Top 50 NFL Players Available This Offseason (Trade, FA, or Draft)

If this year's offseason in the NFL is anything like last season, then there will a frenzy of excitement on March 13 that could rival Black Friday in retail shopping.

Teams will hope, pray and spend their way improving their rosters with the hope that the right combination of new faces mixed with the current ones will be the right step taken toward a Lombardy Trophy.

It may not happen overnight or over the course of the season, but the motto "have money, will spend" has had to have been spoken on more then one occasion—especially with organizations that are "one player away" from breaking into the NFL elite.

The offseason won't just be about the free agents brought into the fold for NFL teams. It will also consist of the April Draft and trades that could see high-priced players find a change of scenery for the better.

I have always believed that teams should use free agency and the draft in conjunction with each other to fill needs The teams who do best in each period of time are the most successful. That means more wins, a chance at the playoffs and a foundation laid out for the future.

These players will be best ones on the market, whether they can be obtained through free agency, the draft or if a trade can develop.

David Garrard, Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars

His problem is that he did not play all season due to being released by the Jaguars and then had offseason back surgery.

Is he fit to play this season? Does he have the desire to play in the NFL anymore? And will there be any team out there willing to take a chance on him?

Garrard is a good game-manager who, when asked to win games and not lose them, he can be very good.

He has a mid-range arm and good presence in and out of the pocket. And when he has a solid running game behind him, he is more effective. Garrard may have been able to win some of the games Blaine Gabbert lost this season based on experience.

A team like Miami or Seattle could may want to look his way.

Harry Douglas, Wide Receiver, Atlanta

Douglas is currently behind Roddy White and Julio Jones on the depth chart for the Falcons and could be a "sleeper" selection for a team looking for speed in the slot as well as special teams.

I think Mike Mularkey and the Jacksonville Jaguars would be well advised to look his way, as should other teams (Washington, Miami, San Diego) who may be in need of a set of hands and someone to spread the field.

The fact Mularkey coached him in Atlanta before moving on to the Jaguars may give Jacksonville an edge in free agency.

Either way, he could be a steal for anyone with mediocre receiving talent.

Jason Campbell, Quarterback, Oakland

Campbell looked like he was turning things around and was playing on a team that was headed for the playoffs.

And then the bottom dropped out.

Campbell broke his collarbone and then the franchise showed its commitment to him by trading for Carson Palmer, which handcuffed the future of the franchise and did not bring a playoff berth to the team.

Campbell is a good quarterback and someone that will be picked up by a team needing to bring in competition at the position. Whether he is a starter or not cannot be determined until we see who tries to sign him.

But any number of teams—Seattle, Dallas, Miami, Jacksonville, Cleveland—could use him as a solid back-up/starter.

I personally think this guy can be a solid starter, one who manages a game well and with the right core players can get to the next level.

Matt Roth, Defensive End, Jacksonville Jaguars

Roth was a "open book" last season before signing with the Jaguars. For $3 million, he would play for anyone who wanted his services, he said.

The Jaguars, with issues still unresolved about Aaron Kampman, took a chance and it paid off—until Roth suffered a concussion during the second half of the season.

Roth's pass rush and run-stopping helped the Jaguars rise to the sixth best defense in the NFL this past season.

The Jaguars have many other defensive players they "must" re-sign to ensure the defense has a chance to be that good again. Roth fit in well with defensive coordinator Mel Tucker's scheme and provides the edge rushing on one side while standout Jeremy Mincey provides a strong rush from the other side. 

John Abraham, Defensive End, Atlanta

Abraham's highlight reel in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is all you need to know that he can still play football at a high level.

While the Falcons would be advised to keep the active defensive end, they also have Brent Grimes and Curtis Lofton to think about as well.

Abraham is one of those guys who, even at 33 years old, is still a good end to have on your team. He is one year removed from a Pro Bowl appearance and All Pro status. And his leadership in the locker room is just as valuable as his play on the field.

If he is pursued on the open market, a team (New England) that is looking to add a player or two to go deep in the playoffs would be wise to look at him and scoop him up.

Jeremy Mincey, Defensive End, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeremy Mincey has led the Jaguars in sacks the past two years.

Not bad for a free agent out of Florida who signed with the Jaguars and claimed high-first round draft pick Derrick Harvey's roster spot.

While the University of Florida graduate recently he stated that he wants to remain in Jacksonville, he is not willing to give the team a "hometown" discount.

Mincey not only led the team in sacks (eight), he also provided constant pass rush and helped with a run defense that at times look like a wall of concrete.

If he does not re-sign with the Jaguars, there will be plenty of teams wanting someone who always seems to be around the ball on defense.

Laurent Robinson, Wide Receiver, Dallas

Robinson was a undrafted free agent signed to help the Cowboys when their receiving corps was depleted by injury.

Robinson proved to be a valuable commodity to have. Other teams should take Dallas's approach and sign the receiver to a big-time contract.

Robinson has good size and speed and can work in the return game. I see Washington, Chicago and Jacksonville all looking to gain his services.

Pierre Garcon, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis

The little engine that could. Garcon has come a long way from Mount Union and was a key target in the debilitated Colts offense this season.

Can Garcon become a true lead receiver? He will be given the chance if he is signed by another team.

Garcon is great in the slot and can spread the defense with his speed. I think he would be a welcomed addition to someone like Washington or the Dolphins.

LaRon Landry, Defensive Back, Washington

He is listed as a free agent, but can the Redskins allow him to walk?

The Redskins offense was pitiful all season long while the defense was pretty good most of the year.

Landry has been the leader of this unit along with London Fletcher. His leadership and pass coverage are much needed for his team to succeed.

Anthony Spencer, Defensive End/Linebacker, Dallas

He really came on this season for the Cowboys. Spencer is listed as a linebacker, but I can see him as an edge rusher on some defensive units.

With NFL big linebackers and edge rushers becoming interchangeable, Spencer at his size becomes that much more valuable for the Cowboys or any other team that needs to be able to use a player in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.

Spencer can do both.

Peyton Hillis, Running Back, Cleveland

I think it is safe to say that the Browns will let Mr. Hillis' injuries and drama leave the state of Ohio.

Hillis is a throwback-runner who looks like Larry Csonka when he runs and moves a pile like Roger Craig. If he can find a team that will allow him to be a featured back and the center of the offense, he will be quite successful.

Could he find success in Detroit or maybe Cincinnati? Another team that could find a place for him is Tampa Bay.

Michael Griffin, Defensive Back, Tennessee

While Cortland Finnegan may get plenty of the praise in the secondary, Griffin is just as important to the secondary success of the Titans.

Griffin could be back with or without Finnegan in the lineup. The Titans and defensive coordinator Jerry Gray cannot afford to lose two of his best cover defenders in the Tennessee lineup.

Robert Meacham, Wide Receiver, New Orleans

Could the Saints re-sign Drew Brees and then lose two important receivers in the offense?

It is possible. Meacham is the second option (of receivers) in Drew Brees' passing arsenal.

Meacham is sometimes the forgotten man because Marques Colston and Lance Moore are the main red-zone targets and the emergence of Jimmy Graham in the passing attack.

Meacham could be a first option in another passing system.

Jeff Saturday, Center, Indianapolis

He has been the glue of the Indianapolis Colts offensive line since 1999. In those 12 seasons, he has developed a relationship with Peyton Manning that rivals the great passer/center relationships.

If Manning comes back, I think it is a lock for Saturday to return.

If not, I still think he comes back but he could entertain some interest from a team that needs help establishing solid line play.

Saturday is a diamond in the rough. He may be on the short side of the his career (36 years old), but he is also a "bring your lunch pail to work" kind of guy who gives everything on every play.

Morris Claiborne, Defensive Back, LSU

Claiborne could be the new Ed Reed of the NFL.

He has great size, speed and can cover bigger receivers in the end zone.

There is a reason why LSU and Alabama had the two best defenses in college football. Players like Claiborne make it easy to scheme for opposing offenses.

Brandon Lloyd, Wide Receiver, St. Louis Rams

If he can keep his thoughts to himself, Lloyd could be a steal in this free-agent class.

After was traded from Denver to St. Louis, the Broncos began their improbable run toward the playoffs.

He did very little to distinguish himself in Missouri and now will test the open market.

Teams like Dallas, Chicago, Washington and San Diego all may take a shot at landing him.

Cory Redding, Defensive End, Balitmore

While players like Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis get all the credit, Cory Redding is just as important to the Ravens defense.

And in a season when defensive ends will be at a premium, he will be sought after.

Redding could be a welcome addition to a team needing an edge rusher or a run stuffer in a 3-4 defense.

Jonathan Martin, Tackle, Stanford

Could he be better than Ryan Kalil down the line? Sure.

But right now, he is the second overall rated tackle in this draft. While having  good size and speed, helping keep Andrew Luck's jersey clean may be the most best endorsement he could get.

It may be possible that he plays both tackle positions in the NFL.

DeSean Jackson, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles

Is he going to be the enigma of the NFL in 2012? Jackson could very well be as important a player on the offense as any other receiver in the league and he has Devin Hester-like skills on the return side of he ball.

But his constant issues with Eagles management became a disruption. Can they work them out? That remains to be seen.

He will certainly get some attention on the open market. But I wonder if he is a Terrell Owens-type of player, which isn't good for a young team on the rise.

Alex Smith, Quarterback, San Francisco

Do you let the guy who helped your team return back to relevancy walk away from the Bay area?

Smith had his best season of his career and now he is a free agent. The 49ers drafted Colin Kaepernick in the second round and have him riding the bench. As long as Smith can deliver, the draft pick stays on the bench.

But can the 49ers afford Smith?

Does another team come in and try and make a play for him. He would look good in Cleveland or Washington, two teams who may lose out on the RGIII sweepstakes.

Mike Wallace, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh

Wallace is a restricted free agent. Could he leave the Steelers and their exciting passing attack?

Probably not.

Wallace is a main weapon in Pittsburgh, a team that for years prided itself on being a run-first team and now has become a pass-first team with its host of weapons.

With an aging defense, the offensive unit must stay intact—with Ben Roethlisberger leading the way—to bring another Super Bowl ring to the Steel City.

Wallace is a big part of that success.

Lardarius Webb, Defensive Back, Baltimore

Webb is key to the Ravens success for two reasons: his playmaking ability in the secondary and the speed he provides to the return game.

I think personally he is an underrated player on this team. With Ed Reed's age and injury history, he becomes that much more valuable.

Also, Webb is part of a free-agent class in Baltimore that consists of Ray Rice and Ben Grubbs. Which one of the three would get franchised by the team? And ultimately, can all three fit within the salary cap for this team.

On the open market, I think he will be one of the most sought-after defensive players.

D'Qwell Jackson, Linebacker, Cleveland

The leader of the Cleveland Browns defense. Let me restate that: The leader of an improved Browns defense.

Jackson has been a mainstay on the river in Ohio. His leadership and constant playmaking has been a great help to a struggling franchise.

Could he command a high reward on the open market? Yes.

Would he excel in other defensive schemes? Yes.

Will he ultimately leave the team that he has been with since his first days in the NFL? That remains to be seen.

Stephen Tulloch, Linebacker, Detroit

A nice pick up by the Lions and a star in their revamped and improved defense.

Tulloch was a good player for the Tennessee Titans before coming over to the Lions this past season.

The NFL always has a place for players of Tulloch's skill and his intensity was felt throughout the season in Detroit.

I would think the Lions would want to keep as many stars together with the improvements the team made this season on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

Brent Grimes, Defensive Back, Atlanta

The fact the Falcons had the 12th best defense in the NFL is something this team can hang its hat on.

Having Grimes on the team and playing at a high level helped this team achieve that success.

When Grimes was injured toward the end of the season, you could see a change in the secondary and how it played. When a healthy Grimes returned, the secondary played better.

Grimes, as well as John Abraham, could be on the open market and receive a lot of attention from weaker secondary-laden teams. But in the end, I think he stays with the Falcons.

Matt Kalil, Tackle, Southern California

The best tackle coming out in this draft. The first round could see three or four tackles taken and Kalil has separated himself from the pack as the best of the bunch.

He is slated to be selected third overall by the Minnesota Vikings on many draft boards. But as you know with trades and players rising and falling on draft boards, where he is selected is really a crap shoot.

Is he as good as an Anthony Munoz or a Tony Boselli, two great Trojan tackles from the past? Who knows. Would a team settle for a two-thirds of their talent? Oh yes.

Kalil will be a solid starter for the next decade.

Calais Campbell, Defensive End, Arizona

At 6'8" and over 300 pounds, he is the biggest defensive end on the open market.

And his play has improved over the last two seasons.

Campbell will be on the radar of every team needing an edge rusher. He may be better on an established team with few needs or he could be the center piece of a pass rush looking to grow (Carolina).

I would think for someone with his size and skill, teams will make an offer to him early. He may be one of the first few players off the board once free agency starts.

Marshawn Lynch, Running Back, Seattle

Seattle wouldn't let him walk, would they?

The Seahawks are truly a quarterback away from being a contender in the NFC West. That said, would this team let its best offensive player walk away?

Lynch would be welcomed in many backfields that need a good, strong, durable runner who can get you 1,100-1,200 yards a season.

If Seattle does not re-sign the talented runner who has found a home on the west coast, it may set off a firestorm. Seattle was a much improved team in the second half of the season. The defense played better and the offense seemed to come together.

Pete Carroll doesn't need the headache of finding two major offensive weapons in the offseason.

But Lynch would garner a pretty penny on the open market.

Wes Welker, Wide Receiver, New England

You stick out like the kid at recess in grade school and all you do is catch 122 passes for over 1,500 yards from some guy named Brady.

Yep, that's Wes Welker, the man who makes Ed McCaffrey look like a giant in shoulder pads. Welker is a cult hero for those of us who just did not quite make it in sports as a kid.

And the Patriots know they need to keep their leading receiver happy. But here is the thing: I cannot see many teams really trying to make a play for him.

He fits in the Patriots system, but what other system (maybe Denver, maybe Chicago) does the mighty-mite receiver fit into?

If he is on the market, he commands a good raise and the team that takes him gets a good possession receiver. But then we will get to see if he is good or if the system makes him that good.

Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

I cannot wait to see him in the pros.

I think he will be better than the former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, whom he sat behind at Alabama.

Richardson is powerful and runs at full speed once he moves forward. He was instrumental in the Crimson Tide's national title run and will prove to be just as valuable in the pros.

I cannot see him getting past Tampa Bay with the fifth pick in this draft, but stranger things have happened.

Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver, Kansas City

Tall and rangy, Bowe could be a nice red zone receiver for a team in the market for new offensive weapons.

I'm curious what Bowe, a former first round pick, would command on the open market. Does he want to stay in Kansas City with new head coach Romeo Crennel? Does he fit into the plans for this offense?

Does a team like Cincinnati or Jacksonville or even Dallas try and make a play for his services?

What about the Bears?

Bowe would be a good addition for a team needing a lead receiver in their passing game.

Cortland Finnegan, Defensive Back, Tennessee

Finnegan has more value than you think.

He is a good cover defender who irritates receivers and causes fits in the secondary. Tennessee has improved its pass defense in the last year and Finnegan is a part of that transformation under defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.

I say when it is all said and done, Finnegan goes nowhere and makes the Titans very happy.

Marques Colston, Wide Receiver, New Orleans

The Saints have a dilemma going into the offseason.

See, there is this guy named Brees who owns New Orleans. And then there is this guy named Carl Nicks, who is one of the best guards in football.

And then, there Marques Colston, part of a quintet of great receivers, and he could command a decent wage on the open market.

Brees is a given to stay and the Saints would be foolish to let their offensive lineman leave.

What happens to Colston?

He would be a great target in San Diego, an even better one in Jacksonville and the Bears would be drooling to have a shot at him.

I say he leaves and tests the market and see what his value is. He may come back to the Big Easy or he becomes a top target again in a new offensive system.

Jermichael Finley, Tight End, Green Bay

The Packers are kind of in the same dilemma as the Saints. They have arguably the best quarterback on the free agent market in Matt Flynn, who showed he can play in this league in one game.

Then they have a great tight end in Jermichael Finley, who will command top dollar on the free agent parade.

If they franchise Flynn, he would make more than starter Aaron Rodgers. Can they sign both and make everyone happy?

Finley is a key part of the Packers offense and keeping him is a major step toward contending for a Super Bowl next season.

Curtis Lofton, Atlanta

Lofton is a beast at helping with the run game for the Falcons and a reason why this team finished 12th overall in team defense in the NFL.

Can they keep both Brent Grimes and Lofton while trying to work a deal to re-sign defensive leader John Abraham?

Those are tough decisions for Thomas Dimitroff and the Falcons management. If they can sign all three and make everyone happy, this is a defense that can get better next season.

Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas

Here is what I am thinking with this choice. Tony Romo was the enigma of the NFL this season and the Cowboys may need to look elsewhere for a new starter behind center.

That said, what if Romo is traded (Seattle, Cleveland, New York Jets) and the Cowboys get involved in the bidding for Matt Flynn or maybe Alex Smith of the 49ers?

They also could package picks and Romo for the chance to draft Robert Griffin III. This is Jerry Jones' team and, as well all know, we never count him out with a chance to make a deal.

Ben Grubbs, Guard, Baltimore

Every team in the NFL needs good line play. The running game is not as valuable if there is not enough graders to open holes for the lead runner.

Grubbs is a solid blocker and one who will get a lot of attention this offseason.

I think there could be up to a dozen teams that could plug him in this former first round draft choice and improve their line play.

Robert Mathis, Defensive End, Indianapolis

The Colts cannot afford to lose him, but if the team is rebuilding its core, does the 30-year-old defensive end fit in the team's plans?

He and Dwight Freeney compliment each other so well and have been mainstays on the line.

He could be a nice pickup by an aging team making a run at the Lombardi Trophy (New England) or a team building for the future and needs veteran leadership (Cleveland, Jacksonville).

Mario Williams, Defensive End, Houston

Here is how I see this situation. Williams has been a solid if not spectacular player for the Texans since coming into the league. But this season was a little different.

While he was playing well on a unit that was one of the best in the league, he got hurt. The Texans did not miss a beat when he went down with the injury.

What is a team to do?

Could they let him go and still be a strong defensive unit? A lot of that has to do with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. But my guess is he will test the open market and see what his value will be.

He could be a real pass rush threat on another team or prove to be just average.

Carl Nicks, Guard, New Orleans

Nicks is part of one of the better lines in the NFL. He, along with Jahri Evans, open holes for the Saints running game and help keep Drew Brees upright.

Nicks will be another one of those players who will get plenty of attention in free agency because he fills a huge need for solid linemen.

And, like Ben Grubbs, there may be double-digit teams who try to acquire his services.

Matt Flynn, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

Let the bidding begin!

Flynn threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns against the Lions and now he is the most sought after quarterback in this class.

If the Packers franchise Flynn, they would pay him more than starter Aaron Rodgers—which does not make sense and trying to negotiate a new contract may not be fruitful either.

Does a  team like Dallas, Cleveland or Miami try to nab him on the market and make him the centerpiece of the offense? What about Washington or even the New York Jets?

Oh, it will be interesting.

Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

There has been so much made about this guy being a "can't miss" prospect. He better deliver.

This is supposed to be a bumper crop of receivers in this draft and Blackmon leads the way. If he is anything less than Calvin Johnson, it will be a disappointment.

Where he lands in this draft really depends on who trades up to get Robert Griffin III.

Matt Forte, Running Back, Chicago

This guy, in my opinion, has franchise tag written all over him.

He had all the leverage in the world when he was running to daylight and catching passes out of the backfield.

Then, he injured his knee and that momentum went out the window.

What do the Bears do?

They need Forte to be healthy as both his legs and hands are assets in the Bears offense.

But in a year where he was hurt muddling the picture, will the Bears be fair to him and pay him a contract that is worthy of his talent?

Still, he should remain in Chicago.

Robert Griffin III. Quarterback, Baylor

I think right now he is more popular than Andrew Luck. Maybe it has something to do with the fact we know what the Colts are going to do.

Griffin is a machine and will have the same impact as Cam Newton did last year. Griffin, Newton and Tim Tebow are changing the look of the modern quarterback.

And with Griffin's skills, he may be better than the other two.

Look for Griffin to become part of a draft day war where teams are going to try to trade up to take the Baylor quarterback. My guess is Miami, Washington and Cleveland will definitely be involved. But of course, there will be others.

Cliff Avril, Defensive End, Detroit

I know the Jaguars have him on their radar. The former high school standout in the Jacksonville area and Purdue standout had his best season this year.

And he will only get better.

While the defense is led by Ndamukong Suh, Avril was a beast this year for the Lions. His size, speed and agility are rare for a guy his size.

The Jaguars and others, including the Lions, will be in hot pursuit of this edge rusher.

Vincent Jackson, Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers

He gets the most attention of any of the free agent receivers because of his size and the fact Jackson cannot receive the franchise label in the new labor agreement with the players.

Jackson has great size (6'5") and speed (4.46) that allow him to run across the middle or on a post route.

Jackson made Philips Rivers look great in San Diego's offense and vice versa. The team that signs him (Chicago) will have a great target in the red zone.

We will see how "V Jax" works in another offensive system that may not have a quarterback as talented as Phillips.

Arian Foster, Running Back, Houston

The Texans were blessed with not only Arian Foster but also Ben Tate, as both tore up defensive fronts to help propel the Texans to a playoff berth.

Letting Foster look at other offers only damages what the team worked so hard to accomplish this season.

Foster is a top-5 back and some team (Dallas) will make him an offer.

The questions is will it be one he can refuse and stay where he has enjoyed his greatest success?

Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

He is the most heralded passer to come out of college since Peyton Manning and the most complete passer since a guy named Elway.

Luck has been on the minds of every quarterback since the 2010 season. His mechanics are almost perfect and the arm has Pro Bowl written all over it.

He will be the first pick in the upcoming draft and the Colts will have another Manning for the next decade.

Ray Rice, Running Back, Baltimore

He is the most important piece of the Ravens offensive puzzle and now he could be offered millions on the open market.

Personally, I don't see him leaving the friendly confines of Maryland.

Rice accounted for over 2,000 total yards this season, the most of any player this season. And he seems to be getting better with age.

Rice is on the verge of being one of the best backs in the game—if he is not already there.

He may get some offers, but he won't leave.

Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans

How in the world could anyone think he is going somewhere else?

I think the state of Louisiana would revolt if Brees is wearing another uniform next season.

According to a story in the Washington Post, Brees said he would be “beyond stunned” if he and the Saints are unable to agree on a contract extension during this offseason, echoing comments by coach Sean Payton this week.

After breaking Dan Marino's single-season passing yardage mark, it's hard to believe he would enter free agency or be allowed to seek another team.