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On the market

By Greg A. Bedard
March 13, 2012
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The Globe’s Greg A. Bedard takes a look at some of the top free agents available. Teams can begin signing players Tuesday at 4 p.m. Players are listed with age, height, and weight.

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Peyton Manning, Colts, 35, 6-5, 230 He’ll turn 36 this month. If he’s healthy, a team is getting a Hall of Famer with four good years left. That never happens.

Alex Smith, 49ers, 27, 6-4, 217 On his way back to San Francisco, where he revived his career under coach Jim Harbaugh.

Matt Flynn, Packers, 26, 6-2, 225 Impressive in two career starts, but so was Kevin Kolb, and Kolb’s current team, the Cardinals, are going after Manning.

Kyle Orton, Chiefs, 29, 6-4, 225 Has won consistently, he just won’t wow you.

Chad Henne, Dolphins, 26, 6-3, 230 Showed a lot of improvement before being placed on injured reserved.

RUNNING BACK

Cedric Benson, Bengals, 29, 5-11, 227

Since being a bust in Chicago, picked up a lot of miles in Cincinnati behind a poor line.

Peyton Hillis, Browns, 26, 6-2, 250

Had a breakout 2010 season before injuries and possible attitude and contract problems hit.

Michael Bush, Raiders, 27, 6-1, 245

Didn’t look like a No. 1 back last season, but still has speed to be good change of pace.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, 26, Patriots, 5-11, 215 Solid, dependable and has never fumbled, but not elusive.

Mike Tolbert, Chargers, 26, 5-9, 243, Can play halfback and fullback, but has had problems with drops and fumbles.

RECEIVER

Vincent Jackson, Chargers, 29, 6-5, 230 Terrific size and speed combination that is tough to defend.

*Mike Wallace, Steelers, 25, 6-0, 199 Tendered by Steelers Monday. Terrific speed makes him one of the game’s top deep threats. Is he ready to be a No. 1?

Marques Colston, Saints, 28, 6-4, 225 Some think he’s a product of the Saints’ system, and two knee surgeries is a worry.

Josh Morgan, 49ers, 26, 6-1, 215 NFL people know he is one of the most underrated players. About to take next step.

Reggie Wayne, Colts, 33, 6-0, 198 Doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s still an elite player because of smarts.

TIGHT END

Joel Dreessen, Texans, 29, 6-4, 245 Caught six touchdown passes in a contract year. Solid all-round but will be 30 in July.

Martellus Bennett, 25, Cowboys, 6-6, 270 A phenomenal athlete who has had focus and maturity issues.

John Carlson, Seahawks, 27, 6-5, 251 An underrated athlete who is coming off shoulder surgery.

Jacob Tamme, Colts, 26, 6-3, 236 Had 67 receptions when Peyton Manning was healthy in 2010. Turns 27 Thursday.

Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings, 31, 6-4, 250 When healthy, has been a solid player but he’ll be 32 in June.

TACKLE

Jared Gaither, Chargers, 25, 6-9, 340 The talent has never been questioned, but his attitude has. When he’s right, he’s really good. He’ll be 26 this month.

Eric Winston, Texans, 28, 6-7, 302 Puzzling that Houston released one of the league’s top right tackles.

Demetrius Bell, Bills, 27, 6-5, 311 Was having a terrific season before injuries took toll last season.

Anthony Collins, Bengals, 26, 6-5, 315 An up-and-coming pass blocker who simply doesn’t have a spot with Bengals.

Jeff Backus, Lions, 34, 6-5, 305 Dependable veteran could find a home when injuries strike in training camp.

Kareem McKenzie, Giants, 32, 6-6, 330 Helped the Giants to two Super Bowls.

GUARD, CENTER

Carl Nicks, Saints, 26, 6-5, 343 One of the league’s top guards, should have plenty of suitors.

Chris Myers, Texans, 30, 6-4, 289 Had a terrific season as the focal point of Houston’s terrific running game.

Scott Wells, Packers, 31, 6-2, 300 Rugged veteran who has consistently improved. A little small, but plays with a nasty edge.

Evan Mathis, Eagles, 30, 6-5, 302 Finally given a chance to start last season and he delivered.

Ben Grubbs, Ravens, 28, 6-3, 310 Former first-round pick has not dominated like he was supposed to, but solid.

DEFENSE

TACKLE

Red Bryant, Seahawks, 27, 6-4, 323 A really good player that doesn’t get much press. Can also play end.

Jason Jones, Titans, 25, 6-5, 276 Has had durability issues and he has to be in a one-gap system.

Paul Soliai, Dolphins, 28, 6-4, 355 Nose tackle went to the Pro Bowl and is a rugged run stuffer.

Brodrick Bunkley, Broncos, 28, 6-2, 306 Terrific against the run but didn’t play against the pass for Denver.

Antonio Garay, Chargers, 32, 6-4, 320 Boston College product manned the nose well in spurts, and played well against Patriots.

END

Mario Williams, Texans, 27, 6-6, 283 Former top overall pick is a great athlete that can stand up; he isn’t Julius Peppers.

John Abraham, Falcons, 33, 6-4, 263 Age is definitely a factor, but he still one of the top situational pass rushers.

Jeremy Mincey, Jaguars, 28, 6-3, 270 Former Patriots’ sixth-round pick has battled injuries but 13 sacks past two seasons should land him a big contract.

Andre Carter, Patriots, 32, 6-4, 255 Was terrific against run and pass last season. Age, leg surgery might cause teams to tread lightly.

Mark Anderson, Patriots, 28, 6-4, 255 Revived career with 10 sacks in a part-time role. Probably looking to cash in while getting is good.

INSIDE LINEBACKER

Stephen Tulloch, Lions, 27, 5-11, 240 Small but active against run and pass. Teams that are playing 4-3 will come running.

David Hawthorne, Seahawks, 26, 6-0, 246 Didn’t quite match his 2010 season. Has played inside and outside.

Curtis Lofton, Falcons, 25, 6-0, 241 Liability against the pass, which is why Atlanta is letting a good player test the market.

London Fletcher, Redskins, 36, 5-10, 245 At some point he’s going to play his age, but hasn’t yet, starting 16 games for 11 straight seasons.

Jameel McClain, Ravens, 26, 6-1, 245 Was a decent player trying to make a name in Ray Lewis’s shadow.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Jarret Johnson, Ravens, 30, 6-3, 260 One of best strong-side backers against run and can also cover. Zero pass rush.

Erin Henderson, Vikings, 25, 6-3, 244 Minnesota is trying to sign this solid player so he doesn’t hit the market.

Leroy Hill, Seahawks, 29, 6-1, 238 Plays a lot of snaps because he is a plus run defender and solid against the pass.

Manny Lawson, Bengals, 27, 6-5, 240 Has played outside in 3-4 and 4-3 schemes in his career, and can also play with hand down.

Wesley Woodyard, Broncos, 25, 6-0, 229 Special teams and coverage standout who isn’t big enough to play every down.

CORNERBACK

Cortland Finnegan, Titans, 28, 5-10, 188 Tough, physical, can make plays from the nickel, slot position.

*Lardarius Webb, Ravens, 26, 5-10, 182 Has terrific upside, the type of talent that could garner an offer sheet.

Brandon Carr, Chiefs, 25, 6-0, 207 Puzzling why a team with such cap room would let a talented player test the market.

Carlos Rogers, 49ers, 30, 6-0, 192 Finally delivered on his talent last season. Can he do it elsewhere?

Aaron Ross, Giants, 29, 6-0, 190 Former first-round pick improved last season but is still inconsistent.

SAFETY

LaRon Landry, Redskins, 27, 6-0, 220 Former sixth overall pick limited to 17 games past two seasons with injuries.

Reggie Nelson, Bengals, 28, 5-11, 206 Never know what you’re going to get from Jaguars’ former first-round pick. A weak group.

Dwight Lowery, Jaguars, 26, 5-11, 198 Former Jet played well for Jacksonville through injuries.

Brodney Pool, Jets, 27, 6-2, 214 Functioned as third safety for Rex Ryan but could be a starter elsewhere.

Abram Elam, Cowboys, 30, 6-0, 212 Started all 16 games for the Cowboys and was solid yet unspectacular.

* Restricted free agent in which draft pick compensation is required.

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