NFL Free Agent Rumors: Which Playoff Contenders Will Strike Gold in Free Agency?

Every football fan across the world is on the edge of his or her seat with football finally back in our lives. The lockout is lifted, and teams are cutting players left and right to make cap space for elite free agent targets.

This year, fans will witness an extreme free agency extravaganza as teams rush to sign the top players without homes. We have already seen big names cut such as Derrick Mason, Todd Heap and Nick Barnett.

Undrafted free agents have already been plucked from the pool, but everyone is concerned with the likes of Nnamdi Asomugha, DeAngelo Williams, Ahmad Bradshaw and Paul Posluszny. We also have a wealth of wide receivers on the open market such as Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Plaxico Burress and Sidney Rice.

Not many expect the playoff picture to change much from last season, but with a plethora of players being moved around, anything can change. At this point, only a select few teams are not playoff contenders.

Which playoff contenders are in position to strike gold from this free agency frenzy? 

10. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are on the verge of competing dominating the NFC West once again…all they need is a capable quarterback.

Rumors have been running for months that they will make a play for Philly’s Kevin Kolb, but there are other quality starters on the market. They have more than enough cap space to bring in a veteran, as well as other necessary pieces.

This team could still use an upgrade on the defensive line, outside linebacker and may even be looking to bring in veteran cornerback Ike Taylor.

Ken Whisenhunt is one of the better coaches in the league and has done a remarkable job bringing the Cardinals to stability. They stumbled last year without a quarterback, but in a winnable division like the NFC West, everybody knows they may have the easiest road to the Super Bowl.

9. Miami Dolphins

Believe it or not, Miami actually has a lot of promise after a fantastic draft. Despite Chad Henne’s inability to throw down the field, this team is loaded on offense and is looking to even improve its run game. They drafted Daniel Thomas from Kansas State who has every skill necessary to be a featured back.

Still, they’re rumored to be interested in DeAngelo Williams and Ahmad Bradshaw to replace Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

Wow.

This receiving corps, fantastic offensive line and two studs in the backfield? Tony Sparano would be on the verge of taking this team to the playoffs in the dreaded AFC.

Also look out for this team to improve its linebacker corps to assist its quality secondary. 

8. Denver Broncos

Not many people want to give the John Fox and John Elway credit for vastly improving this entire team via the draft.

That’s fine, because I will.

This team is on the verge of dethroning the Chiefs and Chargers for top honors in the AFC West. Tim Tebow is a legitimate starter, and they are prepared to move Kyle Orton to hand the keys over to Timmy.

The defense is going to be much improved, with Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil destroying quarterbacks with ease.

They are in play for DeAngelo Williams and would be the prime destination for D-Will. Williams and Knowshon Moreno would create one of the best tandems in the NFL.

The offensive line is one of the best in the league, and Orlando Franklin will only help Ryan Clady dominate.

Watch out for the Broncos.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia is set on offense, which means it’s all about the defense.

Ideally, they’ll bring in Nnamdi Asomugha, but I don’t see him going to Philly.

Still, the Eagles have plenty of defensive studs to choose from to bolster all three phases of the defensive unit.

Andy Reid put together a solid draft as he landed Oregon superstar Casey Matthews. I wouldn’t count out another linebacker being added to the squad to solidify this group.

They have been rumored to be in play for Albert Haynesworth. You want to talk about a move worthwhile, look no further than "Fat Albert," who will presumably do everything in his power to get back at the Washington Redskins.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay may lose Barrett Ruud for good, but this team has a ton of salary cap relief to bring in elite free agents such. They need a cornerback, as nobody knows what type of disciplinary action will be taken on Aquib Talib after his run-in with the law. Still, everyone around the league knows this team is loaded on both sides of the ball.

They desperately need a safety to quarterback the defense, but this defensive line is going to demolish opposing game plans. Players know the Bucs are on the up-and-up after winning 10 games behind Coach of the Year candidate Raheem Morris.

Josh Freeman is the next great winning quarterback, and the warm weather makes Tampa Bay an attractive destination. Look for the Bucs to rake in free agents and make a run in the NFC South.

5. St. Louis Rams

The Rams were on the verge of winning the NFC West until they met the almighty Seahawks in a playoff atmosphere in Seattle.

Everybody knows this squad is on the brink of winning this easy division, and they have the cap space to bring in quality studs.

St. Louis did a fine job in the draft, but it still needs a big-play wide receiver to put it over the top. Turns out this is the perfect time to be in need of a wide receiver.

Expect the Rams to go after a game-changer such as Sidney Rice or Braylon Edwards, who would immediately raise the eyebrows of NFL pundits across the country. Everyone will have to take notice of the Rams with Sam Bradford, Steven Jackson and a freak of Rice’s caliber.

4. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle may have had arguably the worst draft in the NFL, but I still believe it brought in quality prospects. This offensive line is going to be one of the very best in a year or two.

Pete Carroll and the Seahawks' front office has an envious amount of cap space to sign free agents such as Sidney Rice and Antonio Cromartie.

They could very well be the biggest winners in free agency as players realize that life is not so bad in Seattle. They will have the opportunity play in arguably the best home field advantage in all of sports and have the luxury to compete in the winnable NFC West.

This team won the West with a losing record last year, and though everyone expects them to fall off, a wide receiver, quarterback and cornerback would put them right back into Super Bowl contention.

Don’t forget, this team can go into "Beast Mode" with Marshawn Lynch. I know the Saints haven’t forgotten!

3. New York Jets

It feels like nearly every single one of the Jets’ top performers are free agents aside from Mark Sanchez and Darrelle Revis. Still, the top fad in the league is to play for Rex Ryan. Everyone wants a piece of Broadway as it is, and when you throw in the charismatic head coach, the Jets are simply a magnet for free agents.

The team still has to cut some costly players to clear up more cap space, but general manager Mike Tannenbaum will surely make a run at every elite player on the open market.

The Jets put together one of the best drafts in the NFL, so they are still sitting pretty. Expect Santonio Holmes to be back with Gang Green first, and then watch the rumors run rampant that they are close to securing the greatest cornerback tandem in the league as they look to bring in Nnamdi Asomugha. 

2. Houston Texans

The Texans also put together a phenomenal draft with J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed and Brandon Harris. Throw in the return of DeMeco Ryans, Mario Williams and stud linebacker Brian Cushing, and we already have the makings for Houston to finally win the AFC South to make the playoffs for the first time in team history.

The only thing left to do is complete the secondary with a veteran cornerback and safety. Darren Sharper will be a cheap option at safety, but all eyes are on Nnamdi Asomugha. He will be the main focus for the Texans, and with their cap space, they can throw as much money as they want his way. If they manage to land Asomugha, they’ll be the big winners and guarantee themselves a Super Bowl opportunity.

1. Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones is littering free agency with former stars nobody wants anymore. Marion Barber and Roy Williams were casualties today as the Cowboys look to clear as much cap space as possible for Nnamdi Asomugha.

Everyone knows they do things bigger in Dallas, and Jones is looking to break the bank this offseason.

It feels like Asomugha or bust, but there are plenty of options out there for Dallas.

This team is loaded on both sides of the ball, but it is essential they bring in secondary help. With Asomugha, Antonio Cromartie and Johnathan Joseph on the open market, nearly everybody around the league expects Jones to bring in one of these three men.

Dallas drafted the best pass blocker in Tyron Smith, but they still need to bolster the offensive line. Expect Dallas to bring in a sturdy stud to possibly even keep Smith on the right side, where he played in college.

The Cowboys are pulling out all of the stops this offseason as they cut big names to clear up space. Jones is going all-in to give his team the best chance at winning the Super Bowl, so expect Dallas to be the biggest winners even if Asomugha signs elsewhere.