Julius Thomas, Jordan Cameron and Charles Clay lead this year's free-agent class of tight ends. Because of the demand for their services, these three may have new homes in 2015 if they can't reach deals with their incumbent teams by March 10.
Below we've provided an analysis of the market for each tight end and where we think he'll end up in 2015.
3. Charles Clay
The Miami Dolphins are said to have Clay atop their list of priorities and are hoping to re-sign him before free agency begins. The 26-year-old is expected to land a deal that will pay him $6 million per season, but that doesn't seem to intimidate the Dolphins, who are currently in active negotiations with him.
The Buffalo Bills have been reported to be planning to take a "hard look" at Clay, but it's believed it could be a ploy to raise his asking price. However, Miami will still have some work to do if they want to re-sign Clay because right now they have nearly $155 million committed to 2015 and will need to get that number down to at least $143 million, which is believed to be the projected salary cap for next season.
Although there's a chance Clay hits the open market, a majority of reports suggest he'll be back with the Dolphins.
HNGN's top destination for Clay: Miami Dolphins
2. Jordan Cameron
The Browns have plenty of cap room with only $115 million on the books for the upcoming season, but it doesn't appear as if Cameron wants to stay in Cleveland. The team is embattled with issues, including the whole texting scandal with the front office, Josh Gordon's indefinite suspension, Johnny Manziel checking into rehab, and the general uncertainty of their quarterback situation. The team will also undergo yet another offensive change with new coordinator John DeFilippo replacing Kyle Shanahan.
Cameron will certainly have suitors since he's only 26 years old and has a lot left in the tank having played in only 47 games in his first four seasons. The Browns are set to host tight end James Casey, so it looks like Cameron is already an afterthought.
The Seahawks tried to trade for the former USC Trojan last season, so look for them to land him once March 10 rolls around. They have plenty of cap room, for now.
HNGN's top destination for Cameron: Seattle Seahawks
1. Julius Thomas
Denver tabled contract talks with Thomas back in October and it was recently reported the tight end rejected a five-year, $40 million offer last July. The Broncos are expected to use the franchise tag on wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, so the departure of Julius Thomas is becoming more of a possibility. His second significant ankle injury also has the team worried a bit.
Chris Wesseling of NFL.com reports the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons are expected to pursue Thomas and are viewed as the tight end's likely landing spots. It's likely both of these teams are willing to make the offer the Broncos couldn't. As a result, Denver took a page out of the Browns' book and scheduled a meeting with Casey.
Although the Falcons remain an interesting option for Thomas, look for the Green Bay Packers to make a big play for the tight end with Randall Cobb possibly hitting the market.
"The Packers' receiving problems were most apparent in the red zone. Rodgers was outstanding on most of the field but had a below-average, minus-13.9 percent DVOA in goal-to-go situations," writes ESPN Insider Tom Gower. "Adding an elite red zone target like Thomas would help solve those issues."
HNGN's top destination for Thomas: Green Bay Packers
