NFL Free Agency Speculation: 8 Potential Landing Spots for Joseph Addai

As the NFL labor dispute heats up, free agency is still a main concern for athletes like Indianapolis Colts’ running back Joseph Addai.

Though the Colts have tendered Addai a contract for the 2011 season, it’s as good as meaningless if the NFL owners and players' union can’t come to an agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for the upcoming season.

Once a new CBA is signed, unrestricted free agents like Addai will be given the opportunity to hit the open market and if this does happen, here are eight teams that make the most sense for Addai to catch on with for 2011.

8. Seattle Seahawks

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - OCTOBER 04: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 4, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 34-17. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty I

Despite receiving a team-high 573 yards and six touchdowns from Marshawn Lynch, in addition to the 523 yards and two scores from Justin Forsett in 2011, the Seattle Seahawks ended the season second to last in the NFL averaging 89 rushing yards per game.

Adding Joseph Addai to this crop of backs would dramatically enhance Seattle’s running attack while also raising their average mark in 2011.

7. Miami Dolphins

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - DECEMBER 31: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball against Travis Daniels #21 of the Miami Dolphins at the RCA Dome on December 31, 2006 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indianapolis won the game 27-22. (Photo by Gregory Sham

While the likelihood of re-signing stars Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams seem to be slim to none for the Miami Dolphins, former Colt Joseph Addai would be a nice fit in Miami.

If the ‘Fins don’t nab a running back in the first few rounds of the draft, Addai would be a viable option to team up former backups Patrick Cobbs and Lex Hilliard.

Addai to the Dolphins would emerge as a great candidate to take 20+ carries per game while also taking the pressure off QB Chad Henne and the rest of the RB’s to perform after the loss of Ronnie and Ricky.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai against the Cincinnati Bengals Dec. 18, 2006 in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. The Colts won 34 - 16. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Bengals’ running back Cedric Benson put up a solid 1,100 yard season in 2010 so he could potentially be looking for a big contract this offseason.

If this is the case, then the Bengals should turn their vision to free agent running back Joseph Addai.

Addai would fit in nicely with Cincinnati’s game plan, while also giving the Bengals’ young guys, Cedric Peerman and Bernard Scott, a chance to learn from one of the craftiest backs in the league.

Addai would be a nice option as the Bengals starter and give Coach Marvin Lewis more options in his running game.

5. San Francisco 49ers

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Joesph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the NFL game against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

While uncertainty surrounds Frank Gore and his fractured hip, the San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a proven back to dispel the days of aging Brian Westbrook.

Westbrook had one solid game for the 49ers in 2010, but it wasn’t enough to sell fans on his veteran presence and Addai would be a much more reasonable option.

If Gore isn’t ready to go for the start of the 2011 season, Addai is more than capable of stepping up and reclaiming a starting job.

The positive effect he will have on young back Anthony Dixon would be immeasurable and he could be a really effective pickup for the 49ers this offseason.

4. Detroit Lions

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 28: Running back Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by several defenders against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on August 28, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The future looks bright for Detroit’s running game led by youngster Jahvid Best, and if he can remain healthy, Best will be one of the best in the NFL.

Addai would fit into this equation as the Lions No. 1 or No. 2 back, depending on the direction they want to go with the developing Best.

Addai’s veteran presence would be a welcomed sight in Detroit and he’s been known to perform well in big games like the Super Bowl. Just saying.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 27: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts runs for a 21-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

While LeGarrette Blount secured himself the starting job for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by having himself a surprisingly productive 2010 season, the addition of Joseph Addai should be something the Bucs seriously look into.

Adding Addai’s veteran presence should take well to the Bucs clubhouse as they continue to get younger, and as Cadillac Williams presumable makes his departure, the Bucs seems to be in need of a proven ball carrier.

Addai would fit nicely in Raheem Morris’s playbook and would be a great second option for the Bucs offensive attack.

2. New Orleans Saints

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (P

While the New Orleans Saints seem to have a legitimate group of running backs on paper, it’s their injury struggles that make them a possible candidate for the services of Joseph Addai.

Reggie Bush’s injury history should be apparent to anyone who watches SportsCenter or reads up on football, but it’s the injuries to Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory that hurt the Saints the most.

Addai teaming up with the former second overall pick in 2006 would form a threatening running attack to compliment the effectiveness Drew Brees has consistently displayed in the passing game over the years.

Addai would also give Brees more options as a runner who can run the route and catch a pass, while also buying the Saints injured players more time to heal up.

1. Washington Redskins

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on before his game against the New Orleans Saints during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Ima

As Clinton Portis suffers from a recent abdominal tear, it may as well be the end of the road for his career and the Redskins could turn their sights to Addai.

Ryan Torain carried a bulk of the running duty in 2010 and was decent enough to nab the starting job, but with the NFL transition to a two-back running scheme, Addai would be a perfect option to team up with Torain.

Washington has been know in the past to give large contracts to veterans, so signing Addai wouldn’t be anything out of the normal, except this time, they could get some real productivity out of their new guy.

As the rest of the ‘Skins after Portis are no older than 24, adding Addai’s remarkable athleticism could bode well for the new-look Redskins.