NFL free agency start date, rumors and predictions 2016: Top quarterbacks and seasoned veterans to be available

Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins is shown in this file photo.(Reuters)

The National Football League (NFL) free agency will begin on March 9 and teams aiming for improved rosters can search the market for quality additions ahead of the 2016 season. 

Top free agents in the most important position in the game, the quarterback, will be headlined by the Washington Redskins' Kirk Cousins, New York Jets' Ryan Fitzpatrick, Philadelphia Eagles' Sam Bradford, and the Denver Broncos Brock Osweiler. 

Cousins, Fitzpatrick, and Bradford all started for their respective teams this season, but only Cousins might stay with his current squad after helping the Redskins reach the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, Osweiler might draw interest from teams seeking a starting passer after his splendid performances for Denver during the time Peyton Manning missed six games due to a foot injury. 

Recently, a number of safeties were also released by their former teams and are now available on the market once the free agency period begins. 

Veterans William Moore (Atlanta Falcons), Michael Griffin (Tennessee Titans), and Nate Allen (Oakland Raiders) are now free agents after their previous teams let go of them to save some cap space. 

Continuing with defense, Broncos linebacker Von Miller will not have the luxury of exploring free agency. Miller, who was hailed as Super Bowl 50's Most Valuable Player (MVP), will be designated a franchise tag by the Broncos before they grant him a long-term contract, according to ESPN.

Along with Miller, another prominent defensive player who is set to be a free agent is Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman. Norman just played his best season so far, with his energy and contributions helping the Panthers reach the Super Bowl. 

Like Miller to the Broncos, Norman is not expected to have a chance of enjoying free agency as Carolina will likely give him the franchise tag as well. 

At 4 p.m. EST on March 9, the free agency period will start; to view the list of soon-to-be available players on the market, click here