
NFL Free Agency Speculation: First 10 FAs Who Will Sign Once a CBA Is Reached
The first 10 free agents to get signed once the CBA is agreed upon will depend on who and what each organization is looking for.
Surprisingly there has been no talk on NFL free agency or any speculation of who will get signed where for the 2011 season. This can be credited to the collective bargaining agreement talks and current lockout forcing the media in to a frenzy for any breaking news regarding the negotiations.
Once the owners' and the players union come to a compromise you can bet your bottom dollar that free agency conversations will pick right up. However, the lockout will likely change the way free agency works and how much money each player gets paid.
Coaches and general managers across the league already have an array of guys they would've targeted before the lockout and will still give a phone call to once this is all over.
However, some of these guys are likely to re-sign with their current franchise, but there will be a select view who do move on.
Here we'll go through the top 10 free agents (restricted and unrestricted) and discuss what team would equal the best situation for that player.
10. Steve Smith, WR
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Current Team: New York Giants
Steve Smith is one of the best in the business as a possession receiver, with great hands and solid route running skills. He is also occasionally a deep-threat.
However, Smith had a down year in 2010 (due to a knee injury) after hauling in 107 receptions in 2009.
Coming of a knee injury and the emergence from Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, the Giants might pass on Smith if they think he's asking for too much.
Best Situation: Seattle Seahawks
Smith could get the opportunity to play under his college coach Pete Carroll, who helped turn around another former USC receiver, Mike Williams
9. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB
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Current Team: New York Giants
Ahmad Bradshaw had a great season in 2010, with 276 carries for 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns. He has the ability to be a home run threat every time he touches the ball, an attribute many teams will be attracted to.
However, the scat back must work on his fumbling issues that forced him to lose extra carries last season to Brandon Jacobs.
The Giants will most likely try and re-sign Bradshaw, but not if money talks elsewhere.
Best Situation: Minnesota Vikings
Even though Toby Gerhart was drafted last season, the Vikings and Adrian Peterson could you use another premier back to take some of the load off their superstar back.
8. Stephen Tulloch, ILB
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Current Team: Tennessee Titans
At the ripe age of 26, Stephen Tulloch performed a contract-year in 2010, accumulating 160 tackles along with a sack and a interception.
Tulloch is a physical presence at the inside linebacker position and will receive a nice paycheck when he signs.
Best Situation: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are in dire need of a stud at the inside, and Tulloch could be just what they're looking for.
7. Jonathan Joseph, CB
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Current Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Jonathan Joseph is one of the elite cover corners in the league. Sadly, you may have never heard of him—since he has played in Cincinnati his whole career.
With the ability to lay the wood and cover elite receivers, Joseph will be a steal if a team can get him for a minimal amount.
Best Situation: New York Jets
With Antonio Cromartie on the market, the Jets have the opportunity to sign another shutdown corner to play across Darrelle Revis. If the Jets can also re-sign Cromartie and add Joseph, they could have the leagues best pass defense.
6. Vincent Jackson, WR
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Current Team: San Diego Chargers
At 6'5" and 230 pounds, Vincent Jackson has the ability to be one of the best receivers in the NFL. With the combination of his frame and skills, he is a must have for any team.
Some would say his success comes hand-in-hand with quarterback Phillip Rivers, however, you still have to give Jackson credit were it's due and he certainly deserves a big contract.
Best Fit: San Diego Chargers
The Chargers passing game will sink ship without Jackson, helping Rivers navigate the way.
5. Sidney Rice, WR
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Current Team: Minnesota Vikings
WIth the combination of his age (24), size (6'4") and skills, Sidney Rice will be a hot commodity.
However, with his injury holding him out 12 games last season and a one-hit-wonder type season in 2009, some may be hesitant to sign him to a long-term deal.
Best Situation: Houston Texans
The Texans and Matt Schaub could use another vertical threat opposite Andre Johnson, to help clear space for either of the two.
4. Santonio Holmes, WR
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Current Team: New York Jets
Just like his picture above, Santonio Holmes can straight fly all over the field, possessing some of the best hands and route-running skills in the NFL.
With the ability to play any receiving position, Holmes will certainly receive a large amount of offers and likely get a huge payday.
Best Situation: New York Jets
The Jets will need to keep their stud receiver to work with quarterback Mark Sanchez, who looked very comfortable with his wideout at end of last year.
3. DeAngelo Williams, RB
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Current Team: Carolina Panthers
DeAngelo Williams will have to be healthy—he played in only six games in 2010— if he wants to get paid the big bucks.
However, it's clear he can do some serious damage with the pigskin in his hands, after his 2008 performance of 1,515 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Best Situation: Washington Redskins
It's no secret that the Redskins have had some serious issues at the running back position the past few seasons due to Clinton Portis inability to stay healthy. Williams is a patient back who hits the hole fast, just what head coach Mike Shanahans system calls for.
2. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB
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Current Team: Oakland Raiders
Nnamdi Asomugha is one of the best, if not the best, at we he has does, which is shut down any receiver on Sundays.
A two time first-team All-Pro selection, Asomugha will be the highest sought free agent on this list, due to his game changing abilities.
Even if Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis throws some irrational amount of money—which he is known to do—at Asomugha, the cornerback will likely be taking his services elsewhere.
Best Situation: Houston Texans
The Texans ranked dead last in pass defense this past season, and could really use an elite corner after releasing Dunta Robinson in 2009. With the signing of Asomugha, he would have an immediate impact, finally making the Texans defense a competitive one.
1. Peyton Manning, QB
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Current Team: Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning is currently listed as a designated franchise player—meaning he likely will sign a franchise tag whenever possible.
However, stranger things have happened before in the sports world, and we won't know for sure where Manning will land until after a labor agreement has been made.
Best Situation: Indianapolis Colts
The 13-year relationship between Manning and the Colts has been a great one, with two Super Bowl appearances and a Lombardi trophy; there's no way owner Jim Irsay lets his franchise player walk away.
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