NFL Free Agency: Santonio Holmes and 5 Players Teams Will Break the Bank to Sign

The NFL lockout is over. I think I speak for all fans when I make my next statement: FINALLY!!!!!!

Seriously, now that the NFL preseason is about to start, fans nationwide are rejoicing. Sundays will be full of activity, trash-talking and all the fun that is associated with the NFL.

Yet, before we get to that point, fans will have to bite their nails once again.

No, I'm not talking about the anticipation regarding the end of the lockout—I'm talking about one of my favorite parts of any professional sport: free agency!

Over the next couple of weeks, fans will watch the free agent market like hawks. As one of the most unpredictable sports in the world, football is the type of sport where signing just one player can make or break a team.

This year's free agency class is a great one, featuring stalwarts like wide receiver Santonio Holmes (pictured).

Here are five players of this year's free agency class for whom some teams will write very large checks.

No. 5: Antonio Cromartie

Last season, cornerback Antonio Cromartie was a godsend for the New York Jets' defense. He was the perfect coverage man to complement the physical style of Darrelle Revis, and it showed on the field.

The former Florida State Seminole only had 42 tackles and three interceptions, but he was a pest in coverage, as many receivers can attest. In the postseason, after regular return man Brad Smith went down with an injury, Cromartie showed great prowess on special teams.

Now that he is about to enter free agency, Cromartie is sure to get a big contract. He is 27 years old, so he has at least five more good years left in him.

However, as has been evident in the past, Cromartie has an attitude that sometimes gets the better of him. It ran him out of San Diego, so teams should be wary of it. Also, let's not forget that any contract he receives will have to guarantee enough money for him to feed his nine children.

With his skills and heavy expenses, Cromartie is sure to get a big contract from any team in the market for a corner.

No. 4: Vincent Jackson

Last season was one to forget for this wide receiver. The San Diego Chargers tagged him as their franchise player in 2010, but since he wanted a long-term deal, Jackson chose to hold out of training camp.

Combined with a violation of the conduct policy, along with being placed on the roster exempt list and the subsequent suspensions, Jackson played in just five games last season. He caught 14 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns.

Since he didn't play a full season, Jackson will be an unrestricted free agent. Say what you want about his attitude, but the man can play. He has great size at 6'5" and 230 pounds, and has the ability to receive for upwards of 1,000 yards.

Yet, his ego will demand a big contract. Given how some teams are absolutely desperate at wide receiver, Jackson will be handsomely paid.

No. 3: DeAngelo Williams

Much like Jackson's season, DeAngelo Williams' 2010 season was one to forget. His Carolina Panthers were the worst team in the NFL, and his offensive line didn't do him any favors.

Williams only played in six games before going on injured reserve with a foot injury and accumulated just 361 yards with one touchdown on 87 carries. With Carolina undergoing a complete renovation at quarterback as well as on the sidelines, and with Jonathan Stewart now being the top dog at running back, Williams is in need of a new team.

Still, let's not write off Williams after just one bad season. He is still just 28 years old, and with proper protection, he can be one of the top running backs in the NFL. Good runners are hard to find in the NFL, so a team in need of one will surely give Williams a big contract.

No. 2: Santonio Holmes

Santonio Holmes was easily the difference-maker for the New York Jets last year. After four tumultuous seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of which ended with a Super Bowl MVP award, the team traded him to the New York Jets after a string of attitude problems and run-ins with the law. Despite being suspended the first four games of the season, Holmes turned in a great year.

The former Ohio State Buckeye caught 52 passes for 746 yards and six touchdowns. The numbers were modest, but he quickly established himself as quarterback Mark Sanchez's go-to guy. Yet, Holmes is one of many players the Jets could be losing to free agency this season.

Despite that, Holmes proved to be valuable enough to the Jets that he could demand a heavy contract not just from him, but from most teams in the league.

No. 1: Nnamdi Asomugha

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha appeared in 14 games last season for the Oakland Raiders. At first glance, his stats don't look that impressive. He only registered 19 tackles, no interceptions and only defended six passes.

Now, some of you out there may be thinking, "Wait a minute, Josh. Those stats are awful! Why in your right mind would you put Asomugha at the No. 1 spot???"

Well, folks, I'm glad you asked.

This may be hard to believe, but there is a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why Nnamdi Asomugha's stats are so below par for a regular corner. 

Simply put, he is so good that quarterbacks just don't throw the ball in his general direction.

A lock-down defensive presence like Asomugha is hard to find not just on the professional level, but on any level. This man is a phenomenal athlete who will put his body on the line more often than not if it means protecting a lead.

When it comes time to sign him, he will surely be paid handsomely for his services.