2012 NFL Free Agency: 10 Teams That No Elite Free Agent Wants to Join

With the 2012 NFL free agency period set to begin next week, free agents Peyton Manning and Mario Williams are ready to explore new teams for the first time in their careers.

Certainly, there will be many teams pursuing these top free agents. However, what teams do all NFL players prefer not to play for?

Here is a list of 10 teams that are the least appealing to elite free agents.

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10. Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning's former team won't be a popular destination for too many free agents.

The Indianapolis Colts are entering a new era under soon-to-be quarterback Andrew Luck. The biggest priority for the Colts will be to use the draft to fill the many holes that Manning covered up for years.

Chuck Pagano could potentially convince a few players he's coached to join him in Indianapolis, but the Colts will be mostly quiet in free agency.

9. St Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams enter a new era, as veteran head coach Jeff Fisher moves to the NFC West.

There are building pieces in tact, with quarterback Sam Bradford and running back Steven Jackson managing the offense.

However, this isn't a destination that marquee free agents will go to this offseason. Aside from the two stars, there are no other players who can be a difference maker on this team.

It also doesn't help that the new head coach has not always been given the reputation of being a player's coach.

Overall, the Rams are not a fit for many free agents.

8. Cincinnati Bengals

At a quick glance, it may seem questionable why the Cincinnati Bengals should be on this list.

The Bengals are one of the younger teams in the NFL, with Andy Dalton and A.J. Green leading this team for the foreseeable future.

Most importantly, the Bengals have plenty of cap room this offseason. Why wouldn't the Bengals be a favorite option for elite free agents?

Unfortunately, until Mike Brown changes his philosophy, it will be difficult to see any free agents heading to Cincinnati.

Brown has always refused to be active in pursuing top free agents. He will spend the bare minimum of available cap space, which won't excite potential free agents.

7. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings won't be a favorable destination for free agents.

There are plenty of questions involving the organization as a whole. First, it is unclear of where the Vikings will play over the next five years. Currently, owner Ziggy Wilf is pursuing the best options for a new stadium in Minnesota.

On the roster, this team hasn't recovered from the veteran players who left the Vikings for free agency. Christian Ponder is an unproven project at quarterback, and there is huge uncertainty with the health of Adrian Peterson.

Even though the Vikings could use a good corner back and wide receiver, it doesn't appear as if these free agents will consider them as a viable option.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars want to improve the energy of the franchise now that they are under new ownership.

Shahid Khan wants to make the Jaguars a team that the best free agents will consider over the next few years.

However, it is certainly a tough situation for the new owner. Jacksonville is not the best market in comparison to other NFL teams. With the city's economy in a crisis, there is always the question as to whether or not the team could be moved in the near future.

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert isn't an appealing option right now, and Maurice Jones-Drew is the only All-Pro player who could push for other elite players to join him.

Also, Mike Mularkey hasn't earned a good reputation as a head coach, or as an offensive mind, for that matter.

5. Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have never been a lucky destination for free agents, which doesn't appeal to many teams.

Even though there is new management running the team, don't expect any team to consider signing with the Raiders.

Players won't be excited to play for rookie head coach Dennis Allen, who is considered to be a coach who has not proved himself worthy of the new position.

Also, what is the future of the quarterback position? How long will Carson Palmer lead this franchise?

There is no reason why the Raiders will be a team that top free agents will want to sign with.

4. New York Giants

Is it possible for the defending Super Bowl champions to not be a team that a free agent would want to play for?

In the eyes of many free agents, that appears to be the case. 

Tom Coughlin has established himself as one of the game's best coaches. However, his style of coaching, along with his presence in the locker room, makes him a guy that players want to stay away from.

In a poll conducted by NFL players this season, Coughlin was voted as the coach players would least like to play for.

It's also hard to ignore the presence of the New York media, which many players will clearly try to avoid while looking at all options.

3. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are not a team that will sign an elite free agent this offseason.

No, Matt Flynn does not count either, as he hasn't proved himself as a quality starter in this league.

It's a tough situation for the Browns to be in. They play in arguably the best division in the AFC North, which produced three playoff teams last season.

It doesn't help that they play in Cleveland, a city dominated by cold weather and a fan base that is greatly hoping for a championship.

The best formula for the Browns is to continue building through the draft, as free agents won't sign until an improvement is made.

2. Denver Broncos

Unfortunately, the Denver Broncos won't be a favorite option for the many talented free agents available this offseason.

This does have to do with the idea that Tim Tebow is the current quarterback of this franchise. Though it isn't intentional, the attention he brings to this franchise will discourage many players.

It's an uncomfortable situation for a player when he is asked many questions about his quarterback, which includes his future.

We can't ignore the fact that Denver does not provide the best climate for its players, as many of them cannot handle the high altitude.

1. Buffalo Bills

This offseason is no different. The Buffalo Bills will be the least favorite team that free agents will consider during free agency.

This team does have some pieces in place. Fred Jackson and Stevie Johnson have improved during Ryan Fitzpatrick's tenure as quarterback in Buffalo.

However, they continue to suffer in a very challenging AFC East division. With Peyton Manning possibly joining the Miami Dolphins, there is no chance that a free agent will sign with a team that does not have a great chance of succeeding in the future.