2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Free Agents Who Could Be Absolute Steals

On March 13, the NFL equivalent of "Black Friday" kicks off, as free agency begins, and shoppers around the National Football League start dialing phones and searching for shiny new toys for their rosters.

Many teams will be focused on the "big ticket" items, such as Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn and New Orleans Saints guard Carl Nicks, but prudent NFL executives would be well-advised to take a look at the bargain bin, as there are some gems to be found there whose production could well outpace their price tag.

Here are five free agents who could be absolute steals in 2012.

Jason Campbell: QB, Oakland Raiders

It wasn't that long ago that Jason Campbell was the starting quarterback for the 4-2 Oakland Raiders, and many people were wondering if maybe the seventh-year pro wasn't finally starting to put "it" all together.

Then Campbell broke his collarbone, the Raiders traded for Carson Palmer and the bottom fell out.

Campbell isn't generating nearly the buzz that Green Bay backup Matt Flynn is in free agency, and while Campbell may not have Flynn's upside, he can be had for far less coin and is a much more proven commodity, having started 70 career games and thrown for over 14,000 yards.

Brandon Lloyd: WR, St. Louis Rams

While names such as DeSean Jackson, Vincent Jackson, Wes Welker and Marques Colston dominate discussion of pending free agents at the wide receiver position, one name that has barely garnered a peep is wideout Brandon Lloyd of the St. Louis Rams.

The ninth-year veteran has amassed over 2,400 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns while playing for the Rams and Broncos the past two years, and the 30-year-old Lloyd should still have enough left in the tank to put up at least a couple more solid seasons at a fraction of the price of the "big guns" listed above.

Jacob Tamme: TE, Indianapolis Colts

Tight end Jacob Tamme hasn't had a whole lot of opportunities to showcase his skills in the NFL, having spent the majority of his four-year career glued firmly to the bench while watching Dallas Clark light it up for the Indianapolis Colts.

However, during the 13 games over the past two seasons that Clark has been sidelined by injury, Tamme was a productive replacement, tallying 86 receptions for 808 yards and five scores. An NFL team in the market for a receiving tight end may just find that Tamme can be had for a price that won't break the bank.

Jeremy Mincey: DE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Defensive end Jeremy Mincey of the Jacksonville Jaguars enjoyed a career season in 2011, amassing career highs in tackles (57), sacks (eight) and forced fumbles (four).

On might think that that sort of "breakout" season would rate the 28-year-old a fat payday, but given the fifth-year veteran's limited resume to this point, it's possible that the market for Mincey may not be as hot as he'd hope.

A team with a need for a complementary pass rusher that could land Mincey for mid-level cabbage would almost certainly be set for an excellent return on its investment.

David Hawthorne: MLB, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker David Hawthorne is one of the more unheralded players at his position in the NFL, topping the 100-tackle mark for the third time in four seasons in 2011.

The Seahawks don't appear to be in any huge rush to bring Hawthorne back next season. While he may not have the talent or generate the sort of interest on the free-agent market that D'Qwell Jackson of the Cleveland Browns or Curtis Lofton of the Atlanta Falcons would, Hawthorne is a more than capable pro that could fill a hole for a MIKE-needy team at a reasonable price.