NFL's 2016 free agent class could be loaded with stars ... and quarterbacks

Nate Davis | USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 free agent smorgasbord has pretty much been reduced to table scraps. (Not you, Michael Crabtree.) But a healthy appetite could already be building for the 2016 class, which will potentially include a few rarities: big-time quarterbacks.

Some of these players will surely sign extensions or receive the franchise tag — perhaps for a second time — before they reach next year's market. But here's a top 10 list of talents to monitor, with a few bonuses included. (Note: First-round picks from the 2012 draft could theoretically become free agents after the upcoming season, but many are likely to have their fifth-year options activated with Luke Kuechly, Andrew Luck, Harrison Smith and Ryan Tannehill among the prominent names.)

1. The quarterbacks — 1A) Philip Rivers, 1B) Eli Manning, 1C) Sam Bradford: It's not often a franchise quarterback is permitted to shop himself, and this entire trio could be tagged next year. But all indications currently point to each of them playing out their current deals in 2015. And there could be competitive teams in Buffalo, Houston, New York (Jets), St. Louis and maybe even Denver just waiting to plug a hole under center. Bradford's case could be fascinating if he thrives in the offense of coach Chip Kelly, though the Philadelphia Eagles czar is showing he's loathe to pay premium dollars even for stellar players. Elsewhere, Russell Wilson and Cam Newton are highly likely to sign new megacontracts in the coming months while Robert Griffin III and Nick Foles could be searching for new employers next offseason.

2. No. 1 receivers — 2A) Demaryius Thomas, 2B) A.J. Green, 2C) Julio Jones, 2D) Dez Bryant: Thomas and Bryant have already been franchised, while Green and Jones may face a similar fate in 2016. All are dynamic, all-pro level talents who could be hot commodities despite varying shades of red flags: Green has had minor injuries, Jones has made major foot issues, Bryant's challenges have come off the field, and Thomas' production has been boosted by playing with Peyton Manning.

3. Pass rushers — 3A) Justin Houston, 3B) Von Miller, 3C) Ryan Kerrigan, 3D) Jason Pierre-Paul, 3E) Aldon Smith, 3F) Greg Hardy: Could be an amazing group. Houston, who currently bears the Kansas City Chiefs' franchise tag, will likely cash in soon after nearly breaking the NFL's single-season sack record last year. Kerrigan may not seem quite worthy of inclusion in this bunch at first blush but is coming off easily his best season (13½ sacks) and doesn't show up on the medical charts, police blotter or have substance-abuse issues in his past like the others.

4. Trent Williams: He's got the tools to be the league's premier left tackle and showed quite a bit of toughness while playing through significant injuries in 2014 — all reasons he's likely to make a mint from the Washington Redskins. Russell Okung, Nate Solder, and Anthony Castonzo aren't quite on Williams' level but probably have better chances to cash in next year.

5. Muhammad Wilkerson: Take away J.J. Watt, and Wilkerson could make a solid argument as the NFL's top 3-4 defensive end (though he does benefit by playing with fellow New York Jets stud Sheldon Richardson). Wilkerson is also a New Jersey native who's established himself as a team leader and seemingly one of the Jets' core players. Hard to believe he'll escape.

6. Marcell Dareus: He can play the nose, three-technique and will likely see time at end this year. Coming off his first all-pro campaign, Dareus could be in store for even bigger things in Buffalo this season under defensive mastermind Rex Ryan. But Dareus has had missteps off the field. Also keep an eye on Nick Fairley, who could reap the benefits of his one-year, prove-it deal playing on the St. Louis Rams' loaded D-line.

7. Bobby Wagner: He's not quite Kuechly, but he's in the area code when it comes to elite middle linebackers. Wagner was so crucial to the Seattle Seahawks' success in 2014 that he garnered an MVP vote given the impact he made after returning from a midseason toe injury.

8. Potential No. 1 receivers — 8A) T.Y. Hilton, 8B) Alshon Jeffery: Hilton stamped himself as Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck's top option when Reggie Wayne went down with a knee injury in 2013. But Hilton's size (5-9, 178) could keep his earning power one floor below the other wideouts on this list. Jeffery is plenty big (6-3, 216) but must show he can still produce with Brandon Marshall no longer around to draw the opposition's top corner.

9. Coby Fleener: Another member of the Colts' arsenal, this 26-year-old tight end has steadily improved over his first three seasons. Fleener doesn't block much, but someone will pay him handsomely for the receiving skills he features from all points of the field.

10. Marshal Yanda: Guards aren't sexy, but there currently isn't a better one in the league than Yanda. Don't be surprised if he commands a package exceeding $50 million.

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