NFL Free Agents 2012: Projecting Where the Best Available Defensive Players Sign

In an offensive-oriented league, finding the right defensive player via free agency can really increase a team's expectations the following year.

At this point, however, free agency has dwindled down quite a bit, but solid defenders still remain. So, here's where the best of the rest will sign before the 2012 season.

Washington Redskins: London Fletcher, LB

Yes, London Fletcher remains in Washington and quite frankly, the Redskins cannot afford to let him go. Despite turning 37 years old before next season kicks off, Fletcher is coming off his best single year production.

He recorded 166 tackles, forced three fumbles and accounted for two interceptions. Washington also must retain Fletcher because his instincts are arguably the best in the game.

Having the luxury of playing in a front seven that also include Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan, Fletcher will simply continue to make plays in his 15th season. Whether it's one or two years, the Redskins need London in the middle to keep the defense afloat while the offense improves.

St. Louis Rams: Andre Carter, DE

Another seasoned vet, Andre Carter has injury concerns, as his 2011 season was cut short in Week 15 at Denver. Turning 33 years old before the 2012 season, Carter was in the midst of one of his better campaigns with 10 sacks, 52 tackles and two forced fumbles.

The St. Louis Rams are a great fit, as he'll be complemented by Chris Long and James Laurinaitis in the front seven. Not to mention the Rams have an improved secondary with Cortland Finnegan, and Carter's addition will help defend the stellar rushing attacks of Seattle and San Francisco.

Carter's experience will fit well with new head coach Jeff Fisher and provide influence on the younger defenders. And let's not forget about the Rams' additional future draft picks. Carter's addition only makes for a quicker turnaround.

New Orleans Saints: Domonique Foxworth, CB

Last season the New Orleans Saints ranked No. 30 against the pass by allowing an average of almost 260 pass yards per game.

It obviously cost the Saints in the postseason, as 49ers quarterback Alex Smith piled up 299 yards and had three touchdowns to zero picks. Well, veteran corner Domonique Foxworth is looking for another opportunity to prove his skill set, as he missed all of 2010 and basically most of 2011 due to injury.

When healthy, though, Foxworth is a reliable defender, as evidenced by his five picks, 27 defended passes and 91 tackles between 2008 and 2009. Also, New Orleans can't afford to get picky when it comes to upgrading the defense considering its current state.

Therefore, Foxworth's experience and legit production when on the field is enough to start in the Big Easy.

Chicago Bears: Deon Grant, Safety

Although the New York Giants ranked No. 29 against the pass in 2011, veteran safety Deon Grant had solid production, with 64 tackles and six defended passes. Certainly not the most appealing of stats, but the Giants allowed a lot of yards to the intermediate passing game.

Along the same lines, the Chicago Bears ranked No. 28 against the pass and desperately need to upgrade in the pass-heavy NFC North. Now, Grant doesn't make Chicago any younger across the board, but he can be a great influence to promising safety Chris Conte.

Grant also stepped up his game in the postseason, with 19 tackles (six in the Super Bowl) and three passes defended. Provided that the Bears improve the pass rush, which recorded just 33 sacks in 2011, Grant will be even more productive as a fitting complement to cornerback Charles Tillman.

John Rozum on Twitter.