2012 NFL Free Agent Tracker: Top 10 Players Left on the Open Market

With the NFL's free agency period already a week-and-a-half old, many of the top unrestricted free agents have already been signed by teams. We're now deep into the second tier of players, but there's still some value to be had for patient teams.

While they won't be sexy pickups, the following 10 free agents represent the best of what free agency has left to offer:

MLB London Fletcher

Fletcher has started 224 straight games and year after year ranks in the top-10 of total tackles. He'll turn 37 years old in May, but there may still be a good year or two left in the veteran middle linebacker. Bank on Fletcher eventually returning to Washington on a short-term, incentive-laden deal.

MLB Curtis Lofton

Lofton may only be a two-down, run-thumping middle linebacker, but he's only 25 years old and has a handful of productive seasons under his belt in Atlanta. The Falcons appear ready to move on from Lofton, as they signed Lofa Tatupu before free agency began. Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints have shown some mild interest.

OT Demetrius Bell

Bell is hands down the top tackle remaining in free agency. In a league that put so much emphasis on keeping the quarterback upright, Bell's services has value. At 27 years old, Bell isn't pushing an age where there would long-term concerns either. Both the Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals have inquired about Bell, and the Buffalo Bills remain in the discussion to re-sign him. 

MLB David Hawthorne

Another young, run-stopping middle linebacker who doesn't have a home. Hawthorne, 26, hasn't found a home because teams no longer value the run or players who can stop it as much as in the past. For a team that isn't settled inside, however, Hawthorne makes a lot of sense and could come at a bargain. The Saints, Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks are the likely landing spots.

CB Tracy Porter

Cornerbacks flew off the open market, but Porter is now the top player remaining at the position. He's been all over the place trying to find a fit. Considering he's still looking, money is on Porter having to settle on a one-year deal somewhere. The Oakland Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals make sense.

DT Aubrayo Franklin

Franklin really struggled with New Orleans last year after many thought he could be a free-agent steal. Now that he's back on the market, some team should take a flier on him with a short deal full of incentives. In the right situation, Franklin can still be a solid rotational player up front.

RB Cedric Benson

There are plenty of miles on Benson's tires, and it appears unlikely that the Bengals are going to bring him back next season. I wouldn't even mention the word "starter" to Benson, but he could provide something as a team's No. 2 back. It would be surprising at this point if Benson found a deal over a one-year agreement.

LB Manny Lawson

Lawson has never developed into the pass-rusher many thought he could, but there's still value as a run-stopper and coverage linebacker. Both 4-3 and 3-4 teams will take a look, too, as Lawson has experience in both fronts. The Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders all appear to have interest.

C Jeff Saturday

Many thought Saturday would retire following 2012, but he's looking to play another year. Despite being 37 years old, Saturday can still be a stop-gap starter at center on a variety of teams. He's a good bet to follow Peyton Manning to Denver, but the Packers and Tennessee Titans remain in play.

OT Marcus McNeill

The Chargers cut McNeil loose after concerns over a neck injury were too much to overcome his salary cap number. A former Pro Bowler, McNeill can still offer a team a starting-quality left tackle if his health checks out. The Atlanta Falcons may offer a nice situation.