2012 NFL Free Agents: 3 Teams That Will Be Decimated by Departing Players

More than any other sport, success at the NFL level is dictated by how well teams evaluate and develop talent. Free-agent signings or big trades generally don't lead to Super Bowls—just ask the Philadelphia Eagles.

But that doesn't mean a team can't be stripped of talent in free agency. Here are a few teams I think will be devastated when their key players sign elsewhere.

(Note: Normally I would say the Chargers were primed to lose many of their players, but with Norv Turner and A.J. Smith planted firmly on the hot seat, I think they'll retain players like Vincent Jackson and be busy themselves on the free-agent market.)

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have a bit of a conundrum on their hands. They have two incredibly talented players hitting free agency this year—wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and cornerback Brandon Carr—and can only use the franchise tag on one.

Both players would draw huge interest on the free-agent market and the Chiefs can only ensure one will come back by applying the franchise tag. It's likely the Chiefs could get out-bid on the market if either of these players decides to test the free agent waters rather than re-signing with the Chiefs.

I'd guess Carr will return and Bowe will wind up elsewhere. That's a big loss for the Chiefs offense.

Tennessee Titans

Jeff Fisher landing in St. Louis could create a bridge between Tennessee and St. Louis. Free agent cornerback Cortland Finnegan doesn't expect to be back in Tennessee and would certainly help a woeful Rams secondary. Safety Michael Griffin might opt to reunite with Fisher as well.

Opposite starting safety Jordan Babineaux is also a free agent and may opt to sign elsewhere as well.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Jason Jones thrived in Jim Washburn's Wide 9 defense in 2010 and struggled with his move to defensive end in 2011. Teams like the Eagles or Lions who play the Wide 9 will likely have interest in Jones.

The Titans defense will likely look very different in next year.

Indianapolis Colts

What is this team going to look like next year?

Sure, they have Andrew Luck incoming if Peyton Manning ends up elsewhere, but will the Colts go out of their way to sign aging mainstays such as Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday, Robert Mathis or Ryan Diem?

It's doubtful, especially considering they need to re-sign wide receiver Pierre Garcon and outside linebacker Phillip Wheeler.

Things are going to get worse in Indianapolis before they get better. Let the rebuilding process begin.

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