NFL Free Agent Signings 2011: Big-Name Players Who Will Wait Longest to Sign

We are fully in the midst of the most intense free agency period in NFL history. 

Many big name free agents, such as Santonio Holmes, Sidney Rice and DeAngelo Williams, have already signed big contracts. But there are still plenty of players to be had and as the day goes on, I'm sure we will see more of the best available players signing. Some may sign with new teams while others will stay with their current teams.

Even in the frenzy that is happening as we speak, there will be some big name players who will have to wait to sign with a team. This may be because of injuries or due to "character issues", but whatever the reason, here are some big name players who will wait the longest to sign a contract.

Randy Moss, WR

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It is a shame to see what happened to Randy Moss last year. As one of the best receivers to ever play the game of football, Moss' game looked rather pathetic when he played for New England, Minnesota and Tennessee.

Teams are going to tread carefully with Moss because they aren't quite sure if he can get back to his 2007 form. However, the greater issue with Moss might be the lack of effort he brings to the football field. Anyone that watched him play last year saw too little from him while on the field.

Moss will wait until a team that is absolutely desperate for a receiver decides he is worth the risk. This will surely be after all the other top receivers have already been signed.

Terrell Owens, WR

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After reports came out of off-season surgery to repair a torn ACL, many teams that might have been interested in the aging receiver were turned off.

Whether or not Terrell Owens is fully healthy is unknown. His health, plus his well documented off-field issues, throw up major red flags to teams. Even though Buffalo and Cincinnati were willing to take a chance on him, this year is a completely different story.

Owens is getting older and this injury could be the final nail in the coffin for him.

Cedric Benson, RB

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The only reason that Cedric Benson makes this list is because of legal trouble.

If he could figure out how to stay away from the law, he would already be signed and probably to a rather lucrative deal. However, he is now an unknown as it appears as if he might not end up with Cincinnati.

There are plenty of teams that are in need of a productive running back, but not many of those teams are willing to deal with Benson's off-field issues. Look for him to struggle to find a new team until he can prove that his character is worth a contract.

Plaxico Burress, WR

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We all know why teams aren't willing to take a chance on Plaxico Burress. Spending so much time away from the game of football certainly has helped him become a better player.

On one hand, teams may look at how Michael Vick came back from prison and take a chance on Burress. On the other hand, Burress isn't nearly the athlete that Vick is. He is sort of a question mark right now as no one has been able to really see what he may be capable of.

Plenty of teams, such as Cleveland and St. Louis, could use Burress' talents, but these teams could wait a while to see what other players they can get first.

Joseph Addai, RB

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Injuries have really hurt Joseph Addai's career. He looked so promising and it is a shame to think how far he has fallen.

There are so many running backs available to teams that even as the league goes to more of a "running back by committee" approach, Addai won't be fought over too hard. Teams want durability more than ever and the he hasn't shown that he has that trait.

Don't expect Addai back in Indianapolis and with other running backs still available, don't expect him with another team for some time.