2012 NFL Free Agents: Analyzing Terrell Thomas and Injury-Stricken Free Agents

Now that the Super Bowl has ended, NFL fans everywhere can focus their attention on the 2012 NFL Draft and free agency.

With both in mind, there is quite of bit of talent either direction. However, free agents are the lower risk, even those injured, as they've already made that transition into the pros.

To that end, here are some injury-stricken free agents to keep an eye on this offseason.

Terrell Thomas, CB

In an article by Paul Schwartz of Sporting News, Schwartz believes the New York Giants will re-sign cornerback Terrell Thomas:

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The Giants believed CB Terrell Thomas was on the verge of a breakout season before he tore his ACL and, most likely with few options, he will be re-signed to a modest deal to attempt to re-establish his market value.

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For the sake of New York's vulnerable secondary, the Giants need to make this happen.

Before his injury, Thomas was arguably the most productive defensive back on the roster with 101 tackles, five picks, four force fumbles and 21 passes defended in 2010.

It was clear that his injury hurt New York's pass defense early on and the Giants did struggle at slowing opponents down. Well, regardless of where Thomas signs, that franchise will be getting a complete corner who can defend the run and play strong press coverage when singled up.

Thomas is also a reliable open field tackler and has great instincts once the ball is in flight. If the Giants manage to re-sign him though, a repeat is not out of the question.

Andre Carter, DE

In an article by Ian Rapoport of the Sporting News, Rapoport believes Patriots fans should prepare for some younger blood on the roster:

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Veterans such as guard Brian Waters, defensive lineman Gerard Warren and defensive end Andre Carter will likely leave, as coach Bill Belichick will look to get younger at their spots.

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That being said, Carter is a solid pickup for anyone needing a reliable pass rusher.

This past season Carter has recorded 10 sacks and 52 tackles through roughly 14 games played. Had he not gotten injured, the Patriots would have been able to apply a lot more pressure on Eli Manning in Super Bowl XLVI.

A free agent this offseason though, Carter will be turning 33 years old before the 2012 season so it wouldn't be surprising if the Pats didn't re-sign him. However, as long as Carter can get back to 100 percent, he'll get a few calls because his raw pass rushing talent won't go unnoticed.

An 11-year vet, Carter's accumulated 76 sacks and forced 17 fumbles, so his leadership and experience will land somewhere. 

Mario Williams, LB/DE

Despite playing the final 13 games without Mario Williams, the Houston Texans still were in prime position to win a second playoff game over the Baltimore Ravens, but fell just short thanks to an abundance of turnovers.

Still, the Texans finished ranked No. 2 in total defense and were led by rookies J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed, along with the emergence of Connor Barwin. That productive however, also puts Houston in a bind with Williams.

And in an article by Keith Calkins of My Fox Houston, Calkins believes that a split is happening:

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Mario Williams is gone. The Texans will make every reasonable effort to re-sign the unrestricted free agent, even a bit beyond reasonable, as they should. But eventually one cash flush outfit with drop a Julius Peppers-adjusted for inflation deal (league record at the time $42m in guarantees in March 2010) in his lap which the Texans will not be willing to match and Williams will gladly grab, as he should.

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The scary part about Houston's defense though, is if it manages to retain Williams, Wade Phillips' unit will be insanely good at the front as well as have great, talented depth.

However, Williams will likely want his starting role back which shouldn't be given back. To that end, look for a number of teams to pursue Williams because his pass rushing and run-stopping skills will be appealing.

After all, the man has recorded at least 8.5 sacks each of the past four seasons.

Matt Forte, RB

According to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times, Matt Forte is hoping to remain in the Windy City:

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But in an interview with the Sun-Times Thursday, Forte said he’s optimistic about striking a long-term deal with the Bears with the recent hire of general manager Phil Emery.

“I want to remain in Chicago and remain a Bear,” Forte said.

“I’m anxious to get into a meeting and meet him,” Forte later said of Emery.

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For the sake of Bears' fans, let's hope this happens because Forte is the main ingredient of an offense that lacks a passing attack. His dual-threat ability is what made Chicago's passing game somewhat threatening, as Johnny Knox and Devin Hester are quite fast and can burn anyone deep.

Forte, however, needs help around him and unless Chicago provides that, every defense will continue to zero-in on him each week. Forte is no doubt one of the better backs in the game, especially after compiling an average of over 1,500 total yards per season.

The Bears can't afford to lose Forte in terms of the on-field implications, however, Forte would certainly make any team needing an every-down back happy. Although his durability is somewhat of a concern in having to miss the final four games, it won't be so damaging if he gets to free agency.

And if Chicago splits, the Bears 2012 NFL Draft strategy may change completely.

John Rozum on Twitter.