NFL Free Agency 2011: Power Ranking the Top 25 Most Sought-After Free Agents

There's only one game left in the NFL. I'll let everyone else discuss about that and dive right into the offseason. 

The 2011 free-agent list is a long one. Several good players top the list and of course there are the guys you've never heard of. (Caleb Hanie is one, but you know who he is now.) 

NFL teams will spend a good amount of time figuring out who to sign and re-sign, and which guys can fill the holes in their roster. 

It was pretty hard putting together this list as a few people were left out. Just know that there could be some shake-ups on a few teams. Some for the worse and some for the better. 

This offseason, teams will be looking for guys who can make an impact right away. Look for some of the weaker teams to spend a good bit of money to land their guy. 

25. Randy Moss

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans watches from the sidelines during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Ima

I know what you're thinking. Randy Moss is washed up and he would be a waste of a player on any team. 

But hear me out. This guy can still play. I know this year it seemed like he didn't really want to at times but he jumped around so much he just gave up. 

He'll stick with one team next year, and if it happens to be a contending team, the playmaker inside of him will come out. He just needs a team that will show him some love. 

Someone will take a chance on Randy Moss. He realizes that he was awful this year. Moss loves the game too much to go out like this.

He's not that type of player. Moss wants to win. 

24. Terrell Owens

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Another head case? Yes, it is so. Terrell Owens dismantled the Bengals this season and he won't be returning next year. 

The tandem of T.O. and Ochocinco did not work out. In fact it was a huge bust. They put up good numbers but trying to work a game plan around two divas proved to be to much for Cincinnati. 

Owens showed us there year he can still play football. Posting 72 receptions for just under 1,000 yards with nine touchdowns is a pretty good year. Especially for the 37-year-old.

He'll have to go to a team in desperate need of a wideout. Somewhere he can be the big-name, go-to guy once again.  

23. Steve Smith

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants rushes against Roy Lewis #34 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 41-7. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Ge

2010 wasn't quite the season Smith wanted. When he was healthy—he missed seven out of the last eight games—Smith was always a threat. 

With the emergence of Hakeem Nicks and the great play of Mario Manningham at the end of the season, Smith may not be back in New York. 

Nicks should clearly move to the number one receiver spot. This could leave Smith out to dry. 

However, Smith won't be worried because he is a great receiver. His speed makes him a deep ball threat and he has excellent skills at running routes. 

Any team will be happy to have him. 

22. Braylon Edwards

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets celebrates after catching a pass during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo

Another guy who teams may take precautions with. Edwards has shown signs of wanting to do things his own way. 

But that shouldn't take away from the fact that he is great at what he does. Throw it up to him and he is bound to get it. Edwards has a winning mentality about him, especially since he finally joined a winning team. 

The question is, do the Jets bring him back or let him go? Either way, he's still gonna put up solid numbers and find the end zone often. 

21. Zach Miller

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Zach Miller #80 of the Oakland Raiders in action during their game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Miller is obviously the Raiders' top offensive target. He led the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns. 

Miller doesn't just catch the passes, he also blocks. He threw some key blocks for Darren McFadden and Michael Bush all season. 

The Raiders would be stupid to let him go. But Miller may want to keep his options open. He is the top tight end in the 2011 free-agent class and a couple teams could use an all-around guy like Miller. 

20. Ike Taylor

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 27: Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gestures during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 27, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won the game, 23-20. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Image

Taylor has been the guy for Pittsburgh for several years now. He is a solid corner that covers well and can hit you hard if you try to run. 

With the lack of depth the Steelers have at corner it's hard to see them letting Taylor go. Money will play a factor in all of this. 

However, if he helps his team win another Super Bowl he'll probably want to stay and keep playing for the black and yellow. 

19. Joseph Addai

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17-16. (Photo b

Addai has suffered from injuries in his career but he's still a great player. He has great vision and has gotten better at pass blocking over the years. 

Since the Colts will be dropping big dollars on Peyton Manning, they may not re-sign Addai and just live with their young backs for next season. They do like to throw a lot anyways. 

Addai is still one of the top running backs in the 2011 free-agent class. He hasn't rushed for 1,000 yards since 2007, but if he can get a full season under his belt it will surely happen again. 

18. Sidney Rice

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17: Wide receiver Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minn

2010 was a year to forget for Vikings fans. They first lost Sidney Rice and it all went down hill from there. 

Rice burst onto the scene last year when Brett Favre was throwing everything his way. Favre could still throw a rocket and Rice would catch it. 

He came back towards the end of the season hoping to give the Vikings some life. But because of injuries to quarterbacks the Vikings were forced to play Joe Webb. And Rice made even him look good. 

The Vikings cannot let one of their best receivers walk away. The 6'4" wideout is a threat on every down. 

17. Richard Seymour

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 17: Richard Seymour #92 of the Oakland Raiders stands on the field in between plays of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Ima

Seymour still has some fight left him in. He's been in the league for 10 years now and some may not want to sign the veteran. 

However, any team looking for a big monster to anchor their line should consider Seymour. He recorded five-and-a-half sacks this year for a loss of 36 yards. He's very difficult to block. 

There's some great young defensive line talent in the draft this year. Those teams drafting skill players will miss out on some good talent. However, they can sign Seymour and get the best of both worlds. 

16. Cedric Benson

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 19: Cedric Benson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Benson rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second straight year. Marvin Lewis gave him a second chance and it has paid off very well. 

However, know his quarterback is demanding a trade. If Carson Palmer wants out I'm sure the star running back will not be happy. Benson may seek another team, leaving the Bengals with nothing. 

The question is, will any other team take a chance on a guy who's had issues in the past? It seems as though Benson has put all that in his past and is seeking a bright future. 

He has tremendous talent and several teams should be looking his way. 

15. David Harris

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Matt Spaeth #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass in front of David Harris #52 of the New York Jets during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Ge

The Jets gave up 90 rushing yards per game. This was good enough for third-fewest in the league. And David Harris is a crucial reason they achieved this stat. 

Harris is a great downhill linebacker. Without him the Jets defense just isn't as good. He led the team with 99 total tackles this year. 

Rex Ryan is a defensive mastermind, but he's not on the field. He better bring Harris back or it'll be a little easier to run on the Jets next year. 

14. Chad Greenway

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 26: Chad Greenway #52 of the Minnesota Vikings plays against the Detroit Lions at Mall of America Field on September 26, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Vikings cannot afford to lose Greenway. He led the team with 144 total tackles, which was good enough for fourth-best overall in the league. 

He excels at stopping the run. Greenway's football intelligence and instincts make him one of the best linebackers in the 2011 free-agent class. His presence on the outside is too much for opposing teams to handle.  

13. Antonio Cromartie

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Antonio Cromartie #31 of the New York Jets lines up against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 3, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Jets won 38-14. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Cromartie is one of the top corners in the league. He didn't pan out in New York as well as some thought he would. Teams were afraid to throw towards Revis, so they picked on Cromartie. He saw way more action this year than in years past. 

Cromartie still managed to deflect 17 passes, which was a team high. He also grabbed three interceptions and made key plays on special teams returning punts and kickoffs.  

Cromartie is an all-around player and any team would be lucky to have him. Teams looking to upgrade their secondary need to seriously consider throwing some money Cromartie's way. 

12. Ahmad Bradshaw

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Washington Redskins on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 31-7. (Photo b

Bradshaw led the Giants in rushing but his production slipped towards the end of the season. The Giants need to figure out if Bradshaw is their main man or if it's Brandon Jacobs. 

When they re-signed Jacobs to a big deal, his play went down and Bradshaw excelled. Do the Giants take the risk on giving Bradshaw the money he wants only to have him possibly play bad like Jacobs did? 

Bradshaw is going to want a similar if not better deal than Jacobs. After all, Bradshaw carried the team with over 1,200 yards on 267 rush attempts. Jacobs received a four-year deal worth $25 million. 

Expect Bradshaw to look elsewhere if the Giants don't give him what he wants. 

11. Stephen Tulloch

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 1: Stephen Tulloch #55 of the Tennessee Titans looks on during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field on November 1, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Tulloch was second in the league in total tackles. He recorded 159 on the year. 

His productivity this year was higher than anyone expected. He did a great job of stuffing the run and cleaning up plays. 

The middle linebacker knew it was a contract year and went out and played his best. 

10. Santonio Holmes

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Holmes can catch just about anything. Because of the that he's one of the top free-agent receivers this year. 

With the misfortune of having Mark Sanchez throw to him, Holmes' numbers were down from years past. Several high sails and underthrows resulted in a career-low 746 yards. However, he was also suspended the first four games. 

With their top two receivers testing the free-agent market, the Jets may only chose to bring just one back. 

Homes could be on the move once again. 

9. Tamba Hali

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs waits at the line of scrimmage against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Hali was second in the league with 14.5 sacks on the year. Without him, the Chiefs defense would be subpar. Hali is a sack machine, recording 41.5 sacks in five years in the NFL.

Hali gives them great speed off the edge and has made a huge impact for the Chiefs defense. Since he had a stellar year he'll be looking for top dollar. 

Will the Chiefs pay up? Or will they let him walk and suffer the consequences? 

8. Vincent Jackson

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Do

He wanted out before and it appears as though nothing has changed. Jackson was a holdout this past season. Expect the Chargers to place the franchise tag on him this year. 

If he whines and doesn't want to play, the Chargers should consider trading him. Either way, there are teams out there that want and need Vincent Jackson. 

San Diego is one of those need teams. Jackson just isn't happy with them. Time to part ways. 

7. Champ Bailey

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos during warm-ups prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Teams know they're better off just not throwing it Bailey's way. He held Dwayne Bowe to zero catches earlier this season, something several fantasy owners were devastated by.

Champ is getting up in age but he can still hang with the best of them. He's been with Denver for seven years now, so I don't see them parting ways. 

However, lots of teams need help in their secondary and could be willing to pay the veteran a little more money than Denver wants to. 

6. LaMarr Woodley

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Linebacker LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after recovering a fumble by the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Penns

Woodley may seem like an afterthought when talking about the Steelers defense. Everyone mentions the names of James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor and Lawrence Timmons. 

However, Woodley is right up there with all of them as one of their younger playmakers. He's 26 years old and getting better every year. He recorded 10 sacks, for a loss of 68 yards. He also returned an interception for a touchdown. 

The Steelers need to keep this young linebacker on their team to keep the theme of tough D. It shouldn't be too difficult, especially if they win the Super Bowl. 

Woodley will receive attention from a lot of teams. And with so many great playmakers already on the Steelers, Woodley could be the star of some other team. 

5. DeAngelo Williams

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Is he really going to want to play for the lowly Panthers again? 

He split carries with Jonathan Stewart. And while Williams sat out most of the season, the emergence of Mike Goodson as a legit running back may have Williams thinking it's time for a change. 

Lots of teams will have interest in the 27-year-old. A franchise tag and a trade is possible but not likely. There will be a team out there that will offer him a starting role and the fat paycheck that goes along with it. 

Would you want this guy running the ball for your team? Probably so. 

4. Michael Vick

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles drops back against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Tr

The comeback player of the year led the Eagles to a division championship. Vick and company won the NFC East in style. 

The flashy play of Michael Vick was splendid to watch all season. He put on a show every time he stepped onto the field. 

Teams are going to want him and the Eagles need to decide if he's their guy or are they sticking with Kolb. 

Andy Reid has a big decision to make. Vick is happy in Philly but a big paycheck from another team could make him happier. 

However, it is likely that the Eagles will place the franchise tag on him if they can't work out a deal. 

3. Peyton Manning

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17

Manning the best free agent out there. So you might ask why he is at No. 3? Well, it is pretty clear he likes it in Indianapolis and won't be going anywhere. 

The Colts are offering a lucrative deal said to be worth more than the four-year, $72 million deal that Tom Brady received. That contract also had $48.5 million in guaranteed money. 

Manning will be a Colt for life. He's still on this list because any team in the league would gladly have Peyton be their quarterback. It just isn't going to happen.  

2. Haloti Ngata

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons against Haloti Ngata #92 of the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Ngata is the top priority for the Ravens. He is also the top priority for a number of teams needing a giant to anchor their defensive front. 

Ngata truly is a dominant player. He is a force in the middle and over the years has become a better pass rusher. The Ravens defense will not be the same without him. 

However, Ngata is due to get his money. He is one of the league's best defensive linemen, if not the best. Ngata has been playing for much less than his actual value. 

Will the Ravens pay up?

1. Nnamdi Asomugha

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Ge

Not a lot of passes were thrown his way. This is simply because he shut down every receiver.

He faced the league's leading wideout twice this season. He held Brandon Lloyd to only a total of five receptions.

The Raiders cannot place the franchise tag on Asomugha. Therefore, he will be with a new team in 2011. Several teams need help in their secondary and Asomugha would be an excellent addition. 

He wants to go to a Super Bowl contender. Whatever team that may be will have to shell out the big bucks because Asomugha is going to get paid. 

Too many teams are struggling in their secondary and could really use a shutdown corner like Asomugha. 

He will be one of the most followed guys this offseason because he's the most sought-after free agent.