NFL Free Agency: The 5 Best Fits for DeAngelo Williams

With the 2011 NFL draft in the rear-view mirror, we can now focus our attention towards free agency—if it ever happens, that is, as the lockout chaos will make free agency extraordinarily tricky. There is a chance that the league will re-institute 2010 guidelines, which will make some players, like Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl running back DeAngelo Williams, restricted free agents for a second straight year.

But there is still some persisting optimism that everything will work out, and a new CBA will be installed. In that case, Williams, the crown jewel of this year's class, will be in high demand. The Panthers are the implied competitor for whichever team emerges at the front runner, but chances are the 27-year-old will seek a Super Bowl contender.

No. 5 New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 of the New England Patriots runs for a 1-yard touchdown in thefirst quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Prior to the draft, New England seemed like a relatively logical destination for DeAngelo Williams. Even though that might part from the "Patriot Way," the team did acquire Corey Dillon a few years ago.

But Bill Belichick drafted two running backs, Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, over the weekend, diminishing Williams' chances of landing with the Pats. However, Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis is slated for free agency, so if New England does not re-sign him, they would enter camp with Danny Woodhead and two rookies.

New England would benefit greatly from adding an elite running back to their arsenal, and though it is a bit far fetched, Williams could potentially turn the Pats into a juggernaut.

No. 4 Cincinnati Bengals

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 19: Cedric Benson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Bengals just replenished their offense with young talent via the draft. This hints that Cincinnati wants to usher in a new era of players, and Cedric Benson's inconsistency, coupled with the overwhelming workload the Bengals have subjected him to, leaves his future with the team in question.

Naturally, Williams should be a target. There may be very limited options on the free agent market this summer, which should intensify the demand for his services. If the Bengals let Benson go, they would be in danger of entering the season with only Bernard Scott and a potentially mediocre free agent addition.

No. 3 Washington Redskins

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 19: Clinton Portis #26 of the Washington Redskins runs22 the ball during the game against the Houston Texans at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins in overtime 30-27. (Photo by

Mike Shanahan has a legendarily keen eye for running backs, especially diamonds in the rough. However, the Redskins offense is sorely lacking talent, and even though the 'Skins drafted both Roy Helu and Evan Royster, there is no guarantee either will pan out.

Also, Washington will have to be confident enough in a corps consisting of Ryan Torain and two rookies to keep them competitive.

Much like Shanahan knows how to turn trash into treasure, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder knows how to open up his wallet. Williams would add established, elite talent to an offense with none.

No. 2 Indianapolis Colts

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GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 26: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts runs for yardage against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Splurging on a high-priced free agent would stray far from the the Colts' conservative ways, but Indy's rushing attack has been the team's Achilles' heel over the past few years, ranking in the bottom five in the league the past three seasons. Even though Joseph Addai has been productive, he has not been spectacular and is slated for free agency.

Also, keep in mind, Peyton Manning is only getting older, and in order to preserve his arm, the team should place an increased emphasis on the run game.

DeAngelo Williams could add some much needed speed and explosiveness to a backfield that already features a promising (but still iffy) young back in Donald Brown. Indy's insistence on building through the draft has been effective, but they have only one Super Bowl championship with a Hall of Fame quarterback at the helm. A Pro Bowl running back could bring them another one or two before Manning calls it quits.

No. 1 Miami Dolphins

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Running back Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins is upended by the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The Miami Dolphins are the only team that has a legitimate connection to DeAngelo Williams. A few weeks ago, Williams was on the Koop and Kelly Show on 560 WQAM, saying "I’ve heard rumors that I may be at the top their board this year."

He added, "This is a place I’d like to live. I hope I’m at the top of their list and they come after me."

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are almost definitely gone, and the 'Fins have a vacant spot on the roster for a running back in front of rookie Daniel Thomas. So long as Williams actually enters free agency, Stephen Ross will have no hesitations signing a big check for his services, much like he did for Brandon Marshall and Karlos Dansby last summer. The interest seems mutual and both parties have been reciprocal with their interest. Expect Williams to be a Dolphins for 2011.