2013 NFL Unrestricted Free Agents

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 10, 2013

2013 NFL Unrestricted Free Agents

Joe Flacco

After leading his team to a Super Bowl victory and winning MVP honors, there's no way this unrestricted free agent hits the market. If anything he's more likely to be a Raven for life.

Reggie Bush

He may not have lived up to the high expectations, but on Sept.16, 2012 Reggie Bush showed fans the potential he still has to be a star running back. Tearing through the Raiders all game long, Bush finished the game with 172 rushing yards. His production declined later in the season, but teams will still be looking to sign the former USC star.

Steven Jackson

Already 29 and with nine seasons of wear and tear on him, Steven Jackson's age may scare off some potential suitors. On the field, it's hard to see too many signs of slowing as the St. Louis Rams running back amassed 1,363 yards from scrimmage on 295 touches this season.

Dwayne Bowe

The Chiefs may have had an awful season, but wide receiver Dwayne Bowe did not. Despite missing the final three games because of an injury, Bowe still caught for more than 800 receiving yards.

Brian Hartline

Heading into the 2012 season, Miami's lack of receiving options was a big concern. Despite missing practically the entire pre-season with an injury, Hartline had a breakout year, catching 74 balls for 1,083 yards. One concern: he had only one touchdown.

Greg Jennings

Immortalized as a Packer in a famous YouTube video game clip, Greg Jennings could be changing teams for the first time in his career this off-season. The seven-year veteran missed half the regular season because of an injury but still caught 36 passes in 2012.

Mike Wallace

Mike Wallace regressed this season from his huge numbers in 2010 and 2011, posting a career-low in yards per catch and 357 fewer receiving yards than he did last season. Regardless, he is due for a huge raise on his $2.7 million salary this season whether the Pittsburgh Steelers slap him with the franchise tag or not.

Wes Welker

It's hard to imagine wide receiver Wes Welker not wearing a Patriots uniform (even though he has also played for San Diego and Miami), but it could happen if New England does not once again give Welker the franchise tag.

Martellus Bennett

After just 17 receptions in 2011, tight end Martellus Bennett exploded for 55 catches and 626 yards this year, his first with the Giants. Bennett has said he wants to stay in New York, but he is still waiting to begin negotiations with the organization.

Tony Gonzalez

Yes, he's 36 years old. Still, tight end Tony Gonzalez was as consistent as ever in 2012, making 93 catches in the regular season and playing a key part in the Falcons' dynamic offense this year.

Heath Miller

Heath Miller picked a fantastic season to have a career year, setting personal-highs with 816 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Pittsburgh Steelers tight end, he picked a terrible time to tear his ACL with additional damage to his MCL and PCL in Week 16, which means he may not be ready for next season.

Branden Albert

New coach Andy Reid has a lot of decisions to make this off-season, including whether or not the Chiefs should re-sign offensive tackle Branden Albert. Albert, despite some back problems, has proven to be a solid member of the Kansas City offensive line.

Will Beatty

After starting just 16 games from 2009-11, offensive tackle Will Beatty excelled in protecting Eli Manning's blind side during the 2012 season, starting 15 games this year.

Ryan Clady

Peyton Manning's tough task of returning from neck surgery was made easier by the fact that he was protected by offensive tackle Ryan Clady. After his impressive season, the 26-year-old will be in high demand.

Jake Long

Not so long ago, Jake Long was the star of Miami's offensive line. Recent injuries have caused his play to slip, though, and whether or not the Dolphins will sign Long to another big contract remains in doubt.

Andre Smith

The No. 6 pick in 2009, Andre Smith has proven himself to be an asset at offensive tackle for the Bengals. Whether Cincinnati can convince him to stay remains to be seen.

Sebastian Vollmer

Offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer has spent four years protecting the right side of the Patriots' line but could be on the move this off-season. If so, he will no longer be receiving any of the extravagant gifts Tom Brady is known to give to his linemen.

Andy Levitre

Offensive guard Andy Levitre has become such a mainstay with the Buffalo Bills that he has not missed a snap since 2010. Still, he could become an unrestricted free agent in March.

Cliff Avril

Lions defensive end Cliff Avril recorded a team-leading 9.5 sacks this season, as well as two forced fumbles and four stuffs.

Michael Bennett

In his fourth year in the NFL, defensive end Michael Bennett more than doubled his previous career-high sack total with nine. The Bucs signed Bennett to a one-year deal last off-season, but if Tampa Bay wants to keep him general manager Mark Dominik will have to offer Bennett a long-term deal.

Henry Melton

After a trash-talking feud between Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton and and Lions center Dominic Raiola, Raiola said he didn't even know who Melton was. The same can't be said for NFL GMs, who should be in hot pursuit for the Texas native.

Richard Seymour

Richard Seymour only appeared in eight games for the Oakland Raiders this season due to a hamstring injury. With the Raiders' eyes toward the future, the 33-year-old defensive tackle likely won't return to the Silver and Black.

Randy Starks

The Miami Dolphins finished seventh in the NFL this year in yards per carry allowed in their first year switching to a 4-3 defense, and defensive tackle Randy Starks was a big reason for that. The Dolphins have plenty of money under the cap to spend this offseason, possibly driving up the price for Starks.

Anthony Spencer

The Dallas Cowboys linebacker had the best year of his six-year NFL career this season, recording 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and 95 tackles. Teams will have to weigh whether Anthony Spencer can continue that level of production when making their contract offers.

Philip Wheeler

The Oakland defense may have struggled all year long, but linebacker Philip Wheeler should not be blamed for that. In 2012 Wheeler had 109 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles -- all career-highs.

Brent Grimes

An injury to Brent Grimes' Achilles tendon wiped out all but one game from the Atlanta Falcons cornerback's 2012 season. The injury will certainly be a question mark for any team considering offering Grimes a long-term contract, but 12 interceptions over his past 39 games makes for a nice rebuttal.

Chris Houston

The Detroit Lions cornerback may not have repeated the highlight reel interceptions returns of his 2011 season, but four total forced turnovers this season should still make Chris Houston a top commodity.

Jairus Byrd

Buffalo's Jairus Byrd was one of the best safeties in the NFL this season. Expect Byrd to be rewarded for his five interceptions and four forced fumbles with a pay increase.

Dashon Goldson

The San Francisco 49ers may have allowed nearly three more points per game this season, but that can't be blamed on safety Dashon Goldson, who will be returning to his second consecutive Pro Bowl this season. Disappointed that the 49ers didn't offer him a long-term deal last offseason, Goldson may get the security he wants this time.

Ed Reed

The age questions will be there -- Ed Reed is 34 -- but the veteran Baltimore Ravens strong safety hasn't missed a game since 2010 and had four interceptions and three fumble recoveries this season. Reed has never played for any team other than the Ravens in his career.

2013 NFL Unrestricted Free Agents