2012 NFL Free Agents: London Fletcher and the Best Front Seven Defenders

Now that free agency has slowed down for the most part, franchises can look at a more clear picture of the best available players.

With most of the best offensive players off the market, what remains are some veteran defensive players.

Here's a look at those available players in front seven, because controlling the line of scrimmage is how games are won or lost.

London Fletcher, LB

According to Mike Jones of the Washington Post, the Redskins and linebacker London Fletcher want to stay together. "He is a priority for us,” [Mike] Shanahan said soon after the season ended. “We’d love to have him back, and hopefully he’ll be back and part of our organization for years to come.”

And according to Jones, Fletcher—who has spent the last five seasons in Washington, leading the team in tackles each year—has said he wants to return to the Redskins.

With their moves so far in free agency and the expectation of selecting Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL draft, Washington needs to retain Fletcher.

He may be turning 37 years old before next season, but he's coming off a third consecutive Pro Bowl year and his first All-Pro selection.

This past season Fletcher had his 12th straight season with 100-plus tackles and he's had 10 straight with 125-plus. If the Redskins end up not re-signing Fletcher, though, you can bet someone needing veteran leadership on defense will strongly consider him.

Andre Carter, DE

Despite turning 33 years old before the 2012 season begins, Andre Carter can still be a solid pass-rusher for any franchise needing depth.

Last season, Carter had 10 sacks, 52 tackles and forced two fumbles with New England before getting injured.

So it's no surprise that durability concerns and his age are red flags for anyone interested. Nevertheless, Carter is a proven defender against the run and a consistent presence off the edge in applying pressure.

Before New England, Carter spent five seasons with the Washington Redskins, where he had 34 sacks, eight forced fumbles and 254 tackles.

One of the more underrated defenders throughout his career, Carter—at the very least—can be a pass-rusher on long down-and-distance situations.

And provided that he gets back to 100 percent, Carter can also sink into coverage and shield off the quick slant or tight-end pop pass.

Shaun Rogers, DT

A three-time Pro Bowler, Shaun Rogers has spent his 11-year NFL career with three franchises: Detroit, Cleveland and New Orleans.

And despite the change of scenery, Rogers has remained a reliable defensive tackle in shutting down opposing ground games. For his career, Rogers has averaged 45 tackles and three sacks per season.

Those are impressive numbers coming from a defender who is 6'4", 350 pounds, but extremely athletic in the trenches.

Rogers can control either A-gap, provide a consistent interior pass rush and has quick play-recognition skills. When blocked straight up in one-on-one situations, Rogers has proven to be unstoppable.

Rogers, though, is not the most appealing defensive tackle as 2011 was arguably his worst season yet. And in the previous three seasons, he has not been the typical dominant force that he was with the Lions from 2001-07 and Cleveland in '08.

However, if Rogers gets another opportunity to be utilized in short-yardage situations, he can and will produce. It's just a matter of getting him in the right system with the right defensive philosophy.

Raheem Brock, DE

Turning 34 years old before the 2012 season begins, it's no surprise that Raheem Brock hasn't been actively pursued this offseason.

However, after a solid 10-year career, Brock is one of the more experienced front-seven defenders on the market.

While with the Indianapolis Colts from 2002-2009, Brock played in 18 playoff games and was part of two AFC Championship teams, winning one Super Bowl.

More of a passing-situation player, Brock fits the 4-3 defensive-end mold. He recorded 28.5 sacks and forced 11 fumbles with the Colts. Joining Seattle in 2010, Brock hit a career-high with nine sacks and then added two more in the postseason.

After a disappointing 2011 campaign that saw him record just three sacks and 28 tackles, Brock still possesses the ability to add depth and experience to any front seven.

He's not going to be a starter, but much like Andre Carter, Brock is a solid option for outside pressure and can duck inside on a twist stunt when paired with an athletic defensive tackle.

John Rozum on Twitter.