One Free-Agent Loss That Would Most Hurt Every NFL Team in 2012

Most aren't thinking about it now, but in a few months it will be the center of everyone's attention: NFL free agency.

Though free agency doesn't gather quite the same amount of hype as the draft does, it is an incredibly exciting time for fans and teams alike. However, adding players isn't the only aspect of free agency fans should be thinking about.

While many teams do gain valuable players, even more lose key pieces. For every huge offseason addition, there is a huge offseason loss. Every team knows that it won't be able to keep every player, but some players are considerably more important than others.

So yes, fans should be thinking about what players their team may look to add in a few months—but they should also be thinking about who their teams can afford to lose. Let's take a look at the latter part of this by analyzing what player each team can't afford to lose come March.

Chicago Bears: Matt Forte

Already a successful player, Forte is on pace for what would easily be his best season as a pro. At the halfway point, Forte already has over 1,200 all-purpose yards and is averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

Right now, Forte is the most important player to the Chicago offense. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz is as pass-happy as always, but Forte is carrying the offense.

Fortunately for Chicago, it doesn't seem likely that Forte will leave as a free agent. If the team does not sign him to an extension, it will use the franchise tag, securing Forte for another season.

Cincinnati Bengals: Cedric Benson

Benson hasn't been very successful thus far in 2011, but he is still a big part of the Cincinnati offense. With a rookie quarterback, the Bengals obviously rely on the run game.

Though Benson hasn't been as productive the past season and a half, he is still on pace for more than 1,000 yards this year. Losing Benson wouldn't be a devastating blow to Cincinnati by any means, but he would force the team to acquire a replacement.

Buffalo Bills: Steve Johnson

In just his fourth NFL season, Steve Johnson is on pace for his second 1,000-yard season. The 6'2", 210-pounder may not be one of the NFL's elite, but he is already an above-average player with the ability to improve.

When the Buffalo offense is on, Johnson is usually contributing and making plays for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Though a legitimate argument could be made that left tackle Demetrius Bell would be a bigger loss for the team, Johnson is Fitzpatrick's only legitimate weapon at wide receiver.

Denver Broncos: Brodrick Bunkley

Though Bunkley isn't a great player by any means, he is the team's most important free agent nonetheless. The former Eagle defensive tackle isn't an exciting player, but he is stout against the run and does his job as a run-stopper.

Again, this isn't necessarily a ringing endorsement of Bunkley's play, but more an indication of how little talent Denver stands to lose in free agency.

Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis

Hillis has hardly played thus far in 2011, and the Browns offense has suffered as a result. Now, Hillis likely overachieved in 2010, in part due to an excellent offensive line, but he is still the best playmaker on the Cleveland offense.

Without Hillis, the Browns aren't able to produce through the air or on the ground. It seems likely that the team will allow Hillis to leave as a free agent, but the offense would be better off with him in the lineup.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronde Barber

Now 37 years old, Barber isn't the player he once was. He is, however, still a decent cornerback who has seen his career extended due to Tampa Bay's Cover 2 defensive scheme.

The Buccaneers don't stand to lose much in free agency. If Aqib Talib is on the field, he is a legitimate No. 1 cornerback, and the team can find another starter through the draft or free agency.

Fortunately for Tampa Bay, Barber is still the most important player it could lose in free agency.

Arizona Cardinals: Calais Campbell

At 6'8", 300 pounds, Campbell is big and athletic enough to play defensive end in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Campbell currently has five sacks in 2011 and is having another terrific season.

With Darnell Dockett holding down one of the team's 5-tech spots, Campbell has done an excellent job on the opposite end. Just 25 years old, Campbell still has enormous potential and could become one of the NFL's best.

If Campbell does leave in free agency, one of Arizona's best units will be drastically weakened.

San Diego Chargers: Vincent Jackson

Hit with the franchise tag for the second straight season, Jackson is on pace for yet another terrific year. Though the Chargers haven't been able to lock Jackson up to a long-term deal yet, it seems likely to happen before free agency begins in 2012.

The 6'5", 230-pound Jackson is one of the NFL's most dominant wideouts and is capable of producing incredible numbers. With Antonio Gates becoming more and more injury prone, the Chargers need at least one star receiver for Phillip Rivers.

Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe

Though the Chiefs as a whole have struggled, Bowe has perhaps exceeded expectations. Without Jamaal Charles, Kansas City has relied on Bowe to make plays, and he has delivered.

After "breaking out" a year ago, Bowe is on pace for nearly 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns. When you consider who is throwing Bowe the ball, his numbers are even more impressive.

Should the Chiefs lose Bowe, they will seriously lack a primary wide receiver. Yes, rookie Jon Baldwin has shown flashes, but he is not at all ready to take Bowe's place.

Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Wayne

Though Wayne is obviously having a down year thus far, he has been incredibly consistent in recent seasons. With Curtis Painter as his quarterback, Wayne can hardly be expected to produce his usual numbers.

Robert Mathis would also be a huge loss for the Colts, but Wayne is Indianapolis' only star skill player. On the defensive side of the field, the team still has Dwight Freeney, who is still one of the game's best pass-rushers.

Peyton Manning has proven that he can produce with anyone, but Wayne is at least a good target. It's scary to think about the Colts offense without him and Dallas Clark.

Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Spencer

Even though he is opposite of DeMarcus Ware, Spencer hasn't quite developed into a great pass-rusher. The former Purdue defensive end is, however, solid against the run and a valuable part of the Dallas defense.

With Ware dominating off the edge, the Cowboys don't need another star pass-rusher. Add in Rob Ryan's exotic blitzes, and adding another sack artist is even less necessary.

Losing Spencer wouldn't kill Dallas by any means, but it would be a minor blow to the team's defense.

Miami Dolphins: Paul Soliai

Soliai hasn't been nearly as good as he was a year ago, but the Dolphins don't have any other nose tackles on the roster. Though Soliai has proven Miami did the right thing by not rewarding him with a long-term contract, the Dolphins should still try to re-sign him.

Miami is loaded with depth along the defensive line, but very little of it is at nose tackle. Though Kendall Langford has been a good player, the team has multiple options to replace him. It doesn't have viable options after Soliai.

Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson

Perhaps the most talented team in the NFL, the Eagles are loaded at the skill positions on offense. Jeremy Maclin is the team's best wideout, but Jackson is still incredibly important to the offense.

One of the fastest players in the NFL, Jackson is a threat to score a touchdown on any play and is Michael Vick's primary vertical option. Without Jackson, the Philadelphia offense no longer possesses elite talent on offense and could suffer.

Atlanta Falcons: Curtis Lofton

Over the past few years, Lofton has established himself as one of the best and most underrated linebackers in the NFL. Though Lofton doesn't play a highly valued position like cornerback or defensive end, his presence is huge to the Atlanta defense.

Even with Lofton, the Falcons struggle some defensively. Without him, the team would allow even more points than it already does. Lofton won't get a contract like Patrick Willis or Jon Beason did, but he won't be cheap to re-sign either.

San Francisco 49ers: Carlos Rogers

Suddenly able to catch the ball, Rogers is on his way towards his best season as a pro. The former Redskin has always been good in coverage, but he has dropped far too many interceptions over the course of his career.

Though the 49ers defense has been fantastic in 2011, the team does not have a great secondary. Rogers is the team's best defensive back, and San Francisco would be wise to re-sign him.

Ahmad Brooks would also be a big loss for the 49ers, but Aldon Smith's excellent rookie season negates his loss somewhat. The team has plenty of talent at linebacker. The same can't be said of its secondary.

New York Giants: Kareem McKenzie

Now 32 years old, McKenzie may be done as a Giant. However, the 6'6", 330-pound right tackle has been solid over the course of his career.

McKenzie is definitely past his prime, but the loss of an above-average right tackle will hurt the Giants offense. Eli Manning and the team's run game have benefited from a strong defensive line, and the unit's aging could be one of the more interesting things to watch over the next few years.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Rashean Mathis

At one point an excellent cornerback, Mathis is no longer the player he once was. The now 31-year-old Mathis hasn't been great for a few years now and will continue to decline as he ages.

However, the Jacksonville secondary is still a weak spot and needs all the help it can get. The loss of Mathis would be yet another starting position for the team to fill. Mathis won't be an adequate starter for much longer, but in the meantime, the Jaguars would be wise to hold on to him.

New York Jets: Sione Pouha

Since losing Kris Jenkins to injury and then retirement, the Jets have found a solid nose tackle in Pouha. The 6'3", 325-pounder is 32 years old but hasn't played enough to be as worn out as one might expect.

Though thee Jets could certainly find someone to replace Pouha, their money and draft picks would be better spent on the team's offense or pass rush. Retaining Pouha would give New York one position that it could ignore without worry.

Detroit Lions: Cliff Avril

Though Avril has always shown the ability to rack up impressive sack numbers, he has never put together a double-digit sack season. In 2011, however, the 25-year-old is on pace for 10 sacks.

Avril may not be an elite pass-rusher, but he is a solid player along one of the league's best defensive lines. The 6'3", 260-pounder plays stronger than his size suggests and is not at all a liability against the run.

With Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams, Nick Fairley and Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Lions could in good conscience allow Avril to walk, but it would be an ill-advised decision. Avril is easily the team's best pass-rusher and would be greatly missed in Detroit.

Green Bay Packers: Jermichael Finley

Finley hasn't been quite as productive as many expected, but the 24-year-old tight end is still a dynamic player. At 6'5", 247 pounds, Finley is the stereotypical wide receiver in a tight end's body. The former third-round draft choice is capable of playing a variety of positions and is a fantastic wide receiver.

With a talent-laden offense, the Packers could afford to lose Finley. However, the team does not have any other stars entering free agency and should re-sign or franchise-tag him.

Aaron Rodgers could probably dominate with anyone, but it's nice to surround him with elite talent anyway.

Carolina Panthers: Dan Connor

After having an absurd number of impact free agents a year ago, the Panthers aren't really in a position to lose any stars in 2012. Jon Beason will continue to be a star middle linebacker when he returns from injury next year, but the Panthers want to experiment with the 3-4 defense, so Connor still has value.

The 6'2", 231-pound Connor isn't an impact player by any stretch of the imagination, but he is solid. Next to an elite player like Beason, Connor is more than good enough and has value to a developing Carolina defense.

New England Patriots: Wes Welker

Though Welker has slowed down some in recent weeks, he is still on pace for one of the best receiving seasons of all time. At the halfway point, Welker has 66 catches for 960 yards. The 5'9", 185-pounder isn't at all special physically, but his production cannot be ignored.

Since joining the Patriots, Welker has been ridiculously productive and is Tom Brady's only star wide receiver. Other wideouts may be more dynamic, but there may not be a better fit with Brady and the New England offense.

It wouldn't shock anyone if Bill Belichick let Welker walk, but his loss would be a devastating blow to the Patriots offense. With a defense as shaky as theirs, New England may want to keep its offense together as much as it can.

Oakland Raiders: Tyvon Branch

Though he weighs just 205 pounds, Branch is an excellent strong safety. The Raiders typically allow Branch to play close to the line of scrimmage with Michael Huff playing center field, and this has worked well for the team.

Branch has racked up more than 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons and even recorded four sacks a year ago. The 24-year-old Branch may not be an elite player, but he is above average and a big part of the Oakland defense.

St. Louis Rams: Brandon Lloyd

As he has recently proven, Brandon Lloyd is not nearly as good his 2010 stats suggest. He is, however, still a decent receiving option, and to be honest, the Rams don't really have any other notable free agents.

St. Louis has tons of mediocre wideouts, but the team doesn't have any No. 1 options. Though Lloyd is the team's best target, he shouldn't be more than a secondary target. Even when the Rams do acquire a legitimate go-to weapon, Lloyd will still be a decent player.

Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice

Though Rice has played behind a good offensive line, he is clearly one of the game's best running backs. Just 24 years old, Rice has already racked up two 1,200-yard seasons and is on pace for more than 1,000 yards yet again.

Rice hasn't gained quite as many yards on the ground as in previous years, but he is having his best season as a receiver and has already gained more than 400 yards through the air. On an offense with no other star players, Rice is a huge part of the Ravens.

In all likelihood, Rice will be franchised this offseason and will eventually work out a long-term deal with the Ravens. Considering his age and production, Baltimore would be wise to hold on to its young running back.

Washington Redskins: LaRon Landry

The No. 6 pick of the 2007 NFL draft, Landry took a little while to develop. It may have taken a few years, but the Washington safety is now one of the game's best. Though Landry isn't as complete of a player as the Redskins hoped he would be, he is an excellent strong safety nonetheless.

Landry missed much of the 2010 season due to injury and has already sat out a couple games this year. However, Landry's play when healthy has been good enough to warrant a big contract extension from the Redskins.

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees

Well, this is a bit obvious. Anyone who follows football at all knows how excellent Brees has been in New Orleans and crucial he is to the team's success. Without Brees, the Saints are a well below average team.

Though it sounds like talks between Brees and the Saints haven't gone especially well, there is no doubt what team Brees will play for in 2012. If Brees and the team don't work out a contract extension, New Orleans will use the franchise tag until the two sides do reach an agreement.

Brees isn't the best quarterback in the NFL, but he is one of the game's elite players. There is literally no chance that Brees leaves in free agency, and he will undoubtedly be leading the Saints for years to come.

Seattle Seahawks: Red Bryant

At 6'4", 323 pounds, Bryant isn't exactly the prototypical 4-3 defensive end. While the Seahawks don't run a typical 4-3 defense, he is still a peculiar fit in this role. However, Bryant's results can't be overlooked, and he is instrumental in Seattle's elite run defense.

Seattle would be wise to add another pass-rusher, but the team would be stupid to allow Bryant to walk. He may not be a very good pass-rusher, but Bryant might be the Seahawks' best player. At just 27 years old, Bryant still has a long career ahead of him too.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Starks

Starks's inclusion here might seem unusual considering the fact that he wasn't even on a team until the 2011 season was under way. However, Starks has done a nice job at left tackle for the Steelers, and the team's offense has improved as a result of his play.

Though the 6'8", 345-pound Starks would be a better right tackle, he is nimble enough to play adequately on the blind side. Pittsburgh would probably like to upgrade over Starks, but he is one of the team's better offensive linemen.

Because Mike Wallace is only a restricted free agent, Starks is the most important player with a realistic chance of actually leaving Pittsburgh. This isn't to say that Starks is a star, but the Steelers don't have many impact players who could enter free agency.

Houston Texans: Mario Williams

Though Mario Williams' last two seasons have ended early due to injury, the Texans would be stupid to let him walk. Williams played surprisingly well in his first season as a linebacker and is one of the game's best pass-rushers.

A 6'6", 283-pound athletic freak, Super Mario is an elite player in any defense. The Texans defense has still played very well without Williams, but with him, they are nearly unstoppable. Though Williams obviously doesn't excel in coverage, his pass-rushing ability and size more than make up for this minor flaw.

With Brooks Reed and Connor Barwin currently manning the outside linebacker positions, Houston doesn't have a desperate need for a threat off the edge. However, Williams is just too good for the Texans to let him walk.

Tennessee Titans: Cortland Finnegan

One of the nastiest players in the NFL, Finnegan has been an excellent cornerback for the Titans. He may not be one of the elite coverage players in football, but he is very good.

Still just 27 years old, Finnegan still has quite a bit of football ahead of him. Michael Griffin would also be a big loss for the Titans, but Finnegan wins out because of the importance of his position. Though Griffin might actually be a better player, cornerback is much more important than safety.

Minnesota Vikings: E.J. Henderson

Henderson has never been a great player, but he is a solid run defender at middle linebacker. The 6'1", 245-pounder is physical and plays bigger than his size suggests.

While Henderson excels against the run, he is not quite as good in coverage. With Chad Greenway locking up one of the team's linebacker spots, the Vikings don't really need a star at Henderson's position. Henderson is solid and relatively cheap, though.

It is unlikely that Minnesota could find a much better inside linebacker in free agency, and the team has much bigger issues to address through the draft.