NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: 5 Playoff Players Who May Be Changing Teams Next Year

It's no easy task to make the playoffs in the National Football League, and it can be even harder to do so with any regularity, as in the era of free agency and the salary cap, it can be exceedingly difficult to keep a team together.

That task may prove more daunting for some of this season's playoff participants than others, as the following players may well see the 2011 season be their last with their respective clubs.

Matt Flynn: QB, Green Bay Packers

This one's about as close to a mortal lock as you can get.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn is one of the NFL's top backups, and after lighting up the Detroit Lions for 480 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season finale, the fourth-year pro will be one of the hottest commodities in free agency, with a starting gig and fat payday likely headed his direction.

Cedric Benson: RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Seventh-year running back Cedric Benson has been a workhorse for the Cincinnati Bengals, with three straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons under his belt.

However, the plodding running back has also averaged less than four yards a carry three of the past four seasons, and it's a distinct possibility that the Bengals will look elsewhere at the position this offseason.

Cliff Avril: DE, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril enjoyed a breakout year in 2011, setting career highs in tackles and sacks in his fourth season in the National Football League.

The Lions would very much like to bring the free agent back, but given the amount of money the team already has invested in defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, it's possible that it just won't be feasible to do so.

Mario Williams: OLB, Houston Texans

2011 was a very disappointing year for outside linebacker Mario Williams, as although Williams seemed to be making a successful transition from defensive end to linebacker in the Houston Texans' new 3-4 defense, a torn pectoral muscle ended his season after only five games.

The Texans have already expressed interest in bringing back the sixth-year veteran, but it's possible that Williams might be wooed away by a huge payday and/or the chance to return to playing defensive end in a 4-3 defense.

Robert Meachem: WR, New Orleans Saints

Wide receiver Robert Meachem of the New Orleans Saints was just one of the seemingly unending array of offensive weapons available to quarterback Drew Brees this season, racking up 40 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns.

However, with such prominent free agents as Brees and fellow wideout Marques Colston undoubtedly higher priorities for the Saints this offseason, Meachem may find himself the proverbial odd man out, and it's fairly likely that he'll be catching passes for another team in 2012.