2012 NFL Free Agents: Matt Forte and Stars Who Haven't Peaked Yet

Every athlete wants to enter free agency after having the best season if his career. That is the easiest way to ensure that they will be paid top dollar.

It also gives a team looking at acquiring them a sense of satisfaction to know that they are getting one of the best players in the NFL. Since this is a mental game, it gives them an advantage that no one else can match. 

This free-agent season promises to be great, simply because of the number of high-profile players on the market who have dominate the league already and still haven't hit their physical peaks. 

Here are the best players available who still have plenty of elite years ahead of them. 

Matt Forte, Running Back

Just looking at total rushing yards does not tell the story of how valuable Forte has been throughout his NFL career. 

He is the best all-around running back in the league today. His ability to run out of the backfield, catch passes and block makes him special, and is the biggest reason that he deserves to be one of the highest paid players. 

The Bears can't afford to let him get away, the only question is if they use the franchise tag or get a long-term deal done. 

Mario Williams, Defensive End/Linebacker

Williams picked a bad time to tear his pectoral muscle and miss most of the season, but he is still young enough, and has plenty of upside left, that teams are going to come knocking on his door as soon as possible. 

There are a number of elite pass-rushers available this offseason, like Calias Campbell, Cliff Avril and Robert Mathis, but none of them can match Williams' explosiveness off the line. 

The season-ending injury he suffered could actually be a good thing for teams that try to sign him, because he might not command as much money as he would if he had been healthy all year. 

Alex Smith, Quarterback

One year ago, if you would have put Smith's name on any list, it would have been for biggest busts in the NFL draft. 

While he still has a long way to go before warranting that No. 1 selection the 49ers used on him in 2005, his future looks as bright as it ever has. It's also important to remember that, despite playing in the league for seven years, he is still just 28 years old. 

Jim Harbaugh has publicly stated that Smith is going to be his quarterback next year. The only real question is if they surround him with some actual wide receivers to help his progress. 

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