NFL Free Agency 2011: Will These 5 Restricted Free Agents Re-Sign or Hit Market?

Now that the NFL lockout is officially over teams are turning their focus to trades and signing free agents. Big name players like Nnamdi Asomugha and Braylon Edwards are sure to sign with new teams by this weekend as training camps start to open.

What about the restricted free agents? These are the players who are limited in their options but can still sign with their current team or a team who submits an offer sheet for their services worth more than their current team offer.

Let’s take a look at five restricted free agents who could possibly hit the open market.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots

Last season Ellis had a breakout year. He rushed for 1,008 yards and 13 touchdowns. That’s enough to make him a hot free agent commodity if he were to hit the open market.

Green-Ellis is still young, only 26, and he’s only been in the league four years.

He has low mileage with only 329 rushing attempts. Green-Ellis was tendered by the Pats before the lockout happened and he’s likely to sign a one-year deal to remain in New England.

But if he doesn’t then I’m sure plenty of teams will submit offer sheets for his services.

Corey Lynch, Safety, Buccaneers

Lynch isn’t a household name yet but 2011 could be his breakout season. Lynch started five games last season and recorded 22 tackles and one interception.

The Bucs have issues at safety as Tanard Jackson is due to return from his one year ban but who knows how his situation will play out. Lynch seems to have a high ceiling and works pretty hard on and off the field.

The Bucs will try to hold on to him but if not he may have a few teams positioning for his services as the free agent pool this off-season is a little thin.

Caleb Hanie, QB, Bears

Hanie made a name for himself last postseason against the Packers after starting quarterback Jay Cutler went down with a knee injury.

Hanie completed 13 passes for 153 yards and one touchdown. The Bears lost but Hanie made a name for himself with his performance.

I think he’ll re-sign with Chicago unless another team is clamoring for his services at quarterback. Did Hanie show enough in one playoff game to warrant consideration as a starter in the NFL? If a team truly feels that way and offers him more money then I’m sure he’ll leave.

Kenneth Darby, RB, Rams

Darby’s name probably only rings bells in St. Louis and Alabama. He plays for the Rams and was a star for the Crimson Tide in college. Other than that most people will probably scratch their heads when his name is mentioned.

Darby rushed for 107 yards last season with two touchdowns. He’s playing behind Stephen Jackson and his chances of starting in St. Louis are low barring an injury.

But I think Darby is talented enough to start for another NFL team. The Rams may choose to allow him to hit the open market and if so I believe Darby will have a few teams vying for his services.

Brent Grimes, DB, Falcons

If Grimes were unrestricted he would be one of the top cornerbacks on the market. He totaled 87 tackles and five interceptions last season and made quite the name for himself.

The Falcons would be foolish to allow him to walk and I expect that he will re-sign with Atlanta.

If for some reason he’s allowed to test the open market teams like the Cowboys, Eagles and Buccaneers are sure to throw money his way.