Super Bowl 2012: 6 Free Agents Who Need a Big Game

It's a familiar sight to see pending free agents parlay an impressive showing in a Super Bowl into a big-money move elsewhere. For some, even just the appearance in the NFL's showpiece game is enough to land a lucrative new deal.

Super Bowl 46 will feature six prime candidates, all of whom need a big game to boost their free-agent prospects.

Some of them can use a strong performance to assure their continued futures with either the New York Giants or New England Patriots, while others will need to put up a strong showing in order to boost interest and increase their options on the free-agent market.

Here is a list of six Super Bowl free agents who need a big game this Sunday.

6. Rocky Bernard, DT, New York Giants

Rocky Bernard didn't do a great deal during his first two seasons in New York after the Giants acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks in 2009. But recently, the 32-year-old has shown some signs of life and has finally become a valuable contributor in Big Blue's defensive line rotation.

Bernard has always possessed credible pass-rush ability from his defensive tackle spot. He provides an effective compliment to run-stuffing tandem Chris Canty and Linval Joseph. The 6'3", 301-pounder still retains decent first-step quickness and is able to move the pocket.

But with highly-touted youngster Marvin Austin set to return next season, and Joseph having made great strides, Bernard could become expendable in the offseason. A disruptive showing in Super Bowl 46 could be the 10-year veteran's best way to convince the league he still has a lot to offer in a 4-3 front.

5. Shaun Ellis, DL, New England Patriots

Greybeard pass-rusher Shaun Ellis began the season slowly with the Patriots, but has recently raised his game and could be a surprise factor playing in his first ever Super Bowl. The 12-year pro is a pending free agent and faces strong competition among a deep defensive line rotation in New England.

He was brought in as a stop gap, so Ellis likely faces an uphill battle to still be with the Patriots next season. The 34-year-old will have to do a lot to prove he can fend off younger players such as Ron Brace, Brandon Deaderick and Myron Pryor, and still be a factor for the Patriots. 

A big performance in Super Bowl 46 is the best way for Ellis to convince either the Patriots or any potential suitors that he still has plenty left in the tank.  

4. Aaron Ross, DB, New York Giants

Aaron Ross is another player who can use an impressive game in Super Bowl 46 to help fend off competition for his place. The fifth-year corner has never completely convinced as a starter for the Giants defense.

Injuries thrust Ross into the starting unit this season. But as rookie Prince Amukamara continues to develop, and with the potential return of Terrell Thomas, Ross' job is certainly going to be under threat.

In his time, he has been a valuable nickel back for the G-Men—but Ross could well see himself as an every-down starter and could be anxious to guarantee a regular spot for next season. A stellar effort in the Super Bowl could assure Ross starting corner status and money. But whether or not those things will be on offer in New York is another matter altogether. 

3. Deion Branch, WR, New England Patriots

He may once have been Tom Brady's favourite target in the passing game, but wide receiver Deion Branch has fallen down the pecking order during his second stint with the Patriots. The veteran flanker is overshadowed by slot receiver Wes Welker and young duo Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski.

Branch has managed just over 700 yards in each of the last two seasons, but struggles to provide the New England offense with a credible vertical threat. But Branch is still an extremely intelligent and precise route-runner with excellent scheme knowledge and rapport with Brady.

If the MVP of Super Bowl 39 enjoys another big Super Sunday, it could convince the Patriots to bring the sure-handed 32-year-old back for another year.

2. Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants

Inconsistent flanker Mario Manningham's future with the Giants seems in doubt. He has failed to lock down the No. 1 receiver job in two attempts, having been overshadowed first by Hakeem Nicks and then by this season's breakout star, Victor Cruz.

A spectacular showing in Super Bowl 46 could be Manningham's only way of generating free-agent interest. He has been guilty of too many drops in his four pro seasons, and he doesn't always run the best routes.

But Manningham has shown a knack for finding the end zone at crucial times during the Giants' postseason run. He has the speed to stretch any defense and offer a genuine deep threat to an offense. A good Super Bowl showing could convince some teams to take a chance on Manningham and give him another shot at making it as a featured wideout.

1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, New England Patriots

Underrated runner BenJarvus Green-Ellis always seems to be a player the Patriots are expected to move on. The 26-year-old is surrounded by younger, supposedly more dynamic backs trying to take his job, as the Patriots seem to frequently be looking for a more explosive option to the fourth-year pro.

With rookies Stevan Ridely and Shane Vereen in the fold along with the resourceful Danny Woodhead, Green-Ellis could well find himself the odd man out come the start of free agency. The irony is that he just might be able to play a decisive role in determining who wins Super Bowl 46.

The Giants' defensive front will be going all out to get to Brady, and will likely only be playing the run on their way to the quarterback. That could leave plenty of holes for Green-Ellis to exploit. He is a quick-cutting, durable runner who is capable of getting the tough yards inside.

A big game in Super Bowl 46 would give Green-Ellis a lot of bargaining power in free agency. If the Patriots remained committed to their younger speedsters, Green-Ellis could use a strong Super Sunday showing to prove to the rest of the league that he is a better runner than his numbers suggest.