2012 NFL Free Agents: Projected Landing Spots for the Top Pass-Rushers

As the New York Giants proved once again, having a dominantly consistent pass rush gives a defense the best chance to win.

The NFL may be in the midst of a pass-happy movement that's expected to only continue through next season and beyond, but if a defense can apply pressure, this finesse philosophy doesn't work.

Therefore, stud pass-rushers will be a hot commodity as the offseason progresses. Franchises with those players must try to retain them.

To that end, here's a look at some of the best free-agent pass-rushers and where we'll see them suiting up next fall.

Robert Mathis, DE

It seems extremely unlikely that the Indianapolis Colts would hang on to Robert Mathis for 2012, and not just because he's going to want a pretty penny.

It's more about new head coach Chuck Pagano and his 3-4 defensive front. Mathis is your ideal 4-3 defensive end and is simply too small as a 3-4 edge rusher. He's also never played outside linebacker, so allowing him to rush from a two-point stance would take away from his explosion.

That said, a 4-3 team such as the Oakland Raiders would be a good fit. For starters, the Raiders have never been shy about spending or making questionable moves. And with barely any draft picks this spring, they need to improve the defensive line.

Last season Oakland finished No. 27 against the rush and pass and No. 29 in total defense, allowing 387 yards a game. Mathis not only would keep the Raiders' solid pass rush alive, but would significantly improve their defense against the run, which last season allowed an NFL-worst, 5.1 yards per carry.

And if Oakland wants any shot of competing in the AFC West, they must be able to shut down run-oriented teams like Denver and Kansas City.

Projection: Oakland Raiders

John Abraham, DE

The biggest question here is whether John Abraham is willing to play for less dough or try his luck elsewhere.

An article by Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution speculates that Abraham may be out of The Dirty Birds for 2012.

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All of the positions on the offensive line will be open for competition, and the defense could lose the team’s top pass-rusher in John Abraham, who’s set to turn 34 in May. If he returns, it likely will be at a reduced salary and as a designated pass-rush specialist.

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The problem for Atlanta, though, is improving its pass defense while trying to get younger on the defensive line. 2011 was a disappointing season for the Falcons. They allowed 236.6 passing  yards per game, ranking No. 20, and only recorded 33 sacks, a performance that cost them more than a few games.

With Abraham being old and the only legitimate pass-rusher, limiting his role will only make it easier for offenses like New Orleans and Carolina to recognize Atlanta's defensive plan.

Therefore, don't expect Abraham to get re-signed.

A team desperate for experience and leadership like the Buffalo Bills would not be a bad fit for him.  Buffalo had one of the worst defenses in 2011, recording only 29 sacks.

Provided that the Bills could potentially move to a 4-3 look and put Marcell Dareus as defensive tackle, Abraham on the outside would work.

Projection: Buffalo Bills

Mario Williams, DE/OLB

The good news for Houston Texans fans is the potential return of Mario Williams. According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Williams wants to stay in Houston:

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Williams would love for the Texans to make him an offer that’s good enough to keep him in Houston. “This is home,” he said. “Everything that’s happened here has made such an impact on my life. It’s been great. Hopefully, it continues with whatever decision they make.''

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Well, as great as the Houston Texans defense was in 2011, it's only going to be better in 2012 with or without Williams.

Last season the Texans finished with the No. 2 overall defense, allowed just 17.4 points per game and ranked in the top five against the rush and pass.

All  that was without Williams from mid-October until season's end. Retaining Williams, though, provides the Texans with arguably the best and most talented defensive depth in the NFL.

After Connor Barwin and rookies J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed stepped up this past season, there is no limit as to how great Wade Phillips' defense can be. Combined with an offense that can hopefully remain healthy, we're talking legit AFC title contenders in Houston.

Yes, most, if not all other teams would certainly welcome Williams. But the Texans need him as much as he needs them.

Projection: Houston Texans

Cliff Avril, DE

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Cliff Avril wants to avoid the franchise tag:

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“I definitely don’t want to be franchised,” Avril said today, during a visit to the Super Bowl. “I mean, I’ve been in Detroit for four years, and I wouldn’t mind being there for another couple more years or whatnot. The franchise tag kind of makes it a yearly thing, and you want security.''

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That being said, the Lions may not have a choice if they want to retain Avril. In an article by Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated, franchising Avril seems likely:

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As things stand right now, Detroit has about $60 million of next season’s money committed to four players: Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Utilizing the franchise tag would pin approximately $10.6 million on Detroit’s tab for next season, meaning that, combined with Suh and Vanden Bosch, the Lions would be in for $30 million on three defensive linemen.

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So, even if Detroit makes the franchise move, it doesn't help much and possibly makes the situation worse. That said, don't expect the Lions to re-sign him.

That opens the door for teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars who need a stud pass-rusher. Last season the Jags only had 31 sacks but finished ranked No. 6 in total defense.

If Avril makes the move to Jacksonville, provided the Lions neglect to make a move, watch out for the Jaguars in 2012.

Projection: Jacksonville Jaguars

John Rozum on Twitter.