2012 NFL Free Agents: Power Ranking Top Signings So Far

The 2012 NFL free agency period have been one of the most exciting we have had in recent memory, and Peyton Manning hasn't even been signed yet.

They always say a free agency period is only as good as it's free agents.Well, maybe nobody has ever said that, but it sure does ring true this offseason.

With many big names changing home teams, the league is bound to look completely different in the 2012-13 season, and there are actually a few teams that could have put themselves in the power position with an epic signing or two.

Here is a power rankings of the top five signings so far:

Honorable Mention: Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions:

Huge re-signing by the Lions here. This will keep Megatron in Detroit for a very long time, and it opened up cap space for this season. I can't stress how important this was. 

5. Robert Meachem, WR, San Diego Chargers

Losing wideout Vincent Jackson could have been a fatal blow for this Chargers offense, but they took it in stride. Bringing in Meachem—620 yards and six touchdowns last season—is a huge remedy to what could have been an even bigger problem.

He, along with Eddie Royal, will be a good tandem for Philip Rivers.

4. Carl Nicks, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers arguably made the biggest splash in free agency with all of their moves. Nicks is huge because he left the Saints, a division rival, to sign with the young and athletic Buccaneers. Look for this team to make huge strides next season, as Nicks was the best lineman on the market.

3. Marques Colston, WR New Orleans Saints

Had the Saints lost Nicks and Marques Colston, it would have been a devastating blow to their team. Thankfully, they got Colston to re-sign and made sure that Drew Brees' favorite receiver would be staying with him for quite a while.

2. Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers took a huge step back during the 2011 season. Many expected them to be playoff contenders, but they essentially imploded. Making moves in free agency was a must for the organization, and they got a huge win by bringing in the best receiver on the market.

They are now setting their young quarterback Josh Freeman up with a veteran wideout that snagged 1,106 yards and nine touchdowns last season. If the Buccaneers play their cards right, they could be this years' most improved team.

1. Mario Williams, DE, Buffalo Bills

This was not just a signing for Buffalo, this was a changing of the tide. Other than Manning, Mario Williams was the most coveted player on the open market.

He's a dominant pass-rusher and a game-changer, and somehow the Bills were able to convince him to come to their snowy, cold small-market city.

This was a win in multiple ways, and on the field he makes this defense much better.

I expect the Bills will be very competitive in the AFC East, and they are my early favorites to win it.