9 NFL teams eligible to be on Hard Knocks series next season

If no team volunteers to appear on the next season of HBO's Hard Knocks, the NFL will have a pool of nine to choose from. 

The list, as compiled by Sports Illustrated's Richard Deitsch, includes the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. 

Teams that have advanced to the postseason the past two seasons and those with first-year head coaches are exempt from appearing on the program.

HBO wanted the Browns last season after they drafted quarterback Johnny Manziel, but the team turned them down, citing the first-year coach exemption. Manziel has made headlines since arriving in Cleveland and his antics could make for compelling television.

Another team that jumps off the list are the Bucs, who hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft and are on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator. 

The Vikings are also an intriguing candidate, as they have a franchise quarterback in the making in Teddy Bridgewater and could be welcoming back suspended running back Adrian Peterson.