NFL Free Agency: Counting Down the Best Remaining "Offensive Threats"

After a very busy early free agent market and with the Payton Manning Circus hopefully coming to a conclusion this weekend, who's left of value for teams to pick up?

Despite seeing an insane amount of money shift hands over the past week there are still very talented players left on the market.,

Here is a look at the top offensive players still looking for a contract for the upcoming season. 

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Mario Manningham

This 25-year-old wide receiver has the catch of a lifetime just a few short months ago.  Now it appears as though he is looking for a new home.  

In four seasons with the New York Giants, Manningham has 160 receptions for 2,315 yards, averaging 14.5 yards a reception.  Manningham also has 18 career touchdowns.  

Manningham probably wont command huge dollars, but with a rumoured $7-8 million a year price tag, this looks to keep the Giants out of the equation. Mario would be a very useful player for a lot of teams. 

Mannigham has visited the San Francisco 49ers and the St.Louis Rams.

Brandon Lloyd

The 30-year-old receiver out of Illinois is looking for another team this summer.  After playing for San Francisco, Washington, Chicago, Denver and most recently St. Louis, Lloyd is rumored to be close to a deal with New England.

Braylon Edwards

Veteran Braylon Edwards didn't pan out in San Francisco this past season. However, his all-time numbers are pretty impressive, averaging 15.6 yards per catch and run and with 39 touchdowns in seven seasons.  

Jerome Simpson

Nobody will be forgetting Jerome Simpson's unbelievable catch in 2011.  Despite being a young, talented and tall receiver, Simpson just recently plead guilty to felony drug charges.  Yet as we have seen in the past talent trumps trouble, look for someone to snatch up Simpson despite the fact that he will likely miss some games due to suspension this year.

Dallas Clark -TE

This aging superstar has played his entire career in Indianapolis.  With a major blowup going on with the Colts organization, look for Clark to head elsewhere.

Running Backs

Michael Bush

Michael Bush just missed achieving his first 1,000 yard season, coming up 23 yards shy.  Despite his yards, he averaged only 3.8 yards a carry—not exactly starting numbers.  Look for Bush to be signed as a compliment back, although he may look to put himself in a situation to fill a  No.1 role.  Bush has already visited the Bengals earlier this week.

Cedric Benson

Look for Benson to get a rather small deal.  Nearing the twilight of his career, Benson could provide some veteran depth to a team with young backs.  I can't see him being much more than this.  Although he did rush for over 1,000 yards in Cincinnati last season, he is still a gamble at his age.

Mike Tolbert-RB/FB

Tolbert hasn't done much in terms of yards in his four pro seasons.  His versatility will draw interest from a few teams, but he almost certainly won't be back with the Chargers.

Brandon Jacobs

Jacobs has won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. He is a traditional power back, but he has quickly been losing ground on his once powerful career.  Earning only 571 yards last season, Jacobs is literally becoming half the player he once was in his back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2007 and 2008.  

After saying that, Jacobs can still be useful in certain situations.  At 29, his career is winding down, but look for him to sign a short deal for a smaller payday this offseason. 

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Knock on wood, but Green-Ellis has never fumbled the ball in the NFL in 510 carries for New England over his four year career, Green-Ellis had a great 2010 season, but really tailed off in 2011.  Despite that, BenJarvus will draw interest.  He has worked out for Cincinnati earlier in this week.

Ryan Grant

After his breakout years in 2008 and 2009, Grant has disappeared in Green Bay.  At age 29, Grant probably won't receive a lot of attention or money.  Look for him to be signed late for insurance purposes or to mentor young running backs. 

Quarterbacks

The quarterback position is very thin this offseason.  With Manning set to make up his mind (eventually) this week, there is very little left in terms of talent on the open market.

Matt Flynn

Flynn has become "option 2" for teams seeking Payton Manning.  However, Flynn has only played two NFL games in four seasons.  Look for Flynn to cash in on a very weak market.

Alex Smith

Smith has been offered a three-year extension with the 49ers, but San Fran is still waiting to hear on Manning.  Alex Smith has held off on agreeing to these terms until the Manning drama is over.  Harbaugh says Smith is his guy.  Assuming Manning will be elsewhere, the 49ers will sign Smith.

Conclusion

Despite the amount of deals that occurred early in free agency, there are still some very talented offensive weapons up for grabs. Once Peyton Manning decides his own future, players will begin to fall into place throughout the league.

Here's to an exciting offseason.