2012 NFL Free Agents: Undervalued Players Still on the Market

The 2012 NFL draft is right around the corner, and the once-hot free agency signing frenzy has cooled down to an ember. But there are still bargains to be found at the bottom of the barrel.

This is the time of year where savvy general managers make their best moves.

Here are a few of the best remaining free agents in this year's class—undervalued and ready to prove they're better than people are giving them credit for.

Braylon Edwards, Wide Receiver

It's not really a surprise that Edwards is still available at this point. He was terrible in San Francisco last year, though to his credit he was injured most of the time.

He can be bought at a bargain rate. Last year, the 49ers only paid him $1 million and signed him to a contract that didn't include any guaranteed money (H/T ProFootballTalk).

Edwards won't likely threaten to become an elite receiver ever again, but he isn't devoid of talent and can still be a threat downfield and in the red zone. There are plenty teams left who need help at the position and who should give Edwards a chance to sign a contract for the league minimum with plenty of incentives written in.

If his Twitter account tells us anything, it looks like Edwards is doing his best to get himself into the best shape possible for another run at an NFL roster:

"

Met with a nutritionist and started a new diet. Not big on eating healthy but let's give it a try. ;-/

"

"— Braylon Edwards (@OfficialBraylon) March 27, 2012"

Teams that could sign Edwards: Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams and New York Jets.

Aubrayo Franklin, Defensive Tackle

It wasn't long ago that Franklin was one of the elite nose tackles in the NFL. He was a rock-solid anchor in the middle of the San Francisco 49ers defense before taking a detour to the bayou last year.

The 4-3 scheme Greg Williams ran last year for the New Orleans Saints isn't the best fit for Franklin. He is much better suited to stick to the nose tackle position in a 3-4 scheme.

He is stout, strong and isn't easily pushed around, and there are a few teams that could really use a player like that on their roster.

The Saints paid Franklin $4 million last year (H/T Nola.com), but he should be able to be signed for much less this year after failing to perform up to the standard he previously set with the 49ers.

At least one team is interested, per Adam Schefter:

"

Aubrayo Franklin visiting Seahwaks today.

"

"— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 10, 2012"

Other teams that could sign Franklin: Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders.

Vernon Carey, Offensive Guard

Carey is entering in the twilight of his career at age 30. He doesn't have many years left in his bones, but he is someone who can come in as a stop-gap for a guard-needy team for a year or two while that team develops younger players.

Selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Carey has been a full-time starter since 2005. He is a punishing run blocker who struggles sometimes in pass-protection against quick moves, but Carey is still a capable offensive guard who can provide stability to an offensive line in need.

The longer Carey stays out on the market the more his value decreases. My best guess is that he could be signed for under $2 million per year, a bargain for a mid-level offensive guard.

Teams that could sign Carey: San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs.

Follow @JesseReed78