The Baltimore Ravens made a huge splash in free agency Sunday by signing Elvis Dumervil, while the New England Patriots made their own news with the re-signing of Sebastian Vollmer. Two more top names to cross off the list.
NFL free agent list: Andre Smith, Brent Grimes among best available
The list of top free agents is narrowing down as we approach April. Who’s the best available on the market at this point?
David Kohl-US PRESSWIRE
There are still plenty of impact free agents lingering around the market now, but we’re seeing the group slowly diminish. Dumervil was the best available prior to his signing in Baltimore. Who does that put in the No. 1 spot? Here are the top free agents left:
1) Andre Smith, OT
Smith is easily the top remaining free agent with Dumervil and Vollmer off the market. While some expect Vollmer’s signing to accelerate Smith’s negotiations with the Bengals, we haven’t heard much from either side lately. Cincinnati simply continues to say the right tackle is a top priority.
2) Brent Grimes, CB
The Browns signed Chris Owens last week, but Grimes remains on their radar. Coming off an Achilles tear, teams are wary of handing him a long-term deal after he missed 15 games in 2012. If healthy, though, he’s one of the best in the league.
3) Nnamdi Asomugha, CB
It’s a tough year to be a cornerback looking to cash in on free agency. There’s a glut in the market, and more and more teams are finding draft picks capable of assuming a starting role. It’s said to be between the Saints and 49ers for Asomugha. The real question is whether he can play more like the corner that dominated opposing receivers with the Raiders or the one who flopped in Philadelphia.
4) Antoine Winfield, CB
Winfield will be 36 this summer, so his career is approaching its end. However, it’s clear he can still make an impact for any team he signs with in 2013. Pro Football Focus rated him as the No. 1 corner overall last season. The Vikings are still interested in bringing him back.
5) Osi Umenyiora, DE
All signs point toward Atlanta, but nothing is official just yet. He wants to sign with the Falcons. The Falcons need a pass rusher or two. It makes sense. A deal may be done today.
6) John Abraham, DE
The Patriots and Broncos have been named as the front-runners for Abraham’s services. Despite visiting with both teams, though, there’s no deal in place with either.
7) Dwight Freeney, DE
Denver is reportedly targeting Freeney to replace Dumervil. Abraham was in the mix, but the former Colt is the favorite right now.
8) Eric Winston, OT
Winston visited the Dolphins last week, and reports from earlier in free agency indicated a mutual interest between the two sides. If Winston signs in Miami, Jonathan Martin can slide to left tackle to replace Jake Long.
9) James Harrison, LB
Peter King said Harrison was the “coldest name” at the league meetings in Phoenix. Harrison is still a productive asset for a linebacking corps. He just wasn’t worth the $10 million he was owed by the Steelers.
10) Karlos Dansby, LB
Dansby’s rumor mill is quiet these days. He was released by the Dolphins earlier this month to clear cap space and make room for Dannell Ellerbe. At 32, Dansby won’t receive another huge deal, but he is still one of the better inside linebackers in the league.
11) Brandon Moore, OG
Moore’s age, like Dansby’s, prevents teams from investing in him long term. The 33-year-old offensive guard is at the top of his position in the NFL. He visited Miami last week, but he’s still on the hunt for a new contract.
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