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Early Predictions for Where the Top 25 NFL Free Agents Will Land in 2016

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Every general manager in the NFL is doing their due diligence right now on the NFL Draft and 2016 free agency. They are required to always think about the future, and how to better improve their teams while also staying under the salary cap. Massaging a salary cap is a fine art, and the ones that are best at it are the organizations that have longstanding success. Lets take a look at the top 25 2016 NFL free agents, and what team they might sign with in the offseason.

Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

25. DE Jason Pierre-Paul Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

DE Jason Pierre-Paul Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Getty Images
It'll be interesting to see what transpires between the Giants and Pierre-Paul after the season. If he can prove that he can be effective with part of his hand missing, he could be one of the best pass rushers on the market. There seems to be some friction between the two sides which could lead to his departure. The Buccaneers could be a perfect fit as they only have 16 sacks so far in 2015.

It'll be interesting to see what transpires between the Giants and Pierre-Paul after the season. If he can prove that he can be effective with part of his hand missing, he could be one of the best pass rushers on the market. There seems to be some friction between the two sides which could lead to his departure. The Buccaneers could be a perfect fit as they only have 16 sacks so far in 2015.

24. QB Kirk Cousins Prediction: Washington Redskins

QB Kirk Cousins Prediction: Washington Redskins Getty Images
I believe the Redskins would be better served drafting a young quarterback, and developing him. That being said, it seems that Jay Gruden has fallen in love with Cousins, and barring a terrible performance down the stretch, he will likely receive an extension with the Redskins.

I believe the Redskins would be better served drafting a young quarterback, and developing him. That being said, it seems that Jay Gruden has fallen in love with Cousins, and barring a terrible performance down the stretch, he will likely receive an extension with the Redskins.

23. QB Brock Osweiler Prediction: Denver Broncos

QB Brock Osweiler Prediction: Denver Broncos Getty Images
Many of will probably wonder why I put a guy who hasn't made a career start on this list. It's because he's considered the heir apparent to Peyton Manning. If Osweiler has any sort of success while filling in for Manning, then John Elway will be forced to re-sign the 24-year-old.

Many of will probably wonder why I put a guy who hasn't made a career start on this list. It's because he's considered the heir apparent to Peyton Manning. If Osweiler has any sort of success while filling in for Manning, then John Elway will be forced to re-sign the 24-year-old.

22. CB Sean Smith Prediction: Indianapolis Colts

CB Sean Smith Prediction: Indianapolis Colts Getty Images
Smith would be the perfect option to play opposite of Vontae Davis. The Colts are currently ranked No. 28 in the NFL, allowing 279.3 yards per game. With two corners with the talent of Davis and Smith, the Colts' pass defense could become a strength, instead of a weakness.

Smith would be the perfect option to play opposite of Vontae Davis. The Colts are currently ranked No. 28 in the NFL, allowing 279.3 yards per game. With two corners with the talent of Davis and Smith, the Colts' pass defense could become a strength, instead of a weakness.

21. DE Greg Hardy Prediction: Dallas Cowboys

DE Greg Hardy Prediction: Dallas Cowboys Getty Images
Although he's one of the worst people on the face of the planet, Hardy is a talented football player. I believe it would be in his best interest to take the Cowboys' best offer for an extension as I'm not sure that any other team out there would be willing to take a chance on the troubled defensive end.

Although he's one of the worst people on the face of the planet, Hardy is a talented football player. I believe it would be in his best interest to take the Cowboys' best offer for an extension as I'm not sure that any other team out there would be willing to take a chance on the troubled defensive end.

20. CB Leon Hall Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals

CB Leon Hall Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals Getty Images
Unless the Bengals draft a cornerback high in the 2016 NFL Draft, there wouldn't be a viable replacement for Hall if the team let him walk. Dre Kirkpatrick has improved since his rookie year, but he's not there yet. Expect the Bengals to bring Hall back on a two- or three-year deal.

Unless the Bengals draft a cornerback high in the 2016 NFL Draft, there wouldn't be a viable replacement for Hall if the team let him walk. Dre Kirkpatrick has improved since his rookie year, but he's not there yet. Expect the Bengals to bring Hall back on a two- or three-year deal.

19. OLB Nick Perry Prediction: San Francisco 49ers

OLB Nick Perry Prediction: San Francisco 49ers Getty Images
At one point, Perry looked like the next great 3-4 outside linebacker for the Packers. Unfortunately, he's had a bit of a down year in 2015, but he's still only 25 years old, and he would be a perfect fit opposite of Aaron Lynch.

At one point, Perry looked like the next great 3-4 outside linebacker for the Packers. Unfortunately, he's had a bit of a down year in 2015, but he's still only 25 years old, and he would be a perfect fit opposite of Aaron Lynch.

18. RB Matt Forte Prediction: Detroit Lions

RB Matt Forte Prediction: Detroit Lions Getty Images
The feeling I get is that Forte is extremely unhappy with the Bears for not addressing his contract situation. Although his suitors will likely be limited because he will be 30 next year, he could be the guy to stabilize the Lions' putrid running game, and play against the Bears twice a year.

The feeling I get is that Forte is extremely unhappy with the Bears for not addressing his contract situation. Although his suitors will likely be limited because he will be 30 next year, he could be the guy to stabilize the Lions' putrid running game, and play against the Bears twice a year.

17. RB Lamar Miller Prediction: New York Giants

RB Lamar Miller Prediction: New York Giants Getty Images
The Dolphins look like they have themselves a player in Jay Ajayi which could make Miller expendable. If the 24 year old hits the open market, expect the Giants to be interested as they've had trouble finding a featured running back for years.

The Dolphins look like they have themselves a player in Jay Ajayi which could make Miller expendable. If the 24 year old hits the open market, expect the Giants to be interested as they've had trouble finding a featured running back for years.

16. OLB Bruce Irvin Prediction: Atlanta Falcons

OLB Bruce Irvin Prediction: Atlanta Falcons Getty Images
While Irvin has certainly been a solid player in his first four seasons, he never quite lived up to the billing of a first-round pick. With that being said, he would be a perfect fit with the Falcons as an edge rusher opposite of Vic Beasley, and Irvin hasn't tried to hide the fact that he'd like to play for Dan Quinn once again.

While Irvin has certainly been a solid player in his first four seasons, he never quite lived up to the billing of a first-round pick. With that being said, he would be a perfect fit with the Falcons as an edge rusher opposite of Vic Beasley, and Irvin hasn't tried to hide the fact that he'd like to play for Dan Quinn once again.

15. OLB Tamba Hali Prediction: Chicago Bears

OLB Tamba Hali Prediction: Chicago Bears Getty Images
Bears head coach John Fox is certainly familiar with Hali from his days in the AFC West. With the Bears' defense in transition to a 3-4 system, Hali would be a nice veteran pass rusher to add to the fold. At 32 years old, he likely wouldn't break the bank either.

Bears head coach John Fox is certainly familiar with Hali from his days in the AFC West. With the Bears' defense in transition to a 3-4 system, Hali would be a nice veteran pass rusher to add to the fold. At 32 years old, he likely wouldn't break the bank either.

14. WR Josh Gordon Prediction: Dallas Cowboys

WR Josh Gordon Prediction: Dallas Cowboys Getty Images
As long as he gets reinstated, Gordon will instantly become one of the most talented players on the free agent market. The only question will be if someone is willing to give him a chance. With the Cowboys' need for a receiver opposite of Dez Bryant, and Jerry Jones' willingness to bring in players with checkered pasts, it could be a match made in heaven.

As long as he gets reinstated, Gordon will instantly become one of the most talented players on the free agent market. The only question will be if someone is willing to give him a chance. With the Cowboys' need for a receiver opposite of Dez Bryant, and Jerry Jones' willingness to bring in players with checkered pasts, it could be a match made in heaven.

13. LB Danny Trevathan Prediction: Arizona Cardinals

LB Danny Trevathan Prediction: Arizona Cardinals Getty Images
With so many players with expiring contracts, the Broncos likely won't be able to afford Trevathan who doesn't play a premium position. He would fit perfectly with the Cardinals as they are desperate to replace Daryl Washington, who may never be allowed to return to the NFL.

With so many players with expiring contracts, the Broncos likely won't be able to afford Trevathan who doesn't play a premium position. He would fit perfectly with the Cardinals as they are desperate to replace Daryl Washington, who may never be allowed to return to the NFL.

12. CB Janoris Jenkins Prediction: New Orleans Saints

CB Janoris Jenkins Prediction: New Orleans Saints Getty Images
The Saints need a total defensive overhaul in the worst way, and that process would be made a lot easier with a No. 1 cornerback. Jenkins is one of the top-10 cornerbacks in the NFL in 2015, and he should be in line for a big contract.

The Saints need a total defensive overhaul in the worst way, and that process would be made a lot easier with a No. 1 cornerback. Jenkins is one of the top-10 cornerbacks in the NFL in 2015, and he should be in line for a big contract.

11. LT Cordy Glenn Prediction: Buffalo Bills

LT Cordy Glenn Prediction: Buffalo Bills Getty Images
There are rumblings that the Bills may not have enough cap room to afford keeping Glenn. That would be a huge mistake to rely on Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio, who are both injury risks, as the starting tackles.

There are rumblings that the Bills may not have enough cap room to afford keeping Glenn. That would be a huge mistake to rely on Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio, who are both injury risks, as the starting tackles.

10. FS Eric Berry Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs

FS Eric Berry Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs Getty Images
Not only is Berry one of the most important pieces on the Chiefs' defense, but the community and fans rallied around him when he was battling cancer last season. With that being the case, it's highly unlikely that Berry will leave.

Not only is Berry one of the most important pieces on the Chiefs' defense, but the community and fans rallied around him when he was battling cancer last season. With that being the case, it's highly unlikely that Berry will leave.

9. DL Malik Jackson Prediction: Denver Broncos

DL Malik Jackson Prediction: Denver Broncos Getty Images
The Broncos are typically one of the most active teams in free agency, but this year, it might be better to spend money on their own players. Jackson has been one of the most vital players on the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL, and deserves a nice pay day.

The Broncos are typically one of the most active teams in free agency, but this year, it might be better to spend money on their own players. Jackson has been one of the most vital players on the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL, and deserves a nice pay day.

8. WR Alshon Jeffery Prediction: Baltimore Ravens

WR Alshon Jeffery Prediction: Baltimore Ravens Getty Images
Jeffery and the Ravens were made for each other. If Steve Smith retires, the Ravens will be in desperate need of a No. 1 wide receiver. Not only would Jeffery instantly become Joe Flacco's top target, but he would also be the perfect mentor for Breshad Perriman as another top receiver.

Jeffery and the Ravens were made for each other. If Steve Smith retires, the Ravens will be in desperate need of a No. 1 wide receiver. Not only would Jeffery instantly become Joe Flacco's top target, but he would also be the perfect mentor for Breshad Perriman as another top receiver.

7. NT Damon Harrison Prediction: New York Jets

NT Damon Harrison Prediction: New York Jets Getty Images
Whether it's by way of the franchise tag, or a long-term extension, the Jets must find a way to bring Harrison back in 2016. He's the most important player along the defensive line as he's the run-stuffer and clogs up the middle of the line.

Whether it's by way of the franchise tag, or a long-term extension, the Jets must find a way to bring Harrison back in 2016. He's the most important player along the defensive line as he's the run-stuffer and clogs up the middle of the line.

6. LT Russell Okung Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars

LT Russell Okung Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars Getty Images
When healthy, Okung is one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Unfortunately, he has had trouble staying healthy. Blake Bortles is beginning to look like one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, and getting someone to protect his blindside would be wise.

When healthy, Okung is one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Unfortunately, he has had trouble staying healthy. Blake Bortles is beginning to look like one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, and getting someone to protect his blindside would be wise.

5. QB Sam Bradford Prediction: Cleveland Browns

QB Sam Bradford Prediction: Cleveland Browns Getty Images
Chip Kelly seems to be souring on Bradford as his long-term option at quarterback with the Eagles. With the Browns' unwillingness to spend a high draft pick on a quarterback, Bradford would make a lot of sense in Cleveland.

Chip Kelly seems to be souring on Bradford as his long-term option at quarterback with the Eagles. With the Browns' unwillingness to spend a high draft pick on a quarterback, Bradford would make a lot of sense in Cleveland.

4. S Eric Weddle Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers

S Eric Weddle Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers Getty Images
With the way he's been treated recently, it sounds as if Weddle is definitely on his way out with the Chargers. If he hits the open market, there won't be a shortage of suitors as he's one of the best safeties in the NFL. Weddle would be a fit in many places, including the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, but I predicted the Steelers because of Mike Tomlin's love affair for the Chargers' safety.

With the way he's been treated recently, it sounds as if Weddle is definitely on his way out with the Chargers. If he hits the open market, there won't be a shortage of suitors as he's one of the best safeties in the NFL. Weddle would be a fit in many places, including the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, but I predicted the Steelers because of Mike Tomlin's love affair for the Chargers' safety.

3. DE Muhammad Wilkerson Prediction: Indianapolis Colts

DE Muhammad Wilkerson Prediction: Indianapolis Colts Getty Images
The Colts have a number of holes to fill, but none bigger than the offensive and defensive lines. Wilkerson looks to be on his way out of New York after the Jets drafted Leonard Williams, and he could be a perfect fit with the Colts.

The Colts have a number of holes to fill, but none bigger than the offensive and defensive lines. Wilkerson looks to be on his way out of New York after the Jets drafted Leonard Williams, and he could be a perfect fit with the Colts.

2. CB Josh Norman Prediction: Oakland Raiders

CB Josh Norman Prediction: Oakland Raiders Getty Images
Norman has been the best cornerback in the NFL this season, which may end up putting him out of the Panthers' price range. The 27-year-old has certainly earned a big contract with his play this season, but he may have to go elsewhere to find it. Norman would be a perfect fit with the Raiders, who aren't that far away from competing.

Norman has been the best cornerback in the NFL this season, which may end up putting him out of the Panthers' price range. The 27-year-old has certainly earned a big contract with his play this season, but he may have to go elsewhere to find it. Norman would be a perfect fit with the Raiders, who aren't that far away from competing.

1. Von Miller Prediction: Denver Broncos

Von Miller Prediction: Denver Broncos Getty Images
Young and talented pass rushers are a rare commodity in the NFL. Miller, who will turn 27 in March, should be the Broncos' top offseason priority. If the two sides can't work out a long-term deal, the franchise tag is very much in play.

Young and talented pass rushers are a rare commodity in the NFL. Miller, who will turn 27 in March, should be the Broncos' top offseason priority. If the two sides can't work out a long-term deal, the franchise tag is very much in play.

Jason Fletcher is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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