comes to getting to the opposing quarterbacks.

Dan Williams, Arizona Cardinals

Even with all the injuries on this unit, the Cardinals still managed to play respectable defense this season. This season, the former first-round pick played in all 16 games for the first time in his five-year career and totaled 32 tackles and one sack.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $27 million

Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions

He is arguably the best defensive tackle in the league these days and at the same time is one of the game’s most controversial players. As announced by the league on Tuesday, Suh will be able to play in Sunday’s playoff game at Dallas after having his suspension for stepping on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers lifted by the league and reduced to a $70,000 fine.

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $55 million

Nick Fairley, Detroit Lions

With the exception of the occasional flash, he’s not lived up to his lofty first-round status to date for any numbers of reasons. The Lions have a lot of decisions to make regarding their starting duo on the inside of their defensive front. Fairley played in only eight games this season and totaled only 14 stops.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $23 million

B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers       

He missed all of 2014, and it will be interesting to see if a team employs him as a nose tackle or a defensive end in a 3-4 defense or have him line up at defensive tackle in the 4-3. Obviously, don’t rule out a Raji return to Green Bay.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $33 million

Jared Odrick, Miami Dolphins

He totaled 29 tackles and just one sack but knocked down five passes in 2014. The Dolphins have a nice group of defensive linemen on the roster, and retaining Odrick would be a solid move.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $26.5 million

Outside Linebackers

As performers in a 4-3 scheme or pass-rushing threats in the 3-4, outside linebackers command plenty of money and lots of interest.

Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears

Injuries have taken their toll the last few years, and it will be interesting to see if anyone takes a flier on Briggs, who has now played 12 seasons but has appeared in only 17 contests the last two years combined.

Projected 2015 Salary: 2 years, $14 million

Brooks Reed, Houston Texans

He’s totaled 14.5 sacks in four seasons, and in 2014, he totaled 41 tackles, three sacks and four passes defensed. Reed could command some interesting from the 3-4 defenses around the league.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $22.5 million

Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs

Do you think someone is going to get paid this year? Houston led the league with 22 sacks this season—one-half sack short of Michael Strahan’s mark (22.5) set in 2001 (of course, individual sacks have only been official since 1982, so you won’t see any reference to NFL history here). Houston is likely to get the franchise tag from the Chiefs, but take a look at Spotrac’s forecast (by Michael Ginnitti and Scott Allen) for what the Pro Bowler’s new contract could look like.

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $63 million

Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh Steelers

Last offseason, Worilds was given the infrequently used transition tag, signed to play for one year and tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks in 2014. The Steelers have a lot of young and promising defensive players, but Worilds has been steady the last two seasons.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $33 million

Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles pass rush was potent this season, but the secondary still had its issues. In any case, Graham totaled 5.5 sacks in 2014, but he looks like the classic tweener. It will be interesting to see if he returns to the Birds.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $18 million

Malcolm Smith, Seattle Seahawks

The Super Bowl XLVIII MVP could be available to teams this offseason, although we know the Seahawks have done a good job of re-signing their best players. He totaled 37 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles for the league’s top-ranked defense this season.

Projected 2015 Salary: 2 years, $12 million

Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins

When healthy, he’s a pass-rushing force. But the team’s designated franchise player in 2014 played in only seven games this season and finished with 24 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Orakpo missed the final 14 games in 2012 as well.

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $41 million

Inside Linebackers

The guys who do the dirty work certainly earn their keep when it comes to this game. There are several intriguing names on this list.

Brandon Spikes, Buffalo Bills

In his first season at Orchard Park, Spikes finished sixth on the team with 54 stops. After finishing in the bottom five of the league in rushing defense each of the previous five seasons, Buffalo was 11th in run defense in the NFL in 2014.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $17.4 million

Rey Maualuga, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati defense took some step backward this season, and the loss of Vontaze Burfict during the year certainly didn’t help. Maualuga finished 2014 with 59 tackles, one interception and four passes defensed.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $16.5 million

Rolando McClain, Dallas Cowboys

The controversial former first-round draft choice of the Oakland Raiders made solid contributions to the Cowboys’ cause in 2014. McClain is a talented performer who may have finally found a permanent home in Dallas.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $15 million

David Harris, New York Jets

One of the steadiest players at his position in the league, Harris has started every game for the Jets in the last six seasons. He’s a tackling machine who has also totaled 30.5 sacks and six interceptions in eight NFL campaigns and has never been named to the Pro Bowl.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $25 million

Mason Foster, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

He appeared in only 10 games this season but still finished fifth on the team with 62 tackles and did knock down three passes. The Buccaneers were a disappointing 25th in the NFL in total defense this season, and it will be interesting to see if Foster returns to Tampa or gets a significant offer from another club.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $22 million

Cornerbacks

Cornerback has become arguably the hardest position to play in an NFL where the rules favor the offense. But this group more than held its own this season.

Antonio Cromartie, Arizona Cardinals

Do you think the Jets could have used the veteran corner this season? Released by New York this offseason, he played well for the playoff-bound Cardinals, picking off three passes. The Jets totaled six interceptions as a team in 2014.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $21 million

Tramon Williams, Green Bay Packers

The Packers went from 11 interceptions in 2013 to 18 picks this season. Williams finished the season fourth on the team with 71 tackles, totaled three interceptions and led the Packers with 13 passes defensed.

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $35 million

Darrelle Revis, New England Patriots

He was arguably the league’s best cornerback in 2014 and certainly looked like his former Pro Bowl self this season. Revis recorded 47 stops, had a pair of interceptions and totaled twice as many passes defensed (14) than any other player on the team. Will the Patriots or another team sign him to a long-term deal?

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $52 million

Brandon Flowers, San Diego Chargers   

Cast off by the division rival Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, Flowers was a terrific addition to the San Diego secondary. He amassed 52 tackles (48 solo), had three of the team’s seven interceptions and tied for the club lead with 10 passes defensed.

Projected 2015 Salary: 2 years, $23.5 million

Byron Maxwell, Seattle Seahawks

Maxwell took over for suspended Brandon Browner late in 2013 and played well. This season, he hammered the opposition with 39 tackles, totaled three takeaways and led the Seahawks with 12 passes defensed.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $27 million

Safeties

The last line of defense is vital to a team’s success. Here is a look at both the best strong and free safeties who might become available soon.

FS Louis Delmas, Miami Dolphins

The talented but oft-injured standout (who played in 13 games and finished the year on injured reserve) finished fourth on the Dolphins with 61 tackles in 2014. Delmas also knocked down three passes, had one interception return for a touchdown and recovered a pair of fumbles. It would be surprising if Miami let him walk, as the team continues to be a home for other teams’ defensive backs (see Brent Grimes).

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $21 million

FS Devin McCourty, New England Patriots

He ranked fourth on the team with 68 tackles, knocked down six passes, totaled one forced fumble and picked up a pair of interceptions this season. This is the Patriots’ best-looking defense in a number of years, and McCourty and a bolstered secondary have been a huge part of the revival. Could he be a franchise-tag candidate?

Projected 2015 Salary: 5 years, $30 million

SS Antrel Rolle, New York Giants

The veteran defender did his best on a defensive unit that gave up the fourth-most total yards in the NFL this season and was ranked 30th in the league against the run. Rolle finished as the Giants’ second-leading tackler with 87 stops, totaled nine passes defensed, forced a fumble and picked up four takeaways—including three interceptions.

Projected 2015 Salary: 2 years, $15 million

FS Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders

It wasn’t a great year for the Oakland defense, but the 17-year veteran did move up the NFL’s all-time interception chart. Woodson is one of 11 players in league history to pick off at least 60 passes. A year ago, he signed a one-year deal for $2.5 million, but we feel he needs a raise and should return to the Bay Area.

Projected 2015 Salary: 1 year, $3.5 million

SS/FS Will Allen, Pittsburgh Steelers

When called upon this season to fill in for Troy Polamalu, Allen did an admirable job. He will command some attention on the free-agent market and could be back with the Steelers.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $10 million

Special Teams

The third phase of the game of football still doesn’t get enough credit, but the kicking game remains huge in this league.

Place-kickers

Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons

One of the steadiest performers at his position in the league, Bryant is also one of the game’s best long-range kickers. He totaled 127 points this season, and while all three of his missed field goals came from 50-plus yards, he also connected on seven kicks from that distance.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $12.5 million

Mike Nugent, Cincinnati Bengals

It was an erratic year for Nugent, who connected on only 26 of 33 field-goal attempts this season. He had a 36-yard miss in overtime in Week 6 vs. Carolina that resulted in the game ending in a 37-37 tie.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $11.4 million

Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots

Bill Belichick has had a pair of outstanding kickers during his 15-year tenure in New England, which of course includes Adam Vinatieri. Gostkowski led the NFL in scoring this season with 156 points, connecting on 35 of 37 field-goal attempts and all 51 PATs.

Projected 2015 Salary: 4 years, $12.8 million

Shayne Graham, New Orleans Saints

The former Pro Bowler with the Cincinnati Bengals has made his share of stops in recent seasons, suiting up for nine teams in 14 seasons. In 2014, he led the Saints in scoring with 103 points and was more than twice as busy kicking PATs (46-of-47) than field goals (19-of-22).

Projected 2015 Salary: 1 year, $1.1 million

Ryan Succop, Tennessee Titans

The former Mr. Irrelevant became just that in Kansas City and wound up landing in Nashville, where he connected on 19 of his 22 field-goal attempts (two misses came in a Week 3 loss at Cincinnati). Last year, he signed a one-year, $745,000 contract with the Titans.

Projected 2015 Salary: 2 years, $1.7 million

Punters

Brett Kern, Tennessee Titans

Kern finished 2014 with a 46.8-yard gross average and put 28 of his 88 kicks inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. The seven-year veteran has spent the majority of his career with Tennessee after playing for the Broncos in 2008 and part of ’09.

Projected 2015 Salary: 3 years, $9 million

Mat McBriar, San Diego Chargers

Following eight seasons with the Cowboys and a pair of Pro Bowl berths, McBriar has been the ultimate journeyman the last few seasons. He played in three games for the Chargers in 2014, averaging 46.9 yards per boot.

Projected 2015 Salary: 1 year, $2.6 million

All free-agent lists and cap estimations are courtesy of Spotrac (subscription required).