NFL Free Agency: The Minnesota Vikings and 4 More New Homes for Braylon Edwards

The New York Jets decided not to "show any love," as Braylon Edwards calls it. Having extended a monstrous deal to fellow wide receiver Santonio Holmes and deciding to save the rest of their money for Nnamdi Asomugha, Edwards has been left the odd man out.

Though not quite as prolific as his counterpart in Holmes, the 6'3'' Edwards is a solid pass catcher and is likely to garner interest from several teams.

Lets take a look at five potential NFL suitors for Edwards.

5. San Fransisco 49ers

The San Fransisco 49ers have some serious problems. Star running back Frank Gore is planning a holdout, starting center David Baas is leaving for the New York Giants, and now star wideout Michael Crabtree is injured for the next four to six weeks.

The 49ers already needed some help at receiver, but with Crabtree possibly out to start the season, Vernon Davis becomes their only receiving threat.

The San Fransisco 49ers are looking to break the bank for Nnamdi Asomugha, so that will inhibit their ability to land Edward somewhat. They do have the cap space to try.

Adding Edwards would definitely bolster their lackluster offense and provide an extra target for Colin Kaepernick when he inevitably takes over midseason.

4. Chicago Bears

Having lost their chances to sign Brad Smith, Santonio Holmes and Sidney Rice, the Chicago Bears have yet to upgrade their poor wide receiver corps.

Now, a third Jets receiver comes on the Bears radar. Braylon Edwards brings everything Jay Cutler needs: a 6'3'' frame, a long wingspan and good speed, vertical and hands.

The Bears are looking at former Dallas Cowboys receiver Roy Williams, but Edwards might be attainable for a more reasonable price.

They might even go after both of them, having lost tight end Greg Olsen to a trade with the Carolina Panthers.

Williams and Edwards together with Jay Cutler and Mike Martz would be a deadly combination.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have traded away Chad Ochocinco at long last, meaning they can finally look for the future of their wide receiver corps.

With Carson Palmer still likely to retire and the training camp battle down to Bruce Gradkowski and Andy Dalton, the Cincinnati Bengals are going to need another pass catcher to play opposite first-round pick A.J Green.

Braylon Edwards fits the bill nicely, and the Bengals have a ton of cap space to spare. Having both Edwards and Green would make even Gradkowski look like a true NFL starter.

Look for Cincinnati to at least reach out to Edwards.

2. Arizona Cardinals

The poor Arizona Cardinals took one step forward and two steps back yesterday. They traded Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to finally get a true signal caller in Kevin Kolb, thereby weakening the defense and strengthening the offense. But they also lost wide receiver Steve Breaston to the Chiefs.

Having only Larry Fitzgerald for Kolb to throw to is almost as bad as having John Skelton throwing to both Fitzgerald and Breaston.

Even after giving Kolb a monster deal, the Cardinals have cap space to spare. They need to throw money at Braylon Edwards. They must have a legitimate receiver playing opposite Fitzgerald. Acquiring Edwards brings them a borderline second No. 1 receiver, hearkening back to the days of Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

The Cardinals should already be on the phone with Edwards.

1. Minnesota Vikings

Unlike the other teams on this list, the Minnesota Vikings lost their top receiving threat to free agency. Having been so sure Sidney Rice would stay and being so desperate to retain him, they were dealt a crushing blow when the Seattle Seahawks won his services.

Things are suddenly very ugly for the Minnesota Vikings offense. They have to find someone quickly to replace Rice. Braylon Edwards could be that guy.

If they sign him, their one-two punch of a big body receiver and Percy Harvin remains intact. Adrian Peterson won't find himself facing a stacked box on every down.

Edwards is angry the Jets have spurned him. If he goes to Minnesota, they become a possible playoff contender again. That should pull him to them—along with the fat contract they will likely extend.

Vikings fans should be holding their breath.