NFL: Top 15 Offensive Free Agents

With free agency just around the corner I wanted to profile the top 50 offensive free agents on the open market. I won’t include any of the restricted free agents or franchise guys, just so we can have more realistic options out there.

1. Doug Free-LT  looking for $8-10 million a year over 6+ years

Free has been a bit of a late bloomer, but since becoming a full time starter he has been one of the best tackles in the league. He is still quite young and has no major injury history, which puts him at the top of this list.

2. Willie Colon- RT looking for $7-8 million a year for 5-6 years

Colon was one of the best RT’s in the league before missing all of last season with an Achilles injury. If he checks out as healthy though he is an elite addition to any line. Still under 30, he should have one more long term deal in him, where he can perform at a high level.

3. Tyson Clabo- RT looking for $8-9 million a year for 5 years

Clabo has quietly become one of the better right tackles in the league and even went to the Pro Bowl this past season. He’s a bit older which is why he is third on this list, but he doesn’t have any major injury history and should still be good for the next 4-5 years.

4. Marshal Yanda- G/T looking for $6-7 million a year for 6+ years

Yanda is probably the best lineman that you have never heard of. He is overshadowed in Baltimore, but that is a mistake because he is arguably their best offensive lineman. He doesn’t have much in the way of an injury history and has proven himself both at guard and tackle. Still young he should command a nice contract.

5. Santonio Holmes– WR looking for $8-10 million a year for 6 years

Holmes is a former Super Bowl MVP and 1st round pick, rebuilt his reputation in New York after taking a hit for the way he left Pittsburgh. He is a top flight receiver and can stretch the field with anyone in this league. He will get a big contract going forward and should be a good addition.

6. Braylon Edwards- WR looking for $7 million a year for 5-6 years

Edwards doesn’t get as much recognition, but I really believe he is starting to come into his own. He has been plagued by awful QB play, which has kept his numbers down, but I think he is a top flight receiver. His size is a huge advantage and will make him a dangerous red zone threat.

7, Zach Miller– TE looking for $5-6 million a year for 6 years

Miller is the best TE on the market and at 25 should have his fair share of suitors. I don’t think he is going to get elite money, but he should come close. He is more suited for teams who will use him as a pass catcher, but he isn’t horrible as a blocker.

8. Sidney Rice- WR looking for $8-10 million a year for 6 years

Rice based on two seasons ago looks like a great option, but his injury and limited performance are a bit worrisome. He’s really been just a one-hit wonder at this point, and while the size, age and speed are enticing I worry that teams will over pay.

9. DeAngelo Williams– RB looking for $7 million a year for 6 years

RB’s are dangerous to invest in, but Williams should still get his pay day. He is young, with few injury concerns. He has exceptional speed and game breaking ability and should be good for 1,300-1,500 yards for the next 4 years at least.

10. Jared Gaither- T looking for $7 million a year for 6 years

Gaither missed all of last season with a back injury, but prior to that he was one of the premier young tackles in this league. If he checks out medically he could be a steal for some team.

11. Malcolm Floyd– WR looking for $6 million+ a year for 5-6 years

Floyd has played Vincent Jackson’s understudy for some time now, but he looks ready for the big show. He’s got exceptional size and strength and good speed. He might never be a true number 1, but he can be a very good number 2. There is some concern about how he will do without Rivers and company, but I think he will be fine.

12. Harvey Dahl- G looking for $5-6 million for 5 years

Dahl is a very sure and capable blocker for the Falcons, and is pretty balanced between run and pass blocking. He is 30, so that will limit his market somewhat, but he is a good fit for the next couple of years.

13. Lyle Sendlein- C looking for $5 million for 6 years

Sendlein has developed into the Cards best lineman, and is a quality center. He might never be an All-Pro, but he will be a good linemen for the length of his contract. He has zero injury history and is a great addition for whomever signs him.

14. Ahmad Bradshaw– RB looking for $5 million for 6 years

Bradshaw gets underrated in some circles given the Giants quality offensive line, but he is a very good player. He is still young enough and fresh enough that he should be fine for the next 4 years and really boost some team’s running game.

15. Damien Woody- RT Looking for $4-5 million for 2-3 years

Woody when healthy can still be a dominate lineman, and should still find quite a few suitors this offseason. He is getting up their in age and has had some injury issues so I wouldn’t expect a huge price tag, but he can still be very effective going forward.