National Football League free agency does not officially begin until March 10. Before then, teams can sign their own free agents and can begin applying the franchise tag on Feb. 16.
With over 500 players scheduled to hit the market, both unrestricted and restricted, the teams will be busy trying to construct their 2015 rosters. This rush on players will lead to plenty of competition and ultimately some cumbersome contracts.
Below are five players guaranteed to get more money than they are worth:
5. Jordan Cameron
Cameron has been an absolute non-factor three of his four years with the Cleveland Browns. However, Cameron became a name in 2013 when he caught 80 passes for 917 yards and seven touchdowns. Last year, the former USC star had 24 catches for 424 yards and two scores in 10 games. Cameron is nothing more than a second tight end on a good team, but somebody will pay him like a solid No. 1 option.
4. Pernell McPhee
McPhee is going to be overpaid because of the position he plays. The 26-year-old outside linebacker put together a nice campaign in 2014, registering 7.5 sacks. The two years prior? A grand total of 3.5 sacks and 42 tackles in 28 games. McPhee should be brought in as a complementary pass-rusher, but one general manager will see potential and give an oversized contract.
3. Byron Maxwell
Maxwell is a good player, but he will be paid like a great one. Maxwell has had the luxury of having Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas behind him, allowing Maxwell to play with ample aggressiveness. There is a good chance Maxwell will go to the Atlanta Falcons where former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn took the head coaching position. Atlanta also has cap space and the worst defense in football, so the fit seems perfect. Maxwell will be paid top money, but is a better fit as a No. 2.
2. Julius Thomas
Thomas has enjoyed the effect of Peyton Manning. With Manning at the helm, Thomas has become one of the top red zone targets in the league, hauling in 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons. However, Thomas is a walking red flag. He has been bitten constantly by the injury bug, playing just 32 games in three seasons. Without Manning and the incredible supporting cast in Denver, it is foolish to expect Thomas to be anything more than an average player.
1. DeMarco Murray
Murray is a great player, but the shelf life of a running back is short. Murray led the league in touches last season, totaling 392 carries and 57 receptions, putting on plenty of mileage. Despite being only 27 years old, Murray is likely living on borrowed time. The last two players to get new contracts after leading the league in carries are Larry Johnson and Shaun Alexander. Neither rushed for 1,000 yards again and both were in their 20’s at the time. A team will give Murray a major payday and it will become a major mistake.
