Forecasting 25 Monster Contracts in 2013 NFL Free Agency

There are a handful of players in 2013 NFL free agency who will be able to make immediate impacts for whatever team signs them. 

This class of free agents is actually one of the deeper groups that we've seen in recent memory. Players like Greg Jennings, Ryan Clady and Jairus Byrd are considered some of the best at their respective positions.

A few big names you won't see on this list are players like Ed Reed and Tony Gonzalez. Both are free agents, but age and retirement possibilities will keep them from getting a lucrative deal.

Here are 25 monster contracts we could see this offseason in NFL free agency.

Joe Flacco, Quarterback

Predicted Contract: Four-year, $58.5 million

There simply isn't a reason why a team would give Joe Flacco a longer contract worth more money than this predicted contract.

Flacco is far from elite, despite what he may think of himself. While he has proven to be a good game manager, he has yet to prove that he is capable of leading a team or winning games on his own.

He'll still get a decent contract for a quarterback, but it'll be far from the long-term deal I'm sure he'd be hoping for.

Reggie Bush, Running Back

Predicted Contract: Three-year, $12 million

Despite not quite living up to his potential, Reggie Bush still has plenty of value. It may not be with the Miami Dolphins, but some team will definitely be thrilled to get a talent like Bush.

Over the past two seasons, Bush has not only proven that he is still a dynamic player but also that he deserves serious consideration as a No. 1 running back. He's had his best two rushing seasons with Miami while carrying the majority of the load.

Look for Bush to land with a team ready to give him even more opportunity than he had with the Dolphins.

Greg Jennings, Wide Receiver

Predicted Contract: Four-year, $28.3 million

Had Greg Jennings not dealt with injuries the past two seasons, he'd likely warrant a much larger contract than this. However, teams will be afraid of giving him a larger deal since he has missed 11 games in the last two years.

When healthy, Jennings is definitely a top-10 receiver in the league. He certainly has the ability to be the top receiver on a team with his combination of hands, route-running and playmaking ability.

With Randall Cobb looking more and more like an elite playmaker, it'll be difficult for the Green Bay Packers to convince themselves to bring Jennings back. If they don't, there will be plenty of teams that won't be able to wait to pay Jennings this type of money.

Mike Wallace, Wide Receiver

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $39 million

Due to the deep-threat abilities of Mike Wallace, he should end up getting a pretty decent contract this offseason. Considering all the problems between Wallace and the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2012 offseason, that contract will likely come from another team.

Despite posting rather mediocre numbers this season, Wallace is still full of potential. He can stretch the field against any defense and has a knack for making big plays when needed.

Don't be surprised if Wallace ends up being one of the highest-paid free agents this offseason.

Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $48 million

There were many who expected the Kansas City Chiefs to trade Dwayne Bowe before the trade deadline. That's because, with all the issues this team has, there is simply no way that Bowe re-signs with Kansas City.

Bowe is a talented receiver who can make plays all over the field His hands have always been a little concerning, and his six drops this year didn't do much to ease those concerns.

Still, teams like the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams, who desperately need talent at wide receiver, will be willing to pay a high price to land a player like Bowe.

Wes Welker, Wide Receiver

Predicted Contract: Four-year, $37 million

What happens with Wes Welker will be one of the most interesting developments in the NFL offseason.

Welker has absolutely thrived with the New England Patriots for the past handful of seasons. However, New England has been known to not hold onto players too long. Considering they didn't get a deal done with Welker this past offseason, you have to wonder if they are ready to make a commitment to him.

If they aren't, it will be interesting to see if Welker is as effective a weapon with a quarterback not named Tom Brady.

Danny Amendola, Wide Receiver

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $30 million

It may seem surprising to see Danny Amendola getting a monster contract this offseason, but I ultimately believe that the St. Louis Rams will give it to him.

While he did struggle with injuries this season, he is only 27 years old and is just hitting his prime. Add that he  has a great relationship with Sam Bradford, and it seems more and more likely that the Rams will pay him to remain with the team.

Look for Amendola to get a surprisingly large contract in free agency.

Fred Davis, Tight End

Predicted Contract: Four-year, $26 million

When Fred Davis is on the field, he is one of the most talented tight ends in the league. Unfortunately, he's missed big portions of the past two seasons with a suspension in 2011 and an injury this season.

However, Davis should still get a rather large contract this offseason. With the Washington Redskins looking like a legitimate contender in the NFC, I'd expect them to retain one of their better playmakers.

As long as Davis can stay on the field, the offensive future in Washington will be bright.

Jared Cook, Tight End

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $25.5 million

This may seem like a rather large contract for a player who is only known for his potential, but Jared Cook is set for big things in this league.

He's a phenomenal athlete who makes plays in a number of aspects of the game. With Jake Locker still developing as a quarterback, look for Cook to re-sign with the Tennessee Titans.

Jake Long, Offensive Tackle

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $42 million

There was a time when Jake Long was considered the premier left tackle in the league. However, his play has diminished as of late.

With that said, that shouldn't stop him from getting a hefty contract this offseason due to the nature of the NFL. Quarterbacks are becoming more and more important each season, and there are a number of teams who could use a player like Long.

Look for him to get plenty of calls while landing a great contract for the foreseeable future.

Ryan Clady, Offensive Tackle

Predicted Contract: Six-year, $60 million

When the Denver Broncos brought in Peyton Manning, Ryan Clady's main concern became keeping him upright.

Not only did Clady do his job, but he did his job extremely efficiently. Clady finished the season as one of the highest rated tackles, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

He only allowed one sack on the season, and that will bring him a major payday from the Broncos in the offseason.

Andre Smith, Offensive Tackle

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $39 million

It took some time for Andre Smith to live up to his billing as a high draft pick, but he finally did it.

He has been one of the steadiest offensive tackles in the league this season. While his pass protection hasn't been fantastic, it has been very good. Combine that with his extremely impressive abilities in the run game and you have one of the best right tackles in the game.

With the Cincinnati Bengals starting to become a powerhouse in the AFC North, look for them to re-sign Smith rather quickly.

Andy Levitre, Offensive Guard

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $31 million

While Andy Levitre may not be a familiar name to casual football fans, he has been one of the better guards in the league this season.

In fact, Levitre graded out as the top pass-blocking guard in the league, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He struggles to consistently open holes in the ground game, but his elite ability in the passing game certainly makes up for it.

With all the money the Buffalo Bills passed out last year, it is hard to see them being able to afford keeping Levitre on the roster.

Brandon Moore, Offensive Guard

Predicted Contract: Four-year, $28 million

Despite being 32 years old, Brandon Moore should still get a rather large contract this offseason.

He's been one of the better guards in the league for the past few seasons. Moore excels in run-blocking, but also has the ability to succeed in pass protection.

With the New York Jets going through so many difficulties this season, I simply can't see them getting rid of one of their best offensive linemen.

Dwight Freeney, Defensive End

Predicted Contract: Four-year, $30 million

While Dwight Freeney struggled this year in a 3-4 defense, he still has a ton of value as a defensive end.

It'd be very surprising to see Freeney decide to stay with the Indianapolis Colts. Sure, he'll be 33 years old when the 2013 season starts, but Freeney hasn't lost much of his quickness and power.

With Freeney's ability to get after the quarterback, he should be a hot target in free agency.

Cliff Anvril, Defensive End

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $30 million

Over the past few seasons, Cliff Avril has quietly become one of the better pass-rushing defensive ends in the league. He has 29 sacks over the past three seasons for the Detroit Lions.

Pass-rushers have become a hot commodity in free agency, and 2013 should be no different. Avril won't have a problem getting offers from other teams, but I ultimately believe he'll stay with Detroit.

The Lions desperately need playmakers on defense and should be willing to pay quite a bit to keep Avril.

Henry Melton, Defensive Tackle

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $35 million

Had Henry Melton played the entire 2012 season like he did at the start of the season he would likely have made quite a bit more money this offseason. As it stands, he'll still get a great offer as a top defensive tackle in the league.

Where Melton makes his mark is with his ability to get after the quarterback. He had six sacks this season, which is a good mark for a 4-3 defensive tackle.

With the Chicago Bears getting older across their entire defense, look for them to put up some money to keep the younger Melton around.

Anthony Spencer, Outside Linebacker

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $41 million

Anthony Spencer often gets overlooked due to playing opposite DeMarcus Ware, but Spencer has been absolutely brilliant this season.

He's been the highest rated 3-4 outside linebacker this season, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He finished with 11 sacks, but really excelled against the run.

With Spencer and Ware, the Dallas Cowboys have the best outside linebacker combination in the league, so look for Dallas to re-sign Spencer this offseason.

Daryl Smith, Outside Linebacker

Predicted Contract: Three-year, $19 million

There aren't many good options at outside linebacker, so Daryl Smith could be overpaid in the offseason.

Smith lost out on a much bigger contract when he was injured before the season started. He did play in the final two games of the season, but wasn't overly impressive in either game.

Smith has been one of the better defensive players in Jacksonville for a long time and should continue to be with the team for the foreseeable future.

Brent Grimes, Cornerback

Predicted Contract: Four-year, $38 million

Had Brent Grimes not lost the majority of the 2012 season to injury, he could have been looking to sign a deal for around $10 million a season this offseason.

However, Grimes will still end up making a ton of money thanks to his stellar play the past few seasons. He's an extremely talented cornerback who has the ability to shut down receivers.

Look for a team like the Detroit Lions to make a strong push to sign Grimes in free agency.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Cornerback

Predicted Contract: Four-year, $29 million

While Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hasn't been playing at a high level this year, you can hardly blame him. With the entire roster of the Philadelphia Eagles struggling, it is hard for any player to play well.

Rodgers-Cromartie still has a lot of value. He's a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, and in the right scheme he still has the potential to excel.

There should be plenty of suitors looking hard at Rodgers-Cromartie in free agency, but re-signing with the Philadelphia Eagles seems like the likeliest outcome.

Aqib Talib, Cornerback

Predicted Contract: Two-year, $17 million

Considering all of Aqib Talib's off-field issues, it is hard to imagine a team giving him a long-term contract.

However, in limited time with the New England Patriots, Talib showed that he still has the ability to be a premier cornerback. He always seems to be around the football and is one of the better cornerbacks at making plays on the ball.

The Patriots aren't likely to take this type of risk on Talib, but a team like the Washington Redskins will certainly be interested in his services.

LaRon Landry, Safety

Predicted Contract: Three-year, $18.5 million

Injuries have always been the biggest concern for LaRon Landry, but he played in all 16 games this season,  which should help him in free agency.

Landry actually had one of his more productive seasons with the New York Jets. He finished with 99 tackles, four forced fumbles and two interceptions.

With all of the defensive issues the Jets had this season, they'll definitely think long and hard about making sure Landry is on their roster for the 2013 season.

Jarius Byrd, Safety

Predicted Contract: Five-year, $41 million

There were only a handful of safeties who played as well as Jarius Byrd did this season. Of course, it is hard to get noticed when you're playing for the Buffalo Bills.

Byrd was exceptional in all facets of the game. He finished with four forced fumbles and five interceptions while holding quarterbacks to a 56.9 QB rating when they threw his way.

With such an exceptional season, Byrd will be getting a nice paycheck in the offseason.

Dashon Goldson, Safety

Predicted Contract: Four-year, $27 million

Known as being one of the hardest hitters in the league, Dashon Goldson often doesn't get credit for everything else he does on the field.

Quarterbacks that threw toward Goldson this past season only completed 54.3 percent of their passes. On top of that, Goldson also has the ability to be a force in the ground game where he can make plays at the line of scrimmage.

Considering that the San Francisco 49ers rely on their defense to do so much for them, it is hard to see them letting Goldson walk in the offseason.