NFL Free Agents 2012: Ranking the Best Available Players Still out There

Free agents are still available for NFL teams to sign in 2012, and this list ranks those players.

For one reason or another, these players haven't been picked up yet despite voluntary camps beginning.

In the case of the top-ranking player on this list, a contract has been proposed, but not signed.

Currently, most of them are merely waiting to hear from teams or make a decision.

Expect several to make an impact on the team which signs them this year. 

(Disclaimer: This list includes all positions except offensive linemen.) 

1. Wide Receiver Mike Wallace (Restricted)

The best available free agent is wide receiver Mike Wallace.

Currently holding out from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who put a first-round tender on him, Wallace is by far the best wideout left.

Wallace has the physical tools to be a No. 1 receiver, as he is one of the fastest pass-catchers in the NFL.

His 72 catches for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns last season led the Steelers.

Entering just his fourth season, Wallace is also still young.

The receiver is waiting for a team to make a splash and sign him to a big deal, whether it be the Steelers or another who would have to give Pittsburgh a first-round pick.

But for the former third-round selection, that's not too high of a price. Particularly considering his development in the past few seasons. 

2. Tight End Visanthe Shiancoe

The most viable option at tight end still on the NFL free agency market is Visanthe Shiancoe.

His body of work as a reliable target for the Minnesota Vikings the last five years prove his value.

Shiancoe caught at least 27 passes per season in that time, using his big 6'4" frame to separate from defenders.

The veteran has proven to be consistent at the position.

Though he's been targeted by the Seattle Seahawks, Shiancoe is still available for any team looking to add a steady tight end. 

3. Running Back Cedric Benson

While surprisingly no teams have shown interest, there isn't a better running back option than Cedric Benson on the NFL free-agent market.

After a slow start to his career coming out of Texas, Benson has come on strong the past three seasons.

Three straight 1,000-plus years with the Cincinnati Bengals showcased his combination of power and speed.

At 29, Benson's age is his biggest problem, and probably why he hasn't drawn too much interest. But even last year he showed skills. 

4. Defensive End Andre Carter

After a season with the New England Patriots, defensive end Andre Carter is back on the NFL free-agency market and a great choice for teams.

Carter is coming off of his third 10-or-more sack season in five years. In other words, the former California legend can still get to the quarterback.

Though he is recuperating from a torn left quad, Carter is a viable option to start on the outside D-line.

He's speculated to return to the Patriots, but that hasn't happened yet, making him an awesome available asset. 

5. Running Back Ryan Grant

Now two years removed from a season-ending ankle injury, Ryan Grant is one of best tailbacks on the NFL free-agent market.

The former Green Bay Packers starter utilizes an insane power on the field. His legs churn at an extremely strong rate, and he can burst through the hole.

Though his production dipped following the injury, Grant showed his running ability before in two straight 1,200-plus seasons.

And last season, he gained 559 yards while splitting time with James Starks.

Grant's been courted by the New England Patriots and may return to the Packers, but he could provide a valuable power option anywhere he lands.

6. Safety O.J. Atogwe

O.J. Atogwe is the sort of safety who comes out of nowhere to pick off quarterbacks, and for that he'll be signed as a free agent this offseason.

The former St. Louis Rams draft pick spent last season with the Washington Redskins and has intercepted 25 balls in his seven years in the NFL.

Playing fewer games than in 2010, Atogwe's tackle total lowered with the Redskins but he still grabbed three interceptions.

The Detroit Lions, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings are reportedly interested in adding Atogwe.

7. Running Back Tim Hightower

Any team searching for a free agent who can offer a fast outside option coming out of the backfield will find it in Tim Hightower.

Only entering his fifth season, Hightower is still young and could still improve on an already intriguing set of skills.

He's quick and can find the hole an offensive line opens up. 

Hightower's year with the Washington Redskins was a failed experience, with his season-ending torn ACL after five games.

But the now-healed former Arizona Cardinals backup plays with a spring to his step.

8. Safety Yeremiah Bell

For safety help in 2012 NFL free agency, teams should consider Yeremiah Bell.

He has lengthy experience in the secondary, starting in all but one game over the past four seasons.

Bell tallied at least 80 tackles each year and six interceptions in that time.

He also hits hard (seven career forced fumbles) and can get to the quarterback (11 career sacks).

Bell has only played with the Miami Dolphins, who drafted him in the sixth round of the 2003 draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and New England Patriots have all expressed interest this offseason.

9. Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress

Despite his past, Plaxico Burress is certainly still an above-average wide receiver on the NFL free-agency market.

Burress can go up and grab balls, using his 6'5" frame to collect 63 touchdowns in his 10-year career.

Plax grabbed eight of those touchdowns with the New York Jets in 2011.

It was his first season back after a well-documented firearm mishap.

His 45 catches for 612 yards last season showed he can still play.

Burress told Sirius XM radio that he hopes to play with one of his former teams (Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, New York Jets) or the Philadelphia Eagles.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said the team is not interested.

Look for Burress to offer some team his reaching and receiving abilities.

10. Linebacker E.J. Henderson

A starter the past two seasons, free-agent linebacker E.J. Henderson could fill at least a backup role in 2012.

Henderson has a knack for run defense, and can bring a veteran presence to a linebacking corps.

The former second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings has spent all of his nine seasons in Minneapolis. In that time, he's started 107 games, including all 32 the past two years.

Last season, Henderson upped his tackle total to above 70 for the first time in five years.

He'll still be a valuable piece in his 10th season.

11. Wide Receiver Roy Williams

Free agent Roy Williams could be a possible third or fourth receiver for a new team next season.

After taking the most snaps of any Chicago Bears wideout last season, he will not return to the team despite his desire to do so.

Williams also tied for most catches on the team, which shows he is still a skilled pass-catcher.

The former top pick by the Detroit Lions has surpassed 500 yards each of the past three seasons.

He obviously deserves a roster spot, and any team looking to add depth at the wide receiver position will look his way.

12. Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson

Five years removed from his last Pro Bowl season, LaDainian Tomlinson hasn't completely lost his edge.

While his quickness has lagged in two seasons with the New York Jets, he could afford that because he started out his career with a great deal of it. He certainly isn't the starting tailback he once was.

But his pass-catching productivity hasn't dropped off, still at 42 this past year. Nor has his interest in football.

"I do want to continue to play," Tomlinson told the NFL Network. "I still think I’m a viable option out of (the) backfield."

He said it best. Tomlinson could be useful as a blocker who slides out toward the sideline waiting for a dump from the quarterback. 

13. Kicker Neil Rackers

Neil Rackers wants to stay with the Houston Texans, but he could fit with any team in need of a free-agent kicker.

Rackers hit 32 of 28 field goals last year, including four of five from 50 yards or more.

The 35-year-old kicker is far from nearing the end at a position which is manned by some past the age of 40.

Over his career, Rackers has an 80 percent success rate on three-point attempts.

14. Linebacker James Farrior

10 years after joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker James Farrior is back on the NFL free-agency market and is a great option as a veteran defender.

Yes, Farrior is older than your average linebacker (37) and yes, a smart organization like the Steelers isn't bringing him back.

But that's the Steel Curtain, and not every team has younger guys flourishing and in need of playing time.

Harrison's age only means he has more to offer as a leader, since he could still bring it last season.

His 81 tackles prove that, even if they aren't the numbers Farrior used to produce.

He still wants to play, and that's enough for teams to give him a good hard look.

15. Running Back Joseph Addai

Joseph Addai is a possible plug-in for teams looking to acquire a decent blocker in NFL free agency. 

The former Indianapolis Colts running back broke out in his first two seasons, tallying 1,000-plus yards each year. But a shoulder problem and multiple other injuries have hampered his play since then.  

Addai isn't the answer as a running threat, but he's an above-average pass protector.

He also has a great deal of experience as an outlet receiver. Addai caught between 25 and 51 passes per season in his first four years behind Peyton Manning.

Interest hasn't been high for Addai, but eventually he'll find a destination where he'll be of value.

16. Tight End Jeremy Shockey

Jeremy Shockey never lived up to expectations in the NFL, but he's plausible piece as a second tight end.

Still on the free-agent market after being let go by the Carolina Panthers, Shockey should be able to find a squad.

He grabbed a career-low 37 catches last year, but that's still a decent tally. As is his at-least three touchdowns in seven of 10 seasons played.

Shockey's size, at 6'5" and 253 lbs, is still valuable at tight end. 

17. Running Back Justin Forsett

Justin Forsett is another player teams could look to during NFL free agency for a quick tailback.

The former Seattle Seahawks running back is a speedy, which is necessary for a guy his size (5'8").

Forsett's production slid each season since 2009.

But that's due in large part to the presence of Marshawn Lynch, whom he also played behind at California.

Forsett has reliable hands as well—he hasn't fumbled since 2009 (he's had 220 touches the past two years).

18. Quarterback Billy Volek

Any team looking for a solid quarterback to be a stable second option if their starter goes down should seriously consider Billy Volek.

The 35-year-old, who backed up Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers last year, certainly isn't the full-time starter he was for the Tennessee Titans in 2004.

But he brings a veteran voice and a knowledge of football that could be invaluable were a starter to get injured.

That is a valuable asset considering last year's repeated season-ending quarterback injuries (Jason Campbell, Matt Schaub, Jay Cutler).

When Volek has played, he's stayed cool under pressure and worked well within the team's system.

19. Defensive Back Lito Sheppard

Free agent Lito Sheppard is a dime-package option in the secondary.

Though he isn't the Pro Bowler he was with the Philadelphia Eagles, he can still cover receivers and knock passes down.

Sheppard has hopscotched teams since leaving the Eagles after 2008.

He couldn't produce much with the New York Jets or the Minnesota Vikings (just one interception), but found his stride with the Oakland Raiders.

Sheppard recorded 40 tackles with the Raiders in seven starts.

He won't be starting in 2012, but he could face off against slot or fourth receivers.

20. Linebacker/Defensive End Quentin Groves

Quentin Groves is a 2012 NFL free-agent hybrid linebacker who can also play defensive end.

He is a versatile pass-rusher and is still young enough that he could further develop.

Groves played the last two seasons as a linebacker with the Oakland Raiders after two years at end with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Groves has worked out with the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins. 

21. Punter Matt Turk

For teams in need of a punter, Matt Turk is the most solid option on the NFL free-agency board.

The 43-year-old can still boot the ball, as he showed with both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans last season.

When called upon, Turk averaged over 42.7 yards a punt in nine games played. That was about on par with his career average (42.4).

Turk has shown perseverance in playing for six different years during his 16-year career.  

22. Defensive Tackle Gerard Warren

By far, Gerard Warren isn't a top-line option on the defensive line—but he offers experience and skills in 2012 NFL free agency.

10 years in the league give Warren a broad base of knowledge which he could pass on to younger players.

He also can still play, though not as he could five seasons ago.

He was a sub last year for the New England Patriots, and he could be the same again this season.

23. Running Back Ronnie Brown

Past his prime but not past his playing window, Ronnie Brown is a possibility for teams in 2012 NFL free agency.

The running back didn't get much of a chance with the Philadelphia Eagles, though he did start two games when star LeSean McCoy was out.

Brown never got more than eight carries in 2010.

He's not the former No. 2 overall pick of the Miami Dolphins, but he's still a physically skilled tailback who can play some spots in the backfield.

The New York Jets have shown interest, and other teams are sure to as well.

24. Defensive End Raheem Brock

Raheem Brock is an outside pass-rusher who could fill in for spells at defensive end.

He's certainly not the answer on the defensive line, but he's contributed portions the last two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, including a career-high nine sacks in 2010.

Brock wouldn't be able to reach even half that total next season, but he can put some pressure on the quarterback.

25. Defensive Tackle Shaun Rogers

Another veteran defensive lineman available in 2012 NFL free agency is Shaun Rogers.

Though he wasn't as productive with the New Orleans Saints as his contract cost last season, at a cheaper price Rogers could offer a stable third option at nose tackle.

He didn't record a sack last season, but he had a sack in each of his first 10 seasons.

Rogers still has the skills to get to the quarterback. His 6'4", 350-lb. body helps as well.