NFL free agent list: Elvis Dumervil, Andre Smith among best available players

NFL free agency is slowing down, but there are several top-tied players waiting to land a new contract for 2013. Who's the best available at this point?

By Alex Welch Mar 18, 2013, 9:32am EDT

NFL teams were handing out contracts like there was no tomorrow once free agency officially kicked off last week. Now that the elite names are out of the picture, the signing frenzy has subsided. But, there are still plenty of starters out there waiting to land a new contract.

Elvis Dumervil moved to the top of everyone's board upon his release from the Broncos. He fired his agent, and is now looking for another home after he reportedly agreed to take a pay cut with Denver. Don't worry, Elvis, you won't be jobless for long

With several signings over the weekend, let's take a look at the best players left on the free agent market.

1) Elvis Dumervil, DE

After the contract debacle in Denver this past Friday, Dumervil became the top free agent on the market. He just turned 29 in January and is coming off an 11-sack season. Not only is his production impressive, his scheme versatility will bring in several suitors around the league. Dumervil recorded a career-high 17 sacks under Mike Nolan's 3-4 system in 2009.

2) Andre Smith, OT

Smith is coming off his best season in the NFL, but the market isn't exactly clamoring for his services. The 26-year-old has dealt with weight issues during his career, which could be keeping other teams at bay. Right tackles aren't as coveted as well. The Bengals want him back, and we can expect a re-signing to happen with little interest coming elsewhere.

3) Sebastian Vollmer, OT

Vollmer underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee in February. Given reports of him dealing with back pain as well, the Patriots may be wary about handing him a huge deal with injury concerns lingering. That seems to be the only reasonable explanation. Vollmer put in another impressive campaign even while ailing in 2012.

4) Brent Grimes, CB

Another victim of injury concerns, Grimes missed the majority of 2012 with a torn Achilles. The younger cornerbacks received more interest initially, but Grimes is now the best remaining corner. A short-term deal would make sense as he continues to rehab. The Falcons are still looking to keep him around.

5) Antoine Winfield, CB

The Vikings surprised everyone by releasing Winfield last week. He's a 36-year-old veteran drawing closer to the end of his career, but let's keep in mind he was rated as the top corner in 2012 by Pro Football Focus. Now we're seeing reports saying Minnesota wants him back. Winfield won't receive a long-term deal, so he might as well try to win with the time he has left. Signing with a contender seems likely.

6) Ed Reed, S

Reed spent a couple days with the Texans, but left Houston without signing a contract. The Ravens are still in the mix, so it's presumably coming down to these two teams vying for his services. Reed provides a veteran leader in the locker room and a hard-hitter on the field. His coverage skills won't blow anyone away these days.

7) Brandon Moore, OG

Pro Football Focus rated Moore as the fourth-best offensive guard in 2012, third among right guards. He'll turn 33 in June, but he's reliable starter without an expensive price tag. Moore can be plugged in right away for all 16 games.

8) Osi Umenyiora, DE

Umenyiora is younger than Freeney, so gets the nod ahead of him for now. His production is in decline, but he will still improve any team's pass rush. Umenyiora recorded six sacks in 2012. His value takes a hit with Dumervil now on the market.

9) Dwight Freeney, DE

At 33 Freeney isn't the 16-sack monster he used to be. His numbers dropped off as the Colts made the switch to a 3-4 defense last year, so putting him back into a 4-3 system would be a wise decision. The Patriots are in the running for Freeney, and Denver could get in on the action after losing Dumervil.

10) Richard Seymour, DL

Another aging lineman, Seymour will turn 34 in October. Despite his age, Seymour is still under the impression some team will throw a ton of money at him. If he doesn't receive a high-paying contract, he might not be playing football in 2013. Injury concerns limit his value as well.

Honorable mention, Eric Winston, OT

Winston wasn't cut because of his production in Kansas City. Vollmer and Smith will be the first ones to sign, but Winston is still a reliable starter on at right tackle. Several teams have been reportedly interested in his services.