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10 NFL Players Who Shouldn’t Leave Their Good Situations in Free Agency

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By @MichaelTerrill

10 NFL Players Who Shouldn't Leave Their Good Situations in Free Agency

NFL Free Agency
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With the start of the 2015 NFL free agency less than a week away, teams are gearing up to make their pitches to the top available players. Even though money can speak volumes, it is wise for free agents to consider everything before making a decision on where to play in the upcoming season and beyond. Sometimes, it’s better to avoid leaving a good situation, which is what these 10 players have in common.

10. Orlando Franklin, Broncos

Orlando Franklin, Broncos
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10. Orlando Franklin, Broncos

Orlando Franklin, Broncos
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After moving from right tackle to left guard, Orlando Franklin only gave up one sack last season. The fact that he proved he’s capable of playing the tackle and guard position at a high level means he should be a sought after free agent. Still, Franklin has a good thing going with the Denver Broncos, especially with Peyton Manning playing in 2015.

9. Byron Maxwell, Seahawks

Byron Maxwell, Seahawks
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9. Byron Maxwell, Seahawks

Byron Maxwell, Seahawks
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Many believe Seattle Seahawks’ Byron Maxwell will find a new team to play for this year. As one of the better cornerbacks in the 2015 free agency class, he would be foolish not to see what’s available to him. With that said, the Seahawks have the best defense of the past 15 years. By becoming a starter last season, he stepped into a solid role on an elite team. That’s a position he should not want to give up so easily.

8. Antonio Cromartie, Cardinals

Antonio Cromartie, Cardinals
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8. Antonio Cromartie, Cardinals

Antonio Cromartie, Cardinals
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Antonio Cromartie signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals to essentially show that he still has plenty left in the tank. The veteran made good on the opportunity by putting forth an outstanding season for a team that clinched a playoff berth. With the Cardinals on the cusp of being a very good team, Cromartie would be foolish to sign with a different organization. Of course, contract stability will be his main focus in the offseason.

7. Brandon Flowers, Chargers

Brandon Flowers, Chargers
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7. Brandon Flowers, Chargers

Brandon Flowers, Chargers
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Brandon Flowers is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL. After several successful seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, he dominated while as a member of the San Diego Chargers in 2014. Considering the Chargers had one of the better secondaries in all of football last season, it wouldn’t make much sense for Flowers to leave, especially if the organization is willing to pay him the money he seeks.

6. Jerry Hughes, Bills

Jerry Hughes, Bills
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

6. Jerry Hughes, Bills

Jerry Hughes, Bills
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

From first round disappointment to one of the studs on a great defense, defensive end Jerry Hughes would make the biggest mistake of his career if he leaves the Buffalo Bills in free agency. After posting 10 sacks in 2013, Hughes followed it up with 9.5 sacks last season. And, that was after the Bills switched from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. With defensive-minded head coach Rex Ryan at the helm, it would be a surprise to see Hughes sign elsewhere.

5. Bryan Bulaga, Packers

Bryan Bulaga, Packers
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5. Bryan Bulaga, Packers

Bryan Bulaga, Packers
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Green Bay Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga graded out as one of the premier players at his position in 2014. His injury history aside, Bulaga is one of the brighter offensive line talents in the NFL. The Packers, a team that experienced the best offensive line of the McCarthy-Rodgers Era, would be foolish to let him leave. It’s that reason why the organization has made it clear he’s their top priority when it comes to re-signing their own.

4. Julius Thomas, Broncos

Julius Thomas, Broncos
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4. Julius Thomas, Broncos

Julius Thomas, Broncos
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There’s a belief that Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas is nothing more than a product of the system. If that’s true, that should be all the reason he needs not to leave Denver in free agency. With Peyton Manning as his quarterback, there doesn’t appear to be a better situation for Thomas. Not to mention, there isn’t a quarterback on a team that can afford Thomas that will target him as often in the red zone as Manning does.

3. Devin McCourty, Patriots

Devin McCourty, Patriots
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3. Devin McCourty, Patriots

Devin McCourty, Patriots
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It was shocking to see the New England Patriots use the franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski over safety Devin McCourty, especially since McCourty will be in high demand on the open market. The reason New England most likely decided not to tag him is because he has already made it clear he doesn’t want to play for another team. Since he’s one of the best safeties in the league, it would explain why he doesn’t want to leave the Patriots.

2. DeMarco Murray, Cowboys

DeMarco Murray, Cowboys
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2. DeMarco Murray, Cowboys

DeMarco Murray, Cowboys
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Barring a trade for Adrian Peterson, it appears there’s a good chance DeMarco Murray will re-sign with the Dallas Cowboys. Considering the Cowboys have arguably the most impressive run-blocking offensive line in the NFL, it would be a huge mistake for Murray to test his production with another team. There’s a reason why he was the best statistical running back in 2014, and not all of it has to do with his personal talent level.

1. Randall Cobb, Packers

Randall Cobb, Packers
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1. Randall Cobb, Packers

Randall Cobb, Packers
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The Green Bay Packers are going to do everything in their power to convince wide receiver Randall Cobb to re-sign with the team. However, what they aren’t going to do is give him more than $9 million per season. Cobb would be foolish to leave the comfort of Green Bay, especially with MVP Aaron Rodgers the one tossing him touchdown passes. He’s productive in the team’s system, which could change if he signed somewhere else.

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