NFL Free Agency: Where Will Zach Miller Land Next Year?

In four years with the Oakland Raiders, Zach Miller has established himself as one of the NFL's best tight ends. Miller doesn't get the recognition that he deserves, but whoever lands him this offseason will be much better for it.

The Raiders are going to do their best to try and keep the talented TE in Oakland, although they won't be the only ones who want Miller. Miller seems like a low-key guy, who could ultimately take less money to stay in Oakland or go somewhere he can win.

After the Raiders showed progress this past season it could be possible Miller wants to be apart of Oakland's turnaround. But assuming he's not, where does he go?

Let's take a look at some teams who could be interested in signing Miller this offseason

Carolina Panthers: Why It Will Happen

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers walks off the field in the second quarter during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images

The Panthers received terrible news when Andrew Luck decided to stay in school for one more year. While the Panthers will most likely look for another quarterback, another position that they will want to upgrade is TE.

Carolina has consistently ranked near the bottom of the league in production from its TEs over the years making Miller a prime target for the organization this summer. Miller would give whoever is quarterbacking the Panthers a good pass catching TE next season which would help take some pressure off of the Carolina receivers.

If Carolina chooses to stick with Jimmy Clausen or go with another rookie QB it would be a welcomed addition to have a TE who can be relied upon to make catches over the middle.

Carolina Panthers: Why It Won't Happen

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 19: Teammates Jimmy Clausen #2 and Jeff King #47 of the Carolina Panthers celebrate after a touchdown by King during their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Car

There are too many holes on this roster for the organization to go out and spend on a TE. Owner Jerry Richardson has repeatedly said that he wants the organization to build through the draft, so signing an expensive TE doesn't seem to fall with his philosophy.

Not to mention Miller will have his pick from teams to go and would he really want to jump from an 8-8 Raider team to a team that just went 2-14? I doubt it. 

Tennessee Titans: Why It Will Happen

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Eric Foster #68 of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. the Colts won 23-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

With Vince Young no longer the future in Tennessee, it appears there will be some big changes coming to the Titans this offseason. Adding a big TE for the next Titans' QB would be a good start in turning the team around.

Right now, Bo Scaife is Tennessee's TE but his numbers have significantly declined over the past couple of seasons. With Chris Johnson in the backfield and Kenny Britt at receiver, adding Miller would be another weapon in the offense. Almost all good offenses have at least one or more solid TE's who are actively involved in the passing game.

Miller would give just that to the Titans.

Tennessee Titans: Why It Won't Happen

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Jeff Fisher the Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans watches play during NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Jeff Fisher's team had a miserable season, but the longtime Titans coach managed to survive without getting the ax. Now Fisher will have to turn his focus onto what Tennessee needs to do to win football games in the future.

After that assessment is made there will be more pressing needs the Titans need to address than bringing in a TE. As solid of a TE Miller is, he isn't a game changer like an Antonio Gates, although not many are.

Tennessee desperately needs to improve its offense, but adding a QB will take priority over bringing in Miller.

St. Louis Rams: Why It Will Happen

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams hands the ball off to running back Steven Jackson #39 during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Gre

Sam Bradford had an impressive rookie season and showed promise throughout the year despite not having any true receiving threats. Adding a receiver through the draft will be a must for the Rams, but adding a TE is another need.

Daniel Fells led the Rams' TEs in receiving yards with 391 yards. While that is solid production for a team that doesn't emphasize the TE, Bradford would greatly benefit from having a security blanket, which is exactly what Miller would bring to the table. 

Consider the Rams a legitimate landing spot for Miller. 

St. Louis Rams: Why It Won't Happen

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Running back Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams looks on during their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

As much as it makes sense on the field for the Rams to try and sign Miller, it just doesn't seem likely. Miller was born in Arizona, went to college at Arizona St. and ended up getting drafted by Oakland. It appears that Miller is a West Coast kind of guy and that the Midwest may not be his flavor.

In order for St. Louis to get Miller to sign a contract to be a Ram, it would take one hell of a pitch to pry him from the Bay Area to the Midwest.

Buffalo Bills: Why It Will Happen

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills readies to pass against the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Bills finished with only four wins this past season but they did show improvement. There were signs of progress throughout the year and Buffalo played competitively in most games. With the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Bills will be able to add another impact player to the roster.

It wouldn't be a bad idea for the Bills to look into signing Miller this offseason either. Miller would be a significant upgrade at the TE position for Buffalo where they got virtually no production this past season. With the emergence of Steve Johnson and the possibility that Buffalo could add A.J. Green through the draft, adding Miller could be the icing on the cake.

The Bills offense could make a big leap if they add Miller.

Buffalo Bills: Why It Won't Happen

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: C.J. Spiller #21 of the Buffalo Bills makes a catch against Kyle Arrington #27 of the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

There's just too much uncertainty in Buffalo to make it an attractive place for a coveted free agent. Buffalo has some nice pieces in C.J. Spiller, Johnson and Fred Jackson, but on the defensive side of the ball they need significant upgrades.

As big of an upgrade it would be for Buffalo to bring in Miller, it's hard to see him jump to a franchise that has been a bottom dweller for awhile now, especially since he's used to playing in the warmth of Oakland.

Why Miller Will Stay With The Raiders

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Runningback Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with teammate Zach Miller #80 after McFadden scored a 2 yard rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter of the NFL game at the U

When it's all said and done I fully expect Miller to resign with the Raiders. There are a number of reasons for him to say with the biggest being Oakland's close to his home state Arizona.

Miller's played four seasons with the Raiders and the team is finally showing signs of progress after an 8-8 season. After being around an organization that has been stuck for so long, it would be surprising to see a key piece like Miller bolt when things are looking up.

You also have to factor in that Oakland is going to go after him aggressively try and bring him back. So while Miller has his options to go elsewhere, the best bet is that he winds up where he started.