2012 NFL Free Agents: Breaking Down the Latest Buzz Around the League

The NFL's free-agent period is slowing down, but teams are still finding pieces to add before the draft takes place later this month. 

Here is some of the latest buzz and happenings from around the league's free-agent market:

Vikings Add Cornerback Depth

Minnesota employed one of the NFL's worst secondaries in 2011, so it only makes sense that they would add depth to the cornerback position in free agency and the draft. 

On Wednesday, they again dipped into free agency, signing former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chris Carr. The 29-year-old had some good years in Baltimore, but has continued to battle injury issues. If he can make it through camp without any set backs injury-wise, there's a good chance Carr could compete to be the Vikings' nickel or dime cornerback in 2012.

Castillo Re-Signs in San Diego

The San Diego Chargers cut Castillo loose before free agency started, mostly because of injury issues (Castillo missed most of 2011 with a broken leg). After testing the open waters and getting very few bites, Castillo decided to return to San Diego.

A former first-round pick in 2005, Castillo needs to stay healthy to earn back a starting job he's held down in San Diego for several years. Castillo can still be an impact player if he's anywhere near his pre-injury levels.

Eagles Get Peters' Replacement

Philadelphia was dealt a heavy blow late last week when it was announced that All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters would miss a significant amount of time next season with a ruptured Achilles' tendon. 

Instead of using the draft to find Peters' replacement, the Eagles went out and locked up the best tackle left on the free-agent market in Demetress Bell. The 25-year-old former Buffalo Bill signed a five-year deal with Eagles Wednesday, which may signal how serious Philadelphia thinks Peters' injury really is. 

Ravens Negotiating with Webb

Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome confirmed Wednesday that Baltimore is in negotiations with cornerback Lardarius Webb, a restricted free agent this offseason.

The Ravens gave Webb a first-round tender after the 26-year-old intercepted five passes in 15 starts last season. There was never any chatter on teams' interest in taking Webb away from Baltimore, but it's encouraging that the team is being more aggressive in getting an underrated player like Webb under contract long-term.

Panthers Add a Safety

Carolina Panthers GM Marty Hurney brought another safety to his secondary mix Wednesday, signing former San Francisco 49ers safety Reggie Smith to a deal. Hurney also signed Haruki Nakamura from the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason. 

While Sherrod Martin and Charles Godfrey look like the early starters, Nakamura and Smith, who played in all 16 games for the 49ers last season, will give competition and depth to the Panthers' secondary.

"Reggie has been on our radar since the beginning of free agency and is a player we think can come in and compete at safety,'' Hurney said. "We brought him in for a visit Tuesday and it worked out. He is another player we've added to increase the competition.''