2012 NFL Free Agents: Each Team's Priorities for Retaining Its Own Players

For many teams in the NFL building for success in 2012 will be about retaining their own prized assets. A number of teams face the prospect of several of their key stars being eligible for free agency.

General managers will attempt to strike a balance between observing financial realities and maintaining the strong nucleus which can allow their respective teams to compete. Determinations will have to be made about the most significant value of each prospective free agent.

Coaches and front office staff will have to decide if their key players are truly worth bumper new deals, or should be allowed to test the open market. Here is a list of each team's priority in free agency.

Arizona Cardinals: Bring Back Calais Campbell

The Cardinals' 3-4 defense made great strides in the second half of the season. One of the main reasons for the improvement was the play of defensive end Calais Campbell.

The fourth-year pro became a disruptive presence at the crucial five-technique position and was a cornerstone of Arizona's emerging front seven. The 6'8", 300-pounder is the perfect two-gapper and can create plenty of pressure on the pocket and space for the Cardinals linebackers to pursue to the ball.

At 25, Campbell is a rising young talent and the Cardinals should do all they can to retain his services. Until their issues at quarterback are completely resolved, defense will be the strength of this Cardinals team, which makes holding onto playmakers like Campbell a priority.

Atlanta Falcons: Get a Few More Years from John Abraham

The Atlanta Falcons should do all they can to convince greybeard pass-rusher John Abraham to coax a few more years out of his body and sign a new deal. The Falcons defense lacks playmakers and still relies on Abraham to be a difference-maker.

The 12-year veteran is one of the most technically proficient pass-rushers in the game. Despite his age, the 33-year-old can still collapse the edge and torment quarterbacks around the league. He compiled 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles this season.

Abraham has led the Falcons in sacks in three out of the last four seasons. Their suspect defense simply cannot afford to lose that level of production. For a team in need of more big plays on both sides of the ball, the Falcons can't let a playmaker like Abraham get away.

Baltimore Ravens: Keep Ray Rice and Ben Grubbs, Commit to Using Rice More

The Baltimore Ravens have to make a definitive decision about exactly what type of offense they want to be. The answer should be one that is fully committed to featuring the explosive talents of Ray Rice.

John Harbaugh and Cam Cameron have wasted too much time developing Joe Flacco and trying to win on the strength of his arm. Rice should be the driving force of the Ravens attack. Convincing him that he will be, might be the only way for the Ravens to keep the 5'8" speedster around.

If Rice stays then the Ravens must also ensure the continued strength of their offensive line. That means retaining left guard Ben Grubbs. The 27-year-old is a skilled lineman who excels blocking for the run.

The Ravens need their best linemen available to knock open holes for their best runner if they are going to get back to basics in 2012.

Buffalo Bills: Re-Sign Steve Johnson and Demetrius Bell for Ryan Fitzpatrick

If the Buffalo Bills are truly committed to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, they must ensure that he is surrounded by a good enough supporting cast to succeed. That means retaining his favorite target, Steve Johnson, and his blindside protector, Demetrius Bell.

Despite his flamboyant and sometimes controversial antics, Johnson has elite talent and is the most dangerous downfield threat on the Bills offense. He may command decent money, but Johnson is still considered a tier below some of the more high-profile free-agent wide receivers. So the Bills ought to be able to come up with terms agreeable to both sides.

Bell has quietly emerged as a highly capable pass protector. Given the paucity of quality pass-blockers, the Bills would find it very hard to replace Bell.

Carolina Panthers: Give Jeremy Shockey a New Deal

Aside from his dynamic skill set, one of the main reasons Cam Newton was able to dominate the league during his rookie campaign was the presence of a group of dependable targets like Jeremy Shockey. Carolina should bring back the veteran tight end for at least another year and ensure Newton still has plenty of options to look to.

Shockey started 13 games in 2011 and hauled in 37 of Newton's passes for 455 yards. The 10-year pass-catcher scored four touchdowns and provided Newton with an effective weapon over the middle.

Shockey has always had the talent, but the 31-year-old's demeanor has consistently failed him. But he certainly did not prove to be a disruptive influence on a young Panthers team this season. He can still be a crucial part of an offense that maximizes the skills of tight ends.

Chicago Bears: Re-Sign Matt Forte Because He's the Offense

Losing quarterback Jay Cutler was a major blow, but the Chicago Bears season ended when multi-threat running back Matt Forte went down with an injury. The Bears have to find a way to strike a new deal with a player who accounts for the majority of their offensive output.

Forte is one of the best backs in the league. He is a runner blessed with deceptive toughness and quickness and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He is the workhorse of the Bears team and the Chicago offense only goes as far as Forte can carry it.

Even the slightest suggestion that Forte may hold out makes negotiations tricky for the Bears. But Forte is a talent who needs to be rewarded for his efforts and significance to the team. The Bears' front office should dismiss any ideas of placing the franchise tag on Forte and make sure he is contracted to spend his prime years in Chicago.

Cincinnati Bengals: Bring Back Pat Sims and Manny Lawson

Despite the success of the rookie quarterback and wide receiver combination of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, the strength of the Cincinnati Bengals is still their defense. The Bengals must bring back defensive tackle Pat Sims and linebacker Manny Lawson to maintain their strong front seven.

The Bengals defense is a smart and resourceful 4-3 unit that relies on a powerful group up front to set the tone. Sims is a big part of this and was sorely missed when his season was cut short by injury.

The 6'2", 330-pounder is an aggressive presence at the interior of Cincinnati's defensive line. The tackles are the most important part of the 4-3 and the Bengals always look more stout when the 26-year-old Sims is partnering the underrated Domata Peko inside.

Lawson transitioned well to the 4-3 after arriving from the San Francisco 49ers. He has the size to stand up tight ends at the line of scrimmage and can also offer some decent rush skills. Lawson's successful adjustment to a 4-3 front should earn him a new deal in Cincinnati.

Cleveland Browns: Keep D'Qwell Jackson

A return to the 4-3 liberated Cleveland Browns middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. The 240-pound tackling machine led the Browns defense with 116 solo stops and also contributed 3.5 sacks.

Fellow linebacker Chris Gocong is also a free agent and the future of Peyton Hillis remains up in the air. But Jackson is the focal point of the Browns and Mike Holmgren should make retaining him a priority.

After giving him a new deal, the Browns should look to surround Jackson with more speed and playmakers in 2012.

Dallas Cowboys: Reward Laurent Robinson for a Breakout Season

Previously unheralded youngster Laurent Robinson proved to be a revelation after being picked up by the Dallas Cowboys. Robinson snared 54 passes for 858 yards in 14 games.

The 26-year-old flanker was particularly effective near the goal line and emerged as a prolific red-zone target for Tony Romo. Robinson scored 11 touchdowns this season and ended the season as the one reliable playmaker on the Cowboys offense.

With the attitudes of Dez Bryant and Miles Austin both questionable, the Cowboys should work hard to bring Robinson back. The team has a lot of cap room and should quickly be able to reach a deal to keep a reliable weapon like Robinson on board.

Denver Broncos: Bring Back Brodrick Bunkley

Tim Tebow grabs all the headlines, but it is defense that really drives the Denver Broncos. The 4-3 front loved by head coach John Fox relies on a stout presence inside. Underrated veteran Brodrick Bunkley gives the Broncos exactly that.

Bunkley is more than capable of holding the point while playing in a shade technique over the center. He is excellent against the run and opens holes to allow Denver's linebackers to pursue downhill to the ball.

Outside edge-rushers Elvis Dumervil, Von Miller and Robert Ayers can all benefit from a player who ties up blockers along the interior of the line of scrimmage, creating one-on-one matchups on the outside. The Broncos need to retain Bunkley and concentrate on finding him a dynamic partner on the inside.

Detroit Lions: Retain Stephen Tulloch

The Detroit Lions have many issues to resolve on defense, but savvy middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch isn't one of them. The sixth-year pro has the tenacity and instincts to effectively call signals and man the middle in Jim Schwartz's defensive schemes.

Tulloch was a major upgrade over the others the Lions had tried at the position. He finished the season with 111 combined tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.

The ex-Tennessee Titans standout needs to be joined by more athletic and aggressive playmakers in the Lions' linebacking corps. Tulloch should be one of the pieces around which the Lions attempt to build a defense that can match the play of their potent offense.

Green Bay Packers: Jermichael Finley Has to Stay

Tight end Jermichael Finley is one of the most explosive players at his position in the league. The Packers may have won a Super Bowl without him in the 2010/11 season, but the offense would certainly find it hard to replace Finley's unique skill set.

At 6'5" and 247 pounds, Finley has the strength to overpower most defenders in coverage, but he also has the vertical speed to threaten any defense deep. He combines classic tight end size with wide receiver-like quickness and route running.

Finley adds an extra dimension to the Packers' lethal passing game and even Aaron Rodgers would struggle to be as effective without him.

Houston Texans: Keep Mario Williams in Houston

The Houston Texans should not make the mistake of thinking they can suddenly live without Mario Williams. The Texans defense was revitalized under Wade Phillips and achieved a No. 2 overall league ranking despite playing 11 games without Williams.

But it's worth noting that in his five starts Williams managed five sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. The 26-year-old is one of the most threatening pass-rushers in the game and his presence lends a real fear factor to Houston's defense.

The fact the Texans managed so well without Williams is a credit to the scheming by Phillips and the efforts of some untested youngsters. But players of the elite quality of Williams are rare, and when healthy he has the physical gifts to be the player that will post monster numbers in Phillips' system.

Indianapolis Colts: Give Robert Mathis a New Deal

Robert Mathis is a legitimate big-play specialist on a Colts defense short of talent. The new regime in Indianapolis should make reaching a new deal with the nine-year veteran an offseason priority.

Mathis is a dominant pass-rusher with a knack for knocking the ball loose once he takes down a quarterback. With former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano now in charge, the Colts defense may finally begin to show some signs of life.

Pagano's job will be made easier if he can rely on the talents of a player like Mathis. If, as widely expected, the Colts do turn the team over to Andrew Luck in 2012, they will need a defense that can help keep the rookie in close games. That means retaining star defenders like Mathis. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Re-Sign Dwight Lowery

The Jacksonville Jaguars should bring back safety Dwight Lowery and protect the core of their strong defense. Lowery impressed in his first-year with Jaguars and has become a key member of the secondary.

While they certainly need more prolific pass-rushers, the Jaguars also need players like Lowery in the defensive backfield. He has the speed and range to be effective in coverage and is a useful weapon in blitz packages.

New Jacksonville head coach Mike Mularkey will want to surround struggling young quarterback Blaine Gabbert with a better supporting cast. But a stout defense can help to take the pressure off a developing offense and players like Lowery are an integral part of that.

Kansas City Chiefs: Keep Brandon Carr, Maintain Stellar Cornerback Pairing

The Kansas City Chiefs should protect their talented, young secondary and bring back fourth-year cornerback Brandon Carr. The 25-year-old cover man forms an excellent tandem with the superb Brandon Flowers, which ensures the Chiefs are always dangerous to pass on.

Carr is an aggressive corner who can handle the responsibilities of press coverage and utilizes good technique in zone schemes. He knocked away 15 passes in 2011 and snared a career-high four interceptions.

Carr has registered improvement in each of his four pro seasons and has become a key component in Romeo Crennel's system. Breaking up the Carr-Flowers partnership would weaken an area of strength for the Chiefs. They should keep Carr and concentrate on boosting their pass-rush.

Miami Dolphins: Let Paul Soliai Anchor a New Four-Man Front

Just because the Miami Dolphins are contemplating a switch to a 4-3 defense, that's still no reason not to bring back massive defensive tackle Paul Soliai. The 6'4", 355-pounder is one of the best interior linemen in the league and can be a linchpin for the Dolphins' 4-3.

Stout play at the tackle positions is essential to the success of the 4-3. Soliai has the strength and ferocity to occupy blockers in the middle and create constant pressure on the pocket. Many nose tackles have been very successful in a 4-3 front.

Gilbert Brown was a mainstay of the powerful Green Bay Packers defenses during the mid- to late '90s. Vince Wilfork seamlessly adapted to a 4-3 this season and was still the dominant player on the New England Patriots defense.

Soliai has the talent to do the same. The Dolphins should not make the mistake of assuming the 28-year-old is only useful in a 3-4 and should move quickly to re-sign Soliai.

Minnesota Vikings: Bring Back E.J. Henderson

The Minnesota Vikings would be wise to bring back veteran middle linebacker E.J. Henderson. The Vikings need to register a significant defensive improvement after surrendering a staggering 449 points in 2011.

But before the Vikings bring in reinforcements they have to make sure they retain the services of their best defensive players, and that group includes Henderson. The nine-year pro forms an effective tandem with fellow linebacker Chad Greenway.

Henderson was in on 109 tackles, had two sacks and forced three fumbles. He is a smart and active middle linebacker, well-versed in the zone coverage schemes favored by Vikings coach Leslie Frazier and new defensive coordinator Alan Williams.

With the likelihood of many new faces on defense for 2012, the Vikings would benefit from having some continuity and valuable experience at the heart of their defense.

New England Patriots: Retain Wes Welker

The problem when assessing free-agency priorities for the New England Patriots is the team so often manages to effortlessly put new people into crucial roles. But few players in league history have been as effective as slot receivers than Wes Welker.

The Patriots wouldn't find it so easy to replace what Welker means to Tom Brady and their offense. The diminutive pass-catcher is still Brady's preferred target in clutch situations. There is no doubt the attention paid to Welker has created more room for prolific tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski to exploit.

Welker has caught more than 100 passes in four of his five seasons with the Patriots. That's an awful lot of production to suddenly have to try and replace.

New Orleans Saints: Give Drew Brees a New Deal, Keep Marques Colston

The New Orleans Saints have some difficult decisions to make this offseason regarding free agency. Bringing back Drew Brees is an easy call, but the Saints will need to leave some cap room available to retain his favorite target, Marques Colston.

The sure-handed and athletic wideout is the most explosive weapon in the Saints offense. After having caught 80 passes for 1,143 yards and scoring eight touchdowns, Colston will draw heavy interest and could command a big contract of his own.

But even though the Saints have other talented pass-catchers they can call on, none can match the complete skill set and connection with Brees that Colston offers. In the interests of the careers of both players, the Saints should make sure Brees and Colston are regularly linking up again in 2012.

New York Giants: Sign Mario Manningham to an Agreeable Deal

Even though he has often failed to live up to his tremendous promise, the New York Giants should bring Mario Manningham back for 2012. The inconsistent flanker has been overtaken by both Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz in the last two seasons.

But come crunch time Manningham has managed to prove he can still offer big plays to the Giants offense. Eli Manning has looked Manningham's way at critical moments during the Giants season.

He was the target for a pivotal 47-yard bomb in the G-Men's must-win Week 14 battle on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. In the NFC Championship it was Manningham who caught the 17-yard fourth-quarter score that put the Giants briefly in the lead and helped set up overtime.

Manningham is a legitimate deep threat and is a useful third receiver to utilize in support of Cruz and Nicks. If he is willing to return for modest terms, the Giants should definitely keep Manningham.

New York Jets: Bring Back Influential Safety Jim Leonhard

Like the Saints, the New York Jets have many big decisions to make in free agency this offseason. Despite the pending futures of more high-profile veterans like Plaxico Burress and Sione Pouha, cerebral and versatile safety Jim Leonhard should be the priority for the Jets.

Leonhard has quietly become the most influential member of the Jets defense—and, yes, that includes Darrelle Revis. He is an intelligent player who can call the signals and act as the adjuster in Rex Ryan's 46-style multiple blitz schemes. 

After the 29-year-old went down injured, the Jets lost their final three games without him. The AFC East outfit would be extremely hard-pressed to find another player who would bring as much to their specific schemes.

Oakland Raiders: Lock Up Tyvon Branch

Tyvon Branch is a dynamic, attacking young safety who excels at creating havoc around the line of scrimmage. The 25-year-old can be a key building block for new head coach Dennis Allen's defensive system.

Branch is an excellent blitzer and a hard hitter. His is capable in underneath coverage and has the tenacity and strength to matchup with most tight ends and slot receivers.

In addition to what he brings to a defense, Branch is also a dangerous member of the special teams who is a threat to block kicks, particularly punts, at any time. If he is allowed to test the open market Branch could draw significant interest as one of the few elite options in a weak safety free-agent class. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Reach a Deal with DeSean Jackson

He may be a controversial figure, but DeSean Jackson has a wide range of playmaking skills that sets him apart from most players in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles should give Jackson a new deal and bring back the most lethal member of their offense.

The Eagles and Jackson are currently embroiled in a stalemate regarding the prolific wideout's future. Valuation is the point of contention and the Eagles are reluctant to meet Jackson's demands.

But the Eagles should relent and find a way to reach a compromise that sees Jackson stay in Philadelphia. Players with the kind of big-play capability that Jackson offers don't come along that often and the Eagles offense and special teams would certainly suffer without him.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Bring Back Jerricho Cotchery

The Pittsburgh Steelers should bring back underrated possession receiver Jerricho Cotchery. The former New York Jet began his Steelers career slowly, but eventually became a useful underneath target for Ben Roethlisberger.

The 6'1" 200 pounder is a tough and resourceful flanker who runs clever routes and has excellent hands. Cotchery is a particularly useful target in the red zone. He could assume the role long held by the ageing Hines Ward.

Cothcery's ability to be productive in intermediate areas, provides a nice contrast to the downfield speed of burners Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown.

San Diego Chargers: Bring Back Antonio Garay

Defensive tackle Antonio Garay is capable of dominance at times for the San Diego Chargers defense. He struggled with consistency this season, but the Chargers defense would still be considerably weaker without the 320-pounder.

Garay is at his best when collapsing the pocket and generating pressure up the middle. He possesses superb leverage and awesome strength, enabling him to force blockers back into the faces of opposing quarterbacks and runners.

The Chargers defense will be welcoming yet another new coordinator in 2012, and John Pagano would be wise to keep Garay as the focal point of his defensive front.

San Francisco 49ers: Sign Carlos Rogers to a Long-Term Contract

Cornerback Carlos Rogers finally lived up to his immense potential when he left the Washington Redskins and joined the San Francisco 49ers. The NFC runners-up have to reward Rogers with a lengthy new contract.

The 30-year-old cover ace grabbed a career-best six interceptions and turned away 18 passes. Rogers elevated the overall play of the 49ers' defensive backfield and helped give them an elite secondary.

The 49ers will need to be able to count on the skills of Rogers again in 2012. His presence will help maintain the dominance of the imposing San Francisco defense.

Seattle Seahawks: Give Marshawn Lynch a New Deal

The Seattle Seahawks offense is most effective when bruising back Marshawn Lynch is at his best. The Seahawks need to make giving Lynch a new deal their main priority in free agency.

Lynch surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground for only the third time in his career in 2011. He has clearly found a home in Seattle and Pete Carroll is managing to get the best out of the temperamental youngster.

Seattle's question marks at quarterback and wide receiver make Lynch's contributions vital to the success of the team. Keeping him around will ensure that the Seahawks stay competitive in an NFC West division that could get a whole lot tougher in 2012.

29. St. Louis Rams: Bring Back Brandon Lloyd

New St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher would be well served to bring back veteran wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. The 30-year-old pass-catcher was traded to the Rams during the season, but did enough to show that he can be a playmaker for an offense that struggles for big plays and points.

Lloyd had 51 receptions for 683 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games. He made some highlight reel-worthy catches and linked up well with Sam Bradford on the few occasions the two were actually on the field together.

The 6'0", 18- pound flanker is the kind of dynamic weapon Fisher will need to surround Bradford and running back Steven Jackson with if he is going to drag the Rams out of the NFC West basement. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Retain Jeremy Zuttah

Free agency is often a prickly subject for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faithful given the perceived lack of investment in the team. Their best bet this year might be to keep their strong offensive line together by bringing back guard Jeremy Zuttah.

Tampa's front five is one of the few reliable areas of the team and Zuttah forms a nice interior tandem with fellow guard Davin Joseph. Zuttah made 14 starts last season and has the power and athleticism to succeed as a drive blocker or as a finesse player in zone-based schemes.

Zuttah's flexibility up front will provide a lot of options on offense for new head coach Greg Schiano as he attempts to construct a winner in Tampa Bay.

Tennessee Titans: Give Cortland Finnegan a New Deal

The Tennessee Titans need to give a new contract to trash-talking cornerback Cortland Finnegan. He may court controversy a little too often, but Finnegan is an outstanding athlete who is a key member of the Tennessee defense.

Coordinator Jerry Gray likes to take advantage of Finnegan's physical skill set by utilizing him as a nickelback, as well as locking up him on the opposition's best receiver in the base defense. That kind of versatility is hard to find and Finnegan can be a shutdown corner when at his best.

The Titans and Finnegan have had issues regarding a new contract for some time. He is one of three members of the Titans secondary who are eligible for free agency, along with safeties Chris Hope and Michael Griffin.

But Finnegan's significance to the defensive schemes and the difficulty finding a corner to replace an elite cover man makes retaining Finnegan the more pressing need. 

Washington Redskins: Bring Back London Fletcher

The Washington Redskins need players like London Fletcher. The 14-year veteran's professionalism and consistent level of high performance make Fletcher a crucial member of the team.

For a franchise sadly too often defined by the poor attitudes of overpaid veterans whose efforts never came close to matching their hefty contracts, Fletcher is a player that Redskins players and fans can be proud of. Not to mention that despite being 36, Fletcher is still one of the finest inside linebackers in the game.

He is an integral member of Washington's 3-4 defense and his active presence, sure tackling and nose for the ball would be sorely missed.