10 Impending Free Agents in Desperate Need of a Change of Scenery

America was built on second chances. And like the Pilgrims who needed a fresh start in new surroundings, there are plenty of NFL free agents ready to live the less famous version of the American dream.

Heck, I've lived it myself. After hitting a wall in the legal world, I left the freezing confines of Michigan for the sandy sun of Arizona and brought my laptop with me. 

It's the best decision I've ever made.

So which veterans should hit the road this offseason with Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" blaring on the radio? Click through to find out.

All contract and salary cap information is sourced from Spotrac.com. All stats, grades and rankings are courtesy of Pro Football Focus and require a subscription. 

Quarterback Michael Vick

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Remember Michael Vick?

Nobody would blame Philadelphia Eagles fans if they didn't. Nick Foles has cemented himself into the starting role for hopefully the next decade, relegating Vick to permanent backup.

There might not be a huge market for soon-to-be-34-year-old quarterbacks, but recent runs of success by Peyton Manning and Brett Favre might persuade a few teams to swing for the fences. Are there any teams built like the present Broncos or the 2009 Vikings?

What about Minnesota, St. Louis, Tennessee and Cleveland? What would any of them have to lose by inking Vick to small deal if their franchise quarterback isn't already on the roster?

Or what about a general manager who drafts one of the intriguing-but-unpolished quarterback prospects? He could give Vick a shot knowing that he won't be there for more than a couple years, giving his young signal-caller a low-pressure environment where he can grow.

Running Back Maurice Jones-Drew

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

I'm not sure what crime Maurice Jones-Drew committed in this or a past lifetime. I do know that his sentence has been served and with a few extra karma points to boot.

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't likely to be a contender for at least two more years. A rebuilding project of this magnitude takes time.

Time isn't a luxury NFL running backs have.

If MJD wants to taste success again, it will be with another team. And he's certainly earned it.

It's total speculation on my part, but wouldn't it be fun for him to play with Giovani Bernard? Just a thought. 

Running Back LeGarrette Blount

Elsa/Getty Images

Chill out, New England Patriots fans. I can hear (see?) the comments flying from your keyboards before we even get to the heart of the issue.

There is no doubt that Boston has been a great career rehabilitation stop for LeGarrette Blount. But that's all it is—a bridge to the next destination.

And that next place will include plenty of cash and a great opportunity to be "the man" in an offense. That sounds an awful lot like something the Cleveland Browns could use. 

The Pats won't pay Blount the money he will want and deserve. Belichick has a long history of not caving into contract demands. Additionally, cornerback Aqib Talib will be much higher on the priority list with the wealth of talent already in place at the running back position.

Wide Receiver Kenny Britt

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

A new coach will bring new enthusiasm and a whole new vibe to a team. More often than not, the new headmaster won't sully that new franchise smell with the mistakes of a past regime.

Ken Whisenhunt is going to move forward with what he deems to be the core of the Tennessee Titans. Here's betting the oft-maligned Kenny Britt won't be in the inner circle.

From arrests, to spats with authority, Britt has had anything but a smooth ride with the Titans. To make matters worse, it's entirely his fault.

Still, Britt is a ball of natural talent. All it takes is the right coach in the right situation and Britt can have a whole new career (see Moss, Randy).

Tight End Brandon Pettigrew

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Not all hope is lost for former first-round tight end Brandon Pettigrew. In fact, when I wrote that the Detroit Lions should part ways with him, more than a few fans balked at the thought. 

Pettigrew is a throwback tight end, meaning he is able to block and catch (sometimes). But his inconsistent hands have held him back every year of his career except for 2011, when he had 83 catches.

The expectations in Detroit might have been too high because of his draft position. A new place without the immense amount of pressure normally heaped on Pettigrew might do him some real good. 

Offensive Tackle Michael Oher

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Insert your own joke about fictional happy endings and reality. Just don't insert Michael Oher into Baltimore's starting lineup next year.

Oher has regressed every year since his rookie year, culminating in a disastrous 2013. He allowed eight sacks last season, which is double the next highest lineman on the Ravens roster.

It's puzzling how a player could perform as well as he did his rookie year (graded out at a ridiculous 23.4) and tumble so far down the scale. I don't know the reason behind his fall. I do know that a change of scenery couldn't make things any worse.

Offensive Guard Richie Incognito

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Richie Incognito doesn't just need a new team, he might need a new league.

The bullying scandal that dominated the sports-news cycle for much longer than anyone anticipated signaled the end of his time with the Miami Dolphins. The real question is whether any other franchise will invite the hoopla that his acquisition would create.

But don't forget that the 30-year-old guard still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Prior to his suspension, Incognito was putting together a terrific season, finishing all but one of his eight games with a positive grade.

Whichever team brings him in will need a strong locker room to handle the scrutiny. Considering the Seattle Seahawks' struggles along the offensive line and Pete Carroll's strong leadership, Incognito might be a great Seahawk.

Defensive End Jared Allen

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The clock is ticking for Jared Allen. He was an up-and-down defensive end for most of 2013, and the market for aging pass-rushers is always a bit tight.

Therefore, it's best to find a winning team now, while there is still some interest.

The Minnesota Vikings are undertaking a renovation, if not an entire rebuild, this offseason. They've hired Mike Zimmer as head coach and still have Adrian Peterson in the backfield, but they lack a trustworthy quarterback. 

If the Vikings decide to groom a rookie quarterback in 2014, Allen needs to find somewhere he can win quickly. The Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions would be interesting choices. 

Outside Linebacker Jason Worilds

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Outside linebacker Jason Worilds had a solid 2013 campaign. On an inconsistent defense, he bookended franchise linebacker LaMarr Woodley perfectly, rating as the 12th best OLB in the league.

That sets Worilds up for a a nice payday. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, it won't be happening in Steel City.

The Steelers are currently projected to be a little more than $9.5 million over the cap. There will be some tough decisions coming this offseason.

However, one of those will not involve Worilds. With 2013 rookie Jarvis Jones getting a year of experience under his belt, he'll likely be handed Worilds' spot with the hopes that he capitalizes on his immense potential. 

Cornerback/Safety Charles Woodson

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

The Oakland Raiders find themselves in a similar predicament as the Jacksonville Jaguars.

They won't be a contender in 2014. Probably not 2015 either.

And Charles Woodson might not even be playing in 2015. He's already 37 years old and has played 16 years in the league. 

Unless Woodson feels a sense of loyalty to the franchise, there is little incentive, other than money, to re-up with that particular Bay Area team. Plus, he could still be effective in the right scheme, making him an attractive player on the late market.

Only the Seahawks are set at every position in the secondary. Every team needs another playmaker at the back end of the defense in today's pass-and-flag-happy NFL. Surely, Woodson can find a contender to give him a few snaps in 2014.