8 Free Agents Guaranteed to Bite Their Former Teams in the Rear

Some times, parting is such sweet sorrow.

Not in these cases.

When the free agency period started, these players were quick to find new homes and start the new phase of their NFL careers.

And when it comes to not being loved by their former teams, they will prove that not re-signing them to a contract was a huge mistake.

While the big names like Mario Williams and Peyton Manning are no-brainers in terms of making former teams regret their decision to let them test the free agent waters.

Others may surprise you.

These guys will make their former teams pay for not ponying up.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncios

The best way for Peyton Manning to prove he is back to his 2009 elite form, is to come out firing in 2012.

Manning will be a star again in Mile High.

I like the fact he wants to prove to everyone, including the Colts, that he wants to be and can be one of the best in the NFL again.

And with all the success he has with mediocre receivers and a weak running game in the past, are we going to bet against him? I know I wouldn't!

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals

I think "The Law Firm" could be the most underrated runner in the NFL if he is used properly.

Green-Ellis was used effectively in the Patriots offense, but he could be used more as a lead runner and in my opinion, could be a consistent 1,200-yard runner.

The Patriots could be on the decline this season and the Bengals, with the help of a more effective running game and the use of Green-Ellis, could be a real power with a rushing offense that will be dominant.

Mario Williams, Buffalo Bills

The Bills would not let Williams leave their sight once he came to Buffalo and free agency started. This is definitely great news for the Bills, but bad news for the Texans and the NFL.

Williams will improve a pass rush and make the defense better. While the Texans did not miss a beat without him in the lineup once he was injured last season, Williams will still prove to be one of the better pass rushers in the league.

And the Texans are going to regret him being gone.

Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It only took the Buccaneers minutes to scoop up the former San Diego Chargers star receiver.

It will be interesting what kind of chemistry he and Josh Freeman have down in Tampa.

Jackson at 6'5" is easily the best receiver to put on the pewter and red. And his ability to be a major red zone threat will make other receivers on the Tampa Bay roster even better because teams will look to double-team Jackson on scoring opportunities.

Chad Henne, Jacksonville Jaguars

I predict that before the season is over, Chad Henne will see the football field for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Maybe that is not so much of a stretch, but once he gets on the field, does that mean he leaves the starting lineup?

The Dolphins started 2011 with Henne as their starter and he was injured, which gave way to Matt Moore. In my opinion, Henne was miscast and deserves another chance to prove he can make it as a starter.

For now, Blaine Gabbert is the starter in Jacksonville, but by the end of the season, Henne could be the savior.

Ben Grubbs, New Orleans Saints

The Ravens have pretty big shoes to fill, if you ask me. A run-heavy offense without their star offensive lineman is tough to replace.

Grubbs, a solid player for the Ravens, comes into a situation where he can help the Saints with the run game and keep Drew Brees' jersey clean.

Looks like the Saints found a decent replacement, and Grubbs may have found a better situation for himself.

DeMeco Ryans, Philadelphia Eagles

If Ryans was a part of the league's top-ranked defense last season and then moves to the NFC East with the Eagles, who are hungry to prove they are better than last year's 8-8 record, this can only be a good thing.

Ryans has been a steady, if not spectacular players since he was drafted by Houston in 2006. It is that consistency that the Texans will miss in their linebacking corps.

Ryans is perfect to play the middle and cover tight ends out of the backfield and shore up run support in a division where the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins all love to run the ball up the middle.

Robert Meachem, San Diego Chargers

This is a chance to prove Meachem was not a third or fourth string receiver in the first place.

While he caught passes from Drew Brees and fit well in the Saints' offensive system, he was too talented to be used in that capacity for the remainder of his career.

Going to San Diego and playing in Norv Turner's offense means Meachem will be catching passes from Phillip Rivers, the man ironically who replaced Brees in San Diego.

And in this case, Meachem will benefit from having playing with one quarterback before moving on to the other.