Now that the first few waves of free agency have come and gone and the NFL Draft is officially in the books, we’ve entered a bit of a lull for veterans still looking for a new home.  Right now, NFL teams are more concerns with locking up their draft picks, signing undrafted free agents and conducting rookie minicamps.  Come June, we will likely see the action pick up once again as teams will scramble to add some veteran talent and depth to their roster during the summer.  When that happens, NFL teams will have a plethora of capable free agents to choose from.  Here are 10 such guys who could be an upgrade or fill a serious need for a number of teams headed into the 2013 season.


1. Victor Cruz - Wide Receiver

Cruz is the only restricted free agent on this list.  While it was more likely that a team would trade for his services before the draft, there’s still a chance that someone pulls the trigger to land a seriously talented receiver.  My guess is that the window for trading Cruz has now passed and the Giants will have to ante up some serious cash before the season starts. Note: Deadline has passed for a team to sign Cruz to a tender. 
Best Fit: New York Giants

2. Karlos Dansby - Linebacker

Dansby had the most productive year of his career in 2012 and was the 13th ranked linebacker according to Pro Football Focus.  The Dolphins cut Dansby to clear cap space when they signed Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler earlier in the offseason.  Dansby is a sturdy and dependable player that still has a ton of bring to the table.  He’ll be a great signing for any team in need of a talented middle linebacker. 
Best Fits: Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens

3. Tyson Clabo - Offensive Tackle

Clabo finished 2012 ranked as the 14th best tackle in the league according to Pro Football Focus, which is an impressive feat given that only six of the top 20 were right tackles.  He’s strong against pass rush and an effective run blocker.  Clabo could even play left tackle in a pinch if need be.  I’m surprised he’s still on the market and shouldn’t last very long. 
Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins

4. Dwight Freeney - Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

Yes Freeney is getting up there in age and isn’t the same player he once was, but he still has a lot in the tank and would make a great situational pass rusher for a team in need.  He’d be the perfect short-term replacement for Elvis Dumervil in Denver. 
Best Fit: Denver Broncos and New England Patriots

5. Eric Winston - Offensive Tackle

Winston is another talented right tackle that could play left tackle if need be.  He finished 2012 as the 26th best tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, with an 8.0 rating for pass blocking and 7.2 for run blocking. 
Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins

6. Charles Woodson - Safety

Woodson is one of the smartest, talented and versatile defensive backs to ever play the game.  Despite his advanced age and recent injury problems, he still has a lot in the tank.  If he can remain healthy, he still has the blitzing and ball-hawking ability to make a difference for a contender.  He’s also a great community guy and leader for the younger players. 
Best Fit: San Francisco 49ers

7. John Abraham - Defensive End

Abraham, like Freeney, is definitely over the hill, but can still contribute as a rotational pass rusher - likely for a contender.  If Abraham goes to the right situation, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that he could finish the season with double-digit sack numbers once again. 
Best Fit: New England Patriots and Denver Broncos

8. Richard Seymour - Defensive Tackle

Despite being 33-years-old, Seymour is still a monster in the middle and is a proven producer.  He’ll likely be looking to go to a contender or retire if he can’t find a contract and situation that best fits his needs. 
Best Fits: Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons

9. Ahmad Bradshaw - Running Back

When healthy, Bradshaw is a talented and effective running back.  Constant injury concerns mean his days as a featured back are now over, but he could still make a huge impact as part of a committee with another talented running back or two. 
Best Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts

10. Brandon Lloyd - Wide Receiver

There’s no arguing that there is talent and potential here, but after year’s of locker room problems and a number of teams; Lloyd might be running out of options.  If New England is willing to take him back, that is by far the best situation he could find himself him.  I don’t know many other teams that are going to want him at this point.  Plus, he’s proven to work well with Josh McDaniels in the past. 
Best Fit: New England Patriots