NFL Lockout: 5 Players Likely to Be Signed First Following the Lockout

As we sit at the twilight of the NFL lockout, and it's expected that the league will re-open this Thursda, according to multiple sources, now we can start looking forward to free agency.

Let me make this clear, this free-agent period is simply going to be hectic and should be labeled as a "free-agent frenzy."

Once free agency begins, here are five players that will not be available for a long length of time, as they'll likely be signed right away.

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Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is arguably the best player in the NFL, and he will certainly be paid like it once the lockout is finally lifted. 

Prior to the league entering the lockout, the Indianapolis Colts were able to place their franchise tag on their star quarterback, but it's clear that Colts' owner Jim Irsay will sign Manning as fast as he can, according to AOL. 

Many will assume that Manning's contract will likely exceed Tom Brady's contract from last season, when Brady became the league's highest paid player at an average annual salary of $18 million. 

Tyson Clabo

Offensive tackle Tyson Clabo reportedly is looking for a major payday, and it's likely that the Atlanta Falcons will give him what he wants. 

Clabo is a key part to Atlanta's offense as he serves as the team's starting right tackle. He does a tremendous job at protecting Matt Ryan while contributing extremely well in the running game. 

The Falcons have had a rather consistent offensive line over the past three seasons. They've done a great job at protecting Ryan, and it'd be in Atlanta's best interest to snag Clabo before any other team can get their offer in. 

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

BenJarvus Green-Ellis became New England's first 1,000-yard rusher since Corey Dillon back in 2004, and it's almost guaranteed that the Patriots will be re-signing the "The Law-Firm."

Green-Ellis is set to become a restricted free agent. However, prior to the lockout, the Patriots' front office was able to place a second-round tender on him and all signs indicate that he'll be back in 2011, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston. 

It's almost certain that the Patriots want Green-Ellis back. I'm sure that he understands that New England is the perfect place for him, even though he'll be sharing carries with multiple backs in 2011. 

Santonio Holmes

It remains to be seen if Santonio Holmes will return as a New York Jet in 2011, but it's certain that he'll be a highly pursued free agent once the lockout is lifted.

Holmes will have teams calling his agent left and right asking for his services, as he's arguably the top wide receiver available.

Due to his great production, it's highly unlikely that Holmes will last a week on the free agent market. He'll be garnering multiple contract offers with a huge amount of dough—and one of those teams may be the Jets, as they may believe that they cannot lose Holmes since he's such an integral part to their offense. 

DeAngelo Williams

In my opinion, DeAngelo Williams will be off of the free-agent market rather quickly, as the Denver Broncos, with first-year head coach John Fox, will likely pursue Williams heavily. 

Steve Wyche, of NFL Network, believes that the Broncos are absolutely in the market for Williams. I'm almost positive that Fox will vouch for the signing of Williams, as he's such a complete, dual-threat running back. 

Williams is certainly the top running back available. Heshouldn't last long in the free-agent waters, as he'll be receiving many intriguing offers, and one of those will certainly catch his and his agent's eyes immediately.