NFL Free Agents 2012: Top Targets Still out on Market

There are still some gems left in this year's free-agent market, even though free agency in 2012 has slowed down to a crawl. 

Teams have already made their big splashes as they fought against one another for the top available prospects. Players like Mario Williams and Vincent Jackson were on everyone's radars.

Here are the top three remaining free agents still available for hire on the open market.

Andre Carter

Carter is coming off major reconstructive knee surgery, so I'm not surprised that he's still on the market.

Still, pass-rushers are almost as hot a commodity as quarterbacks in the NFL these days, and Carter is still one of the best in the business. 

Carter is scheme-diverse, too. He can play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but can dominate as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. 

Don't think for a second that teams have forgotten about him. Carter will end up on a roster in 2012, of that you can be sure.

Teams that should consider signing Carter include the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams.

Vernon Carey

Do you like skilled, versatile offensive linemen? 

If you do, Carey is the man for you.

I'm shocked that nobody has made a move for Carey so far. He isn't an elite lineman, but his ability to play both the guard and tackle positions makes him a valuable commodity in today's NFL. 

At 30, Carey is no longer a spring chicken, but he's not dead yet, either. He's been a full-time starter for the Miami Dolphins since 2005, and teams with holes to fill on their offensive line should be lining up for his services.

Teams that should consider signing Carey include the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills.

Tim Hightower

Hightower will add tremendous value to the team that is smart enough to pick him up.

If Michael Bush's contract with the Chicago Bears (four years, $14 million) is any reference, he will be able to be signed for a smoking deal.

Hightower won't get as much as Bush did. Therefore, a team should be able to hire his services for between $1.5 and $2 million per year.

Whichever team does end up signing Hightower will be getting a multi-dimensional back who will give them a spark from the bench. 

Hightower is one of the premier pass-catching backs in the league. He is deadly on screens and checkdowns. Combined with his ability to hit top speed in an instant, he is going to be a welcome addition to any playoff-caliber team.

Teams that should consider signing Hightower include the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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