NFL Free Agency 2011: 5 Free Agents Fans Forgot Were Still Around

These are not the big name guys everyone has been hearing about since the NFL lockout ended. They are not the Nnmadi Asomugha's, DeAngelo Williams or Santonio Holmes' of the world.  

Many of you might have forgotten these guys are still available, and if you did, I'm here to help.

They can still play.  They just need a chance.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Kickoff is right around the corner. 

James Jones, WR

Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley will all be in a Green Bay Packers uniform when the season begins, but what about James Jones?

More known for dropping two potential touchdown passes in last year's Super Bowl, than being one of this year's free agent wide receivers, James Jones would love to return to Green Bay.

And it's no secret Aaron Rodgers would love to have him back as well.

Rodgers has adamantly stated: "James is extremely talented and he's a guy that I think we need to bring back without a doubt." He should be priority No. 1 and I mean that with all my heart. He really should be priority No. 1. We don't win the Super Bowl without him and we need him."

And, although the Packers almost lost the Super Bowl because of him, if he's good enough for Rodgers, he should be good enough for the other 29 starting quarterbacks as well.

Jason Taylor, OLB/DE

After the 2010 season ended, Jason Taylor expressed interest in returning to the New York Jets, but after a subpar season in New York, the brief marriage between the Jets and Taylor is most likely over.

Taylor indicated early this offseason that there was no scenario under which he'd return to the Dolphins, but after Taylor has realized the Jets have moved on, he is open to returning to the place where he earned  honors of being named the 2006 NFL defensive player of the year.

Once having the reputation of being one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, Taylor plans on playing one more season, but the question is, which team will he be playing for?

At 36 years old, put in the right situation, Taylor still has something left in the tank. He just needs a chance. 

Olin Kreutz, C

A leader in the clubhouse, and a true professional on the football field, the Olin Kreutz era in Chicago is over.  In most likelihood, the team's 15-year veteran center will have a new home next season, leaving a gaping hole in the Bears offense, and filling a major void in the offensive line. 

At age 34, it's no secret Kreutz is no longer the player he once was, but having played through numerous injuries including an attack of appendicitis before undergoing surgery the next day, Kreutz finished last season healthy, and is still playing at a pro-bowl type level.

Whichever team is in desperate need of a center, the six-time Pro Bowler will be a great addition to any offensive line. I don't see Kreutz being unemployed for long.

Any team would be lucky to have him. 

Ricky Willams, RB

Once drafted fifth overall in the 1999 NFL draft, at age 33, Ricky Williams is a free agent for the first time in his career.

After 12 years of a career that has seen the greatest "highs" and the lows, Williams will be searching for a job, only one year after splitting duties with fellow free-agent Ronnie Brown, averaging 4.2 yards a carry, carrying the ball 159 times for 673 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Dolphins.  

Once considered oen of the most talented backs in the NFL, Williams is no longer viewed as a full-time starter, but possibly, a second string running back or a third down option.

If Williams is unable to sign with a team, having to call it a career, we can only sit back, and imagine, what could've been?

Because there is no doubt, he would've been something special. 

Terrell Owens, WR

(I know this one is up for debate, but does anyone care about T.O. anymore?)

Recovering from significant knee surgery, one of the most dominant receivers of his era, insists he'll be ready to play when the season begins.

But does anyone believe Terrell Owens or his loudmouth agent, Drew Rosenhaus?

Known more for reality TV, or performing calisthenics in his driveway, the drama known as the "T.O. Show" has been out of the spotlight since the 2010 season ended.

Failing to break the 1,000-receiving yard plateau or recording double-digit touchdowns during his one-year tenure in Cincinnati, the six-time Pro Bowler will struggle to land a job.

And even if Owens' career is over, let's not forget he still has 25 million reasons to live.

Right?