Free agency made a lot of NFL players rich over the last few weeks. But hitting the open market hasn't worked out for every big name.
Some very well known NFL players are still without jobs, and they won't see the big contracts that were routinely handed out the last two weeks. Here's a look at some notable names still looking for work:
1. Michael Crabtree, wide receiver: It wasn't so long ago that Crabtree put up 1,100 yards on a run-first offense, including two 100-yard games in the playoffs. Crabtree is only 27 years old, but he had the lower leg issues of a much older player last season. NFL Media's Albert Breer says coaches thought he "slowed down" and teams could be concerned about his attitude.
2. Jake Long, offensive tackle: The former No. 1 overall pick could return to St. Louis on a much smaller deal if his rehabilitation from knee surgery goes well. Retirement would not be a surprise.
3. Dwight Freeney, defensive end: Would a return to Indianapolis be so crazy? Freeney had 53 combined pressures on 372 snaps last season, according to Pro Football Focus, but the 35-year-old hasn't received interest yet. He could still help a team as a situational pass-rusher, especially on turf. Freeney doesn't want to start the clock on his Canton debate yet.
4 and 5. Wes Welker and Reggie Wayne, wide receiver: We group these two receivers together because they face similar challenges. Welker has to prove to teams that he's not a risk because of his concussions, and that he hasn't lost his quickness. A disastrous season in Denver last year could be his last. Wayne had no explosion late last year, and underwent triceps surgery after the season. He's open to playing for teams other than the Colts, but it would be a surprise if any team bit.
6. Rolando McClain, linebacker: Remember him? The Comeback Player of the Year candidate is getting no interest in free agency, including from the Cowboys. Jean Jacques-Taylor of ESPN Dallas wrote on Twitter that Cowboys fans shouldn't expect McClain to be back because he's a "high maintenance" player who faded down the stretch. Perhaps the Cowboys are just waiting for his price to come down.
7. Greg Jennings, wide receiver: He met with Carolina on Sunday, and could do worse than trying to be an upgrade for Jerricho Cotchery on the Panthers. Just two years from a big contract from Minnesota, Jennings will have to settle for battling for a role in 2015.
8. Stevan Ridley, running back: The Patriots draft pick isn't great on passing downs and is coming off a torn ACL. That explains why he hasn't found work yet, but he is a talented between-the-tackles runner who is worth a shot. The Cowboys and Vikings have reportedly showed some interest. Ridley has similar talent to Ryan Mathews at a fraction of the price.
9. Hakeem Nicks, wide receiver: Nicks battled for balls well at the end of last season, but he looks like an old player. It's a terrible sign for him that the Colts showed so little interest in keeping him. Once destined to be a top-10 NFL wide receiver, Nicks is dangerously close to sliding out of the league at age 27. He'll find a job, but a roster spot isn't guaranteed.
10 and 11. Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman: Briggs, 35, hasn't received a peep of interest on the free agent market. The Bears don't want him back and Briggs will have to settle for a low-cost, one-year deal elsewhere. Tillman, 34, is also hoping to keep his career going. Both veterans have a chance to latch on elsewhere because they played reasonably well when on the field in 2015.
12. Michael Vick, quarterback: The Falcons have shown up on Vick's Twitter avatar, but a return to Atlanta is not in the cards. Is a return to the NFL? The backup-quarterback jobs around the league are filling up, and there isn't a logical fit for Vick out there.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast makes some bold free agency predictions and discusses Adrian Peterson's future. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
