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Predicting the top free-agent target for all 32 teams

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What is Osweiler's future in Denver? (1:27)

ESPN Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold breaks down the likelihood QB Brock Osweiler signs a long-term deal to stay in Denver in the midst of QB Peyton Manning's decision to retire. (1:27)

We've looked at the biggest free agents for every team. We've evaluated how active each team will be in free agency. And we've put our NFL Nation reporters in the GM chair and asked them to select one free agent every team must sign. Now it's time for some good old-fashioned predictions. Who will be the top free-agent target for all 32 teams? Here are the results.

AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West
NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

Guard Alex Boone

The Bills aren't likely to be active in veteran free agency, but if they cannot re-sign Richie Incognito, then they will have a gaping hole to fill at guard. Boone would make sense in his place, having played for current Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman with the 49ers from 2011 to '14. Boone should also have a lower price tag than Incognito. -- Mike Rodak

Miami Dolphins

Offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele

The Dolphins haven't fixed their guard position in a long time, and that's one reason the team has a seven-season playoff drought. Osemele is the top guard on the market and could immediately upgrade their offensive line. One potential sticking point? Osemele won't come cheap, and Miami doesn't have a lot of cap room. -- James Walker

New England Patriots

Tight end Dwayne Allen

The Patriots are likely to pick their spots in free agency, similar to last offseason's effective signing of DE Jabaal Sheard. Allen, the Colts' former tight end, could pair with Rob Gronkowski to form a solid 1-2 combination, with powerful blocker Michael Williams also in the mix. Allen appeared to be an underutilized asset in Indianapolis, and in a Patriots offense that likes to feature tight ends, he'd be a great fit if the price doesn't rise to higher-than-expected levels due to competition from other clubs. -- Mike Reiss

New York Jets

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Jets' top free agent has to be Fitzpatrick. He's their starting quarterback, so it's a no-brainer. In a thin quarterback market, with no immediate solutions on the current roster, the Jets have no choice but to re-sign Fitzpatrick. He's a good fit and the players like him. -- Rich Cimini

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele

This is a tough question to answer for the Ravens because they rarely spend much on other teams' free agents. When Baltimore opens up the wallet, it's usually for one of its own players. The clear-cut top free agent on the Ravens this offseason is Osemele, who could become the highest-paid guard in the league. Baltimore has already made a self-described "aggressive" offer to Osemele, which supports the argument that he's the top target. -- Jamison Hensley

Cincinnati Bengals

Wide receiver Marvin Jones

Stability is the backbone of the Bengals' personnel philosophy. Even in an offseason full of change -- they have 14 upcoming unrestricted free agents and were forced to hire six new assistants -- they want to keep things the same as much as possible. In this free-agency cycle, no position requires that kind of consistency like the WR spot, which has three players slated to hit the market. Expect the Bengals to retain Jones, even after he hits the market. The continuity of their passing game depends upon it. -- Coley Harvey

Cleveland Browns

Wide receiver Marvin Jones

Yes, the competition for Jones will be fierce. Expect the Browns to join the fray. They need a receiver -- preferably one with size. All the better if he knows Hue Jackson's offense. The 6-foot-2 Jones, who played under Jackson in Cincinnati, fits all three criteria. He has improved every year, and would upgrade the team's receiving corps. -- Pat McManamon

Pittsburgh Steelers

Nose tackle Haloti Ngata

The Steelers will wait for the market to simmer, then secure the proven nose tackle who can still rush the passer on a sensible two-year deal. Good corners will be too expensive, so the Steelers will build through the draft while re-signing William Gay or maybe Brandon Boykin. Ngata would give the Steelers flexibility to mix and match defensive fronts alongside ends Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. According to Pro Football Focus, Ngata had 33 pass-rush pressures in 2015. -- Jeremy Fowler

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

Defensive end Malik Jackson

The Texans have several needs to fill in free agency, and I'm not sure they'll be looking to make a big splash. If they make one, I predict it will be with Jackson, the Broncos' defensive end. The Broncos will try to re-sign Jackson, and have already offered him a deal worth more than $10 million a year. If the Texans can get him, though, he'll help bolster a defensive front that already includes J.J. Watt. -- Tania Ganguli

Indianapolis Colts

Offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz

Durability and stability on the offensive line are two things the Colts have been lacking. Mitchell Schwartz would provide that. He has started every game of his four-year career and the Colts are in need of a starting right tackle after using Jack Mewhort, Joe Reitz and Denzelle Good there last season. -- Mike Wells

Jacksonville Jaguars

Safety Eric Weddle

The Jaguars have so many needs that it's hard to limit this to just one player. Jacksonville is desperately in need of a free safety, and Weddle is the best available. Signing him would give the Jaguars more flexibility with their first-round pick. They could go pass-rusher or linebacker (Myles Jack?) instead of thinking they need to take Jalen Ramsey. -- Mike DiRocco

Tennessee Titans

Offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz

Signing him would be announcing the Titans aren't taking Laremy Tunsil with the No. 1 overall pick. But Taylor Lewan (left tackle) and Schwartz (right tackle) would provide good bookends to protect Marcus Mariota. The Titans need a veteran presence who can lead on the line. Schwartz would bring that, along with great durability. Signing Schwartz would increase the chance that the Titans use the No. 1 pick to bolster their defense. Selecting Jalen Ramsey or trading down would make a lot of sense. -- Paul Kuharsky

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

Quarterback Brock Osweiler

The Broncos are looking to sign their own free agents first, hence the exclusive franchise tag on linebacker Von Miller. So it's no surprise that Osweiler remains their top free-agent target, and the Broncos have worked diligently to try to get a deal ready. If they dip their toes in the open market, look for them to add an offensive lineman, but it will be a mid-level type of deal. -- Jeff Legwold

Kansas City Chiefs

Cornerback Prince Amukamara

Since they don't appear willing to give their own starting cornerback, Sean Smith, a contract he wants, the Chiefs also won't be willing to break the bank for his replacement. But if they could get former Giants CB Prince Amukamara on what they consider to be a reasonable contract, the Chiefs should act. He would mesh well with Marcus Peters to give the Chiefs a solid pair of starting cornerbacks. -- Adam Teicher

Oakland Raiders

Offensive lineman Donald Penn

The Raiders have already taken care of one of their own in punter Marquette King, so now it's time to re-up Derek Carr's blindside protector, Donald Penn. He has been more than solid in two years with Oakland. Penn started 140 straight games in his career, and was the No. 10-ranked left tackle in the NFL last year, per Pro Football Focus research. -- Paul Gutierrez

San Diego Chargers

Safety Tashaun Gipson

With Eric Weddle leaving in free agency, the Chargers could use another playmaking safety. And while he dealt with injuries and was uneven at times in 2015, Gipson makes sense because of his versatility. With 14 career interceptions, the former Browns safety would be a welcome addition for a San Diego secondary that struggles to turn the ball over. -- Eric D. Williams

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

Defensive end Adrian Clayborn

The Cowboys won't be signing the biggest names in free agency, but they will look for value. Clayborn, who was a target last year, signed with the Falcons after an injury-plagued tenure with the Buccaneers. He had three sacks in 16 games (four starts) in 2015 and can fill a number of needs across the defensive line. Will this move satisfy those wanting more? Hardly, but it's about value. -- Todd Archer

New York Giants

Defensive end Olivier Vernon

It's still no sure thing they'll want to engage in a bidding war, but the Giants view Vernon as the top pass-rusher available in free agency, especially if they can't re-sign both Jason Pierre-Paul and Robert Ayers. The Giants will be on the lookout for linebackers and a free safety as well, but expect them to be among the teams that look into putting together an offer sheet good enough to snatch Vernon away from Miami, who placed the transition tag on the pass-rusher. -- Dan Graziano

Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive guard Brandon Brooks

Brooks, a guard for the Texans, would give the Eagles a piece that has been missing from their offensive line. Brooks is 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds (30 pounds heavier than Kansas City free agent Jeff Allen). He's a good pass-blocker and solid run-blocker. If the Eagles can get Allen, too, that's fine, but Brooks should be their primary target in free agency. -- Phil Sheridan

Washington Redskins

Nose tackle Ian Williams

The Redskins won't be overly active in free agency, but they do have a number of holes, starting at nose tackle. It's an excellent draft for defensive linemen, but signing a nose tackle in his prime would be a good first step -- and would allow them to target a DE in the draft if they want. The Jets' Damon Harrison would be a terrific target, but he might be too expensive. So the 49ers' Williams might make more sense if the Redskins can land him for a smart two- or three-year deal. -- John Keim

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

Defensive end Malik Jackson

Expect the Bears to be among the teams kicking the tires on Jackson when free agency officially begins. At 26 years old, Jackson is entering the prime of his career. The 6-foot-5 defensive lineman had 45 tackles, five sacks and seven pass breakups in the 2015 regular season for the Broncos. The Bears' best defensive end from last year, Jarvis Jenkins, is also an unrestricted free agent, potentially leaving a gaping hole at the position. Some reports suggest that Jackson is looking for $12-13 million per year in his next contract. That sounds too rich for Chicago, but nonetheless, Jackson is a player who should interest the Bears for many reasons. -- Jeff Dickerson

Detroit Lions

Safety George Iloka

The Detroit Free Press reported the Lions are going to try to target Iloka in free agency -- and that's a logical top target for Detroit. The Lions need to find an immediate starter at strong safety with both Isa Abdul-Quddus and James Ihedigbo heading toward free agency, and Iloka would be the best option likely to hit the market. He turns 26 later this month, so he could be a good long-term value as he hits his prime. Strong safety will likely be a targeted position for the Lions no matter what. If Iloka is not available, Denver's David Bruton could be a midrange option for his safety play and his special-teams prowess. Coming off a broken leg, the Lions might be able to get Bruton for somewhat of a bargain. -- Michael Rothstein

Green Bay Packers

Running back Matt Forte

It makes so much sense. With backup running back James Starks a free agent, the Packers need someone to push Eddie Lacy. Word is that another ex-Bear-turned-Packer, Julius Peppers, has been trying to recruit Forte to Green Bay. It sounds like Forte wants to go to a contender, so perhaps the Packers could get him at an affordable price. -- Rob Demovsky

Minnesota Vikings

Safety George Iloka

Coach Mike Zimmer has said he finds value in signing his old players in free agency, since both sides already know each other. The Vikings believe another solid safety would help Harrison Smith be even more dynamic. And they tend to like players who are entering their second contracts. Put all that together, and Iloka makes plenty of sense for the Vikings. He's only 25, played well for Zimmer in Cincinnati and would pair with Smith to give the Vikings a solid foundation on the back end of their defense for years to come. -- Ben Goessling

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

Center Alex Mack

Since center is such a pressing need for the Falcons, I do think the team will at least investigate the cost of adding Mack to the roster. The three-time Pro Bowler would fit well in Atlanta's outside zone-blocking scheme, add more bulk up front, and be a significant upgrade from the Mike Persons and James Stones of the world. But Mack is certain to command top dollar, and it would be hard to imagine the Falcons making Mack the highest-paid center ever. Stay tuned. -- Vaughn McClure

Carolina Panthers

Safety Eric Weddle

The Panthers need a veteran to replace Roman Harper, who is 33 and an unrestricted free agent. Weddle played for Carolina coach Ron Rivera in San Diego from 2008 to 2010 and also played a few seasons under Panthers secondary coach Steve Wilks. He knows the system and would be a seamless transition from Harper at a relatively low cost. -- David Newton

New Orleans Saints

Linebacker Derrick Johnson

The Saints are apparently on the lookout for a veteran to quarterback the defense, having already brought in Rams LB James Laurinaitis for a visit. And there's not a better one on the market than Johnson, although Chiefs GM John Dorsey has insisted that Kansas City is intent on bringing him back. Johnson, 33, returned from a ruptured Achilles last year and made his fourth Pro Bowl. He has played in the Chiefs' 3-4 defense in recent years but previously played both weakside linebacker and middle linebacker in a 4-3. The Saints could use upgrades throughout their front seven. A pass-rushing defensive end like the Giants' Robert Ayers or Rams' Chris Long would also make sense. -- Mike Triplett

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Center Alex Mack

The Bucs could certainly use an upgrade at center, so they should go after Mack, who voided the final three years of his contract with the Browns last week. At 30 years old, he still has enough mileage left to further upgrade a Bucs O-line that helped Doug Martin rush for 1,402 yards in 2015. -- Mike DiRocco

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

Defensive end Malik Jackson

With as multiple as the Cardinals' defense is, signing someone like the former Broncos defensive lineman would give them options for their inside and outside pass rush. Jackson had five sacks and a career-high 46 tackles last season and scored the first touchdown of Super Bowl 50. He's a proven winner, which coach Bruce Arians wants. Jackson can help a team still learning how to win. Plus, Jackson is comfortable playing alongside premier pass-rushers. He would be an ideal complement in the 3-4 to Calais Campbell, Frostee Rucker, Rodney Gunter and Corey Peters, when Peters returns from injury. On top of it all, Jackson is 26, so investing in him would be an investment in Arizona's future. -- Josh Weinfuss

Los Angeles Rams

Safety/linebacker Mark Barron

It's not exciting to go with one of their own, but this is the reality of the Rams' offseason. They're going to spend most of their salary-cap space trying to retain their key defensive players. While that doesn't mean they'll ignore outside options -- especially at quarterback -- they have to bring back Barron to make their plan on defense work. They released James Laurinaitis so they could move Alec Ogletree to middle linebacker and plug Barron in at weakside linebacker. To make that plan work and not add another big need to their to-do list, they have to bring Barron back. Chances are, they will. -- Nick Wagoner

San Francisco 49ers

Nose tackle Ian Williams

Yes, GM Trent Baalke wants to make a splash, but he needs to take care of things at home first. He already has with the re-signings of tight end Garrett Celek and running back Shaun Draughn. Williams should be next to keep some continuity on the line. Besides, Williams showed what a presence he can be in the trenches when healthy. In playing a full 16 games for the first time last season, Williams had a career-high 65 tackles, along with a sack. -- Paul Gutierrez

Seattle Seahawks

Cornerback Jeremy Lane

The Seahawks need to address the offensive line, and they have questions to answer on the defensive front seven. But Lane figures to be a priority. With the failed Cary Williams experiment last year, the Seahawks learned that adding veteran corners and teaching them a new technique can be difficult. Lane has been with the team for four years, can play outside or inside and is only 25 years old. There will be a market for him, but considering that Lane has only six career starts, the price is unlikely to get out of hand. Look for the Seahawks to solidify their secondary and push to bring Lane back. -- Sheil Kapadia