2012 NFL Free Agents: Alternatives to Superstar Free Agents

Free agency in the NFL will be here before you know it, and teams looking for good value will find a number of players will be just as good if not better than their superstar counterparts. 

Sure, the big-time athletes might have the better numbers, but oftentimes, they're overpaid and end up flopping. 

Instead of wasting money, teams would be better off spending less on a player who may not be as well-known but will still produce a great deal.

After all, this past season was perfect evidence that you don't have to be a star in the league to thrive. 

With that said, here are some alternatives to superstar free agent players. 

Laurent Robinson, WR 

Instead of getting into a bidding war for Vincent Jackson or Dwayne Bowe, teams should strive for Robinson instead.

Having been in the league since 2007, Robinson wasn't known by many until this past season. He and Tony Romo connected on a number of big plays, and Robinson finished the season with 54 receptions for over 800 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

Listed at 6'2", 194 pounds, Robinson has the breakaway speed to get past defenders and would be a great option for any team out there. 

It might be difficult to pry him away from the Cowboys since he was so important for them this past year, but he's definitely worth it. 

Mario Manningham, WR 

One of the big stars of Super Bowl XLVI, Mannigham would be a solid No. 2 wide receiver for a number of teams. 

With the rise of Victor Cruz, Manningham is going to remain the third-best option on New York Giants. 

Since he had such fame in the biggest game of the year, teams might be more willing to throw money his way and take him from the Giants. 

If they do that, it will definitely be worth it. Manningham may not have wowed everyone in the stat column, but he does a great job of getting open and making big plays. 

Jason Snelling, RB 

Snelling isn't an every-down back, but that's perfectly fine. Plenty of teams are in need of backup running backs, and they should look at Snelling. 

He does an excellent job of being a backup for Michael Turner of the Atlanta Falcons, and whenever he gets his opportunity, Snelling makes the most of it. 

He's a true workhorse that does what he's asked, and if the starter goes down, the team will feel OK knowing Snelling is their to fill the void the best he can. 

Instead of shelling out money for a Ryan Grant, Chester Taylor or Kevin Smith, teams should go for Snelling because he's the best backup running back on the market.