One of the biggest dates of the NFL offseason is almost here, as the free agent signing and trade period begins next week on March 12.
Teams all around the NFL will try to find depth, bargains and game-changers on the market and there are a number of top players out there at various positions, including at wide receiver, as Wes Welker, Mike Wallace and Greg Jennings are all available, while Victor Cruz is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
There are a number of positions out there with even more depth than receiver, including cornerback and on the offensive line, where players like Jake Long, Sam Baker and Evan Dietrich-Smith are also available. The defensive back class includes names like Charles Woodson, Brent Grimes and Ed Reed.
Here is a look at some of the top players at the position that are on the market for NFL teams. Sports World Report also looked at the TOP PLAYERS at each position, the top RUNNING BACKS, top LINEMEN, top QUARTERBACKS, topCORNERBACKS, top SAFETIES and the top WIDE RECEIVERS.
Here is a team made up of all free agents at various positions, basically a dream team of players that are available if money was no object.
Quarterback: Matt Moore
Moore was solid when he had his chance with the Miami Dolphins and although he has had limited chances to start during his career, he has proven to a durable and manageable quarterback. Teams looking for spot starts or stop gaps for one year could come calling for Moore. Moore has been in the league for six years and although he has never truly caught on as a starting quarterback, he was solid for the Dolphins in 2011, starting 12 games while throwing for 2,497 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 61 percent of his passes. He had a chance to start this year in Miami, but was beat out by Ryan Tannehill. He could go back to Miami or move on to another team where he likely will be a backup again.
Running Backs: Steven Jackson and Reggie Bush
Jackson has been a workhorse for the Rams since coming into the league, playing in at least 14 games in seven of his nine years with the team Jackson is about to hit the 30-year-old mark, which usually is a sign of breaking down for running backs. He has a player option, but with Jeff Fisher using Daryl Richardson for long stretches during the second half of the year, both sides will be looking for a change. Jackson has been overworked, amassing 2,395 carries during his career, including eight straight seasons with at least 237 carries.
Bush has proven to be successful in Miami and had a nice little renaissance that showed he can be a feature running back. But after taking 227 carries this season and a bunch over the past few years, Bush may have put too much mileage on his legs as he gets older. The speedster was a good soldier in Miami and he had his first 1,000 rushing season in 2011. A team looking to make a splash is likely to sign him and his explosiveness is valuable out of the backfield catching passes as well. Possibilities include the Jets, Chiefs, Chargers and Jaguars.
Wide Receiver: Victor Cruz, Wes Welker and Mike Wallace
Cruz is a restricted free agent so it is likely that he won't be going anywhere, but after the cuts to Ahmad Bradshaw and Chris Canty, there is a chance he might be worried. On the flipside, those cuts could mean they are freeing up money to re-sign him after posting back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. Cruz is a star in the league but he might have to deal with playing on a one year deal for now until the team signs Hakeem Nicks long term. During 2012 he had 86 receptions in 2012, for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns and proved to be one of the most explosive players in the league. Eli Manning has shown he is his favorite target and since he has a first round tender attached to him for any team that signs him, he will likely be staying in New York for a long time.
Welker has been Tom Brady's favorite target for years, but the team likely won't pay him as much as he wants. This season was one of his best after making 118 receptions for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns. But his crucial drops in last year's Super Bowl and this year's championship game night make him expendable. Last season they put the franchise tag on him and there's a chance his time in New England is done. Possible options include the Jets, Chargers and Seahawks.
Wallace held out before the season and he suffered a bit, making 64 passes for 836 yards and eight touchdowns. He is one of the fastest players in the league and even though he had the lowest production since his rookie year, he will command a high price in free agency. Could go to the Chiefs, Saints, Bears or Vikings.
Offensive Line: Sam Baker and Jake Long
The Falcons made it to the NFC Championship game this season and one of the main reasons was because of the play of the offensive line throughout the season. The team had issues running the ball with Michael Turner for most of the year but they gave Matt Ryan tons of time to work with receivers like Julio Jones and Roddy White. Baker has dealt with back issues over the past few years, but he was fully healthy last season, starting all 16 games and allowing just 3.5 sacks, his best performance since his rookie year.
As a former number one-overall draft pick, Smith is one of the most interesting free agents out there. The Dolphins invested a ton of money in the left tackle when he was drafted and according to NFL.com, he is looking to stay compensated, asking for about $10 million to stay with the team. He was one of the top left tackles in the NFL over the past few years, but he has been steadily declining as he gets older and he has also been dealing with injuries. Two seasons ago he was an All-Pro, but based on the injuries and his age the Dolphins may let him go. Many teams likely would go after him, including the Raiders, Vikings, Patriots, Panthers and Jaguars.
