Andre Smith, a member of the Cincinnati Bengals since 2009, is still waiting to get paid.(Photo: Michael Keating AP)
Story Highlights
The money may have dried up around the league, but the veteran talent pool has not
Teams eyeing defensive help have still-strong group to peruse
(PhatzRadio / USA Today) — It’s been more than two weeks since the NFL’s free agent market opened. The aisles have largely been picked over at this point, but there’s still some quality merchandise — some of it courteous of a tight salary cap — remaining on the shelves. The best of the still unsigned:
1. Andre Smith, T: He made a case to be regarded as the league’s top right tackle in 2012 and surely wants to be compensated appropriately. Unfortunately, there are a few red flags in Smith’s past and most teams don’t have the cap room to give him major money. Yet the Bengals do have the funds to pay him handsomely, and it still seems a no-brainer he’ll stay in Cincinnati. Best fit: Bengals
2. Karlos Dansby, ILB: He was a victim of the Dolphins’ spending spree at linebacker as youngsters Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler pulled down more than $60 million collectively. But at 31, Dansby still has enough in the tank to be effective for a few more seasons. Best fit: Ravens
3. John Abraham, DE: He’s scheme-flexible and still productive — 32½ sacks since 2010 — even as his 35th birthday approaches. A perfect nickel defense rusher. Best fit: Patriots
4. Charles Woodson, DB: Yes, he’ll be 37 this season. But with age comes leadership and versatility, valued traits if the tank isn’t empty, and Woodson’s doesn’t appear to be. Best fit: 49ers
5. Israel Idonije, DE: He’s 32 but also an ideal left end, able to rush quarterbacks and stonewall running backs. Idonije’s penchant for blocking kicks is a bonus. Best fit: Buccaneers
6. Eric Winston, T: He’s capable, he’s durable and, at 29, still has plenty of tread on the tires. Best fit: Dolphins
7. Brandon Moore, G: He’s quietly been an elite player for years, though guards rarely garner recognition unless they’re holding. Best fit: Lions
8. Antoine Winfield, CB: He continues to defy Father Time — Winfield will be 36 in June — and could offer the right team a positive influence and high-level ability in the short run. Corners don’t come any tougher. Best fit: Buccaneers
9. Kerry Rhodes, FS: He was phenomenal in 2012 for the Cardinals but became a cap castoff at age 30. Best fit: Rams
10. Dwight Freeney, DE: He hasn’t been as effective in recent seasons, but he was on a bad Colts squad in 2011 and played out of position last year. Freeney, 33, could be formidable again for a contender but may have to lower his asking price. Best fit: Broncos
11. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB: He’s explosive, hard-nosed, fiery and even blocks well … provided his myriad injuries don’t keep him off the field. Best fit: Packers
12. James Harrison, OLB: He must be ruing his decision not to accept a pay cut from Pittsburgh. May as well sign in a place where he can try to stick it to the Steelers. Best fit: Browns
13. Brent Grimes, CB: He’s only six months removed from Achilles’ surgery, and his market might improve the healthier he gets. Still, he’s probably looking at a one-year, “prove-it” deal. Best fit: Dolphins
14. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR: He’s a burner and he’s young (26), two traits coaching can’t influence. If DHB can find a place to hone his skills, his next contract might be worth a lot more. Best fit: Lions
15. Brandon Lloyd, WR: His unique personality seems to have contributed greatly to his itinerant career. But he’s a productive player with amazing hands and body control. Best fit: Bengals
16. Bryant McKinnie, T: Capable left tackles don’t grow on trees. But McKinnie will be 34 this season and can forget about another lucrative pay day. He should probably hope for a one- or two-year offer and the opportunity to start immediately. Best fit: Chargers
17. Richard Seymour, DT: Good leader, good game, comfortable in any defensive alignment. At 33, he’d be a perfect rental for a team in the Super Bowl conversation … and he knows new New Orleans coordinator Rob Ryan from their days together with the Patriots. Best fit: Saints
18. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB: He was the belle of the free agent ball just two years ago but had a disastrous stint in Philadelphia. Was it declining skills? Square peg in a round hole? He’s worth another look and can now prioritize scheme fit since the money probably won’t be exceptional anywhere. Best fit: 49ers
19. David Akers, K: Was he subpar in 2012? Yes, but he was also hurt. And he’s only one year removed from a 2011 campaign which was about the best any kicker ever had. And don’t forget, when he’s right, he’s money in poor conditions. Best fit: Seahawks
20. Tommy Kelly, DT: He’s coming off a down season. But he’s reliable (hasn’t missed a game since 2007), serviceable against the run and normally one of the league’s better interior pass rushers (14½ sacks over the 2010 and 2011 seasons) … though he does take too many penalties. Best fit: Rams
21. Kevin Kolb, QB: His career is clearly at a crossroads. Should he try and find a place where he might get into the starting mix — Bills? Jaguars? Jets? Raiders? — but will probably have the deck stacked against him in a less-than-ideal situation, or go hold a clipboard for a winner? We’d choose the latter. Best fit: Saints
22. Dallas Clark, TE: Durability is always a concern, but Clark played all 16 games in 2012 for Tampa Bay, just the second time he’d managed to survive a full season in his 10-year career. His 47 catches marked his best production since 2009, and he can still be a valuable piece in a league that’s increasingly seeing double-tight sets. Best fit: Buccaneers
23. DeAngelo Hall, CB: He makes big plays … and gives them up, too. Best fit: Raiders
24. Quintin Mikell, S: Like Rhodes, he comes off an outstanding season but was a victim of his age (33 this season) and salary (he was due $6 million from St. Louis). Best fit: Jets
25. Mike Jenkins, CB: He recently turned 28 and has a Pro Bowl on his record. But Jenskins’ play has fallen off dramatically since his 2009 All-Star season, and so did his attitude in Dallas last year. He needs to rehab his play and his image, and Washington secondary coach Raheem Morris could be the man to turn Jenkins around. Best fit: Redskins
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Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis
NFL News and Notes: Which NFL free agents are un-signed? Our top 25 available players is a post from: PhatzRadio.com
