NFL Free Agents 2012: Best Bargain Buys on the Market

With the first wave of free agency in 2012 is all but over, teams are now starting to swing their attention to the draft. Almost all of the big names have been scooped up, and there aren't many names left in the pool that will make a splash.

This is where the most savvy of front offices earn their money. Every year there are a few sneaky good pick ups in free agency that help build a team. Finding solid players for a good price is key to free agency and building a contender.

Here are some of the best players on the market that, in the right situation, could excel at a bargain price.

Justin Forsett

Justin Forsett was a victim of circumstance with the Seattle Seahawks. A versatile back entering only his fourth NFL season, it is surprising he hasn't garnered more interest.

Forsett flourished as a rookie in Seattle rushing for 619 yards and racking up 350 yards receiving, while splitting time with veteran Julius Jones. However, Forsett has seen his production fall as his workload has been reduced—first by the addition of Leon Washington, and then with the addition, and great success, of Marshawn Lynch.

Forsett offers a great option as a change of pace back with quickness. The greatest asset that he could bring to a team is his pass-catching ability. Forsett has the potential to be the type of complementary back that most teams in the NFL like to have.

A change of scenery could be just what Forsett needs and that makes him a great bargain buy.

Jonathan Goff

Teams looking to add some depth at linebacker with great potential on the cheap side should look no further than Jonathan Goff.

Goff is entering his fifth year in the league and has spent his entire career with the New York Giants. Goff was set to be the starter in 2011 at middle linebacker before tearing his ACL and being placed on the team's injured reserve.

In 2010, Goff put up solid numbers registering 80 tackles and a sack. Goff can be signed to a relatively cheaper price for the level of player he is because of the injury concerns, but if he is able to return healthy, he will be a steal.

Leonard Pope

At 6'8" and 264 pounds, Leonard Pope is hard to miss.

However, that is exactly what teams seem to be doing. Pope has the prototypical size to become an absolute threat in the red zone and with the league's trend toward big tight ends that can catch, a team should take a gamble on the seventh-year player out of Georgia.

Pope has spent the last three seasons with the Chiefs where he either had an awful quarterback or played behind Tony Moeaki.

Pope is an available tight end option with seemingly untapped potential. In the right setting, he could flourish, and he won't command much money at all.

Lee Evans

In 2012, free-agent wide receivers went early and they went expensive. Lead by Vincent Jackson, receiver was the quickest position to come off the board as almost any receiver of note was signed very soon after the league year started.

In 2011, Lee Evans was one of the most notable names at wide receiver to change uniforms. When the Ravens traded for the speedy Evans from the Buffalo Bills, it was assumed he would give them the vertical threat that Joe Flacco has needed.

Evans tenure in Baltimore didn't go exactly as planned as injuries consistently hampered him, and the emergence of rookie Torrey Smith as a deep threat filled the need that Evans was brought on to fill. The Ravens decided to part ways with the veteran wide receiver after only catching four passes as a Raven.

It's important to remember that Evans was dinged up last year with injuries and is only one year removed from being a legitimate No. 2 receiver. While Evans can no longer be the No. 1 target in an offense, he could put up solid numbers in 2012—if given the opportunity.

David Hawthorne

David Hawthorne has been a fixture in the Seattle Seahawks' defense for three years now, collecting over 100 tackles in each of the last three seasons as the starting middle linebacker.

At 26 years old, Hawthorne has quite a few good seasons left in him, but he still has yet to be signed.

Hawthorne has the versatility to fit into a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme and is a proven producer with good health. Hawthorne remains one of the best free agents available and given the market, he could still be bought with a low price tag.

Andre Carter

Pass-rushing has become the premium commodity in the NFL. You just have to look at Mario Williams large contract to figure out that NFL team's are willing to pay top dollar on players that are able to rack up the sacks.

That's what makes Andre Carter such a great deal.

Carter has shown that he can get to the quarterback, and he enjoyed one of his best statistical seasons of his career with the Patriots last year, notching 10 sacks. However, Carter tore his quadricep late into the season and at the age of 32, his health will certainly play into any contract negotiations.

In 2011, Carter was the perfect example of a bargain free agent giving the Patriots vital production on a cheap one-year deal. In 2012, he could be forced to play out yet another cheap one-year deal to prove he can come back from his injury.