2012 NFL Free Agents: Top 5 Tight Ends Available This Offseason

The following are the top five tight ends available during the 2012 NFL free-agency period: 

1. Jermichael Finley, Packers

Finley is iffy on this list, as the Packers are widely believed to be putting the franchise tag on him sometime this offseason. That looks like the smart move at this point. Finley has yet to prove he deserves top tight end money, but there's so much potential in the 25-year-old that the Packers can't even think about letting him walk.

2. Fred Davis, Redskins

In just 12 games in 2011—Davis was suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy—the Redskins' tight end caught 59 passes for 796 yards and three scores. Outside of Finley, no tight end available this offseason brings as much pass-catching talent to the table. The drug suspension might scare off a few teams, but you have to think some needy offense—including the Redskins—will take a chance on bringing in Davis.   

3. John Carlson, Seahawks

After looking like a top 15 tight end in his first three seasons, Carlson tore his labrum early in 2011 and missed the entire season. That injury alone will deter a majority of teams, but you can't overlook a guy that has over 1,500 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons. Carlson is also an above-average blocker on the edge. He'll find a team, even if it isn't in Seattle.

4. Visanthe Schiancoe, Vikings

Schiancoe had two solid seasons in Minnesota from 2008-09, but his production fell off sharply from there. Poor quarterback play certainly had a reason for the decline. Still, Schiancoe can catch the football and is a good athlete for being a 33-year-old tight end. He likely won't be back in Minnesota in 2012. 

5. Jeremy Shockey, Panthers

Shockey showed in 2011 that he can still provide something for an offense, even if it's in a secondary role. Playing behind Greg Olsen in Carolina, Shockey caught 37 passes for 455 yards and four scores. Shockey isn't going to be a game-breaker like he used to be, but there's some value here in a veteran tight end.