NFL Free Agents 2012: Potential Impact Players Still Left to Be Signed

For the crop of the 2012 NFL free agents still without a team, the last handful of days have likely been a stressful period.

Witness to over 250 draft picks made from Thursday to Saturday during the NFL draft, plus several dozen more undrafted free agents who found homes soon after the draft was completed, current free agents watched the number of available roster spots drop considerably since the middle of last week. 

However, a number of these unsigned free agents could have an impact for teams next season. 

Here's a list of the top players left on the free-agent market.

LT Marcus McNeill

There's no doubt that McNeill would already have a new team if not for a string of recurring injuries over the last two seasons. Back and knee problems, which the Chargers may have considered "chronic," cost McNeill the better part of 2010-11.

While a team would have to feel comfortable with his medical checks, McNeill isn't far removed from being one of the most reliable left tackles in the business. He's worth bringing into camp at a dirt-cheap price to see if he can stay healthy.

DE Matt Roth

Lingering symptoms after a November concussion ended Roth's 2011 season, and he's still a free agent because of it. The NFL's concussion awareness has increased tenfold over the last several years, likely killing the interest in Roth as a free agent in the process.

When on the field, however, Roth can provide a high-motor pass-rusher who is scheme-versatile. He won't ever be a 10-sack guy, but there's four to five sacks here in a situational role. Roth could make sense on a incentive-laden, one-year deal.

DT Aubrayo Franklin

Franklin took a big step back during his one year in New Orleans. Remembering back to last summer, Franklin was one of the more underrated free agents after putting together a dominant 2010 season with San Francisco.

If a team can get the soon-to-be 32-year-old back into 2010 form, it'll be getting one of the NFL's best two-down, run-stuffing defensive linemen. The fit team-wise is going to be huge for Franklin in his decision. 

RB Cedric Benson

Benson is still on the right side of the 30, but there's plenty of wear on his tires. A former first-round pick of the Chicago Bears, Benson has well over 1,600 touches during his seven-year NFL career. His career yards per attempt is under 4.0 too.

However, Benson is riding a three-year streak of 1,000 yards rushing or more, and he has been pretty durable during his time in Cincinnati. In the right offense, Benson could be a reliable No. 2 back and a spot starter if needed.

WR Plaxico Burress

Burress may be the most perplexing free agent left on the market. While the soon-to-be 35-year-old went through his share of off-field issues in the past, this is still a guy who came back last season and caught eight touchdown passes in a run-heavy offense.

And let's be very clear: There are precious few receivers in the NFL who create the kind of size mismatches, especially in the red zone, that Burress does week in and week out. I see very little risk in a one- or even two-year deal for either a run- or pass-heavy offense. Burress will find a way to contribute something.

RB Ryan Grant

It's always fascinating how fast a running back can cool off in the eyes of the NFL. Just two years ago, Grant had his big contract after back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons in Green Bay. An ankle injury cost him all of 2010, but he bounced back with a strong end to the 2011 season.

Now? He has heard mostly crickets on the free-agent market. However, Grant showed down the stretch in '11 that he can still have an impact as a one-cut and go runner. He's also solid in the passing game. I'd be very, very surprised if he weren't in an NFL camp. 

S Jim Leonhard

Devastating injuries ransacked Leonhard's budding career. His loss in each of the last two seasons greatly impacted the New York Jets defense, and the team couldn't keep rolling the dice on such a risk.

While the Jets may still bring him back once his knee is in better shape, I wouldn't be surprised if a number of teams have had conversations with the former walk-on at the University of Wisconsin. He's one of the smartest safeties in the game and was an emotional leader for the Jets defense. Leonhard's intangibles make up for any athletic deficiency he may have.  

C Jason Brown

Brown's NFL career spiraled downward after signing a big contract with the Rams in 2009. By the end of the 2011 season, Brown was on the bench in favor of NFL journeyman center Tony Wragge. St. Louis then cut him after the season.

Now that Brown's asking price is getting closer to the veteran's minimum, teams should be willing to give him another chance. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has 91 career NFL starts, giving him plenty of experience at a position that typically demands it. For a team that is young inside, Brown makes sense.