NFL: Power Ranking the Top 50 Free Agents of 2012
You cannot help put stumble across any number of lists breaking down the top free agents for the 2011 season, but who is brave enough to look ahead to the 2012 offseason?
We are.
Here is a look at those players due to become free agents after the 2011 season is played, or more accurately if it is played.
50. Reggie Nelson, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals
1 of 50
Reggie Nelson spent the bulk of his career in Jacksonville, where the Jaguars made him a first-round pick in 2007.
Nelson has had a somewhat disappointing career to date, but he has also played on historically bad defenses in Jacksonville. A trade to Cincinnati early in 2010 gave Nelson an opportunity to turn things around.
Nelson played well in 2010, with six starts and two interceptions. Another strong showing in 2011 will lead Nelson's name to the top of the free agency big board under the "safety" category.
49. Visanthe Shiancoe, Tight End, Minnesota Vikings
2 of 50
When the Minnesota Vikings drafted Kyle Rudolph in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft they were all but signaling the end of Visanthe Shiancoe's career in Minnesota.
Shiancoe has had an up and down career since joining the NFL in 2003 but was becoming an important part of the Minnesota offense when Brett Favre was playing quarterback.
With Favre gone and a new head coach in town, Shiancoe will be allowed to pursue the open free agent market after the 2011 season.
48. Vincent Manuwai, Guard, Jacksonville Jaguars
3 of 50
One of the more underrated offensive linemen in the entire NFL over the past eight years has been Vince Manuwai of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
And when he hits the open market after the 2011 season, the money will fly.
Manuwai allowed just one sack in 2010 and was flagged for just one penalty. While that might seem like a one-year wonder statistic, Manuwai is averaging just four sacks per season over the course of his career.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
47. Kareem McKenzie, Offensive Tackle, New York Giants
4 of 50
In his 10 year career in the NFL, Kareem McKenzie has been a pillar at right tackle for the New York Jets and Giants.
McKenzie, who will enter free agency next summer, is a veteran player with just a few good years left in the tank. However, he is good enough to anchor a position while a rookie learns the ropes or as a possible band-aid at the position on a playoff contender.
McKenzie's play in the last decade is good enough to speak for itself. He's well respected in NFL circles and will be hotly pursued.
46. Kamerion Wimbley, Defensive End, Oakland Raiders
5 of 50
The Oakland Raiders thought highly enough of Kamerion Wimbley to sign him as their franchise player this offseason. Wimbley signed the one-year tender and will re-enter free agency next year.
Before being traded to the Raiders, Wimbley had been a disappointment at outside linebacker for Cleveland after they selected him No. 13 overall in 2006.
Wimbley's 11 sack rookie season gave fans hope, but he disappeared until posting a nine sack performance in 2010 with Oakland.
NFL teams will bank on Wimbley showing the talent he flashed during the 2010 season.
45. Brodrick Bunkley, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
6 of 50
A four-year starter for the Eagles, Brodrick Bunkley has never been great in any one season but he has been a solid starter at defensive tackle.
Like many average starters available in the 2011 class, Bunkley's value will be helped by the fact that starting quality tackles do not hit the market very often without some sort of baggage attached to them.
Bunkley's only red flag comes as a result of his missing 11 games during the 2010 season to injury. If he's healthy in 2011 he could see a nice pay day once the 2012 offseason beings.
44. Anthony Spencer, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys
7 of 50
Anthony Spencer's numbers in the NFL have never been great, in fact they might not even qualify as good, but it's what he has the potential to do that will make Spencer a sought after free agent on the summer market in 2012.
Pass rushers in the 3-4 defense are hard to find, and a player with decent production and loads of potential like Spencer will be given a chance as a starter if not in Dallas than in another city.
43. Todd Heap, Tight End, Baltimore Ravens
8 of 50
Todd Heap's NFL career has not been good enough to warrant Hall of Fame mention, but his play at tight end for the Baltimore Ravens has been top notch over an extended period of time.
Heap may have just two or three seasons left in the NFL by the time free agency rolls around in the summer of 2012. The biggest question will be whether or not Heap can stay healthy long enough to contribute elsewhere.
42. Reggie Bush, Running Back, New Orleans Saints
9 of 50
Reggie Bush has failed to live up to the expectations placed on him when he was drafted No. 2 overall, but he is still an athletic force at running back and a scary-talented all-purpose football player.
While Bush could find himself a free agent this summer if the Saints decide to cut him, he will make his mark on the NFL as a free agent whenever the time comes.
Bush should not be pursued as a starter or featured back, but as a change-of-pace back and return man he has awesome value.
41. Aaron Ross, Cornerback, New York Giants
10 of 50
Aaron Ross was a superstar cornerback for the Texas Longhorns during his college career, but after being drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft he has failed to match his collegiate success.
Ross does have ideal size, speed and talent to become a starting cornerback if he can stay healthy for an entire season. In four seasons he has seen time in just 30 games.
Cornerbacks are always pursued heavily when they hit the open market, especially those with starting experience and six to eight years ahead of them in the NFL.
40. Kyle Orton, Quarterback, Denver Broncos
11 of 50
Any team that trades for quarterback Kyle Orton this offseason must consider that his contract only runs through the 2011 season.
Orton has been a solid starter at times in his NFL career. He has flashed great numbers and shown an ability to lead an offensive attack, but the talent around him has never been good enough to really see what Orton can do with an offense under his command.
If Orton does not sign a new deal upon being traded this offseason he will become a top five quarterback on the free agent market before the 2012 season kicks off.
39. Channing Crowder, Linebacker, Miami Dolphins
12 of 50
Channing Crowder can be a very good inside linebacker. He can also be a pain in the ass for his coaching staff.
Crowder is athletic, fast and a physical specimen at his position. While he may be seen as a bit of a loud mouth, it is hard to argue with his talent as a football player.
If we have learned anything in the NFL it is that talent trumps character the majority of the time. That means Crowder will still be a top 50 free agent once his contract expires after the 2011 season.
38. Brandon Meriweather, Safety, New England Patriots
13 of 50
Brandon Meriweather has been good enough to make a Pro Bowl, and inconsistent enough to find himself benched at times by head coach Bill Belichick.
It would be accurate to say that Meriweather has been frustrating to those involved with his coaching. He has the talent to be one of the best safeties in the NFL but too often lets his concentration and decision-making skills lapse.
One more good season and Meriweather could price himself out of New England, where the team is happy with Patrick Chung and James Sanders at safety.
37. Aaron Smith, Defensive End, Pittsburgh Steelers
14 of 50
Defensive ends in the 3-4 defense do not get the credit they deserve, and Aaron Smith is the headliner for such things.
Smith has become one of the NFL's best defensive ends over the last 10 seasons, but he has made just one Pro Bowl over that time span despite being named to Sports Illustrated's All-Decade Team.
Smith would be much higher on this list, but he turns 36 next spring and is more likely to retire than play many more seasons in the NFL.
36. Ryan Grant, Running Back, Green Bay Packers
15 of 50
Ryan Grant seems to be the forgotten man in Green Bay.
The Packers won a Super Bowl with a rotation in the backfield and have plans to feature James Starks and Alex Green as their backs in the 2011 season. Grant could find himself as the featured back, or traded. His status is that tenuous.
Grant will be just 29 years old during the summer of 2012 and would be an excellent veteran option to combine with a young running back.
35. LaDainian Tomlinson, Running Back, New York Jets
16 of 50
LaDainian Tomlinson will turn 33 the summer his contract expires with the New York Jets. It's very possible that LT will decide to retire instead of face another offseason negotiating potential contracts and learning a new playbook.
Should Tomlinson decide to stay in the NFL into his mid-30's he will find suitors as teams look for a veteran running back who can contribute on third downs and bring experience in pass receiving and blocking.
Tomlinson has proven time and time again that his value as a third-down back exists no matter his age.
34. Robert Meachem, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
17 of 50
Robert Meachem of the New Orleans Saints reminds me of a modern day John Taylor, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers.
Meachem, like Taylor, is a strong and athletic No. 2 wide receiver who doubles well as a return man. He also has good run-after-catch skills and is dangerous to turn a short catch in to a long gain.
Unlike Taylor, who never had the chance to show his worth as a No. 1 wide receiver, Meachem may get that chance when his contract expires next season.
Meachem's speed, hands and special teams skills should make him a priority free agent.
33. Jim Leonhard, Safety, New York Jets
18 of 50
Some players you cannot attach a value to based on statistics. Jim Leonhard is one of those guys.
A fiery, tough as nails competitor, Leonhard is a leader on defense and special teams. He will never lead the NFL in sacks or interceptions, but his big play ability and consistency in the secondary are hard to come by.
There is also the matter of heart, something Leonhard is loaded with. The Jets, and more specifically head coach Rex Ryan, will not want to lose Leonhard.
32. Joe Staley, Offensive Tackle, San Francisco 49ers
19 of 50
Joe Staley's NFL career started out rocky but he has since settled down and become of the better young offensive tackles that no one is talking about.
That will change once Staley's contract in San Francisco expires.
In the last two seasons Staley is allowing an average of just three sacks per season. The issue is that he cannot seem to stay healthy for an entire year. Staley is averaging just nine starts the past two seasons after starting every game his first two years.
Athletic, young left tackles rarely hit the free agent market. If Staley does leave San Francisco he will be atop many team's wish lists.
31. E.J. Henderson, Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings
20 of 50
A Pro Bowl selection in 2010, E.J. Henderson is coming into his own as an NFL linebacker.
Henderson has proven dependable and consistent throughout his NFL career, something that is a must-have for a MIKE linebacker in the 4-3 defense.
Henderson will be nearing 32 years old when his contract expires, making it likely this next contract will be his last in the NFL. He'll look to score a big pay day and position himself for a chance to win a ring before retiring.
30. Bradie James, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys
21 of 50
Bradie James has been a consistent, solid starter for the Dallas Cowboys since the team drafted him in 2003.
At 31 years old after the 2011 season, and with youngsters Sean Lee and Bruce Carter waiting in the wings, it's likely that James will not be back with the Cowboys after his contract expires before the 2012 season.
James' leadership, experience in the 3-4 defense and tackling ability will make him an ideal candidate for many 3-4 teams looking for a "TED" linebacker.
29. Kevin Kolb, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
22 of 50
Kevin Kolb may be one of the hottest names on the NFL trade market this summer, but when he enters free agency next year he will not be on top of team's list of the best quarterbacks available.
Kolb has been hyped this offseason based almost purely on potential and the belief that his time under Andy Reid in Philadelphia will turn him in to a starting quarterback. It's a gamble that one NFL team will take either this year or next.
Kolb could only help his stock by earning playing time in 2011, something he will most likely have to leave Philadelphia to accomplish.
28. Mario Manningham, Wide Receiver, New York Giants
23 of 50
Few players have enjoyed the type of success that Mario Manningham saw while at the University of Michigan. That same potential has been shown over the last two seasons in New York.
With the Giants, Manningham has exceeded expectations in becoming a top contributor since his sophomore year in the NFL. Manningham is currently the Giants' starting wide receiver opposite Steve Smith.
Should Manningham hit the open market he will receive interest as a No. 1 wide receiver, and a pay day to match it.
27. Greg Olsen, Tight End, Chicago Bears
24 of 50
Do not let the fall in production during the 2010 season fool you, Greg Olsen is the real deal.
Olsen is among the most physically gifted tight ends in the NFL and on a team with more use of tight ends would find himself mentioned among the best in the game today. On the Bears he is not used as much as he might be on other clubs, something that could lead to his leaving Chicago.
Olsen's all-around game is good enough for him to command top five money at his position.
26. John Abraham, Defensive End, Atlanta Falcons
25 of 50
If defensive end John Abraham were any younger he would be in the top 10 or 15 players on our list of the best free agents for the 2012 season.
Instead he will be 34 years old and entering the twilight of his career. That will not stop someone from offering Abraham a two or three-year contract at top dollars if he can turn out another good performance in 2011.
25. Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
26 of 50
It seems like Reggie Wayne has been in the NFL forever, but he will be just 33 years old when the 2011 NFL season ends and the 2012 offseason begins.
While 33 is definitely not young by NFL standards it is young enough for Wayne to be considered a top free agent at the wide receiver position. The big question is whether the Colts will let the future Hall of Famer leave town or if they will lock up one of the franchises greatest all-time players in a legacy contract?
Should Wayne hit the open market he will be sought after by teams like the St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears who are in desperate need for veteran wide receivers.
24. London Fletcher, Linebacker, Washington Redskins
27 of 50
It does not matter that London Fletcher is 36 years old, because he does not seem to age.
Fletcher is still competing at a Pro Bowl level in spite of his advanced years. He has shown no signs of slowing down any time soon, either.
Fletcher may not be a marquee free agent on the 2012 market, but he will be a serious consideration for teams needing a smart inside linebacker for the 3-4 defense who is able to get his entire defense into position and provide leadership both in the locker room and on the field.
23. Brian Urlacher, Linebacker, Chicago Bears
28 of 50
Brian Urlacher may go down as one of the best middle linebackers to ever play in the National Football League, but when his contract expires in the summer of 2012 he will be 34 years old and on the last legs of a brilliant career.
Urlacher will never leave the Bears, that much we feel confident in. That does not mean he would not receive attention on the open market should the Bears not re-sign him to an extension once the NFL lockout ends.
22. Marcedes Lewis, Tight End, Jacksonville Jaguars
29 of 50
The 2012 offseason may end up being known as the Year of the Tight End.
With talented tight ends Marcedes Lewis Greg Olsen, Todd Heap, Visanthe Shiancoe and Jermichael Finley all entering free agency next summer there will be many top-flight tight ends to choose from on the open market.
Lewis might be the most unheralded of them all, but his play backs up the fact that he will see a big payout from one lucky NFL team once his contract expires in Jacksonville.
21. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Tackle, New York Jets
30 of 50
At age 27 D'Brickashaw Ferguson has made two consecutive Pro Bowls and seems to be hitting his stride in the NFL.
And the timing could not be better, as Ferguson will be the league's top offensive tackle on the free agent market in the summer of 2012.
Ferguson will be a candidate for the Franchise Tag in New York, but there is a slim chance the team has to negotiate for his services in competition with the other 31 NFL teams. If that happens, a bidding war will break out and the contract numbers for Ferguson will reach epic proportions.
20. Jermichael Finley, Tight End, Green Bay Packers
31 of 50
Jermichael Finley has been called the future best tight end in the NFL. We agree.
Finley has a rare combination of speed, athleticism, size and play-making ability that will haunt NFL defensive coordinators once he is fully healthy and on display during the 2011 season.
That combination of skills and the premium being placed on athletic tight ends will make Jermichael Finley the NFL's highest paid player at the position after the 2011 season.
19. Robert Mathis, Defensive End, Indianapolis Colts
32 of 50
A 31 year old defensive end who has made three-straight Pro Bowls will not last long on the open market in the NFL offseason.
Robert Mathis has racked up amazing performances over the last three seasons and has established himself as one of the most underrated pass rushers in the entire NFL.
How Mathis would perform without Dwight Freeney lining up opposite him remains to be seen, but what we do know is that Mathis will command a huge pay day once his contract expires.
18. Ben Grubbs, Guard, Baltimore Ravens
33 of 50
Ben Grubbs has made zero Pro Bowls. He has not been mentioned on All-Pro teams. He did not make the NFL Network's Top 100 players list.
But he's one of the best damn blockers in the entire NFL.
Grubbs has allowed just 11 sacks in four seasons as a starter for the Baltimore Ravens. During that time Grubbs' team has missed the playoffs just once.
Every day fans of the NFL may not know about Ben Grubbs, but NFL coaches and defensive linemen definitely do.
17. Michael Griffin, Safety, Tennessee Titans
34 of 50
Even though he is just 26 years old, Michael Griffin has emerged as one of the best safeties in the NFL, making two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team during his short NFL tenure.
Griffin figures to be a very heavily sought after player once the 2012 offseason kicks off. Safeties of his caliber rarely enter the open market. It would not be surprising for the Titans to place the Franchise Tag on this All-Pro player.
16. Jon Beason, Linebacker, Carolina Panthers
35 of 50
Jon Beason's career to date has been impressive, featuring two All-Pro selections and three straight Pro Bowl appearances.
It's that productivity that will make Beason a hot name on the NFL free agent radar next summer.
Beason has played both inside and outside linebacker and is a proven leader and competitor. If he is allowed to test the open market he will receive a massive pay day from any number of NFL teams.
15. Matt Forte, Running Back, Chicago Bears
36 of 50
In his first three NFL seasons Matt Forte has rushed for over 3,000 yards and put up another 1,495 yards as a receiver out of the backfield.
What NFL fans do not know yet, but will soon find out, is that Matt Forte is a serious threat out of the backfield for the Chicago Bears.
Forte is the backbone of the Bears' offense and and will not be able to leave town, but the team will pay him handsomely to stick around.
14. Wes Welker, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
37 of 50
Since joining the New England Patriots in 2007, Wes Welker has made three straight Pro Bowls and an equal number of All-Pro selections as the Patriots' secret weapon on offense.
Although, it should not be much of a secret.
Welker has assaulted the NFL statistic record since joining the Patriots as he has become Tom Brady's most dependable target on every down and distance.
While New England is known well for letting free agents walk away from Foxborough, they could not afford to lose Welker.
13. Marques Colston, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
38 of 50
Marques Colston of the New Orleans Saints has yet to make a Pro Bowl or an All-Pro team, but he does hold the NFL record of the most receptions by a player in his first two seasons with 168.
Colston, a seventh-round pick in 2006, has been a god-send for the Saints and quarterback Drew Brees. Or perhaps it is the other way around. Either way, there is no way the Saints will let both Colston and No. 2 wide receiver Robert Meachem leave via free agency after the 2011 season.
Our bet is on Colston returning with a hefty contract number.
12. Leon Hall, Cornerback, Cincinnati Bengals
39 of 50
As part of what has been called the best cornerback tandem in the NFL, Leon Hall is quietly one of the best players in the NFL, regardless of position.
With teammate Johnathan Joseph entering free agency this summer, Hall may be a lone ranger in 2011 and could decide to leave himself for greener pastures and a shot at winning a Super Bowl at some point in his career.
Hall is one step away from becoming known in NFL circles as an elite cornerback. His next contract will show it.
11. Mario Williams, Outside Linebacker, Houston Texans
40 of 50
You could start a good bar fight by asking the question, "Is Mario Williams worth the No. 1 overall pick used on him?"
I'm in the court of "maybe", or even "not yet."
Williams hit the ground running fast in the NFL with 14 sacks in his second season and 12 in his third. Since that time Williams has settled down slightly, but a move to outside linebacker in 2011 could jump start Williams' career.
It will be interesting to watch how the season progresses and see if Williams excels at outside linebacker and is re-signed by Houston.
10. Lawrence Timmons, Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers
41 of 50
Despite so many big name defenders on the Steelers' defense, it was Lawrence Timmons who led the team with 135 tackles in 2010.
Timmons does not receive the media attention of his teammates, but those in the NFL know his value and will be excitedly waiting to see how his contract situation plays out during the 2011 season.
If Timmons is allowed to enter free agency during the summer of 2012, teams will rush to the phones to offer him a huge contract.
9. Darnell Dockett, Defensive Tackle, Arizona Cardinals
42 of 50
As the talent on the Arizona Cardinals' roster weakens through free agency and age, one constant remains at defensive tackle.
Darnell Dockett has made three straight Pro Bowls and was named to his first All-Pro team in 2009. If his play in year's past are any indication of what his 2011 season will look like, Dockett will rank as a top 10 player on the open market.
Dockett will turn 31 next spring, but he has a good four or five seasons left under his belt.
8. Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs
43 of 50
Before the 2010 season began it looked like Dwayne Bowe may carry the label of a draft bust throughout his career. When through the first four games he had just nine catches, folks in Kansas City were worried.
And then Bowe and Matt Cassel found each other and good things started happening in KC.
Bowe is a big, physical threat at wide receiver, but is he in the Chiefs' future plans? The team drafted Jonathan Baldwin in the first round of the 2011 draft and could use him to replace Bowe if he were to sign elsewhere after the 2011 season.
If Bowe does hit the open market he will become a very sought after player.
7. Frank Gore, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers
44 of 50
It would be absolutely shocking for Frank Gore to leave the San Francisco 49ers after the 2011 season, but if the team cannot show progress and prove to Gore that they can win in the near future, it is definitely possible.
Gore has become the face of the 49ers as much as any one player since the Steve Young-era. Gore is the cornerstone upon which the entire 49ers offense is built currently. Since taking over as the full-time starter in 2006, Gore has reached over 1,000 yards rushing each season.
Gore will be 29 years old when his contract expires, but the 49ers know they must keep No. 21 in town.
6. Michael Vick, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
45 of 50
It may not seem like it, but Michael Vick will turn 31 years old in late June. That will make him 32 years old when his contract with the Philadelphia Eagles expires next summer.
Vick was named as the team's Franchise Player before the NFL lockout began, and Vick did sign the one-year tender, locking up his rights for the 2011 season.
A deal between Vick and the Eagles is likely to be done during the 2011 season, but if not we will see a mad dash among NFL teams hoping to sign the electric quarterback.
5. Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals
46 of 50
What more could be said about Larry Fitzgerald's NFL success? Some would call him the best wide receiver in the game today. His numbers would seem to back that up.
What is perhaps most surprising is that Fitzgerald will become a free agent after the 2011 season. Fitzgerald famously signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension after the 2007 season, making him the highest paid receiver in the NFL at that time.
Fitzgerald will once again become the highest paid wide receiver in the game when he enters the free agent market in the summer of twenty-twelve.
4. Troy Polamalu, Safety, Pittsburgh Steelers
47 of 50
You could make a solid argument that Troy Polamalu is the best defensive player in the NFL today. You wouldn't get an argument from Steeler fans.
Polamalu will be 31 when his contract expires next summer, definitely young enough for the Steelers to re-sign him for the next five seasons, or for another Lombardi Trophy hungry team to offer him a record-breaking deal in an attempt to strengthen their defense.
It would be catastrophic for Polamalu to leave Pittsburgh, but the team has yet to lock him up long-term.
3. Haloti Ngata, Defensive Tackle, Baltimore Ravens
48 of 50
If you were to ask me who the best defensive lineman in the NFL is today, I would say Haloti Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens.
Ngata has become a solid fixture on Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams, even being named to the 2010 All-Fundamentals Team by USA Football and the NFL Players Association.
Ngata was assigned as the team's Franchise Player after the 2010 season, meaning he will be back in Baltimore for one more year, at least. The Ravens' must find a way to lock him up for the next decade once the NFL lockout ends.
2. Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings
49 of 50
Imagine the stir that would be created if the NFL's best running back, arguably, were allowed to enter the free agent market next summer?
Absolute chaos.
Should Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings not agree on a new deal before the end of the 2011 season, that will happen. Peterson has been a regular on Pro Bowl and All-Pro lists since entering the NFL in 2007. He has become the face of the Minnesota Vikings.
That could all change if the Vikings do not lock up All-Day for the long term.
1. Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
50 of 50
Each NFL franchise has at least one player that you automatically picture when you hear the team name. When someone says "New Orleans Saints", you probably picture Drew Brees.
That might change after the 2011 season if the Saints do not move to re-sign Drew Brees to a long-term contract during the next calendar year.
Brees is currently tied up in negotiations between the NFL owners and players as part of the lockout delegation, but once the lockout ends the Saints should do all they can to re-sign one of the NFL's best players.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")