Super Bowl 2012: Upcoming Free Agents Playing in Big Game to Keep an Eye on

Super Bowl 2012 is possibly going to be the last game for some players in either a New York Giants or New England Patriots uniform.

These guys are set to hit the open market after the season, which ends on Sunday, and could be in line for a huge payday from another team.

Let’s take a look at some of the big-name players who will be available.

Wes Welker

The Patriots' best receiver is only making $2 million this season, which is incredible value when you take into account what he has been doing on the field.

He had 122 catches for 1,569 yards this season while scoring nine touchdowns. He’s Tom Brady’s safety net and seems to always come up with a big first down.

Luckily, Welker believes the team will retain him and he is not worried about impending free agency.

According to ESPN’s James Walker, Welker said:

"I plan on being back, I am not really too worried about that [free agency] right now. I am fully concentrated on this game and what we have to do, but I plan on being back."

Mario Manningham

Manningham lost his job as the No. 2 receiver to the emerging Victor Cruz, but that does not mean he doesn't still have the talent to become a contributor on another team.

The Giants are loaded with talent at the receiver position and Manningham has become somewhat expendable.

He’s chipped in eight catches for 116 yards and scored in all three of the Giants’ postseason games.

Don’t be surprised if he adds another TD in the Super Bowl and boosts his offseason value. 

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

The Pats love using a number of running backs and have plenty on their roster, including Aaron Hernandez, who has been taking snaps out of the backfield instead of his normal TE position.

The Law Firm's production dipped in 2011, going down to just 667 yards on 181 carries compared to his 2010 stats of 1,008 yards on 229 carries.

New England also just drafted Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley last year and will be looking to incorporate them more into their offense next season.

Expect Green-Ellis to sign with another squad after this Super Bowl.