2012 NFL Free Agents: Best Fits for Top Remaining Players

While the NFL free-agent season is starting to wind down as everyone prepares for the draft on April 26, there are still a few big names available for teams still desperately hoping to fill a position. 

Some of these players come with a caveat, like being a restricted free agent, but they are still out there for the highest bidder. 

After the flurry of activity we saw on March 15, it does not seem like we will be looking at a lot of major news with the remaining free agents.

Still, here is a look at the best available players and where they should end up before the 2012 season starts. 

Mike Wallace, Wide Receiver*

It is amazing that no one has tried to bite on Wallace yet. Sure, he will cost a first-round draft pick, but considering his age (25) and big-play ability, that is a small price to pay—especially when you factor in the risk associated with draft picks. 

The fact that Wallace has not had an offer from anyone else all but guarantees he will be returning to Pittsburgh. While everyone in the league could use a player like him, the Steelers need him more than anyone. 

He is their best offensive weapon, and he forces teams to change their game plan. Without him, they would have a very difficult time moving the ball through the air. 

Prediction: Re-signs with Steelers

Lardarius Webb, Cornerback*

Another elite player who will likely have a lot of problems finding anyone who will want to pay the steep price to bring him to town.

Webb does not have the game-changing ability of Cortland Finnegan, who signed with the Rams, but he is in that second-tier of cornerbacks in the NFL. 

For a league that is starving to find defensive players who can be successful while abiding by the league's new stance on defense—which basically says if you try to play it, we will fine you—Webb is a strong choice to build around. 

Prediction: Re-signs with Ravens

Manny Lawson, Linebacker

While Lawson's career as a pass-rusher hasn't taken off like most expected when he was taken in the first round by the 49ers in 2006, he has been one of the best in the league at stopping the run and tackling in the open field. 

Since the game has become so pass heavy, pure run-stopping specialists are not as valuable as they used to be. 

Despite the lack of variety to his game, Lawson still holds tremendous value for teams that struggled to stop the run. He should find a home sooner rather than later. 

One team that has reportedly shown interest in him is Green Bay. The Packers need more depth at the linebacker position, and Lawson would be a relatively cheap option for them to plug in next to Clay Matthews. 

Prediction: Signs with Packers

*Denotes restricted free agent

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