NFL Free Agency 2011: Peyton Manning and Who to Sign as Soon as the Lockout Ends

With the NFL lockout still leaving the future of the 2011-2012 season in question, organizations have less time to focus on signing the important free agents on the market.

While many players, like Peyton Manning, may remain on their current teams due to their value, other big names could be going elsewhere.

Either way, these are the top 10 players to sign as soon as the lockout ends.

Ahmad Bradshaw

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Washington Redskins on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 31-7. (Photo b

At just 25 years old, Ahmad Bradshaw had a breakout 2010 season with both career highs in rushing and receiving yards for the New York Giants.

In 276 carries, Bradshaw rushed for 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns. He also proved to be an important option for Eli Manning, as he completed 47 receptions for an additional 314 yards. 

Steve Smith

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants rushes against Roy Lewis #34 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 41-7. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Ge

Another New York Giant makes the list as Steve Smith, just 26, managed to make 48 receptions for 529 yards and three touchdowns in just nine games in 2010 for the New York Giants.

2009 may be more indicative of the season Smith is capable of if he stays healthy, in which he had a Giants franchise record 107 receptions for 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns.

Santonio Holmes

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates after he scored a third quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani

With 52 receptions, 746 yards and six touchdowns in just 12 games, Santonio Holmes proved to be a much needed addition to the New York Jets after leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In his last full season in 2009, he had 1,248 and averages an impressive 16 yards per catch over the course of his career.

Chad Greenway

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Jeremy Shockey #88 of the New Orleans Saints gets tackled by Chad Greenway #52 and Antoine Winfield #26 of the Minnesota Vikings after catching a pass for a first down during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisana Superdome o

Chad Greenway of the Minnesota Vikings had another impressive year in 2010, recording 144 tackles with a sack and a forced fumble.

He's had 463 tackles in just four years.

LaMarr Woodley

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack 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

LaMarr Woodley is a big piece of the excellent Pittsburgh Steelers defense and has been for several years.

Last season, he had 50 total tackles, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. For the last three seasons, he has had double-digit sacks.

DeAngelo Williams

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Although he hasn't played a full season since his breakout year in 2008 where he rushed for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns, DeAngelo Williams is a valuable addition to any backfield.

He managed to rush for 361 yards, with an additional 61 yards receiving in 2010.

Nnamdi Asomugha

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers catches a ball while defended by Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Ima

Often praised as the top defensive back in the league, Nnamdi Asomugha had yet another Pro Bowl season in 2010 with 19 tackles and six passes defensed.

It's unlikely he'll stay on the Oakland Raiders this upcoming season, as he would prefer a playoff bound team and more money—two things the Raiders are unlikely to give him.

Michael Vick

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Trotma

Although Michael Vick is likely to stay with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011, he is likely going to be highly sought after following his 2010 campaign.

It was the first time in his career where he recorded a QB rating of over 100. He had a 62.6 completion percentage, threw for 3,018 yards, 21 touchdowns, just six interceptions, and also ran for 676 yards and nine TDs.

Sidney Rice

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings in action against Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

At just 24 years old, Sidney Rice has the potential for a long and fruitful career in the NFL. Although the 2010 season was cut short due to hip surgery, he still managed to record 17 receptions for 280 yards—all with less talent at the quarterback position.

He contributed to Brett Favre's great 2009 season with his 83 receptions for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns.

Peyton Manning

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

What is there to say about Peyton Manning that hasn't been said already? He's one of the best quarterbacks of all time. He's reliable and he's accurate. He has 54,828 career passing yards, with 399 touchdowns and a 64.9 completion percentage.

In 2010, he passed for 4,700 yards with 33 TDs and 17 INT. And don't forget about his 18 yards rushing.

It's next to impossible that he leaves Indianapolis in 2011, but he's so clearly the most valuable player on the market that he deserves the No. 1 spot anyway.