2012 NFL Free Agents: Available Skill-Position Players Who Can Make an Impact

The NFL free-agent market resembles a second-hand store after 75 percent off day, but there are still a few available players capable of making solid contributions this next season. 

Any team dealing with depth issues at these players' positions will be well-served to bring in one these guys. 

The following three players all have experience and at least a few more games left in the tank. They will do just fine in spot duty or filling in as an injury replacement should the need arise. 

Cedric Benson, RB

Cedric Benson will be hitting the dreaded age of 30 next season. This is the year where plenty of RBs hit the wall. 

That said, Benson still has enough to be a backup. 

Benson has been a workhorse his last three seasons—all with the Bengals. He broke the 1,000-yard mark and had at least 273 carries in each of those seasons. He also has at least six rushing TDs in each of those seasons. 

Benson only averaged 3.9 yards per carry last season, and he clearly does not have the explosion to be a game changer. However, he is a reliable north-and-south runner that can be counted on to churn out positive yards. 

He has had an issue with fumbles the last two seasons (12 combined), but this is a risk worth taking for teams hurting for RB depth or in need of a short-yardage specialist. 

Roy Williams, WR

Roy Williams, 30, is clearly on the declining end of his career, but the guy is still a capable NFL receiver.

Williams entered the league with high hopes and expectations. He has had a decent run, but certainly not what people had projected for him. 

While he should not be considered a starting option, he can contribute. He is a savvy receiver with a big body who would be a nice option on third downs if sufficiently motivated. 

Last season, Williams played in 15 games for the Bears. He hauled in 37 receptions for 507 yards and two touchdowns. He proved at the end of that season that he is still a capable player. 

In Weeks 16 and 17, Williams grabbed a total of 10 catches for 141 yards and a TD. He will be nice depth wherever he lands. 

Ryan Grant, RB

Just like Benson, Ryan Grant will be turning 30 during the course of the upcoming season. This is especially alarming for Grant, who is not the most durable RB to begin with.

Grant is still an explosive back, though. He just can't be counted on to carry the load.

Last season, Grant gained 559 yards on the ground at 4.2 yards per carry. He also caught 19 balls for 268 yards.

He is a solid double threat out of the backfield and can produce some big plays. He could be an excellent change-of-pace back.

The biggest problem here will be selling Grant on the notion that his biggest value is coming off the bench for spot duty, but if a team can get him to buy into this role, they could get an invaluable return on their investment.