Best Landing Spots for 2012 NFL Free Agents

On Tuesday, we highlighted the best free agents left on the market following the 2012 NFL draft. Today, we'll break down where the best landing spots are for those free agents, a list that includes Plaxico Burress, Cedric Benson and Jim Leonhard.

OT Marcus McNeill

The medical concerns surrounding McNeill (6'6", 335 lbs) will keep him from earning big money or a realistic chance at starting somewhere in the NFL, but there are teams that need depth at tackle. In the right situation—given he's able to stay healthy through camp and the preseason—McNeill could push to be a starter. 

Best landing spots: Atlanta, Washington

The Falcons and Redskins both could use another body at tackle heading into camp. 

DE Matt Roth

The lingering effects from a November concussion robbed both a big chunk of Roth's 2011 season and his value as a free agent this offseason. The NFL's increased concussion awareness has likely scared off most teams from spinning the wheels on Roth, who has proven to be a productive rotational pass-rusher when healthy. If signed, he can still push for another rotational role in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. 

Best landing spots: New England, Arizona, New Orleans

All three teams took an interest in Roth last offseason before he signed a one-year deal with the Jaguars.

DT Aubrayo Franklin

Once one of the NFL's most effective two-down run-stoppers, Franklin fell off the map with the Saints in 2011 and has now received little interest on the free-agent market. At age 32, it's unknown how much is left in his tank. However, Franklin can still provide depth and should come dirt cheap. 

Best landing spots: San Francisco, Atlanta, Kansas City

Franklin was his most dominant while in a run-stuffing role with the 49ers. The Falcons and Chiefs have both expressed an interest in the defensive tackle this offseason.

RB Cedric Benson

While never a dominant player by any stretch of the imagination, Benson has tallied three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Nearing 30 years old with over 1,600 career NFL touches has drained Benson of any real value in free agency. After a draft in which many teams found young backs to work with, Benson's pickings will be slim over the next couple of weeks and months. 

Best landing spots: Oakland, Seattle, Detroit

The Raiders lost Michael Bush in free agency, so Benson could be a natural replacement stylewise. Seattle may need a trusted backup, and Detroit's running back situation is still a mess.

WR Plaxico Burress

Despite his checkered past and lack of youth (he'll turn 35 years old soon), Burress is a rare physical specimen who came back last season to catch eight touchdown passes in a run-heavy offense.

Maybe his expectations on the open market were unrealistic. But somehow, Burress should find a team that would bring him into camp to try and win a job. You just don't find too many players with his size and ability in the red zone. 

Best landing spots: Philadelphia, Houston, Minnesota

The Eagles lack a true red-zone threat in their offense and wouldn't be turned off by his past misgivings. Houston is an interesting landing spot as strictly a red-zone option. Minnesota has very little depth at the position. 

RB Ryan Grant

Once a back-to-back 1,200-yard rusher for the Packers in 2008-09, Grant blew out his ankle to begin 2010 and then was forced into a two-back role during 2011. Now, he's without many options as a free agent. Such is life for an NFL running back. Grant proved at the back end of 2011 that there's still something left in the tank, however. 

Best landing spots: Green Bay, New England, Oakland

No landing spot gives Grant as big a role in the offense than in Green Bay, and considering the Packers didn't draft a back, he has a chance to come back. The Patriots and Raiders would offer little more than a No. 2 or 3 role. 

S Jim Leonhard

You could argue that Leonhard has been the heartbeat for the Jets' defense for much of the last three to four years. However, injuries have ravaged the last two years for Leonhard, with the latest knee injury ensuring he'd last a while on the free-agent market. He's a risk coming back from knee surgery.

Best landing spots: New York Jets, San Francisco, New England

The Jets still represent the best fit for Leonhard, even if they have to wait deep into summer for his knee to be 100 percent. San Francisco and New England could be attractive spots in a more limited role. 

C Jason Brown

Brown has suffered through a forgettable two years after signing a big deal with the Rams in 2010. He was benched late last season and then cut by St. Louis as a cap casualty to start this offseason. A 91-game starter in the NFL, Brown can bring veteran experience to an offensive line.

Best landing spots: San Francisco, Tennessee, Carolina

The Ravens were once the front-runner for Brown before they drafted a center in the middle rounds. Brown could push for a starting spot in Tennessee, while San Francisco and Carolina need more depth inside.