NFL Lockout Coming to an End Makes for Christmas in July

Less than a week away from the NFL lockout coming to an end, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve!

ESPN is reporting that Thursday is the day an agreement is expected that will get the NFL in full swing. 

Following that will be an exclusive 72-hour window, starting Friday, for teams to negotiate contracts with their own free agents before those players hit the open market at the start of league-wide free agency on July 25.

We are basically looking at an entire offseason worth of free agency condensed into a few weeks.

I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to Christmas in July!

There are several scenarios that can and will happen. 

These are some I believe should happen:

The Cincinnati Bengals need to bring in a veteran to help Andy Dalton, unless of course they want him to be the next Tim Couch or David Carr.

Carson Palmer isn't going to play this season, at least not as a Bengal. Behind him is his younger brother, Jordan; Dan LeFevour; and Andy Dalton.

Jordan Palmer is nothing but a practice QB, and LeFevour hasn't had an opportunity.

In my opinion, the Bengals need to bring in a guy like Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb.

Putting a rookie back there without much around him is asking for trouble, not to mention that Chad Ochocinco is probably gone and Cedric Benson is in trouble with the law.

This team needs a leader.

The biggest name available is probably the NFL's second-best corner, Nnamdi Asomugha.

I could see him going to the Washington Redskins for a ridiculous amount of money, but he is likely to return the Raiders.

Everything I have heard from him in interviews makes it seem to me that he enjoys being an Oakland Raider.

With the cap rumored to be $120 million, I don't see as many suitors as one might assume.

Santonio Holmes will probably return to the Jets, leaving Braylon Edwards looking for a new team.

I can't see New York allowing their best WR to walk.

Sidney Rice, Randy Moss, Plaxico Burress, and Terrell Owens are also on the market, making for some competition among those teams looking for a WR.

Sidney Rice may want out of town if the Vikings don't improve via free agency at the Quarterback position.

As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, I would love Plaxico Burress to reunite with the Steelers if at all possible!

With all of the Pittsburgh Steelers WRs being under 6'2'', I'm sure Big Ben would welcome him back with open arms.

Washington could also use a playmaking WR.

There are countless opportunities for each team to improve its roster. Only time will tell what the next month has in store.

Grab a drink and some food, football fans: The party is about to begin.