NFL 2011 Free Agency: Destinations for Top Free Agents

After a long and tumultuous lockout, football has finally returned. The positive of such a lengthy absence from football activity is the dramatic beginning of what will be a very hectic free agency. With training camp starting sometime this week, teams will be in no position to play the waiting game if they intend to snag an impact free agent or two. 

Free agency will be frantic and frustrating for numerous squads yet exciting for us fans, who rightfully deserve this reward after patiently waiting for this pointless lockout to end. With that said, here is a list of a few highlighted free agents along with some underrated players and where they may land. 

Nnamdi Asomugha-CB

Likely Destination: Houston OR Tampa 

Under the Radar: San Francisco 

Houston will fall in love with Asomugha but I'm not sure if he feels the same.The texans will have to reach deep within their pockets to persuade Asomugha to sign and if successful, Houston will be a dangerous team. Asomugha's presence will allow Kareem Jackson, the 2010 first round pick out of Alabama, to cover either the opposing squads second best receiver or the slot. Jackson was a disappointment in his first season with the Texans but has upside. 

Tampa would be a very good fit for Asomugha. After the Aquib Talib incident this offseason, the Bucs will likely take action (either by suspending or releasing Talib) and there's a good chance Roger Goodell will have a say in the matter as well (likely suspension). With Josh Freeman emerging as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, Asomugha would definitely consider Tampa a legit landing spot if the Bucs are interested. 

San Francisco could be the dark horse in the Asomugha sweepstakes. Besides the quarterback situation, the 49ers have major talent at key positions. With superstar Patrick Willis manning the middle, Asomugha could turn a already solid 49ers defense into a force to be reckoned with. Ownership has previously stated that they will lay low in free agency this year but I don't buy it for a second. Nate Clements will likely be released, which will leave an already porous secondary without any experienced vets. While the 49ers like second year cornerback Phillip Adams and rookie 3rd round pick Chris Culliver, they're both extremely inexperienced. Vic Fangio (defensive coordinator) will likely beg ownership for some help in the secondary. 

Jonathan Joseph-CB

Likely Destinations: Bengals, San Francisco or Houston 

Under the Radar: Dallas 

Cincinnati will fight to resign Joseph and may end up overpaying to retain his services. With Mike Brown displaying his idiocracy throughout the offseason, I don't blame Joseph if he decides to flee from the Bengals organization even if it means leaving cash on the table. Browns stubbornness in handling the Carson Palmer situation should be a lesson to all owners/gm's on how to not handle disgruntled star players. 

Both San Francisco and Houston would be solid landing spots for Joseph. I have a feeling that Houston may overspend on a player like Joseph if they lose out on the Asomugha sweepstakes. Joseph is a very good man-to-man corner and would be an ideal fit within Vic Fangio's 3-4 pressured scheme. 

You can never count out Dallas in free agency. Joseph isn't flashy like Asomugha but can get the job done and would serve to upgrade a Dallas secondary that was torched last season. 

Matt Hasselbeck-QB

Likely Destination: Titans 

Under the Radar: Washington 

Matt Hasselbeck is a solid veteran quarterback who would serve as an upgrade and stop-gap for various QB needy teams. The Titans would be a perfect for Hasselbeck but he might not like serving as the stop-gap until first round pick Jake Locker develops. 

Washington hasn't been mentioned in the running for Hasselbeck but I think it would be a nice fit for both sides. Coach Shanahan would love to have a veteran signal caller like Hasselbeck until the Redskins find their quarterback of the future. 

DeAngelo Williams-RB

Likely Destination: Carolina OR Denver 

Under the Radar: Giants

Carolina is itching to resign DeAngelo Williams. They want to return to the smash-mouth offense that proved successful in 2009. Jonathan Stewart, though talented, isn't a lead back. Stewart has shown his inability to stay healthy for a full season.

Denver would be another nice landing spot for Williams. John Fox, former panthers coach and current Bronco coach, has a solid relationship with Williams and that should count for something.

The Giants may lose Bradshaw in free agency and would have to replace the productive running back. Williams speed will complement the power running game of the disgruntled Brandon Jacobs.  

Santonio Holmes-WR

Likely Destination: Jets OR Washington 

Under the Radar: Chicago

Santonio Holmes will go to the highest bidder. I'm sure Holmes would rather resign with the Jets but Washington may come out swinging with a huge offer. I fully expect the Jets to match any opposing offers but it may get interesting if New York starts playing hardball in the negotiating process with Holmes or his agent.

Chicago would be a perfect addition for both Holmes and Jay Cutler. The Bears have shown they will break the bank for an impact player (ex: Julius Peppers). He would immediately upgrade a very average receiver corps.   

Sidney Rice-WR

Likely Destination: Minnesota  

Under the Radar: Carolina

The Vikings will likely resign Rice even if it means overpaying. There will be numerous teams vying for Rice services but I doubt the Vikings will wait long to lock up their talented receiver.

Carolina is a sleeper destination. Steve Smith is all but packed, therefore leaving a gaping hole at the receiver position. Carolina would be giving Newton a young and talented receiver to grow with.  

Doug Free-OL

Likely Destination: Dallas

Under the Radar: Chiefs

Dallas will retain Doug Free and may have to overpay to keep him in Dallas. Rookie Tyron Smith is talented but I doubt he'll be ready to start day one on the left side.

The Chiefs would immediately place Free on the left side and shift Brandon Albert to guard or right tackle. Matt Cassel would have a very talented blind-side protector for a number of years.     

Aubrayo Franklin-DL

Likely Destination: San Francisco OR Washington 

Under the Radar: Houston

San Francisco would love to resign Franklin but they will not overpay for his services. Franklin has proven to be a very good nose tackle and is an ideal fit for a 3-4 team. He had an average 2010 campaign but dominated in the 2009 season. It should be noted that Franklin was a little bit dinged up last season.

Washington will likely overpay to sign Franklin. They're transitioning to a 3-4 base defense and will likely need a solid nose tackle to clog the lane. At best, Franklin should eat tackles and command double teams. It should help that porous secondary and alleviate some pressure off of Brian Orakpo.  

Like Washington, Houston is attempting to transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Wade Phillips would love a vet with experience and success playing in a 3-4.  

Paul Posluszny-LB

Likely Destination: Buffalo OR Giants 

Under the Radar: Tampa

Buffalo will likely resign Posluzsny but only at the right price. Posluzsny is a very underrated middle linebacker but has been hit with the injury bug the last few seasons. He is an ideal fit for a 4-3 defense but is versatile enough to play in a 3-4 if needed.

The Giants should be in the running for Posluzsny but injury concerns may make them hesitant. 

Tampa will likely lose Barrett Ruud in free agency and Posluzsny would be an ideal replacement.  

Eric Weddle-Safety

Likely Destination: Chargers OR Houston 

Under the Radar: Chicago 

Eric Weedle is the best free agent Safety in this years crop and will likely get paid handsomely this season. Weedle is somewhat injury prone but will still likely field offers from numerous squads who need secondary help. Weedle has stated he would like to be back with the Chargers but may get a stronger offer elsewhere. Whichever team decides to offer Weedle a contract, they will likely have injury clause or incentives placed into the deal. 

Houston would likely turn to Weedle if they weren't able to snag a top corner in free agency. Weedle would immediately upgrade the Texans secondary. Wade Phillips would love to have the underrated Weedle in his secondary. 

Chicago is another team that could take a strong look at Weedle. The Bears will obviously prioritize upgrading their WR corps and offensive line but it wouldn't surprise me if they were in the running for the five year pro.