Jack Dempsey/Associated Press
Some of the biggest names in the NFL are set to hit free agency this offseason, although the lesser-known competitors are also likely to make a major impact.
While teams work to re-sign or put franchise tags on players like Ndamukong Suh, Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas, the rest of the league gets lost in the shuffle. Still, the ones who don't make headlines are often the ones who help lead a team to the playoffs and beyond.
These players are going to make an impact next season with either their current franchise or somewhere else, it all depends on which squads see the value. Here is the latest buzz on some under-the-radar free agents on the market.
Terrance Knighton, Defensive Tackle
On a team full of Pro Bowlers and other fan favorites, it's easy to overlook Terrance Knighton. However, the talented defensive tackle demands respect from opposing teams thanks to his outstanding play against the run in the middle of the defense.
The fact the Denver Broncos finished second in the league with just 79.8 rushing yards allowed per game is not an accident.
Despite this, his team is not appreciating him the way it should be, via Josina Anderson of ESPN:
Anderson added this full quote from Knighton:
I think I've made it very clear to them that I want to be a Bronco. My agent tried to get something done before the year, during the year, immediately when the season was over, and they just haven’t had the same interest. To be quite honest with you it’s frustrating and it’s somewhat disrespectful just knowing how important I was to the team and what the defense could’ve been without somebody like me. It’s almost like, the longer they wait the worse it is going to be.
Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post notes the Broncos are unlikely to re-sign the big man and provides some possibilities for his next destination, saying: "The Oakland Raiders are expected to pursue Knighton, and the Detroit Lions could have interest if Ndamukong Suh signs elsewhere."
The Raiders seem to make the most sense after the team hired Jack Del Rio as head coach. Knighton has played with Del Rio on both the Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars and could follow him again to a team that could desperately use help on defense.
As long as the organization is willing to pay, this would be a perfect fit for the two sides.
Predicted Destination: Oakland Raiders
Rodney Hudson, Center
Peter Aiken/Getty Images The Kansas City Chiefs have had some changes across the offensive line over the past couple of years, but one person they will want to make sure they keep is center Rodney Hudson.
While fans might be more familiar with top pick Eric Fisher and previously Branden Albert, Hudson has been a rock in the middle of the unit and is a big reason Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis have been so successful.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports sees the 25-year-old player as someone who will make money wherever he goes this offseason:
The good news for the Chiefs is they also recognize his impact and have been discussing an extension, via Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star:
On the other hand, Paylor adds completing a deal will not be easy:
While the Chiefs have a lot of positions to fill if they want to get back to the playoffs (a wide receiver who can score a touchdown would be nice), Hudson is still too important to let go. This is why it seems likely the two sides will come to terms and the talented player will remain with the team that drafted him.
Predicted Destination: Kansas City Chiefs
Pernell McPhee, Linebacker
Stephen Brashear/Getty Images The Baltimore Ravens sure know how to draft and develop linebackers. While Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs might be the most notable, recent players like Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe put in some good work with the Ravens before getting paid in free agency by other teams.
While C.J. Mosley is likely to get his money in a few years, next up is Pernell McPhee after the former fifth-round pick totaled 7.5 sacks with Baltimore in 2014.
As ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted, the linebacker is one of the top underrated players in this free-agent class:
Prisco even has the young player listed as the No. 10 player available despite being a reserve player for most of his career. The question is which team will be able to sign the up-and-comer.
Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reported the Ravens are unlikely to retain him, adding:
McPhee is expected to command an annual salary between $8 million and $10 million when free agency begins March 10, according to NFL sources. Among the teams regarded as potential fits for McPhee: the Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts.
Although all of these teams could use defensive line help, the Indianapolis Colts might be the most intriguing. Despite getting to the AFC Championship Game, they didn't have a single player with seven or more sacks this season.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports speculates them as a potential landing spot:
McPhee would certainly be an upgrade on a team that is a few pieces away from a Super Bowl title, making it a perfect match.
Predicted Destination: Indianapolis Colts
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