2011 NFL Free Agency: 10 Rumors That Will Become Reality

The actual games may be over, but the NFL itself is busier than ever.

Ongoing labor negotiations between the owners and the NFL Players Association continue, but free agency looms as well as the NFL Draft. Lots could change with those last two issues depending on whether both sides come to an agreement or a lockout ensues.

For the moment though, there still are plenty of names being thrown about who could wind up with new teams. Carson Palmer wants to leave Cincinnati, Vince Young is available if you want him, and Kevin Kolb will likely relocate after Philadelphia put the franchise tag on quarterback Michael Vick.

How will it all shake out?

Time to make some bold predictions. Ten players have caught my attention in the NFL rumor mill. Here's what will happen with them:

10. Shaun Ellis Will Return, Jason Taylor Will Leave

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Shaun Ellis #92 of the New York Jets takes the field with his teammates to play against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. T

The New York Jets have two key free agents to deal with in the defensive end and outside linebacker. Ellis is 34, and Taylor is 36.

If it comes down to saving money and going with you, then I'm betting Ellis sticks around. He's a Rex Ryan guy, and Taylor isn't quite what he was with the Dolphins. You can also fill that void in the draft or get a solid, younger linebacker in free agency.

9. LT Will Be Back

Nick Laham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 24

Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson comes at a low cost for the team, but expect Shon Greene to become the starter and Joe McKnight to get more involved in the offense.

Tomlinson finished the year as the Jets' leading rusher with 914 yards and six touchdowns.

8. Carson Palmer Will Be Gone

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 26: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals 34-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Bengals quarterback wants out, and at first, I thought it wouldn't happen. The guy has four more years left on his contract.

But Cincinnati is one of the most inept organizations in the NFL, and I can easily see their braintrust thinking an upgrade will come with trading Palmer for late round draft picks, and bringing in someone like Vince Young.

7. Ahmad Bradshaw Will Return To the Giants

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game on December 19, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Bradshaw, an impending free agent, told the Newark Star-Ledger that the team is making him a big priority. 

It's a smart move. Bradshaw had some problems fumbling last year and briefly lost his starting role, but he still finished with 276 carries for a team-high 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns. When they're on, he and Brandon Jacobs are among the elite running back duos in the NFL.

6. Marcedes Lewis Will Leave Jacksonville

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Carlos Rogers #22 of the Washington Redskins attempts to tackle #89 Marcedes Lewis #89 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/

The Jaguars wide receiver had a great season, but there are plenty of other high-profile teams in need of a capable player like him. My bet is St. Louis and the Giants will make a strong push for him, and Lewis will wind up catching passes from Eli Manning.

5. Ike Taylor Will Finish With Pittsburgh

Nick Laham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 24-19. (Photo by Nick Laham/G

The Steelers cornerback has the chance to become an unrestricted free agent, but Pittsburgh's too smart to let him leave and a talented corner is more valuable than ever.

Since being drafted in the fourth-round by Pittsburgh in 2003, Taylor has 395 tackles, three sacks and 11 interceptions for the Steelers.

4. the Ravens Will Get Young at Cornerback

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Corner back Lardarius Webb #21 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Chris Carr and Josh Wilson both have expiring contracts, and Baltimore may be ready to lean on young corners Lardarius Webb and Domonique Foxworth, who missed the 2010 season with a knee injury.

Reports are circulating that the team may also elect to draft another cornerback.

3. Antonio Cromartie Isn't Leaving

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Antonio Cromartie #31 of the New York Jets fields a kickoff which he returns 47-yards in the final minute of the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadiu

The Jets cornerback had 42 tackles, 17 passes defended and a team-high three interceptions. That's better than his fellow teammate Darrelle Revis, who remains the NFL's top corner.

Cromartie isn't an issue, but you never can go wrong drafting young players to add depth at various positions.

2. Kevin Kolb Will Join Larry Fitzgerald In Arizona

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Dallas Cowboys on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

OK, when your all-pro wide receiver gets to have input on the team's decision making, I think it would be wise to listen to him, especially if he's got some good ideas. Kolb qualifies.

Fitzgerald wants the Eagles backup quarterback to come join him, and I think it would be a great idea. It would also then free Arizona up to draft for need and get another elite college player to fill one of their many holes.

1. Chad Will Reunite With Hue

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 21: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals watches the final minute of the Bengals 49-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

There is talk that Chad Johnson could land in Oakland and reunite with coach Hue Jackson, who was his position coach in Cincinnati from 2004-2006.

It makes absolute sense, and could make a much improved Raiders' offense even more dangerous.