2011 NFL Free Agency: Who Will Be in the Running for Plaxico Burress?

The 2011 NFL offseason is underway and one of the biggest storylines in the league's downtime is the return of Plaxico Burress.

Burress has been out of the league for two seasons after being in jail for shooting himself at a New York nightclub two years ago.

His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, says Burress is in "terrific shape" and will be back in the NFL next season.

With some teams in need of another receiver this offseason, what are the possible destinations for Burress next season?

Here are some possible destinations for the former Pro Bowl receiver.

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New York Giants

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Coach Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Though it seems unlikely Burress will return to the New York Giants, we can't rule it out.

Burress was a very important piece in the Giants' Super Bowl run and the front office has not ruled out the possibility of him returning.

You can say the Giants have a good group of receivers already. However, all of them can benefit from the coverage Burress will require from other defenses.

Considering Eli Manning has said publicly he would enjoy Burress returning to the team, it is a possibility.

Baltimore Ravens

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens jogs off the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Get

The Baltimore Ravens will be in the market for receivers this offseason. With the futures of Derrick Mason and TJ Houshmandzadeh in question, Burress could be an option.

Head coach John Harbaugh said the team would look at all available options. Though speed seems to be the issue in the Ravens offense, that doesn't mean Burress can't be brought in to be a threat down the middle of the field and up the sidelines.

The odds seem Burress will not be a member of the Ravens, but in today's NFL anything can happen.

New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the field during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

If you can't beat him, how about you sign him?

The New England Patriots will be in the running for another playmaking receiver this offseason and Burress can be in the running.

Bill Belichick is always rumored to be bringing in veterans with troubled pasts. Burress would get his catches in the passing system that New England runs.

With a veteran like Tom Brady leading the way, Burress would be a good fit for the short term as they look to return to the Super Bowl.

St. Louis Rams

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams prepares to snap the ball during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated th

The St. Louis Rams are in need of a receiver if they want to take the next step as an organization.

Quarterback Sam Bradford showed great potential as a rookie. However, he lacked any weapons in the passing game.

Burress could be a good fit in Josh McDaniels' offense. An overhaul is needed at the entire unit, but Burress could be the leading piece to the puzzle for the Rams in 2011.

Washington Redskins

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 12: Owner Daniel Snyder of the Washington Redskins walks the sidelines before the NFL season opener against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on September 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7. (Photo

The Washington Redskins will be one of the teams in the running for Burress.

Washington's offense needs change at every position, including wide receivers. Tight end Chris Cooley can't be the only reliable offensive target for the quarterback that is behind center.

Burress is a talent that will interest owner Dan Snyder, especially since he will only be able to command a short-term deal with not a lot of cash involved.

Oakland Raiders

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ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 18: New Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jackson pauses as he speaks to reporters during a press conference on January 18, 2011 in Alameda, California. Hue Jackson was introduced as the new coach of the Oakland Raiders, replacing the fired

This could be the case of having to consider the Oakland Raiders whenever a good talent is available.

Burress may be on the list of owner Al Davis. The Raiders' offense has plenty of receivers with speed. However, there is no No. 1 target on the roster at the moment.

Burress would bring the presence of being a No. 1 target in the offense and allow Jacoby Ford and Louis Murphy to take advantage of the single coverage they would face.

An addition of Burress could complete the Raiders' offense and bring them closer to returning to the postseason.

Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks on while taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears came up one game short of returning to the Super Bowl.

One of the causes for concern heading into next year is the lack of offensive receivers. Devin Hester has never panned out as the Bears have hoped in the passing game and  Johnny Knox and Greg Olsen can't carry the load.

Burress seems like a good match for the Bears. Lovie Smith could put Burress in a better chance to succeed and improve an offense that held this team back from possibly winning a championship.

New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets drops back during their 19 to 24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martine

The New York Jets could be the biggest wild card for Plaxico's services.

It seems likely that either Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards will have to find a new home this season.

We have also heard Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco are showing interest in playing for the Jets next season.

Let's throw Burress into the equation then. He has proven he performs in crunch time and would fit into a Jets locker room filled with high profile players.