NFL Rumors: 10 Free Agents Likely To Find A New Home

With just one game left in this NFL season (well, two if you count the Pro Bowl), the focus is beginning to shift towards free agency and the many rumors of who could be playing where next season, assuming that there will be a next season and not a lockout.

The big names, such as Peyton Manning and Michael Vick, will be free agents, but will almost certainly sign with their respective teams.  Both have made it known that they have no plans to play elsewhere next year.  Vick in particular has stated that he feels a sense of loyalty towards the Eagles, who provided him a second chance.

However, there will be plenty of free agents changing teams this offseason.

This is a list of the 10 best free agents who are likely to sign with another team rather than re-sign with their own.

Remember, things are still in the air because a new collective bargaining agreement has yet to be reached.  For now, let's assume things such as the franchise tag will be a part of the new CBA.

10. Braylon Edwards, Wide Receiver

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets celebrates on his way to defeating the Patriots 28 to 21 in their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael He

Edwards will probably be the odd man out in New York this offseason, and it won't be his fault.

Edwards had a very good season, recording 53 receptions to go along with 904 yards.  More importantly, he seemed to get over his problem of dropping balls, which is something he has been known for in the past.  He turned in to a very reliable receiver for the Jets.

Unfortunately for Edwards, the Jets won't be able to pay him the money that he will demand.  The team will focus on re-signing players like David Harris, Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie before trying to re-sign Edwards.

Rex Ryan made it clear that he wants Edwards back, but also acknowledged that keeping everyone isn't realistic.

Edwards will get a pay day somewhere, but it is highly unlikely that it will be with the Jets.

9. Barrett Ruud, Linebacker

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TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 30: Linebacker Barrett Ruud #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sets on defense against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on November 30, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Ruud has been a solid, dependable player for the Buccaneers.  He has only missed one game in his six-year career.

Although a sure tackler, Ruud has his limitations.  He isn't overly athletic, but at age 27, there is still time for him to make improvements.

The problem is that his asking price will be way more than the Bucs are willing to pay him, making it likely that Ruud will choose to move on and take more money on the open market. 

8. Chad Greenway, Linebacker

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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)

Greenway set a career high in tackles this past season with 108, and is another player who is only getting better.

Now at age 28, Greenway has never missed a game in his four-year career.

It will be interesting to see what the Vikings do with their franchise tag, but more than likely they will choose to use it on fellow free agent Sidney Rice.

It's unlikely that they will pay both, meaning that Greenway could be on the move.

7. DeAngelo Williams, Running Back

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty I

The knock on Williams has been that he has only had one real good season, and that the rest of his career has been filled with injuries and disappointment.

In 2008, Williams rushed for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns.

He has been injured for most of the last two years, limiting his effectiveness.

Despite all of that, he will be the most sought after running back this offseason.

Williams is one of the fastest backs in the leagues when healthy, and is still relatively young at age 27.

The Panthers are likely to be content with letting Williams go after what they saw from both Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson late in the season.  Stewart and Goodson showed enough potential to make Carolina deem paying Williams big money unnecessary.

6. Zach Miller, Tight End

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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, just named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster as Antonio Gates' replacement, had 60 receptions to go along with 685 yards this past season.

Pretty impressive numbers considering Miller battled plantar fasciitis for a good portion of the season.

Miller is only 25 years of age, and is already one of the best pass catching tight ends in the league.  At 6'5", he presents a serious matchup problem for any opponent.

So why would a young, talented player who will be among the elites in the next few years make this list?

Well, because he plays for the Raiders.  Anything is possible with them.

5. Champ Bailey, Cornerback

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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)

Even at age 32, Bailey is still one of the best shutdown corners in the league.

The Broncos, however, have yet to reach out to Bailey about a new deal.  This probably signals the end of Bailey's time in Denver.

Aside from his age, Bailey's value might also take a hit because of his health.  He has battled injuries over the course of the last few years, and they are bound to catch up to him soon.

Bailey's asking price will undoubtedly be high, but a team desperate for secondary help surely will bite.

4. Ike Taylor, Cornerback

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PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up prior to the snap during the game against the Oakland Raiders on November 21, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Taylor is two years younger than Bailey, which will give him a slight advantage when they hit free agency.

He had a good bounce back year after really struggling in 2009.  Still, the Steelers are unlikely to give Taylor a long-term deal and the big money he will be asking for.

Still, cornerbacks are always in high demand, which means Taylor will get a big deal from some team.  I just don't think the Steelers will be that team.

3. Logan Mankins, Guard

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 20: Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on September 20, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

The Patriots have a history of moving on from disgruntled players who make things about themselves, which is what Mankins did when he held out of the first seven games this season.

The holdout situation still doesn't sit well both with Mankins or the Patriots, making a divorce likely.

Mankins is one of the premier offensive linemen in the league, so he will have no problem finding a new home, as well as a large deal.

Few are better in run blocking than Mankins.

2. Vincent Jackson, Wide Receiver

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers scores a touchdown on an 11-yard pass in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Phot

Similar to Mankins, Jackson is not on good terms with his current team, making it more unlikely the Chargers will be able to re-sign him.

Jackson is entering the prime of his career at age 28, and has all the necessary physical tools to be a star.  He stands at 6'5", 241 pounds, and is one of the most complete receivers in the league.  Jackson commands a double-team at all times.

He held out for most of this season, but recorded two consecutive 1,000 yard seasons before that.

1. Nnamdi Asomugha, Cornerback

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the game against the San Diego Chargers on September 28, 2008 at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Finally, he will be set free.

Asomugha, perhaps one of the most underrated players in the league the past few years, had his contract voided recently due to the fact that he did not reach all of the incentives involved.

At age 29, he is also entering the prime of his career.  After playing his first eight seasons in Oakland, Asomugha will likely want a fresh start and a chance to play for a contending team. 

He will get paid.  It's just a matter of who he wants to play for.

Asomugha has talked recently about his desire to team up with fellow star cornerback Darrelle Revis in New York, but the Jets are unlikely to have enough money left over once they re-sign some of their own free agents.

The Eagles are another team that is being talked about as a possible landing spot for Asomugha.