2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Best Under-the-Radar Signings

With the 2012 NFL free-agency period now two weeks old, let's take a look at some of the best under-the-radar signings.

Broderick Bunkley to the New Orleans Saints

The Saints very quietly got a lot better up the middle this offseason. In addition to taking middle linebacker Curtis Lofton off the market, New Orleans grabbed one of the NFL's top run-stuffers in Bunkley. The move was met with little fanfare.

However, Bunkley was rated as the No. 3 overall defensive tackle in 2011 by Pro Football Focus, mostly on the heels of the game's top grade against the run. Given a bigger chunk of playing time in 2012 with the Saints, Bunkley–a former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles—may finally be seen as one of the game's top interior defensive lineman.

Minnesota Vikings Re-Sign Erin Henderson

The Vikings only re-signed Henderson for one year, but this is the kind of low-risk, high-reward move that rebuilding teams need to make. 

Henderson emerged as a viable outside linebacker in 2011, displaying an ability to play the run like few others at his position. In fact, PFF ranked Henderson as the No. 3 overall outside linebacker against the run last season.

The only risk for the Vikings is if Henderson continues to improve and plays his way into a bigger contract next offseason. But for the production he gave Minnesota last season, this deal was a big win for the Vikings.

Jacksonville Jaguars Re-Sign Jeremy Mincey

Haven't heard of Mincey? Don't worry, you're in the majority. 

A 28-year-old defensive end, Mincey broke out last season with a full year of starting reps in Jacksonville. On just over 900 defensive snaps, Mincey recorded eight sacks, 11 quarterbacks hits and 38 pressures. 

Given how badly the Jaguars need a pass-rush, keeping Mincey was a no-brainer. He could be a 10-sack guy if Jacksonville gets him some help up front.

Martellus Bennett to the New York Giants

Bennett has just 85 career receptions in four NFL seasons, but he was stuck behind a pass-gobbling tight end in Jason Witten with the Cowboys. In New York, with both Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum likely to be hobbled to start 2012, Bennett may play a big role.

If he's the starter for 16 games, Bennett could catch 50-60 passes from tight-end-happy Eli Manning. He has breakout written all over him next season.

Jarret Johnson to the San Diego Chargers

There simply aren't a lot of gritty, hard-nosed players that can play the 3-4 defense as well as Johnson can out there. He's started the last 80 games as the member of the Baltimore Ravens and brings that wealth of experience to the West Coast, where he should be an immediate starting linebacker in San Diego.

He's not going to be a 10-sack guy or a Pro Bowler, but you win with players like Johnson in your locker room.