10 Craftiest Veterans in 2012 NFL Free Agency

Given the competitive nature of NFL, it's not always the flashiest free agents that transform teams from pretenders to Super Bowl contenders.

Many times it's the wily veteran that transforms the locker room.

Several useful veterans are due to become free agents during the 2012 NFL free agency period. Teams will be scrambling to acquire the services of the savviest stars in the league.

Here are the best 2012 free agency has to offer.

 

Jason Campbell, Quarterback

Injured quarterback Jason Campbell is sure to be a valued addition for a team looking for a veteran backup.

Don't think those are important? Ask the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans.

Campbell was having a solid season prior to losing the rest of the season due to injury. He completed over 60 percent of his throws and led the Oakland Raiders to a 4-2 start.

With Carson Palmer as the guy in Oakland, look for Campbell to find a new home come 2012. 

LaDainian Tomlinson, Running Back

LaDainian Tomlinson's career is unarguably on the decline. 

However, he can still be a significant contributor to an NFL franchise looking for a third-down back.

Tomlinson excels at catching the ball out of the backfield and is reliable with the football if nothing else.

He also is gifted at pass protection which is priceless when paired with a young, inexperienced back who may lack in that category.

Tomlinson will look to join a Super Bowl contender for what will likely be his last contract before retirement. 

Maurice Morris, Running Back

Crafty second-string backs are plentiful in this free agent class.

Maurice Morris is a career handcuff at the running back position, and his role will remain unchanged going into the 2012 season with a new team.

Morris will likely be expendable for a Detroit Lions team equipped with Jahvid Best and a revitalized Kevin Smith.

Morris is a solid fill-in for a young backfield and is a nice option catching passes out of the backfield. 

Wes Welker, Wide Receiver

Odds are Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will have a death grip on wide receiver Wes Welker this offseason.

Welker is in the midst of the most productive season in his career. He is averaging over 100 yards receiving per game and is on pace to shatter his previous season high.

His exceptional route-running has made him an irreplaceable asset for the Patriots front office.

Nonetheless, he is a free agent and will demand a pay raise as a result of his increased production in 2011. 

Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver

Reggie Wayne is being largely overlooked due to the Peyton Manning-Andrew Luck saga in Indianapolis. 

The veteran wide receiver has long been considered one of the best receivers in the NFL. Without Manning, Wayne's production has diminished significantly.

The question remains whether other general managers will be concerned over Wayne's decreased production. Or will they simply chalk it up to playing with a poor quarterback?

Regardless, Wayne is a savvy route runner that will help any team in need of a reliable target. Chances are his fate will be shared with Manning's.

If Manning goes, so does Wayne. If Manning stays, he will want his favorite target to stay with him. 

Jeff Saturday, Center

Like Peyton Manning, imagining center Jeff Saturday in a new uniform is mind-boggling for the majority of NFL fans.

Saturday has played his entire career for the Indianapolis Colts, but is a free agent for the upcoming offseason.

The veteran center has headlined an excellent offensive line for over a decade and excels at recognizing blitz packages.

Like Reggie Wayne, Saturday's services may be tied to Manning.

Whoever ends up with the savvy center will get an excellent leader to anchor the trenches and a player who exemplifies a professional athlete. 

Nick Hardwick, Center

Center Nick Hardwick's Pro Bowl years are likely behind him.

Teams looking for his services will factor that in when offering him a contract for the 2012 season and beyond.

However, the San Diego Charger is an experienced lineman with a crafty handle on pass protection calls and blitz pickups.

Having an experienced center is an underrated feature of any elite team. For a young quarterback who is learning the ropes of pass protection, Hardwick can be an invaluable addition. 

Expect Hardwick to be just that for an organization in search of a veteran to accompany an inexperienced passer. 

John Abraham, Defensive End

Defensive end John Abraham has lost a step or two in recent campaigns with the Atlanta Falcons.

That being said, Abraham still poses a viable threat as a pass rusher and his presence would be missed by Atlanta.

Abraham makes up for lost steps with his heady rush tactics and would instantly improve a team struggling to pressure the quarterback.

He very well may remain with the Falcons. If not, look for No. 55 to move to another title contender in a position to pay the hefty price tag for his services. 

London Fletcher, Linebacker

At 36 years old, London Fletcher is still known as one of the most effective middle linebackers in the NFL.

Doesn't it seem like he should be older than that?

Fletcher has been around the block and it shows in his continued consistency for the Washington Redskins.

His ability to make plays comes more from brains than brawn at this stage of his career. But, he continues to rack up the tackles.

It would be nice to see Fletcher signed by a Super Bowl contender as a last hurrah for a consistent playing career. 

Ronde Barber, Cornerback

The craftiest corner on the market will probably remain on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if he decides to return for another year.

Barber continues to make plays in the secondary despite deteriorating skills. Given his career success, Barber has earned the right to retire whenever he feels ready to do so.

As long as his quality play continues, there is no reason to believe Barber will call it quits after the 2011 season.