NFL Free Agency Rumors: Possible Moves for the Top 50 NFL Free Agents in 2011
With the end of the 2010 season almost here, it's time to take a look at the top 50 free agents available on the market in the upcoming offseason.
Of course, there's that looming lockout, but here's to hoping that the players and league get it together.
It would be a shame not to see a lot of these players take the field in the 2011 season.
Note: The top 50 players were ranked not only on talent, but on their value after the 2010 season. Also, players who played for three different teams this season were dropped down considerably (bet you can't guess who I'm talking about there).
50. Ricky Williams, RB, Miami Dolphins
1 of 50
Ricky Williams has stated publicly that he doesn't want to be in Miami next season. Why, I don't know, his skill set fits the Wildcat formation perfectly, and he's not getting any younger or more valuable.
2010 Stats: 673 yards rushing, two touchdowns; 141 yards receiving, one touchdown
Possible 2011 Team: New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts
Williams is a perfect player for the Patriots, a team that thrives on picking up players seemingly past their prime and bringing them back to life. Williams could create a nice one-two punch alongside BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
49. Leon Washington, RB, Seattle Seahawks
2 of 50
Leon Washington, while still not considered a featured back, showed what he can do in the returning department this year with the Seahawks. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, that means a lot of teams with special teams problems will be looking at him.
2010 Stats: Three kickoff returns for touchdowns, including a 101-yarder
Possible 2011 Team: New York Giants
The Giants were second-worst in the league per kickoff return in 2010. They were worst per punt return. Images of Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson streaking for the game-winner this season probably have them thinking they need someone like him.
48. Richard Seymour, DE, Oakland Raiders
3 of 50
Seymour has been a force for the Raiders this season, a continual presence that drew blockers away from other defensive linemen and allowed them to make plays. He also made a few plays of his own, despite being considered a "declining" player due to his age.
2010 Stats: 48 tackles, 5.5 sacks
Possible 2011 Team: Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots
I'd like to think Raiders owner Al Davis would realize Seymour's importance to the team this year and treat him accordingly. The Patriots might be champing at the bit to bring back their former defensive stud.
Ultimately, I see the Raiders retaining Seymour, especially after some big players of theirs will probably be taken away in the free-agent market.
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47. Randy Moss, WR, Tennessee Titans?
4 of 50
To think, Randy Moss was actually making headway as an OK teammate before this season with the New England Patriots. He ultimately was banished from New England to Minnesota, where he was banished again to Tennessee. He has some talent still, but who really wants him?
2010 Stats: 28 receptions, 393 yards, five TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Washington Redskins
Redskins owner Dan Snyder is the only man probably on the planet who would look past Moss' transgressions. Plus, given the Redskins' QB situation, he's going to need all the talent he can get in the receiving department.
46. Aubrayo Franklin, DT, San Francisco 49ers
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This run-stopping specialist is widely respected in the league. So much so that the 49ers put the franchise tag on him last offseason. He's a big reason why the 49ers gave up just 3.5 yards per carry this season. Him and, of course, linebacker Patrick Willis.
2010 Stats: 39 tackles
Possible 2011 Team: San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars
I find it hard to see the Niners letting Franklin go, a guy they highly value. But if he does go, he's going to want to go to a winner at this stage in his career. With the Bucs struggling against the run this year, he would be a good fit to put them over the hump.
45. Quintin Mikell, S, Philadelphia Eagles
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Quintin Mikell's a solid safety, but the Eagles secondary also disappointed at times this year. He could be on his way out.
2010 Stats: 88 tackles, three INTs, one sack
Possible 2011 Team: New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles
If the Eagles don't prioritize Mikell, I could see the Saints picking up the New Orleans native, especially because they need some help over the top. Could be a good fit.
44. Brodney Pool, S, New York Jets
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Brodney Pool had a decent season for the Jets this year, one of many pieces that made up a formidable defense. But he may be one of the odd men out, as the Jets have a whopping 18 free agents this offseason.
2010 Stats: 53 tackles, one forced fumble, one interception
Possible 2011 Team: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are in desperate need of some pass defense, and Pool would be a good start. Plus, he's a Texas native and that can always sway players.
43. Ike Taylor, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
8 of 50
Ike Taylor has been a solid player for the Steelers, but he also hasn't become the lockdown corner that they had hoped for. They could re-sign Taylor, but I don't think they'll spend too much on him.
2010 Stats: 66 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions
Possible 2011 Team: Houston Texans
The Texans are in grave need of a dependable corner. They gave up the most passing yards per game in 2010 and the stats certainly didn't lie. I always wonder what the Texans could become with a decent secondary, given their explosiveness on offense. They probably wonder the same thing.
42. Mathias Kiwanuka, DL/LB, New York Giants
9 of 50
Mathias Kiwanuka has the talent to be a difference-maker, but losing out on 2010 certainly didn't help his cause in the Giants retaining him. But he could be a pivotal gamble for a team on the cusp of being a top team...
2010 Stats: 11 tackles, one forced fumble, four sacks, three starts
Possible 2011 Team: And that team on the cusp is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It's no mystery what the Bucs' primary weakness is. The team had 26 sacks on the year, second-to-last in the league. Bringing in a player whose stock has gone down could be a huge steal for the Bucs.
41. Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints
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Pierre Thomas was the Saints' undeniable No. 1 back heading into the season. Then he got injured and a small back by the name of Chris Ivory exploded onto the scene. Thomas never looked the same in 2010 after the injury.
2010 Stats: 269 yards rushing, two TDs; 201 yards receiving
Possible 2011 Team: New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears
The Saints still could re-sign Thomas if they still have faith in him and don't want to pin their hopes on a largely unknown talent in Ivory after limited action.
But I could see him ending up with the Bears, an improved version of a declining Chester Taylor backing up Matt Forte.
40. James Jones, WR, Green Bay Packers
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James Jones has dropped his fair share of balls in Green Bay, but he also had probably his best season of his career this year (funny, in his contract year). He's a solid No. 2 receiver for QB Aaron Rodgers, and he usually makes up for his drops with big plays.
2010 Stats: 50 receptions, 679 yards, five TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Green Bay Packers
Jones isn't a highly sought-after receiver. He's a complement player to a bigger star in the receiving corps. He's a perfect fit for the Packers, and he probably feels the same way. Also, going to the Super Bowl tends to gain players' trust.
39. Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers
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A lot of people think Floyd is on his way out in San Diego. He hasn't yet shown he can be a star, so the Chargers might not want to pay for him, but there's no question he has the tools to be a star in the league.
2010 Stats: 37 receptions, 717 yards, six TDs
Possible 2011 Team: San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders
I may be in the minority here, but I could see the Chargers spending big dollars on Floyd to keep him in San Diego. He's finally showing what he can do and appears primed for a breakout season.
But they are going to have to convince him not to join AFC West rival the Oakland Raiders. Floyd's a Sacramento native, a short drive from Oakland, and the Raiders need some star power in the receiving corps.
38. Roman Harper, S, New Orleans Saints
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Roman Harper has turned out to be a good safety, but a 41-36 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round certainly can't help his cause. Nonetheless, the New Orleans Times-Picayune is reporting that the Saints want to re-sign Harper.
2010 Stats: 98 tackles, six forced fumbles, one interception
Possible 2011 Team: New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles
If the Saints don't re-sign Harper, he could go to the Cowboys or Eagles. The Eagles would probably be the more likely of the two if they decide to let Quintin Mikell go.
37. Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
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I don't know how the Bengals can let Cedric Benson go after another solid season, especially given they could lose Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson this offseason.
2010 Stats: 1,111 yards rushing, seven TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Cincinnati Bengals
I just don't see any way the Bengals will let Benson go. He's too valuable, especially now, given their tumultuous team.
36. Mike Tolbert, FB/RB, San Diego Chargers
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I don't know what you call Mike Tolbert, a fullback or a running back, but there's one thing for sure, he made a name for himself in 2010. Taking over for an injured backfield, Tolbert was a big reason the Chargers came close to making the playoffs.
2010 Stats: 735 yards rushing, 11 TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts
I see Tolbert being another Michael Turner, whisked away from the Chargers when he's just starting to get good. The Dolphins are tired of old running backs, Ricky Williams will probably be gone, as possibly will Ronnie Brown, as both are free agents.
Tolbert could be their new blood, a young, powerful running back that could develop into a solid feature back. The Colts will also be looking at Joseph Addai being a free agent, but I see the Colts getting someone else.
35. Barrett Ruud, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Barrett Ruud has been a solid linebacker for the Bucs the last four years, really taking off in the last three. He's an important part of the Bucs' young developing nucleus.
2010 Stats: 120 tackles, two forced fumbles, one interception
Possible 2011 Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers would be foolish to let Ruud go, and given what the organization has done the last year, it seems as if they know what they're doing. Ruud is a critical part of a developing defense, and losing him would hurt big-time.
34. Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
17 of 50
Young tight end Marcedes Lewis picked the right time to break out in his contract year. Unfortunately for the Jags, that might mean they lose a star tight end in the making.
2010 Stats: 58 receptions, 700 yards receiving, 10 TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints
The Jaguars have more pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball without having to worry about Lewis.
It may just cost them. The Falcons could be looking for a replacement for the aging Tony Gonzalez.
That goes for the Saints, too, with Jeremy Shockey. I see the Saints ultimately bringing Lewis into the fold.
33. Brad Smith, WR, New York Jets
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Brad Smith showed what he could do in limited action in 2010 with the Jets, both running the ball and in the return game.
2010 Stats: Two kickoff return TDs; 299 yards rushing, one TD
Possible 2011 Team: Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders
The Chiefs need someone alongside Dwayne Bowe. The Browns and Raiders need talent in the receiving department.
But the Dolphins could use an extra receiver too, not to mention Smith would be the perfect player in the Wildcat formation.
32. Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami Dolphins
19 of 50
Ronnie Brown still is a talented back, but injuries in addition to him approaching 30 might force his exit from Miami.
2010 Stats: 734 yards rushing, five TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots
I could see the Dolphins going a different direction here, going for someone with upside and youth instead of sticking with Brown and Ricky Williams.
The Patriots are known for taking in "aging" and "declining" players and bringing them back to their glory days. Brown would be a nice complement to BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
31. Terrell Owens, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
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Unlike Randy Moss, Terrell Owens had a very productive season for the Bengals and stayed on one team the whole year. Unfortunately, he is aging and there's always the chance he disrupts team chemistry again.
2010 Stats: 72 receptions, 983 yards, nine TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins
The Redskins could be a possibility given their owner, but both the Browns and the Raiders are desperate for a star receiver, and the Patriots made it work with Randy Moss for a year.
The Raiders seem more likely here, though. Just don't ask their Bay Area neighbors about Owens.
30. Dawan Landry, S, Baltimore Ravens
21 of 50
Dawan Landry had an impressive season for the Ravens this year and is one of the better run-stuffing safeties in the NFL. But he's going to be pricey, given a lot of teams could use a run-stuffing safety.
2010 Stats: 111 tackles, one forced fumble
Possible 2011 Team: Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills
Depending on what happens to safety Bob Sanders, who continues to get injured, the Colts might decide to go after Landry as a suitable replacement.
The Bills also need some help against the run. I'm thinking the Colts on this one.
29. Brent Grimes, CB, Atlanta Falcons
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Corner Brent Grimes was a big part of the Falcons secondary, improving throughout this season. He's also a playmaker, which should make him mighty rich.
2010 Stats: 87 tackles, five INTs
Possible 2011 Team: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are going to do everything in their power to reward a rising corner in Grimes. They have the offense—they need to solidify their defense and Grimes is a huge start in this department.
28. Charles Johnson, DE, Carolina Panthers
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Defensive end Charles Johnson has somewhat alleviated the pain for Panthers fans after losing Julius Peppers to the Chicago Bears. Going 2-14, however, hasn't.
2010 Stats: 62 tackles, one forced fumble, 11.5 sacks
Possible 2011 Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers would love to keep Johnson—who wouldn't? But Johnson might not want to stay in Carolina either, with possible choices between Tampa Bay and Jacksonville, two teams desperate for some outside pass rushers.
I could see the Jags landing Johnson.
27. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, New England Patriots
24 of 50
Green-Ellis exploded onto the scene in 2010, not only grabbing the Patriots' feature back spot, but never letting go and gaining the trust of the organization along the way. He helped field one of the most complete Patriots teams in the last few years.
2010 Stats: 1,008 yards rushing, 11 TDs
Possible 2011 Team: New England Patriots
The Patriots are probably going to lose guard Logan Mankins, so they'll have some money to spend. Green-Ellis has become a perfect fit in New England, the Patriots know that and Green-Ellis knows that. He won't fetch top dollar, either.
26. Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers
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Vincent Jackson has the talent to be a top receiver, as evidenced by two straight 1,000-yard seasons before this year. He will be a hot commodity.
2010 Stats: 14 receptions, 243 yards, three TDs
Possible 2011 Team: New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs could use a complement to Mike Williams, but paying top dollar for a complement is a bit much. The Patriots could seek their star receiver in Jackson, but they probably don't want to pay top dollar.
Steelers' longtime receiver Hines Ward has said he might retire after this year. If he does, enter Jackson, a player who could come in and replace Ward.
Fun Fact: Scouts Inc. rated Ward an "83" before this season. Another player with an "83" rating? Vincent Jackson.
25. David Harris, LB, New York Jets
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David Harris is a centerpiece of the New York Jets, and the organization has said he's a top priority this offseason. A widely-respected linebacker.
2010 Stats: 99 tackles, one forced fumble
Possible 2011 Team: New York Jets
The Jets have 18 free agents this offseason. David Harris is one they won't let get away.
24. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants
27 of 50
The Giants had a lot of break-downs this season. Ahmad Bradshaw never broke down, he just continued to break down defenders.
2010 Stats: 1,235 yards rushing, eight TDs
Possible 2011 Team: New York Giants
The Giants aren't letting Bradshaw go, despite a 2010 resurgence by Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw is their future star and has been better than expected. If the Giants lose Bradshaw, the media is going to eat them up.
23. Steve Smith, WR, New York Giants
28 of 50
The Giants are going to likely focus on re-signing Bradshaw, and with two other top receivers, Smith could be the odd man out.
2010 Stats: 48 receptions, 529 yards, three TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs
Smith is a former USC alum, and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll resurrected the career of alum Mike Williams. Seems like a match made in heaven.
22. Cullen Jenkins, DE, Green Bay Packers
29 of 50
Cullen Jenkins was an important part of the Packers defense this season, as a Super Bowl bid now attests to. He's going to be a big target in the offseason.
2010 Stats: 18 tackles, seven sacks
Possible 2011 Team: Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Vikings need some serious pass rushing help, and luring him away from their NFC North foe could be a giant step in a rebuilding effort.
21. Tyson Clabo, OT, Atlanta Falcons
30 of 50
With only three starts to his name before this season, Falcons offensive tackle Tyson Clabo made the most of his 16 starts this season; he was a large part of a unit that allowed only 23 sacks, third best in the league.
2011 Stats: 16 starts
Possible 2011 Team: Atlanta Falcons
I think Clabo and Grimes will be the Falcons' top biggest priorities this offseason, as they should. You can't let a top lineman walk away when you're on the cusp of doing something great.
I'm guessing QB Matt Ryan will probably go into shock if the Falcons let Clabo go.
20. Matt Light, OT, New England Patriots
31 of 50
Matt Light, despite getting older at 32 years of age, has been one of the Patriots' rocks on the offensive line this season. Guard Logan Mankins could be gone, and the Patriots probably don't want to lose two top linemen.
2010 Stats: 16 starts
Possible 2011 Team: New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles
The Bears and Eagles are desperate for some protection, giving up a plethora of sacks in 2010. But the Patriots are going to be a little desperate, too, if they lose Mankins. I think they'll keep Light.
19. Stephen Tulloch, LB, Tennessee Titans
32 of 50
The Titans are probably going to have to choose between Tulloch and defensive end Jason Babin. Tulloch has had two monster years and seems to be more important to the Titans.
2010 Stats: 159 tackles, one INT
Possible 2011 Team: Tennessee Titans
Stephen Tulloch, with 121 tackles last year, is too central to the Titans' plans. I would be surprised if they let him go in a rebuilding mode where they need to keep their main pieces.
18. Jason Babin, DE, Tennessee Titans
33 of 50
Babin had a monster year for the Titans this year, but it's also easier to find a defensive end replacement with their system than a middle linebacker in Tulloch.
2010 Stats: 58 tackles, two forced fumbles, 12.5 sacks
Possible 2011 Team: Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Chiefs are one of the teams in the running to improve their end positions. I'm thinking they go after Babin and come out on top over the Jags and Bucs.
17. Johnathan Joseph, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
34 of 50
Despite all the Bengals' struggles this season, Johnathan Joseph a rock as usual, a top corner in the league who is going to get a big payday in the offseason.
2010 Stats: 42 tackles, three INTs
Possible 2011 Team: Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals
Joseph has been with the Bengals for a while now, and he probably doesn't have much faith in the team at the current moment. Born in South Carolina, the Panthers would be a possible relocation, but I'm guessing Joseph wants to play on a team with more than two to four wins.
The Texans would be a good fit, but I see them going after someone else. That leaves the Niners, who all of a sudden need help big-time in the secondary.
16. Paul Posluszny, LB, Buffalo Bills
35 of 50
Bills linebacker Paul Posluszny has gone from good to very good this season, one of the few Bills defenders who did anything. If the Bills lose him, they're toast next season.
2010 Stats: 151 tackles
Possible 2011 Team: Buffalo Bills
The Bills were among the worst in the league in stopping the run as a unit this year. They lose tackling machine Paul Posluszny and they can officially hang up their cleats.
The 26-year-old is in the prime of his career, and the Bills would do well to keep him.
15. Braylon Edwards, WR, New York Jets
36 of 50
Despite his off-the-field transgressions, Jets receiver Braylon Edwards was a huge target for QB Mark Sanchez in 2010. But the Jets may have to let him go even though I believe they want him due to their overwhelming free-agent situation.
2010 Stats: 53 receptions, 904 yards, seven TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams
I see the Steelers going after Vincent Jackson. If the Chargers don't see fit to keep receiver Malcom Floyd, I see them making an effort to go after Edwards.
The Rams could also go after Edwards to get a star for young QB Sam Bradford.
14. Ray Edwards, DE, Minnesota Vikings
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The Vikings could find themselves losing Edwards due to demand this offseason, which should have them seeking their next big defensive end down the ladder.
2010 Stats: 37 tackles, eight sacks
Possible 2011 Team: Cincinnati Bengals
I could see the Bengals going after Edwards, a Cincinnati native, especially with their dire need for some pressure on the QB. Seems like a good fit.
13. Champ Bailey, CB, Denver Broncos
38 of 50
There's no denying Champ Bailey's getting older, but he's still a top corner in the league—there's no denying that either. A defense-hungry squad should surely pay Bailey big bucks this offseason.
2010 Stats: 45 tackles, two interceptions
Possible 2011 Team: Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys
I see both of these teams looking at Bailey with serious interest. Bailey already played for the Redskins, but don't underestimate owner Dan Snyder's pocketbook.
The same can be said about Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Bidding war commence, may the richest man win!
12. Santonio Holmes, WR, New York Jets
39 of 50
The acrobatic receiver was a huge reason the Jets were able to score some (albeit limited) points despite a mediocre overall offense. He should be rewarded nicely.
2010 Stats: 52 receptions, 746 yards, six TDs
Possible 2011 Team: New York Jets
With so many free agents to ponder, the Jets are most likely going to look to keep their defense intact, their No. 1 creed.
But I think they'll also keep Holmes, who would be hard to let go given the chemistry he exhibited with Sanchez. I think he stays in New York.
11. Chad Greenway, LB, Minnesota Vikings
40 of 50
The Vikings will be able to make a couple big moves in free agency this season, and re-signing linebacker Chad Greenway has to be a top priority. He's a big reason they allowed just 3.9 yards per carry in 2010.
2010 Stats: 144 tackles, one forced fumble
Possible 2011 Team: Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans
The Texans could use a nice linebacker to complement defensive end Mario Williams. But the Vikings are going to have to let him go before they can do that, and I don't see that happening.
10. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers
41 of 50
DeAngelo Williams only played in six games in 2010, which could actually enhance the chance of a top team getting him based on injury concerns around the league. But he's still a very real talent, and could do some team very well.
2010 Stats: 361 yards rushing, one TD
Possible 2011 Team: Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts
I don't see the Panthers convincing Williams to stay. The Broncos need running back help big-time and could land him with a big contract.
The Dolphins are going to need some type of star if Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams go.
But the Colts, in my mind, have the advantage: They offer the best chance to win, and sometimes that's all that matters.
Williams has been with the Panthers for five years; it's time to move on.
9. Antonio Cromartie, CB, New York Jets
42 of 50
Antonio Cromartie is going to be a big name this offseason, and possibly could be leaving the Jets especially when they have a lockdown corner in Darrelle Revis. But don't be surprised if he stays, too.
2010 Stats: 42 tackles, three interceptions
Possible 2011 Team: New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders
Both the Eagles and Raiders would get a substantial leg up with the signing of Cromartie, but I actually ultimately see the Jets giving him his fair due and Cromartie obliging to stay with a team he seems to be comfortable on.
He does play second fiddle to Darrelle Revis, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Having a top one-two duo turns a lot of heads in the league and grants a lot of recognition.
8. Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota Vikings
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Vikings receiver Sidney Rice played in only six games due to injury this year, and had a horrible QB situation.
But make no mistake: Rice is a legit playmaker, as evidenced by his 1,300 yards receiving and eight TDs in 2009. He's also young, at only 24 years of age.
2010 Stats: 17 receptions, 280 yards, two TDs
Possible 2011 Team: San Diego Chargers
I think ultimately the San Diego Chargers will spend big to bolster a receiving corps that is likely to lose Vincent Jackson and maybe even Malcom Floyd.
You want a big-play receiver? You got one with Sidney Rice. Watch QB Philip Rivers salivate.
7. Tamba Hali, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
44 of 50
Tamba Hali is a force in the league, and a big reason teams should be scared of a rising Chiefs team. But the Chiefs are just as scared about losing him to free agency.
2010 Stats: 52 tackles, four forced fumbles
Possible 2011 Team: Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders, a defense-first organization, should be expected to go after a top linebacker in Hali, especially because their linebacking corps isn't looking that hot.
But the Chiefs are going to fight this, especially against an AFC West foe, and I expect them to convince Hali to stay.
6. Haloti Ngata, DT, Baltimore Ravens
45 of 50
Haloti Ngata, all 350 pounds of him, is for real folks, a big reason the Ravens were able to stuff the run this year. There are going to be a handful of teams clamoring for his services, and it may just be too much for him to stay in Baltimore.
2010 Stats: 63 tackles, 5.5 sacks
Possible 2011 Team: Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs need a couple game-changers on defense to get over the hump. Not only would Ngata add some pass rushing to their line, he'd also help stuff the run, which was a clear weakness for the Bucs in 2010.
I think based on their rising reputation in the league and them possibly offering more money than the Ravens, Ngata leaves Baltimore for Tampa Bay.
5. Logan Mankins, G, New England Patriots
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There's a serious rift between guard Logan Mankins and the Patriots. Following a holdout earlier in the season due to a contract dispute, Mankins has come out and said he'd be unhappy if the Patriots used the franchise tag on him.
Seems like there's nowhere else to go but away from New England. It's a shame for the Patriots, because he may just be the best guard in the league.
2010 Stats: Nine starts
Possible 2011 Team: Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles
This is a tough one: Both teams are on the cusp of greatness, and both are in dire need of some protection for their quarterbacks.
Both the Bears and Eagles could go all-out for Mankins, and it's really going to depend on the right fit. I'm thinking Eagles here, but it's really anyone's guess.
4. LaMarr Woodley, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
47 of 50
The Steelers have made it to the Super Bowl in large part due to their linebacking corps. LaMarr Woodley may be the most complete linebacker of the bunch, and that's saying a lot.
2010 Stats: 50 tackles, three forced fumbles, two INTs
Possible 2011 Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Their linebackers and their running game are the Steelers' bread and butter. You can have bread without butter, but it's certainly not as appetizing. The Steelers will hold onto one of their glue pieces.
3. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders
48 of 50
A performance clause in cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha's contract wasn't met with the Raiders, so the Raiders will be punished by arguably one of the top two corners in the NFL saying "bye-bye."
2010 Stats: 19 tackles
Possible 2011 Team: Houston Texans, Washington Redskins
Asomugha didn't have any interceptions or many tackles in 2010 simply because no one chooses to throw his way anymore. That kind of respect is nearly unprecedented in the NFL. But he has certainly gained it.
I see the Texans unloading cash on him and convincing him to join a team with a big-time offense. With his help on defense, the Texans could be a top team in 2011.
2. Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
49 of 50
Michael Vick exploded this season, reaching an unheard of level given his previous history. But he now is officially one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and probably the league's most exciting player. One of the great comebacks in NFL history.
2010 Stats: 3,018 yards passing, 21 TDs, six INTs; 676 yards rushing, nine TDs
Possible 2011 Team: Philadelphia Eagles
This was a foregone conclusion even before it was reported by NFL Network that the Eagles were going to use their franchise tag on Vick. This is as good as a lock.
1. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts
50 of 50
You kidding me?! Peyton Manning is the Indianapolis Colts. He goes, and every fan within a 100-mile radius goes. The Colts would rather lose every player to free agency than lose this future Hall of Famer.
2010 Stats: 4,700 yards passing, 33 TDs, 17 INTs
Possible 2011 Team: Indianapolis Colts
On Jan. 23, ESPN reported the Colts were looking to give Manning the richest contract in NFL history. That will give you an idea of how sure a thing this thing is. It's a lock, folks.
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