Looking at a list of the available free agents, here’s my pick of the best available at each position. The criteria I’m looking for: youngish, and not injured.
Exclusive rights free agents are exempt from the list.
QB
Matt Cassel – The 32-year old still has enough left in the tank to be a capable veteran starter, and I think a team looking at taking a quarterback in the draft would be well supplied with Cassel leading the team for a year or two. Next best: Josh McCown.
RB
Knowshon Moreno – A former first-round pick replaced by Montee Ball, Moreno is only 27 and has plenty left in the tank. I think Moreno would be best utilised as the top back in a committee (i.e. not a full workload, but a lion’s share). Next best: Maurice Jones-Drew/Joique Bell
FB
John Kuhn – I’d expect Kuhn to re-sign in Green Bay with a hometown discount, but if not he could land at any number of teams around the NFL. He’s reliable as a receiver, blocker or goal-line runner. Next best: Greg Jones
TE
Jimmy Graham – This is an obvious selection, as Graham is one of the top five best tight ends in the league, and there’s almost no chance he ends up anywhere but New Orleans. You never know though, some team might be willing to give up the picks for a guaranteed playmaker. Next best: Dennis Pitta
WR
Eric Decker – He’s a fourth option in Denver, and on any other team he’d be top two. It’s likely Decker will move on, and I think he’ll be the jewel of the free agent receiver class. Next best: Julian Edelman/Doug Baldwin/Riley Cooper
OT
Eugene Monroe – Baltimore didn’t have a spectacular year running the ball, but it wasn’t Monroe’s fault. He’s 27 and looking for a big deal, teams in the market to shore up their line will give it to him. Next best: Zach Strief
OG
Geoff Schwartz – For guards, if you haven’t heard their name, that’s usually a good sign. Schwartz didn’t play a full season, but was solid when he played, and is only 28. Next best: Travelle Wharton
C
Alex Mack – This guy has been a stalwart on the Brown’s line for the past few seasons, and has always played well. I can imagine a team like the Patriots wanting him to upgrade their interior line. Next best: Evan Dietrich-Smith
DT
Randy Starks – Starks was the middle of an underrated Dolphins line, adding four sacks during the season and a forced fumble. Unlikely to get big money, but is definitely more than just a role player. Next best: Jason Hatcher
DE
Greg Hardy – The Kraken had a breakout season for the Panthers, and was a big reason for their defensive success. He’s only 26 and will draw big money, in Carolina or elsewhere. Next best: Michael Johnson
LB
Brandon Spikes – He’s a prototypical two-down, run-stuffing linebacker with the looks and attitude to go with it. His run blitzes probably keep guards awake the night before a game. Next best: Karlos Dansby
CB
Alterraun Verner – One-half of a tremendous tandem in Tennessee, Verner made the Pro Bowl for the first time, and put in a big performance in his contract season. He’s only 25, and an attractive option for every team in the secondary market. Next best: Aqib Talib
S
T.J. Ward – He made headlines for taking Gronk out this season, but Ward played very solidly on the backend of Cleveland’s defence. Ward made the Pro Bowl and is likely going to make a big money deal. Next best: Jairus Byrd/Stevie Brown
K
Graham Gano – One of the youngest kickers on the free agent market this year, Gano had a great season for the Panthers and will be looking for a contract that pays him $2-$3 million a season. Next best: Steven Hauschka
That is the list done, but there are a few remaining questions:
Who will attract the biggest contract? Greg Hardy
Which position is strongest? Cornerback
Which position is weakest? Quarterback
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