Best Available Free Agents

With free agency "frenzy" long gone, the focus has shifted towards the upcoming NFL Draft, but there are still some bargain free agents on the market that could provide quality depth and a few that have starter-quality talent. Here are the best available free agents.
Last updated: April 28, 2014 12:20 PM

Travelle Wharton, G- The best available guard remains unsigned. Maybe it's because he wants too much money, but that's purely speculation on my part. However when teams are signing less talented players at the same position, it usually has something to do with money.
James Anderson, OLB- Anderson had a bounce-back season with Chicago, which is why it's head-scratching to think he hasn't been signed. Cincinnati, Carolina, and Dallas could certainly use his services.
Erin Henderson, MLB- Off-field incidents have hurt Henderson and it's safe to say that's why he remains unsigned. He could be a starting middle linebacker in this league but he needs to clean up his act. I can see a team like Denver signing him to a one-year, "prove yourself," type of deal.
Jermichael Finley, TE- If it weren't for Finley's medical status, he would have been signed by now. The scary neck injury he suffered is still a problem since he hasn't been medically cleared. If/when he is cleared, it looks like the Seahawks are the team he'll land with.
Terrell Thomas, CB- Thomas has torn his ACL twice, so it makes sense that teams aren't rushing to sign the seventh year corner. But you can never have too many cornerbacks and Thomas is a reliable, solid all-around player.
Steve Gregory, S- Gregory played fairly well during his time in New England but he missed far too many tackles. He's a solid player who'll provide good depth and can start if needed.
Miles Austin, WR- He turns 30 years old in June and can't seem to stay on the field. Still, he was once one of the more explosive wideouts in the league and I'm surprised he hasn't signed yet. I'm sure once the draft is completed he'll sign somewhere, likely a one year deal.
Kevin Williams, DT- He'll be 34-years old by the time the regular season begins and his days as a starting defensive lineman are certainly behind him, but he still has the skill to be an effective player in a defensive line rotation.
Quintin Mikell, SS- Mikell played well in Carolina last season and was the veteran leader of a young secondary. Not strong in coverage, Mikell is more of an in-the-box safety and is an effective blitzer. He'll definitely be playing next season. Chicago, Arizona, and Minnesota are a few potential fits.
Will Smith, DE- Smith's season ended early in 2013 after he suffered a knee injury, and the veteran is looking for a new home. Like his fellow veteran players, Smith would be most effective in a situational role. He's visited the Patriots, a team in need of pass-rushing depth. Smith spent his first 10 seasons with the Saints.
Pat Angerer, MLB- Injuries plagued his years in Indianapolis but he's a high motor, heavy hitting middle linebacker when he's on the field.
Kerry Rhodes, FS- After not playing in the NFL in 2013 due to what Rhodes has stated were contract issues, although much of the public believed teams weren't willing to sign the safety due to allegations that he's a homosexual (which Rhodes has denied), if he's kept himself in shape, he should receive some offers this offseason. Maybe after a year away from the game he'll accept less money. In 2012 he recorded 58 tackles/4 interceptions/2 forced fumbles.
Davin Joseph, G- Joseph is entering his ninth year in the league and has been to two Pro Bowls. He started all 16 games last season for the Buccaneers. There are several teams that could use help at guard; Kansas City, Miami, and St. Louis to name a few. He'll get signed after the draft.
James Harrison, OLB- His one season in Cincinnati was disappointing as he struggled to adjust to a new defensive scheme. But the soon to be 36-year old linebacker is still a ferocious hitter and intimidating presence and can be an effective situational pass-rusher. Some reports say their is mutual interest between he and his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Santonio Holmes, WR- Holmes' last two seasons as a member of the Jets were simply horrific. He struggled with injuries and was a poor locker room guy. And last year he just looked old and slow. He's only 30 but how much does the guy have left in the tank?
Michael Bush, RB- During his time in Chicago, Bush looked like a big back who lacks speed and burst. He wasn't the complement to Matt Forte the Bears thought they were getting when they signed him in 2012. The only team to have any reported interest in the seven year veteran is the Patriots. Which makes perfect sense considering they let their power back walk in free agency.
Dustin Keller, TE- As long as he's on par with his recovery process (suffered a gruesome knee injury last season), he'll be playing on a one-year deal next season. The Patriots have expressed interest in the tight end.
Mike Adams- He started seven games for Denver last season, but the addition of T.J. Ward meant Adams certainly wouldn't be re-signed. Like the other veteran safeties on this list, Adams would be best in a rotational role but he's proved he can start if needed.
Nick Collins- He hasn't played a game in the NFL since he suffered a severe neck in injury in Week 2 of the 2011 season, but there were reports a couple months ago that said the 3-time Pro Bowler was hinting at a comeback. He was one of the best safeties in the league prior to his injury and I'm interested to see if he does make a comeback.

*Stats courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com