2012 NFL Free agents

[supercowboy8]

Shoot me if you want but I'm doing this because I'm bored right now.
I'm looking ahead to some big name future FAs that I think will help this team.
Not saying sign them all just listing ones that are interesting.
Add to the list if you want.

1. Carl Nicks (NO) - OG - Nicks is one of the premier guards in the league and after watching Jahri Evans strike a rich deal not too long ago, the Saints may be hard pressed to offer a second guard that type of money, though Nicks arguably had a better season a year ago. If Nicks doesn't put a hometown discount on the table, there's a good chance the market shows him more love than the Saints can afford to show him.

2.Calais Campbell (ARZ) - DE - Campbell is an important part of the defensive front for the Cardinals. His triangle numbers are off the charts and he has shown marked improvement overall as a football player over the past few years. His productivity would be hard to replace for a defense that can't afford to lose more talent.

3. Ben Grubbs (BAL) - OG - Grubbs has been one of the top offensive linemen on one of the better units in the league over the past few years. Despite having some moving pieces next to him at left tackle, Grubbs has continued to excel. The team's run game is at its best with him blocking on the move. With some instability along the offensive line over the past few years, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Ravens address Grubbs' contract immediately.

4. Mario Williams (HOU) - Mario Williams just suffered any players' nightmareÑa season ending injury in a contract year. Fortunately for Williams, he has the reputation and the production of 4 sacks through 4.5 games which should still allow him to break bank this offseason. The Texans can ill-afford to lose their top defensive player, but there will be a strong market for him.

5. Curtis Lofton (ATL) - Lofton has been a key component for the inside triangle of the Falcons' defensive front. As the Falcons look to build their defense in the future, Lofton will continue to be one of the integral pieces around which they build. This has to do with Carter. If Carter produces and shows flashes then no need to sign a ILB.

6. Anthony Spencer (DAL) - Spencer hasn't emerged as he was poised to do two seasons ago, but is about as good a left outside linebacker as the league has to offer. He's a strong run defender and capable of putting some pressure on the quarterback. Though he benefits from playing opposite the league's best outside linebacker, Spencer should have a small niche market pursuing his services this offseason.

7. Brent Grimes (ATL) - If there's one player the Falcons can't afford to lose, it's Brent Grimes. Their secondary has struggled through the first 5 games while placing near the bottom of the pack in defensive completion percentage. Grimes, meanwhile, has emerged on the map as one of the league's underrated cover men.

8. Carlos Rogers (SF) - Rogers is having another overlooked season as one of the league's most underrated players. After showing poor hands in Washington, he's managed to snag a couple picks early in the year which may start to help him garner more notice. As a cover corner, he's been among the league's best, but falling short of the elites. His consistency is admirable for a position that struggles with just that and the Niners should be the first to recognize his value.

9. Cortland Finnegan (TEN) - Despite some of his ÒdirtyÓ tactics as some may call it, Finnegan has been a top 10 corner for much of his career. He's strong in run support and solid in coverage. He lacks ideal size, but is a perfect fit for what the Titans do on the perimeter. There were rumors that Finnegan was displeased with the lack of contract talks coming into the year, which could signal some existing animosity on Finnegan's behalf.

 

[supercowboy8]

Also some WR and TE free agents

Jermichael Finley (GB) - Finley is an elite talent at the position and a big part of the tight end revolution sweeping the league by storm. He's more of a rocked up receiver, but his body control, hands, and ability to win jump balls have proven unstoppable at times. With the high/low coverage he can draw and youth on his side, he'll command top dollar-whether or not it's from Green Bay is another question.

Fred Davis (WAS) - Fred Davis has surpassed Chris Cooley in the pecking order and is likely to receive an offer to stay in Washington. He's a talented receiving tight end that can get separation and eat up zone coverage.

Reggie Wayne (IND) - The Colts are an organization that tends to take care of their own. Though they're in a precarious position after signing Manning long term and with Robert Mathis looking for his own deal, the Colts will have to make room. On the bright side, the new CBA couldn't have come at a better time for the Colts who would have been due to dole out a large sum for a potentially high draft pick.

Wes Welker (NE) - Through 5 games, Welker is on pace to break the season record for receptions and shatter the record for receiving yards. It's safe to say heÕs Brady's favorite target on 3rd downs to move the chains and virtually impossible to cover out of the slot due to his quickness, intelligence, and hands. You have to think Brady will make a push to keep him around if the front office shockingly has other plans.

Vincent Jackson (SD) - Partially due to his actions and injuries, the Chargers have been reluctant to sign Vincent Jackson to a long-term extension. If there's any animosity between the two parties, this could be the time where there's a split. Still, the best guess is that the team will pay Jackson like a number one receiver and keep him in San Diego.

DeSean Jackson (PHI) - Jackson is the perfect weapon for the Eagles offense that relies upon big plays. Though the organization was unwilling to cave to his offseason demands, they'll have to think long and hard about doing everything in their power to retain Jackson. Though Maclin may be the better overall receiver, Jackson's vertical ability has a great impact on the way defenses approach the Eagles' offense. Though based on his comments and actions of several months ago, it appears that Jackson could be lured away from Philadelphia with a lucrative offer.

Dwayne Bowe (KC) - One subpar season aside, Dwayne Bowe has emerged into the number one receiver the offense needs. He's a big body and a good route runner with a large catching radius. His most impressive attribute is his body of work around the goal line. He's a complete mismatch with the fade, slant, and back shoulder passes and has shown the propensity to make the acrobatic catches on numerous occasions.

Marques Colston (NO) - When healthy, Colston is a match-up nightmare for any corner. He's an incredibly physical receiver and a sure-handed, polished route runner. When he's available, he brings another dimension to the Saints offense that none of their other talented weapons possess. Though Brees has proven capable of running the offense without him, they're even more dangerous with him.

Steve Johnson (BUF) - Still working on his meager rookie salary, Johnson figures to be a big part of the Bills' long term plans. On a team with few superstars, the Bills can afford to lock up Johnson long term and maintain an effective passing attack. After he and fellow free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick are locked up, Bills fans can breathe easier about the bright future of their offense.

Brandon Lloyd (STL) - Lloyd's next contract will largely depend upon his production over the remainder of the season. Though he hasn't been as explosive and consistent as a year ago when he broke out at age 29, he still appears to be a dangerous receiver with the league's largest catching radius.

Robert Meachem (NO) - Meachem is one of the younger receivers that could be a nice pick-up for an offense with a larger workload to offer. He's a good downfield threat and has nice instincts in the red zone. Unlike Colston, Meachem is more of a luxury for the offense.

Mario Manningham (NYG) - With Manningham and Cruz behind Hakeem Nicks, the Giants have found a nice threesome. They seemed disappointed in Steve Smith's decision to bolt for Philadelphia without the option to match the contact, so there's no question the front office will look to keep the remainder of their receiving corps intact.

 

[TheCount]

If we could steal Nicks from NO, I'd be overjoyed. The money needed for that sort of thing will be prohibitive, but I mean we were ready to drop 14 mil a year for Asomugah, right?

Cut Newman (I know he's playing well), sign Nicks and draft a 3rd CB with Jenkins and Scandrick as starters.

Man this is easier than Madden!

 

[supercowboy8]

And some FA running backs

Ray Rice (BAL) - Rice is one of the best all-around backs in football from his ability to run inside and outside the tackles, block, and catch out of the backfield. He has just enough long speed to threaten a defense vertically and the toughness and size to worry them in short yardage situations. It would be surprising to see Baltimore not retain their top offensive player.

Matt Forte (CHI) - Similar to Ray Rice, Matt Forte has the entire toolbox at his disposal every Sunday. He's a talented runner and a terrific receiver, a crucial combination for a starting back in a Mike Martz offense from so many viewpoints. On an offense as devoid of talented, proven, and productive players, Matt Forte should remain in Chicago barring a huge blunder from GM Jerry Angelo.

Ryan Grant (GB) - With James Starks emerging as a more talented runner and Alex Green, a 3rd round pick, Ryan Grant may not get a competitive offer from the Packers this offseason. He's a great fit for what they do offensively as a one-cut downhill runner, and would be a nice fit for an offense seeking just that.

Peyton Hillis (CLE) - Not to pin it on the fictitious Madden curse, but it should be noted that Hillis hasn't been nearly as effective this year as last, even when healthy. He's a bruising runner and a dependable receiver out of the backfield, but seems more equipped as a starter in the Ô90s than in today's game. There aren't too many like him right nowÑprobably because there are more "big" backs with better long speed in today's game.


Mike Tolbert (SD) - Tolbert is a terrific utility back. He can give an offense a bit of everything. Above all, he's an extremely powerful runner that will punch in the ball from the 1 with consistency. The Chargers are high on him and it's time they lock him up long-term to complement Ryan Mathews who hasn't proven capable of staying healthy.

 

[supercowboy8]

If we could steal Nicks from NO, I'd be overjoyed. The money needed for that sort of thing will be prohibitive, but I mean we were ready to drop 14 mil a year for Asomugah, right?

Cut Newman (I know he's playing well), sign Nicks and draft a 3rd CB with Jenkins and Scandrick as starters.

Man this is easier than Madden!

yeah according to Adam we will have 20 million to spend
so if I had 20 milion to play with give me the following
Calasis Campbell
Carl Nicks
Fred Davis
Mike Tolbert


resign
Spencer
Elam
Sensy

draft
Center
OG
CB
speed WR that can do returns
NT
LB depth
QB(is a great on falls in any round for the future)

 

[Jenky]

yeah according to Adam we will have 20 million to spend
so if I had 20 milion to play with give me the following
Calasis Campbell
Carl Nicks
Fred Davis
Mike Tolbert


resign
Spencer
Elam
Sensy

Davis is the TE the Skins will keep if it went down to it. I highly doubt they let him go at all. Cooley may be on the way out.

 

[Eskimo]

I'd be most interested in Nicks out of all the players listed.

However, I'm not a big fan of pursuing high cost players at non-impact positions. Just give me a young, solid player who isn't an All-Pro to man one of the interior positions and I'll be happy.

I also worry that Nicks is one of those guys who could eat himself out of the league.

 

[supercowboy8]

Davis is the TE the Skins will keep if it went down to it. I highly doubt they let him go at all. Cooley may be on the way out.

I dont want Cooley and if they had a choice they would like to keep him but who says Davis wants to stat a Commander. Davis being a Commander is more of a reason I want Dallas to get him.

 

[Jenky]

I dont want Cooley and if they had a choice they would like to keep him but who says Davis wants to stat a Commander. Davis being a Commander is more of a reason I want Dallas to get him.

If only we ran two TE sets as well as the Patriots.

 

[Future]

I'd give my left, and maybe even my right, nut for Jermichael Finley. But I don't think there's any way he gets away from GB.

 

[Eskimo]

I'd give my left, and maybe even my right, nut for Jermichael Finley. But I don't think there's any way he gets away from GB.

Aside from that issue there would also be a major overlap with Witten, Dez and Austin as the other main targets. Given that our receiving weapons isn't a big part of our offensive problems and we have major issues along the OL I wouldn't go spending cap dollars here.

Any investment in a good interior OL will reap massive dividends for our offensive performance.

 

[The Natural]

any defensive tackles?

 

[Future]

Aside from that issue there would also be a major overlap with Witten, Dez and Austin as the other main targets. Given that our receiving weapons isn't a big part of our offensive problems and we have major issues along the OL I wouldn't go spending cap dollars here.

Any investment in a good interior OL will reap massive dividends for our offensive performance.

Yea yea yea, Nicks is the guy we need more. I know.

Don't care.

 

[casmith07]

I would take Mario Williams. Pay him whatever he wants and put him as a 3-4 DE.

 

[Eskimo]

I would take Mario Williams. Pay him whatever he wants and put him as a 3-4 DE.

Not many passrush stars are going to be willing to play 3-4 DE.

I actually think we'd stand a better chance getting him if we were to allow him to play OLB.

I think our best chance of finding Spencer's replacement is the draft. We just have to be a bit patient and wait for a great candidate to fall into the 2nd or 3rd round.

I honestly think Albright could step into Spencer's role without us missing much in terms of run defense or pass coverage. We would be giving up something in the passrush but we may be better allocating funds to bring in a vet 4-3 DE who wants to transition into being a passrush specialist. This is the sort of role that Andre Carter is playing for the Pats this year.

 

[Eskimo]

Yea yea yea, Nicks is the guy we need more. I know.

Don't care.

I'd be happy with signing Finley if we could flip Dez for a good OG in a trade scenario.

 

[BAT]

any defensive tackles?

Calais Campbell is listed above.

 

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I'd be happy with signing Finley if we could flip Dez for a good OG in a trade scenario.

A good OG are you kidding me? You don't trade a player as talented as Dez unless you get a star in return.

 

[TheRat]

We have to get Mario Williams. OMG are defense would be scary.

Williams Carter Lee Ware

 

[big dog cowboy]

How many of these guys will still be available when free agency starts?