2012 NFL Free Agents: 1 Player to Fill Each NFL Team's Biggest Void

As good as Mario Manningham's catch in Super Bowl XLVI was (and it was the play of the game), the New York Giants may not be able to keep Manningham on their roster.

Now that the entire world has seen what Manningham is capable of, he's going to be able to demand a lot of money from whichever team he talks to.

With a new collective bargaining agreement in place, teams will finally get a chance to sign free agents.

Who owners sign and how much they offer players are questions so many people are wondering.

Will a player who has played for a franchise for over a decade switch teams?

Will a new player cause more problems than solutions?

You never know what you're getting yourself into.

Still, there is at least one free agent that each team could benefit from.

Here's the list of each team's biggest void and a free agent who'd fit best on that roster.

Arizona Cardinals: Jermichael Finley, Tight End

The Cardinals actually aren't lacking in that many areas.

Although they'd probably like to get a new safety in the mix, they can always draft one.

I know their offense is built around Larry Fitzgerald and Beanie Wells. However, adding a tight end like Jermichael Finley would certainly make them instant contenders for a division title.

Arizona's current tight ends aren't really playmakers, but Finley is. Even the thought of Finley to the Cardinals is something Fitzgerald might be very happy about.

Finley is young and talented, but if he stays in Green Bay, he'll have to share the ball a lot more than if he signed with the Cardinals.

Atlanta Falcons: LaRon Landry, Free Safety

We know the Falcons have a good offense (ranked 10th overall in 2011).

We know they have good defenders in certain places.

The one thing the Falcons lack is that toughness and tenacity, particularly on defense.

If you're Atlanta and you're going to be seeing huge playmakers like Cam Newton, Josh Freeman and Jimmy Graham coming at you six games a season, you need that enforcer in the middle of the field to send the message that you're not going to back down.

Yes, the Falcons made the playoffs this year. But didn't it seem like the Giants were tougher than the Falcons and wanted to win more?

That might not be the case if LaRon Landry became a Falcon.

Baltimore Ravens: Vincent Jackson, Wide Receiver

The Ravens are looking for a new center and a new middle linebacker, but they probably will get those players through the draft.

Ozzie Newsome had said he and his staff will address the wide receiver position this offseason.

Vincent Jackson could be a really nice "get" for the Ravens. It would allow Cam Cameron a lot more liberty in how to use Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.

Imagine having to defend Ray Rice, Jackson, Boldin and Smith for 60 plays per game.

Oh yeah, their defense is good too.

Buffalo Bills: Lawrence Timmons, Inside Linebacker

The Bills would like help on the offensive line, but winning in the AFC East is about one thing: stopping the Patriots (particularly their tight ends).

Lawrence Timmons in an unrestricted free agent and has always played in a 3-4 defense with the Steelers.

Timmons knows what it takes to beat the Patriots, and he would add toughness, swagger and a winning attitude to the Bills, which they'll need if they want to play well for 16 games.

Carolina Panthers: Brent Grimes, Cornerback

Believe it or not, the Panthers are close to contending for the playoffs.

One wide receiver via the draft would supplement an already unpredictable offense (ranked seventh overall in 2011).

Although Carolina may address the cornerback position in the draft anyway, they should take a real look at Brent Grimes.

He only played in 12 games last season, but from 2009-2010, Grimes racked up 153 tackles, 36 passes defensed and 11 interceptions.

He has played in the same division as the Panthers for each of his five NFL seasons.

It depends how badly the Falcons want to keep (pay) Grimes.

Chicago Bears: Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver

There is one obvious need for the Chicago Bears: wide receiver.

Although Vincent Jackson may be a nice option here, I'm going to only assign a certain free agent to one team.

Beyond that, Dwayne Bowe is very talented and has his best years ahead of him.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler played with Brandon Marshall while in Denver. Marshall and Bowe have a lot in common.

Furthermore, Bowe is used to a system in which the main star on offense is a dual-threat running back, so he figures to fit in well.

You have to think that if the Bears acquired Bowe, Cutler's red zone mistakes would decrease quickly.

Cincinatti Bengals: Michael Bush, Running Back

The Bengals have gone about as far as they can with Cedric Benson.

Considering the back-and-forth that they and the Raiders developed last year, why not keep it going?

Michael Bush aced his audition in 2011, rushing for 977 yards and seven touchdowns in only nine starts. He also caught 37 passes for 418 yards and one touchdown.

At 6'1", 245 pounds, Bush is the ideal back in the right situation.

He wants to start, and the Bengals need a big back to endure six dogfights a year in the AFC North.

Cleveland Browns: Laurent Robinson, Wide Receiver

Laurent Robinson had a fantastic season in 2011, filling in for Miles Austin.

From 2007-2010, Robinson caught 89 passes for 1,000 yards and four touchdowns.

In 2011 alone, he posted 54 receptions for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns. That's the kind of production coaches love to see when a player gets a chance to shine.

Depending on what the Browns do in the draft, Robinson looks like a good option for them.

Cleveland's best bet is to draft Trent Richardson (if available), sign a free-agent wide receiver and then continue to build upon their strengths (defense and offensive line).

Dallas Cowboys: Leon Hall, Cornerback

The Cowboys struggled in the secondary this past season, and at times, it was tough to watch. Mike Jenkins is good but needs help at times.

Leon Hall is a becoming a strong, well-rounded cornerback. Whether it's tackling, defending passes or causing turnovers, Hall is a player you want on your team.

Pass rush and back-end coverage need to work in tandem. The Cowboys definitely produce pass rush, but their pass coverage was lacking last year.

Hall has what it takes to help the Cowboys improve upon their 23rd-ranked pass defense from a year ago.

Denver Broncos: Dashon Goldson, Free Safety

Brian Dawkins may retire very soon.

Dashon Goldson plays just like Dawkins, making this possibility an exciting one for Broncos fans.

Over the last three seasons, Goldson has averaged over 78 tackles and almost four interceptions per year.

His hitting and his coverage would be well-utilized on a defense coordinated by Jack Del Rio and a team coached by John Fox.

Although Goldson plays free saftey and Dawkins plays strong safety, I think the Denver coaches could find a way to make it work.

They found a way to make Tim Tebow successful.

Detroit Lions: Carlos Rogers, Cornerback

With a healthy Jahvid Best, the Lions may have the best offense in football.

Their pass rush is fierce as well.

You saw their main problem in the playoff game versus the Saints: dropped interceptions.

Carlos Rogers has eight interceptions in his last two seasons, to go along with 97 combined tackles.

Also, he comes from a very disciplined football team (49ers), which is an area where the Lions had a lot of problems this past season.

If this move comes to fruition, after the next time the 49ers and Lions play, will Jim Harbaugh hug Rogers or shake his hand?

Too soon?

Green Bay Packers: Rocky McIntosh, Inside Linebacker

Like many teams, the Packers are in re-loading mode instead of re-building mode.

Another middle linebacker could really help their cause to get back to the Super Bowl.

D'Qwell Jackson will probably stay with the Browns, but if Green Bay were to offer enough money, he'd probably go there.

However, Jackson plays in a 4-3 defense, and the Packers run a 3-4 defense.

Rocky McIntosh was part of a Redskins defense that held the world champion Giants to 24 points in two games in 2011 (both Redskins wins).

McIntosh may not be able to carry a defense, but he doesn't need to. This move is a supplementation, not a foundation.

Houston Texans: Matt Flynn, Quarterback

This was a tough pick.

The Texans, at every position, are stacked.

Except at quarterback.

Obviously Matt Schaub is the starter, but Houston doesn't want to be caught in another situation like this past year when they were down to a rookie quarterback in the playoffs.

And who knows, they could sign Matt Flynn and then maybe trade Schaub down the line.

To be clear, the Texans don't need anything, and I imagine Flynn wants to start.

However, if he's going to leave Green Bay, Houston has a better defense, running game and significantly better weather.

Indianapolis Colts: Marcedes Lewis, Tight End

After 700 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010, Marcedes Lewis recorded 39 receptions and zero touchdowns in 2011.

Whether it's Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck at the helm, the Colts ought to upgrade at tight end. Both of those players have relied on their tight end often during their careers.

Whichever quarterback is under center, having Lewis as a target is a definite advantage.

New Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians shouldn't have many problems finding ways to help Lewis succeed, after he (Arians) helped Steelers tight end Heath Miller develop into a Pro Bowl player in 2009.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Gurode, Center

Even though Brad Meester has been with the Jaguars the entirety of his 12-year career, it seems like it's time to move on.

Maybe not this year, but sooner rather than later—new owner, new coach, etc.

Andre Gurode went to five straight Pro Bowls while playing for the Cowboys (2006-2010).

In 2011, he started five games at left guard, filling in for fellow Pro Bowl offensive linemen Ben Grubbs.

Gurode is versatile and has a lot left in the tank. If the Ravens don't re-sign him, he won't last long on the market.

Kansas City Chiefs: Dan Koppen, Center

Dan Koppen broke his left ankle in the first game of the 2011 season.

He sat out for the rest of the year.

The Chiefs current center is Casey Wiegmann, who has already been through 15 grueling NFL seasons.

Koppen isn't a spring chicken, but he does have something to prove.

After all, Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli was the one who drafted Koppen in 2003 (while working for the Patriots).

That's not to say Koppen to Kansas City is a lock, but it would figure to give the Chiefs an edge if they wished to pursue him.

Miami Dolphins: Mario Williams, Outside Linebacker

Mario Williams is a special player who is entering the prime of his career.

After injuring a pectoral muscle in Week 5 of the 2011 season (in which he'd already accumulated five sacks), he had to sit out for the rest of the year.

During that time, the Texans developed tremendous defensive depth.

Of course, Houston would want Williams to come back, but at what price?

With the recent retirement of Jason Taylor, the Dolphins are looking for a replacement at outside linebacker.

Williams fits what the Dolphins want.

Minnesota Vikings: Brandon Browner, Cornerback

Measuring 6'4", 221 pounds...cornerback?

Yup.

Brandon Browner did his part for the Seahawks this season, totaling 56 tackles and six interceptions.

There are other, more high-profiled cornerbacks on the market, so Browner seems to be a very good value for the Vikings if they sign him.

And if the Vikings wanted to, even though I know it's not this simple, they may be able to move Browner to safety.

In a division with gunslingers like Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler, the Vikings could really use someone like Browner.

New England Patriots: DeSean Jackson, Wide Receiver

Other than Randy Moss, can you name a true deep threat Tom Brady has ever been able to throw to?

Me either.

DeSean Jackson's speed is something the Patriots could use.

Sure, his attitude isn't that of a typical Patriots player. But when he walks into work every day and sees Lombardi Trophies, I think he'll get his act together.

For his sake, I hope so.

New Orleans Saints: Aaron Ross, Cornerback

Now that former Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has been hired to the Saints in the same capacity, he will be looking for players to fit his style of defense.

Who better to start with than Aaron Ross?

The Saints may need a replacement for Roman Harper or an outside linebacker instead of Ross, but by signing Ross, they will gain a proven veteran while compiling trade pieces.

People talk about Eli Manning beating the Patriots, and rightfully so. But Ross was a starter on the defense that is 2-0 against the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

New York Giants: Martellus Bennett, Tight End

As you'd think about a team that just won the Super Bowl, the Giants have a very good group of players, as is.

The one area where they could improve is at tight end.

We saw in the Super Bowl how Eli Manning like to go to his tight ends early and often.

Martellus Bennett has been in the NFL for four years now but has yet to be given a substantial amount of playing time.

If he signs with the New York Giants, he'll get the shot he's been waiting for.

New York Jets: Jarret Johnson, Outside Linebacker

The Jets need an a defensive end who can double as an outside rusher if need be.

Rex Ryan and Jarret Johnson spent six years together in Baltimore. Johnson knows what Rex likes to do, and vice versa.

In other words, Johnson is Ryan's type of player.

This would be a nice fit if the Jets could sign him.

Oakland Raiders: Calais Campbell, Defensive End

Calais Campbell would be a strong addition to the Raiders' defensive front.

He's coming off his best professional season to date: 72 tackles, eight sacks, 10 passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

Alongside Richard Seymour and John Henderson, Campbell would help comprise a defensive line that is flat-out scary.

Don't believe me?

Check out John Henderson's pre-game ritual when he played for the Jaguars.

At 6'8" and with only four years of NFL wear and tear on his body, Campbell is a huge asset to have.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jon Beason, Middle Linebacker

On opening day of the 2011 NFL season, Jon Beason tore his left Achilles tendon.

There is no doubt about the potential Beason has.

Assuming he's healthy, there is no reason the Eagles shouldn't be bidding for his services.

An investment in Beason would be money well spent by Mr. Lurie.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Cortland Finnegan, Cornerback

The Steelers do need a lot of help on the offensive live.

But let's be real: Ben Roethlisberger is just going to escape anyway (more times than not).

Anyway, the other place the Steelers need help is in the defensive backfield, particularly at the cornerback position.

Cortland Finnegan brings toughness, fearlessness and a hunger to take your will.

If he can keep his head on straight, he'll make quite a cornerback combination between he and Ike Taylor.

They won't be the best duo, but they'll probably be the most physical duo of cornerbacks in the league.

San Diego Chargers: Ben Grubbs, Left Guard

Kris Dielman, heck every Chargers offensive lineman, has been a trooper throughout the years.

Dielman was particularly tested in 2011, as he missed the final 10 games of the season due to a concussion. He also suffered a seizure on the team's flight home from New York after their Week 7 game against the Jets.

Adding a Pro Bowl left guard in Ben Grubbs to that line would really benefit quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Ryan Mathews.

Grubbs comes from Baltimore, where he blocked for a pocket passer and a dual-threat (often pass-receiving) running back.

Still in his prime and assumed healthy, Grubbs would make an immediate impact if the Chargers were to land him.

San Francisco 49ers: Mario Manningham, Wide Receiver

The San Francisco 49ers don't need defensive help, obviously.

What they could use is a wide receiver who is a deep threat, which would theoretically take pressure off of Vernon Davis (and Alex Smith).

The 49ers need to diversify their offense. What they do works well, but for how long?

Mario Manningham showed, even against the 49ers, that he is fully capable of making big plays at the most critical times.

The Giants have so many people to take care of after their Super Bowl victory. Manningham may not be first on the list, but that could work out in his favor.

Win a ring, get paid more to play for a better team (in my opinion, anyway) with the league's best defense.

Sounds good to me.

Seattle Seahawks: Manny Lawson, Outside Linebacker

Although the Seahawks' strength is their defense, adding Manny Lawson wouldn't be a bad idea.

Only two of Seattle's six outside linebackers are not rookies (according to the team's depth chart).

Lawson's best year was in 2009 (68 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles), but he is by no means on the downslope of his career.

Even though the 49ers ran away with the NFC West in 2011, they, as is every team in the NFL, are beatable.

If you watched Seattle play this year, you noticed signs of youth and swagger.

It seems like Lawson fits what Pete Carroll is trying to build.

St. Louis Rams: Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver

The impending selection of Andrew Luck by the Colts may be cause for Reggie Wayne to sign with a new team.

Sure, Luck shows no sign of being a letdown in his rookie year, but Wayne has battled with Peyton Manning for 11 years in Indianapolis.

The Rams have a lot to offer: a new, rejuvenated head coach that Wayne has seen win for years (Jeff Fisher), a young and promising quarterback (Sam Bradford), playing in a dome and playing in the weakest division in football.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jarrett Bush, Defensive Back

Jarrett Bush can play cornerback or safety.

The Buccaneers are looking for Ronde Barber's replacement. Barber, now with 15 years of NFL experience, has played both cornerback and safety.

Bush may want to stay with the Packers, but like the Giants, recent Super Bowl success causes them to not be able to afford everyone.

Tampa Bay is in a rough situation, but in this league, if the money is good, players will go.

If he does make the move, Bush will be able to show his skills against some of the league's best quarterbacks (in the NFC South).

Tennessee Titans: Fred Davis, Tight End

The Titans could use an upgrade at tight end, and Fred Davis could be their guy.

In only 12 games last season and with inconsistent quarterback play, Davis posted 59 receptions for 796 yards and three touchdowns.

The Titans seem to be a more stable organization than the Redskins, or at least one whose quarterback situation is clearly mapped out.

Adding Davis to an offense with a healthy Kenny Britt and Chris Johnson could yield good results for Titans fans.

Head coach Mike Munchak would also work with Davis on his blocking.

Munchak was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. He was an offensive lineman for 12 seasons with the Houston Oilers (same franchise as the Titans).

Washington Redskins: Peyton Manning, Quarterback

You know I had to mention Peyton Manning. Sorry folks, at least it's not another quarterback—no, I'm not going there.

Most signs point to the Colts drafting Andrew Luck so they aren't saddled with paying Manning's $28 million roster bonus on March 8.

If and when Manning becomes a free agent, he'll be the most sought-after free agent in NFL history.

The Redskins have a good shot to land him. Owner Daniel Snyder has deep pockets, and executive vice-president/head coach Mike Shanahan helped lead John Elway to two Super Bowl victories.

Not to mention he'd be playing his brother Eli at least twice a year, who apparently is better than him.

You think Peyton Manning doesn't have something to prove?

Besides Ray Lewis, the one player I wouldn't want to play against when he's motivated is Peyton Manning.