2012 NFL Free Agents: Latest Updates on the Top Players Available

With the NFL draft now squarely in the rearview mirror and minicamps rapidly approaching, free agency is beginning to taper off. Although the marquee players such as quarterback Peyton Manning and defensive end Mario Williams have already found new homes, there are a number of players still available who could provide a boost to an NFL club.

Here's the latest on a few of the top remaining free agents, from a veteran who led one of last year's Super Bowl participants in sacks to one of the more recent additions to the NFL's unemployed.

Jacoby Jones, WR, Houston Texans

Houston Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones is that recent addition to the list of NFL players looking for work, as the recent upgrades that the Texans made in April's NFL draft made the sixth-year pro expendable and led to his release last week.

However, it didn't long for the speedy but stone-handed wideout to generate some interest in the open market, as Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reported Sunday that Jones was in Baltimore to meet with the Ravens.

Baltimore is believed to be in the market for wide receiver depth behind starters Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith, as well someone to take over primary punt return duties away from cornerback Lardarius Webb, so it wouldn't be at all surprising to see this visit materialize into something more fairly quickly.

Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay Packers

If there's a player on this list who is least likely to still be unemployed at this point on Tuesday, it's probably running back Ryan Grant, who gained over 800 total yards and scored three touchdowns last year as part of the backfield committee for the Green Bay Packers.

The Detroit Lions have been rumored to have a fairly significant interest in the 29-year old, so much so that the two sides have already discussed contract numbers. With Grant set to visit Motown Monday, according to the Chicago Tribune, it seems that Grant's chances of joining the Lions have increased significantly.

The sixth-year pro hasn't been nearly as effective a back the past couple of seasons after topping 1,200 rushing yards in both 2008 and 2009, but Grant would provide some veteran depth and injury insurance for the Lions behind Jahvid Best, Mikel Leshoure and Kevin Smith, each of whom have had durability issues in the past.

Andre Carter, DE, New England Patriots

New England Patriots defensive end Andre Carter led the AFC champions in sacks last year before a torn quadriceps ended his season, but the soon-to-be 33 year-old hasn't generated much interest on the open market. Carter recently told Comcast Sportsnet that he hasn't heard from the Patriots at all this offseason. 

However, another more recent injury may have opened a door of opportunity for the 11-year veteran. The Achilles injury suffered by reigning defensive player of the year Terrell Suggs was a devastating blow to the Baltimore Ravens. While Carter's experience in a "hybrid" front from his time in New England would seem to appeal to Baltimore, Peter King of Sports Illustrated doesn't believe that the Ravens will have any real interest in Carter. 

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There is one compelling free agent available who some observers might think would interest the Ravens: Andre Carter, who had a 10-sack season in a reborn year for the Patriots last fall. He turns 33 Saturday. The Patriots could have interest in him again, but would the Ravens kick his tires too? From what I hear, it's unlikely, even though he'll be ready to practice full-speed in training camp after a late-season quad injury landed him on injured reserve in New England.

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Even if the Ravens aren't interested in Carter, the last part of King's statement may be the most telling, as Carter's inability to work out for potential suitors is likely the biggest reason that the market for his services has been so slow.

If Carter can get back on the practice field and show that the quadriceps isn't an issue, then a player with his experience and resume should appeal to any number of teams. Once Andre Carter is able to do that, he likely won't be wanting for work for long.

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