The 2016 NFL free agent class has some notable names hitting the market, including Sam Bradford, Greg Hardy, LeGarrette Blount, Travis Benjamin, Chris Ivory, Muhammad Wilkerson, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Forte, Lamar Miller and Doug Martin.
The salary cap is going up this offseason and that could spark some teams to make moves with free agents, including the Cowboys, Patriots, Raiders, Jets, Vikings, 49ers and Giants. Sam Bradford is one of the top players hitting the market and while the Eagles are interested in retaining him, there is a good chance other teams will target the quarterback. The Browns, 49ers, Texans and Jets all could be potential options for Bradford, who had a strong finish to the 2015 season after getting off to a slow start in Philly.
Bradford had 19 touchdowns last season overall, but he finished with 10 over his final seven games and was very accurate down the stretch, finishing the year with a 65 percent completion rate. Phil Sheridan at ESPN reports that the Eagles could consider letting Bradford go if the team thinks that they can get a "legit quarterback" in the draft this year. What happens with Bradford could have a domino effect in free agency and the draft, as teams like the Texans, Jets, Browns and 49ers all could be interested in quarterbacks this offseason.
Greg Hardy is hitting the market after one season with the Cowboys and the way things stand now, it's unlikely that the team brings him back. According to Jason Cole at Bleacher Report, Hardy is unlikely to return to the Cowboys next season after reports of Hardy partying and being late to team meetings throughout the season. Hardy had six sacks in 12 games last season and could be an option for teams looking to upgrade on the defensive line.
Travis Benjamin is one of the top free agent wideouts headed to the market, but the Browns may keep him from getting there if the sides reach a new deal. Benjamin had a breakout season for Cleveland, finishing with 68 catches for 966 yards and five TDs. Benjamin reportedly is working with the Browns on a new contract, but if he does hit the open market, teams like the Jets, 49ers, Giants and Patriots could be interested in signing him.
The Jets have a number of key players hitting the market, including Muhammad Wilkerson, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Chris Ivory. Fitzpatrick is a target to return after having a strong season, while Wilkerson could be a potential option for the franchise tag. Wilkerson was injured at the end of the season and that could be an issue in contract talks, which could lead the Jets to tag the defensive lineman. Ivory had a solid season for the Jets with over 1000 yards rushing and teams likely will be interested in trying to bring him back.
The RB position has a deep list of players hitting the market, including Lamar Miller, Ivory, Blount, Matt Forte and Doug Martin. The Cowboys, Raiders, Patriots and Giants all could be interested in adding a running back.
