2012 NFL Free Agents: Ranking the 15 Best Players Remaining

The 2012 NFL free-agency period has taken a hit with Peyton Manning coming off the market this week.

However, there are still quality players available who can make major impacts on teams next season.

While some free agents command a big price tag, there are other players that are willing to sacrifice money in pursuit of a championship.

Here are the 15 best free agents remaining.

15. Dallas Clark

Dallas Clark ended his tenure in Indianapolis with an injury-filled season, resulting in a sudden decline in statistics.

Even though he isn't considered to be an explosive tight end anymore, he is a veteran player that is worth the pickup.

His experience alone will allow him to take advantage of opposing defenders and become a security blanket for a quarterback.

It wouldn't be a shocker if he joins Peyton Manning in Denver.

14. Amobi Okoye

Amobi Okoye showed potential last season with the Chicago Bears. After the Houston Texans cut him, Okoye recorded four sacks last year.

That was the second-highest sack total of his five-year career. With pass-rushers a major priority for most teams, Okoye had the potential to live up to the hype when he came out of college.

The Chicago Bears wanted to make a play for Mario Williams, but with that falling through, look for the Bears to bring back the former Louisville standout.

13. Pat Sims

Pat Sims is a young and underrated run defender who will be quite a bargain for whichever team signs him.

He tore his ankle ligaments in December; the result was the Cincinnati Bengals allowing him to enter free agency.

However, he is only 26 years old and can be a factor on a defensive unit if he recovers well.

Teams will need to see how he recovers from injury, but he will look to put himself in position to make an impact against the run for the next few years.

12. Jason Brown

In a thin offensive line market, there will be a team that takes a chance on Jason Brown.

Brown underachieved after receiving a big contract from the St. Louis Rams. However, with a low asking price, he will have another chance to prove himself.

It is possible that a team with a weakness at the guard position could take a look at Brown. The Baltimore Ravens, who developed Brown early in his career, could sign him after the departure of Ben Grubbs.

11. Jacob Tamme

Jacob Tamme did not perform well in 2011, despite the injuries to Dallas Clark. However, in the 2010 season, he showed the potential to be a solid pass-catching tight end.

The Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos are two teams that need tight ends and have visited with him in recent weeks, according to Jason LaConfora of The NFL Network.

It seems likely that Tamme could head to Denver to catch passes from his favorite quarterback.

10. Trevor Laws

Trevor Laws is poised to find a better opportunity for playing time next season. He showed potential when he got a chance in the rotation with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

At age 26, he will command a market as a young player who teams can eventually groom into an eventual NFL starter.

The New England Patriots, who are in need of an interior lineman that can rush the passer, are interested in Laws, according to ESPN's Mike Rodak.

9. Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards is determined to revive his career after a disappointing 2011 campaign.

Injuries led to a decrease in playing time and an eventual release from the San Francisco 49ers.

When healthy, he's a receiver who has the height and speed to be No. 1 on the depth chart. The biggest question remaining is how healthy he can be over a 16-game season.

8. Kevin Smith

Injuries have decimated the young career of Kevin Smith. If he can stay healthy for a full season, he would be a good option in a two-running back system.

The Detroit Lions appear to be the only team taking a chance on Smith, according to Anwar Richardson of mlive.com. The Lions originally drafted him out of UCF.

He will come at a cheap price, which is certainly worth the gamble for the Lions.

7. Manny Lawson

Manny Lawson will be looking for a potential starting opportunity with a new team.

The 27-year-old linebacker took advantage of his opportunities while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, including their postseason game this year.

According to the Indianapolis Star's Phil Richards, the Colts appear to be targeting Lawson, who would fit in Chuck Pagano's 3-4 scheme.

He would perform well in Pagano's defense and would primarily be a run-stopping linebacker.

6. London Fletcher

London Fletcher is arguably the most underrated linebacker in football, leading the Washington Redskins defense to a good finish in 2011.

The veteran linebacker is still looking for work, even though he appears to be "on the Redskins' radar," according to The Washington Times.

At 37 years old, Fletcher is contributing at a high level. He would still be a good fit with the Redskins, but he could make a great impact with a contender.

5. Demetrius Bell

Demetrius Bell is the best left tackle available in free agency and appears to have a slow market thus far.

However, he is an interesting lineman who could see a potential return to the Buffalo Bills.

According to the Washington Post's Mike Jones, the Washington Redskins have also shown interest in Bell. He could potentially earn playing time with Washington if Trent Williams deals with injuries in the upcoming season.

4. Marcus McNeill

Marcus McNeill is an All-Pro-caliber left tackle who parted ways with the San Diego Chargers due to injuries.

It is certainly worth teams taking a risk on him at left tackle.

His value isn't too high coming off injury. If healthy, he could play at an elite level for a team in need of an offensive lineman.

3. Curtis Lofton

When the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with Curtis Lofton, he instantly became the best linebacker available in free agency.

Surprisingly, he has received a low market thus far, which is a positive for the teams in the running.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter, the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown interest in the veteran linebacker, who can anchor either defense after a full offseason with his new team.

2. Lardarius Webb

Lardarius Webb is a restricted free agent who will command a high price if a team goes after him.

He emerged as the best cornerback in the young Ravens secondary and played well during their postseason run.

Granted, a team would need to forfeit a first-round pick along with a new contract to get him.

However, the potential that comes with Webb may be worth the risk.

1. Mike Wallace

Despite being a restricted free agent, Mike Wallace is clearly the best player remaining in free agency.

He is an elite receiver, whose speed and playmaking ability cannot be coached. The Pittsburgh Steelers will gladly take a first-round draft selection in return for Wallace.

He can instantly become a top target on any NFL team. Time will tell if a team sacrifices a first-round draft pick along with a lot of money in order to sign Wallace.