2012 NFL Free Agents: Additions That Will Turn Pretenders into Contenders

There was a record number of free agent signings this year, and I bet you're wondering which guys will have the greatest impact. 

If a guy can morph an entire team from pretender status to contender status, that'd be a pretty big impact, right?

These players have that potential. 

Mario Williams, DE, Buffalo Bills 

Quarterback deficiencies over the years have plagued the Bills, but so has their inability to effectively get to the opposing signal-caller. They had 27 sacks in 2010 and 29 in 2011. In each of those years, 5.5 sacks by Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus led the team.

Williams is the ideal edge-rushing specialist for a team in dire need of a player who can pressure the quarterback. 

Over the years, major pass-rushing free-agent acquisitions have paid huge dividends for the teams that have shelled out the big bucks. 

If Williams can stay healthy, he'll be a huge boost to Buffalo's defense and their team as a whole.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Josh Freeman experienced a severe regression in 2011 that was due to inconsistent accuracy and his wideouts struggling to create separation from defensive backs. 

Jackson is the perfect downfield option who will not only reel in deep balls in the foreseeable future but draw extra attention that will aid other receivers on the roster. 

He'll undoubtedly make Freeman's life more comfortable, and he brings a big-play dimension to the Buccaneers' passing game that was nonexistent last season. 

Eric Winston, RT, Kansas City Chiefs 

I'm voyaging outside the box here with Winston, but his presence will be felt by the Kansas City Chiefs' opponents this year.

B/R's Matt Miller graded Winston as the game's best right tackle—an agile big man who's equally stout at run-blocking as he is pass-blocking.

Think he'll be welcomed by Romeo Crennel with Jamaal Charles returning from injury?

I do.

Kansas City has one of the best run-blocking offensive lines in the NFL with, when healthy, arguably the most electric runner in the game.

A slam dunk for both sides.

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