2013 NFL Free Agents: Players That Will Make an Impact on New Teams Next Season

The best NFL teams are usually built through the draft. Every so often, however, a free agent can make the difference on a good team.

Peyton Manning signed with the Denver Broncos last offseason and brought the team to the best record in the AFC. Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to the Super Bowl after signing as a free agent.

While it is unlikely there will be high-impact quarterbacks available, there will still be big-time players at other positions on the market.

These men should get a huge payday during the offseason and are certain to make a difference on their new teams in 2013.

Reggie Bush, RB, Miami Dolphins

After seven years in the NFL, Reggie Bush is still a mystery. He failed to top 1,000 rushing yards this season after accomplishing the feat a year ago, but he still is a great all-around player who can surprise you with big games.

This ability will certainly get him some big dollars this offseason, even if he is not a prototypical running back.

While he might remain with the Dolphins, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reported in December that Bush has "little confidence" that he will stay in Miami next year. 

Fortunately for the former Heisman winner, there are a few contenders that could use a game-changing running back next season. The Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals all reached the playoffs this year despite finishing in the bottom half of the league in rushing.

Hopefully for Bush, he should be able to find a home on a good team that will be able to utilize him to the best of his ability. 

Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers

With the emergence of James Jones and Randall Cobb, not to mention the always-solid Jordy Nelson, the Green Bay Packers have little need to spend a lot of money on Greg Jennings.

However, Green Bay's loss is another team's gain, as Jennings should be one of the top names on the market.

The receiver put up great numbers with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the football, but more importantly, he is as reliable as they come at the position. He is a fantastic route-runner who will always be where you expect him to be, and he will catch the ball more times than not when he gets the opportunity.

In a league full of hit-or-miss players, Jennings is one you can count on.

Although injury concerns might hurt his value this offseason, a team looking to expand its passing game should certainly look toward the veteran to make a big difference. 

Cliff Avril, DE, Detroit Lions

After posting 9.5 sacks this season, Cliff Avril should be worth more on the open market than the Detroit Lions are willing to pay him.

Whichever team can fork up the cash will be able to acquire one of the top players at his position in the league.

While it seems like everyone has been boasting large sack totals lately, the list of defensive ends who can consistently rush the quarterback is not that long. Only 12 players were able to get double-digit sacks from that position this season. 

Avril is capable of putting up around 10 sacks every season, and his consistency is something that should gain interest from any team that runs a 4-3 defense.

A large draft class of pass-rushers will hurt his stock a little, but there is nothing quite like a proven commodity in the NFL.

Ryan Clady, OT, Denver Broncos

Among everyone on the list, Ryan Clady is most likely to return to his old team next season. However, he has yet to sign a contract, and he could be too expensive for the Denver Broncos to pay.

The first-team All Pro is arguably the best left tackle in the game, and that ability is not going to come cheap. Teams like the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys have shown what can happen when you forget to stock the offensive line with talent.

A great blindside blocker can transform an entire offense by giving the quarterback more time to find his players down the field. An average offense can immediately turn into a great one.

If the Broncos do not meet Clady's contract demands, he will not be without a job for too long.

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