New England Patriots: The Five Worst-Case Free Agency Scenarios Post-Lockout

It's become increasingly certain that the NFL and NFLPA will reach a new Collective Bargaining Agreement here in the next few days. What's still unclear, though, is what the free agency landscape will look like.

Will there be epic bidding wars between small market teams trying to meet the new 90 percent salary floor minimum? Will there be bidding wars at all?

We'll find out in due time, but for now, there are a lot of things that we can be certain the New England Patriots wouldn't like to have happen when free agency kicks off (whenever that may be).

Here's just a taste of the worst-case scenarios the Patriots could face.

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter @erikfrenz.

Logan Mankins Allowed to Walk

Varying reports from Tuesday's sports news feeds were that Logan Mankins and Vincent Jackson were asking for compensation in some form. Whether it's in the form of a payoff or simply a chance at unrestricted free agency, there is a possibility that Mankins could request exemption from the franchise tag in 2011.

If that's the case, the Pro Bowl guard could be allowed to walk. If that's the case, it would be a huge loss for the New England Patriots.

Mankins has meant so much more than just his high level of play. He brings attitude to the trench, a necessary shot of piss and vinegar to make those top-ranked Offensive Hogs that much more appetizing. He brings continuity, a necessary level of unity for a group that needs to work as one to make sure no assignments are missed.

A Team Makes Matt Light an Offer He Can't Refuse

When the Patriots drafted Nate Solder with the 17th overall pick, they did something most teams in the NFL would be apprehensive to do. They spent their first-round pick on a player that may not even start his first year. Usually, the only position where that's acceptable is at quarterback.

Unfortunately for the Patriots, it's uncertain whether Nate Solder will even be able to start a game this season, much less from Day 1. With such a reduced workout schedule due to the lockout, the Patriots may not have time to develop him into the player they want him to be when he starts playing.

Obviously, the Patriots don't want to take a chance on protecting Tom Brady's blind side, and they would love to have Matt Light back, but only on their terms. At his age, and with the future of the left tackle position behind him on the depth chart, they'll be even less willing to overpay than they usually are.

Matt Light isn't one of the most coveted free agents on the market, but there is the possibility that a team with a Super Bowl on their mind might offer him a bit more money than he's worth to grab that key piece to the championship puzzle.

New York Jets Find a Way to Retain Their Key Free Agents

One positive circumstance of the lockout, at least for fans of the Patriots, Bills and Dolphins, has been the fact that a prolonged lockout should significantly reduce the chances that the Jets can re-sign all their key free agents.

And boy, there's a lot of 'em. We're talking about Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, Shaun Ellis, Brad Smith, Eric Smith and those are just the guys that started a significant number of games in 2010.

Cromartie has already gone on record on Sirius XM NFL radio as saying that he will not be taking a hometown discount. But what if the Jets are able to re-sign many of their key free agents?

The Jets were continually talked about as one of the worst-prepared teams for a prolonged lockout, primarily because of their free agents. If they are able to retain most of them, though, they will continue to be a top contender for a Super Bowl.

The Team Can't Come to Terms with Kevin Faulk

With the emergence of Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, coupled with the selections of Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley in the second and third rounds of April's draft, the Patriots backfield has taken a step into the fountain of youth. Despite his clear seniority over the others as well as his vast veteran experiences, the 33-year-old Kevin Faulk could be on the outside looking in.

I have said that the Patriots need to explore the option of bringing him in as a running back coach, and I stand by that. He has more knowledge to impart upon the young backs than anyone else in the organization. With all due respect to Kevin Faulk, the Patriots don't really need him as much for his on-field production anymore. (Although, he is a fantastically well-rounded back.)

What they need him for, now more than ever, is his football intelligence and knowledge of the system.

The new backs will need that knowledge if they want to make a quick impact for the team, or make the team at all for that matter.

The Patriots Re-Sign Randy Moss

Really? How could this be a worst-case scenario?

Oh, let me count the ways.

The Patriots have moved on from the stretch-the-field style offense that was employed by Josh McDaniels in 2007, the type of offense molded perfectly for Randy Moss' style of play. Now, with two talented pass-catching tight ends and additional emphasis on the short and intermediate passing game, Randy Moss' presence on the field would be as nothing more than a decoy.

For the amount of money they'll probably have to pay to get him, it's just not worth it.

The Patriots had their reasons for getting rid of Moss midseason. That move said a lot about the long-term future of this team, as well as how they feel about Moss (at least to an extent).

Luckily, Boston Globe's Shalise Manza Young has reported recently that she has it on good authority that Moss won't be returning to New England.