NFL Free Agency 2012: 10 Teams That May Make Major Moves

It's never too early to look ahead.

As we enter the business end of the 2011 regular season, NFL rosters have established their identities for the current campaign. We know the strengths and weaknesses of most teams by now and, as fans, what we want our general managers to improve on next March and April.

The post-lockout free agency period was a mad gold rush for all involved, with front offices scrambling to extend expiring contracts whilst trying to acquire fresh faces. With more time and planning next year, we could see some major moves in the open market for veteran talent.

The free agency pool appears to be loaded at the running back and wide receiver positions, which will undoubtedly generate most of the early 2012 headlines, but there are a number of second-tier talents that deserve consideration on both sides of the ball.

Let's take a look at 10 teams who appear set to make a splash.

Atlanta Falcons

Shorn of their first round draft pick in 2012—as a result of the blockbuster trade for Julio Jones—the Falcons may look to free agency to strengthen their roster this offseason.

For a team considered one of the leading lights in the NFC, there are relatively few holes to fill in starting positions, but without any flexibility in the draft, we could see Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith making moves in the veteran market at a number of positions.

Let's start with defense. John Abraham is 33 years old, and in the market for one final payday. Depending on how he and his agent price his services, he could be sent on a go route out of Atlanta.

Either way, the line could use some help, and the Colts' Robert Mathis could provide a solution for the next three or so seasons. Money is always a deciding factor in such acquisitions, but for the right price, Mathis could be tempted by an established, settled roster pushing for a Super Bowl over the state of flux on offer in Indy.

If we assume that the Falcons will use what is left of their draft on finding the long-term replacement for Tony Gonzalez at tight end, free agency could be the answer for other positions of need, such as offensive tackle, where Sam Baker could find himself out of a job one day in the future, or cornerback.

There are precious few names out there for teams searching for a complete offensive line solution, but Kareem McKenzie and Jeff Backus top the list, with the former preferable to the latter.

Indianapolis Colts

Regardless of the health and status of Peyton Manning next season, the Colts will have a number of roster holes to fill.

Without the future Hall of Fame quarterback at the controls, the Colts' fall from grace has been spectacular, claiming the reputations of a number of entrenched starters on both sides of the ball and exposing the dependency on No. 18.

Indy is usually quiet in the free agency market, preferring to build talent slowly through value draft picks on affordable contracts. Furthermore, the Polians are unafraid to move on troublesome talent if they don't fit with the team's standards in work ethic and attitude—dating all the way back to Marshall Faulk in 1999.

So why would the franchise change its ways now?

Nobody knows how many years Manning has left in him. We can speculate, anywhere between zero and five seasons, but unless his neck injury hasn't healed sufficiently by the end of February—when his $28 million roster bonus becomes payable—there is a good chance that we will see him in a Colts uniform in 2012, regardless of who they draft at the top of the order.

If Manning is under center next season, we know the window is closing, and with so many needs to fill, free agency could be the solution if the Colts want to make one final push for another Super Bowl.

Cornerbacks and defensive tackles may top the shopping list, with players such as Terrell Thomas or Miami's Paul Soliai given a closer inspection. Robert Mathis is in a contract year and a defensive end replacement could factor into the decision-making process.

And if Andrew Luck—or any other top prospect—were to take over, he would benefit from a veteran running back, like a Matt Forte or Ray Rice (if available) to hand the ball off to.

Either way, expect the Colts to have a more interesting offseason in 2012 than in recent years.

New England Patriots

With so many draft picks each season, and a trail of poor free agency moves left in Bill Belichick's wake, you would think that the Patriots ought to be more active in the draft than the veteran marketplace.

However, the defense ranked last in the NFL is young, and inexperienced. The secondary may currently thrive on their no-name reputation, but few observers would settle for the same starting line-up next year. Upgrades at linebacker, cornerback and safety appear essential.

New England will undoubtedly trade one or two of their 2012 picks into the following year—as is their style—but regardless of who they draft, a move for a named veteran not only makes sense, but could be the difference between playoff contention and a Super Bowl championship at the end of the Tom Brady era.

The Patriots' have had their fingers burned on recent free agency splashes, such as the move to land Adalius Thomas on a big multi-year deal in 2007. A poor attitude, and poor production towards the end of his tenure proved fatal, but there are players out there who could tempt Belichick to test the waters again.

Hungry veterans looking for one last tilt at a Super Bowl ring have found a home in New England in recent years, and defensive end John Abraham could end up fitting the bill, if the price is right. Belichick would have modest expectations for the 34-year-old, but he could fill the role that Shaun Ellis has so far failed to make his own.

For a realistic name in the defensive backfield to consider, try Rashean Mathis from Jacksonville. He wouldn't be the sexiest name in free agency, but the 10-year veteran could add leadership to a secondary that has seen more player turnover than any other part of the roster.

At the fantasy end of the speculation, Mario Williams or Paul Soliai would make New England's defensive line one of the most feared in the NFL.

Finally, Wes Welker would be a free agent worth making a splash for. He is two seasons removed from a serious knee injury, and at 30 years old, any general manager would be concerned for his long-term health.

You would probably have to overpay for his services, but after four years of stellar performances on the cheap for the Patriots, you wouldn't begrudge him earning a few extra dollars on what is likely to be his final big payday in the league.

Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders are almost forced to make roster moves through free agency next year, having mortgaged the future for a shot at immediate glory.

Whether Carson Palmer can deliver the Raiders to an AFC title game, or even better, a trip to Indianapolis, remains to be seen. But with no picks in the first four rounds of next year's draft, and a conditional first- or second-rounder heading to the Bengals in 2013, Oakland will have to make their noises in the veteran market for the foreseeable future.

With so much invested on Palmer's success at quarterback, it makes sense to provide him with as many weapons as necessary. A proper possession receiver—like Mario Manningham—to displace T.J. Houshmandzadeh would offer a contrast to the burners on the roster who lack consistent production, but can stretch the field to good effect.

DeSean Jackson will likely hit free agency following his antics in Philadelphia, and the Raiders have a track record of taking reclamation projects with talent. His speed would satisfy the ghost of Al Davis and give Palmer an elite touchdown threat.

Oakland are stocked at linebacker and along the defensive line, but a cornerback could be pursued, such as the Giants' Terrell Thomas or Aaron Ross.

New York Jets

There is a touch of speculation to this prediction, but with the spotlight of the New York media shining brightly on the Rex Ryan era, the former Ravens defensive coordinator may end up making a few extra moves to bolster the roster next season to restore the Jets to winning ways.

The receiver position might be the first situation addressed through free agency. Giving Mark Sanchez a big, vertical threat to work with, like a Vincent Jackson for example, could revamp the offense which has stalled in recent weeks.

With LaDanian Tomlinson in the twilight of his career, a replacement to share the load with Shonn Greene at running back would make sense too. Marshawn Lynch could receive a nice offer from his current employers in Seattle, but his physical running style would also appeal to the Jets' brand of football.

Contract numbers and the salary cap may end up getting in the way of a large splash, but there can be no denying that the Jets could use some help on the outside to take some focus away from Santonio Holmes in the passing game.

Houston Texans

Any big moves in free agency will have to start in-house for the Houston Texans, with star defensive end (and briefly, linebacker in Wade Phillips' new system) Mario Williams the top target.

Whilst they have the option of using the franchise tag on the first overall pick from the 2006 draft, a long-term deal—as in most cases—would benefit both parties.

There are other holes to fill however, and the conclusion of Williams' contract will determine how many dollars are available. Most of these needs will likely be addressed in the draft, but I envisage at least one big name joining the likely AFC South champs.

Superstar wide receiver Andre Johnson is a matchup nightmare for any defense, but as we have seen throughout his career, he has had his fair share of injuries, and the drop-off at position in his absence is significant.

A possession receiver would boost Matt Schaub's offensive options regardless, and a second deep threat—like a Robert Meachem, for example—could be a realistic target in March.

If the Texans were to lose Williams however, there would be significant cap room to play with. Whilst there would be no natural replacement for the defensive end on the market—Robert Mathis is no fit for a 3-4 scheme—it could mean that an elite talent is brought in for another position.

I can't imagine Pittsburgh allowing Mike Williams to walk at the end of the year, but Texans' fans should be allowed to dream, right? Scaling back the expectations, how about Visanthe Shiancoe to compliment Owen Daniels? Or Steve Johnson at wideout? Or DeSean Jackson?

There are a number of attractive free agents on the offensive side of the ball, but finances will dictate Houston's appetite for a shopping spree.

New Orleans Saints

The face of the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees, is scheduled to hit free agency in 2012, but you can rest assured that a monster contract will be waiting in the wings before then.

But even if they tie up their franchise quarterback on one big final payday, you can bank on there being one or two more interesting roster moves before the 2012 season begins, starting with the 19th-ranked defense.

Aubrayo Franklin and Shaun Rodgers were brought in this offseason to shore up a leaky run defense, but have so far underwhelmed, and a further body could be considered next year.

His name keeps reappearing, but Paul Soliai may be a top target for a number of franchises, and the Dolphins' nose tackle would allow the Saints some scheme flexibility along their otherwise impressive line.

Drew Brees sits right in the middle of the pack—alongside Tom Brady—with 19 sacks on the year, but with a fair share of perimeter pressure on their quarterback, the Saints could look to free agency for an upgrade at the tackle position.

There are few names out there worth considering, but Kareem McKenzie could add a veteran presence while a young draft pick learns the ropes for a season or two.

Chicago Bears

The Bears have earned their reputation for hard-nosed, stout defensive play for generations, but the 2011 edition is not without its problems, most notably in the secondary, who are currently ranked 30th in pass defense.

The acquisition of Brandon Meriweather—cut by the Patriots, who lost their patience with his poor performances—fell flat almost instantly, and much as Charles Tillman stands out from the crowd, he needs help in the defensive backfield.

The market for elite free agent cornerbacks or safeties starts and ends with Terrell Thomas, but there are other, lower cost alternatives, such as Cortland Finnegan or Michael Griffin from Tennesee.

Retaining the services of Matt Forte may prove costly, but given the importance of his role in the offense this season, allowing him to hit the open market is not a sensible option, regardless of how much Forte and his agent are holding out for.

Depending on how much money is left after taking care of their tailback, the Bears might want to add another receiver for Jay Cutler, who has proven his worth with a less than stellar stable of wideouts this season.

Any name out of Marques Colston, Vincent Jackson, Mike Wallace or Dwayne Bowe would appeal, but not all will be available. Reggie Wayne could end up offering a cheaper alternative, if the Colts decide to clean house after a dismal 2011 campaign.

Arizona Cardinals

It is too early to label Kevin Kolb a bust in Arizona, but the longer the franchise goes without his expected production, the more expensive his trade from Philadelphia seems.

Having lost a second round draft pick and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the deal, the Cards could use both right now as they attempt to build a franchise capable of returning to the Super Bowl.

Early Doucet is an intriguing third receiving option, but cannot be relied on at this stage of his career to take the coverage away from Larry Fitzgerald, and in a contract year, may not receive an extension. Finding a true second target for Kolb, such as Robert Meachem, Mario Manningham or Steve Johnson should be a priority.

Offensive tackles, outside linebackers, safeties and corners are needed in Arizona next season, but we can assume that some of these needs will be addressed via the draft.

Finally, as an insurance policy to Kolb, there are a number of solid backups scheduled to hit the open market, such as Jason Campbell or Chad Henne. Whilst I would feel uncomfortable with either as my starter for 16 games, both men have proven they can do a job in the NFL, at a level higher than John Skelton.

St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford's sopohmore slump has created a period of introspection in St. Louis. Thought of as a talented roster capable of making waves this preseason, injuries, loss of form and a tough opening schedule have lowered expectations, and created needs that were previously considered filled.

Finding a receiver that catches, and holds onto the ball, would be a fine start, and I remain unconvinced that Brandon Lloyd—for all his highlight-reel ability—can be Sam Bradford's Mr. Dependable any time soon.

The Rams appear set at defensive end with Chris Long and Robert Quinn, but some interior help would be welcomed by the worst rushing defense in the NFL. 

The Jets' Sione Pouha doesn't appear to be a viable option in a four-man front, but as Vince Wilfork has demonstrated in New England this season, giant nose tackles can be converted, and offer flexibility if a coordinator wants the ability to switch up a base defense depending on opponent.

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