8 Best Bargains Left on the NFL Free-Agent Market

Even though the opening game of the 2012 NFL season is just six days away, teams still have time to find some useful bargains on the free-agent market.

Among the best low-cost options are two surprising preseason casualties from the New England Patriots. There is also a former 1,000-yard rusher and a Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman who are yet to find new teams.

Here are the eight best bargains left on the free-agent market on the eve of the new season.

Ryan Grant, RB

It's hard not to believe many teams are missing out by choosing to leave Ryan Grant on the market. The former Green Bay Packers starter has had his struggles finding a new home despite twice rushing for 1,200 yards in a season during his career.

The 29-year-old does have some durability concerns, having missed 15 games in 2010. However, when healthy, Grant is a productive and versatile backfield weapon.

He runs with above-average power and speed and has showcased the ability to break free for a long gain at any time. Grant is also a useful receiver with decent hands and a good understanding of pass routes and screen fits.

There are plenty of teams who could use an experienced back like Grant to contribute on third downs and in short-yardage situations.

Jonathan Fanene, DL

Jonathan Fanene was surprisingly released by the New England Patriots just months after signing a three-year deal with the defending AFC champions.

The circumstances are a little unclear. The Boston Globe reports the versatile defensive lineman's problems with arthritis may have led to the release. However, the 6'4", 285-pounder could still be a useful rotation player for a number of teams, particularly those running a 4-3 front.

Fanene offers the flexibility to play end and tackle and has proved to be a credible interior pass-rusher in nickel fronts. He recorded 6.5 sacks for the Cincinnati Bengals last season after notching six in 2009.

While his health will be a concern for any interested parties, the Globe report also indicated the 30-year-old recently had surgery to remedy issues with his knee.

Shaun Smith, DL

Big-bodied defensive lineman Shaun Smith lasted just one season with the Tennessee Titans but could still be a decent fit for a team looking to add some size and depth to its defensive interior.

At 6'2" and 325 pounds, Smith has excellent size to man the middle. He is also scheme-versatile, having spent time in both three- and four-man line systems.

He played nose tackle and end in the Kansas City Chiefs' 3-4 front in 2010 and operated as a defensive tackle in the Tennessee Titans' 4-3 scheme last season. Smith has had weight issues during his nine-year career, but NFL.com reports that he's gotten lighter during the offseason.

Joseph Addai, RB

It's hard to believe there isn't a single team that could use Joseph Addai's particular talents. The veteran didn't last long with the New England Patriots after defecting from the Indianapolis Colts earlier this offseason.

However, Addai is a savvy running back who still possesses excellent pass-protection and receiving skills. His ability to read defensive schemes and identify blitzers is invaluable in today's league.

Addai also poses a threat as a pass-catcher from a variety of positions. The 29-year-old is also a better inside runner than he is given credit for but has struggled to stay healthy, having missed 12 games in the last two seasons.

Any interested team would have to be sure Addai is fit and committed to resurrecting his career in the new season. If so, the man who has amassed 5,901 combined rushing and receiving yards would surely still be able to contribute at the pro level.

Kareem McKenzie, OT

Kareem McKenzie's play declined last season as a member of the New York Giants. However, like the rest of Big Blue's offensive line, McKenzie raised his game in the playoffs and the Super Bowl.

The 33-year-old could still offer a lot of value to a team looking for some experienced and versatile depth along its offensive front. At 6'6" and 330 pounds, McKenzie is a powerful lineman who could slide inside to guard or operate as a useful swing tackle.

Jake Scott, OL

It's surprising that a relatively young and versatile offensive lineman like Jake Scott is still available on the free-agent market. The 31-year-old had some excellent seasons with the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts and can still be a starting-caliber lineman in the NFL.

Scott can play guard or center and is skilled with his hands and stout in the trenches. He has helped knock open running lanes for the likes of Chris Johnson, Joseph Addai and Edgerrin James and create a solid pocket for Peyton Manning and Kerry Collins.

Scott is also a durable player, having started every game during the last seven seasons. Any team that ends preseason still needing to get better up front should strongly consider giving Scott a call.

Andre Carter, DE

A skilled and experienced pass-rusher like Andre Carter shouldn't still be on the open market given the pass-happy nature of today's NFL.

The 33-year-old revived his career with the New England Patriots last season after struggling to adapt to a 3-4 front with the Washington Redskins in 2010. That's because Bill Belichick let Carter do what he does best, and that's rush the passer.

The shifty veteran responded by registering 10 sacks and became the chief pressure threat in the team's front seven. Carter proved that he hasn't lost his quick first step. He also proved that he's versatile enough to rush from a standing position, as well as from a more traditional three-point stance.

A quadriceps injury prematurely ended what was turning into a career year. His health has to be a concern, but when healthy, he could be devastating in a situational, pass-rush role.

Jabar Gaffney, WR

It's something of a shock that Jabar Gaffney didn't catch on with the New England Patriots. He's familiar with Tom Brady and also performed excellently as a member of the Washington Redskins last season.

Gaffney caught 68 passes for 947 yards and five touchdowns in 2011. Those are pretty good numbers when you consider the woeful combination of Rex Grossman and John Beck was throwing the passes.

Gaffney is a sure-handed flanker with good size for the position at 6'2" and 200 pounds. He runs precise routes, making sharp cuts out of his breaks, and is very effective over the middle.

The 31-year-old would be a great addition for teams still lacking credible weapons at the wide receiver position.