5 Teams That Could Realistically Target Randy Moss in 2012 NFL Free Agency

It's reasonable to suspect that Randy Moss will be suiting up for an NFL franchise in 2012, but which one remains to be seen.

However, that could potentially be sooner than later. According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, Moss had a strong workout on Tuesday.

That said, here are five teams to keep an eye on in "Moss Watch 2012."

Full view of projected salary cap space.

Jacksonville Jaguars

To Randy Moss, the Jacksonville Jaguars are certainly not the most appealing franchise.

They have a young quarterback in Blaine Gabbert that may end up as a bust, and they finished the 2011 season with the worst passing offense at 136 yards a game. Had it not been for running back Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville's offense wouldn't have needed to take the field.

The good news, though, is that Gabbert did better than it seems at first glance, with over 2,200 passing yards and 12 touchdowns to 11 picks.

The bad news is that Gabbert had a 65.4 rating and completed just 50.8 percent of his throws.

Still, with a top 10 draft pick, a top 10 defense and some cash to spend, adding a quarterback along with Moss and a young stud receiver via the draft will take Jacksonville to the next level rather quickly.

There's also new head coach Mike Mularkey who knows how to develop young quarterbacks, as he did just that with Matt Ryan in Atlanta.

Moss may not be attracted to the Jags, but believe it or not, Jacksonville will be a lot better in 2012 with or without him.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished their 2011 campaign on a 10-game losing streak and with a 4-12 record, it's not a bad situation for Moss.

Quarterback Josh Freeman has all kinds of potential and proved it in 2010 with 25 touchdowns to just six picks and over 3,400 passing yards.

Last year may not have been a mind-blowing season. However, Freeman did throw for over 3,500 yards without any overly dominant receivers and arguably the NFL's worst defense on the other side of the line.

Given Freeman's strong arm, mobility, solid accuracy (61.4 completion percentage in 2010, 62.8 percent in 2011) and Tampa's desperate need for a deep threat, Moss fits quite well.

The Buccaneers also are expected to be in a great position for salary cap purposes, so their offer may be more enticing than anyone else's. Last season, not one Buccaneers player had more than 771 receiving yards (Mike Williams) and the Bucs still ranked No. 16 in passing.

Include Moss for the 2012 season and Tampa will definitely improve through the air and take pressure off the inconsistent rushing attack. At the very least, this provides the Bucs with a chance to contend in a non-defense-oriented NFC South.

Denver Broncos

Along the same lines as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Denver Broncos have a strong-armed and mobile quarterback in Tim Tebow.

One major difference, though, resides in the Broncos possessing the NFL's No. 1 rushing offense in 2011 as well as a defense that can apply solid quarterback pressure. However, Denver does need that veteran-established deep threat while Demaryius Thomas continues to develop.

If anything, Moss's presence in The Mile High City will take defenders out of the box and allow for even more success on the ground. When the Broncos pass, Moss will provide Tebow with a safety outlet down the field.

Contrary to most offensive systems where the outlet is a check-down to the running back, defenses know that Tebow likes to run. He still has to develop his short and intermediate passing game, so checking down isn't an option in Denver.

So, why not just chuck it deep to Moss when in doubt? Worst-case scenario is an interception that changes the field position like a punt. Additionally, the Broncos are expected to be in an even better cap position than Tampa Bay.

Considering how well the Broncos performed in 2011 without a consistent passing attack, Moss could revive his career with the defending AFC West champions.

Washington Redskins

Randy Moss to the Washington Redskins has a lot to do with whether Robert Griffin III will land in our nation's capital.

Much like everyone else on the list, the Redskins are expected to have cap space, but without a quarterback that can connect with Moss downfield, there's no reason for him to agree to a deal.

At this point, Washington will have to go all in on RG3.

Provided that a deal does get done with the St. Louis Rams for the No. 2 overall selection, acquiring Moss will need to have been done beforehand.

There's going to be more than a few franchises interested in pursuing Moss, so being extremely confident about getting Griffin in the draft will be necessary. There's no doubt that the Griffin-to-Moss connection would be deadly in the NFL.

Griffin has a strong arm, is mobile, very accurate and can improvise as good as anyone in the game. Moss's ability to stretch a defense will assist the running game and open up the underneath routes as well.

Washington just can't be in a position where Moss is being thrown to by Rex Grossman or John Beck. Even the non-Redskins fans would hate to see Moss in that situation.

San Francisco 49ers

It seems to be unlikely. However, if the San Francisco 49ers wanted to, they could easily get Randy Moss.

For one, the Niners were within one lost fumble of the Super Bowl and have a head coach, who like Bill Belichick, is demanding and has had the locker room since day one.

And just like Moss left New England midseason, Jim Harbaugh wouldn't hesitate since he knows the potential of the 49ers' current player personnel.

That being said, Moss would help to a great extent as San Francisco does need that deep target. Alex Smith developed quite well under Harbaugh and expectations are increased for 2012.

With a receiving corps that will consist of Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan (if healthy), Kyle Williams, Ted Ginn Jr. and tight end Vernon Davis, you can see that the 49ers are missing that legitimized No. 1 guy who forces a defense on its heels.

Without Moss, San Francisco still has a respectable passing attack and the rush offense won't miss a beat. Now, although it's more likely that the 49ers make a play for Vincent Jackson, Moss has to be on their radar.

Otherwise, San Francisco will once again fall short, part of which can be attributed to their inability to stretch a defense.

John Rozum on Twitter.