The Best Remaining Free Agents

By Kalen Patrick

Well we all know the flurry of action that has already taken place since the NFL opened up for business, but there are still a number of solid Free Agents still available and they would/should come at a reasonable price. Lets first take a look at the offensive players still available.

OFFENSE
QB - Marc Bulger - Obvious Bulger is no longer a starter, but in this day and age when the majority of teams will start more than 1 QB in a season, I think Bulger is a very solid #2 option. I would like him in San Francisco as the #3 QB for sure. Veteran guy, very professional, willing to be a mentor for a younger QB.

RB - Ahmad Bradshaw - Bradshaw will never be a feature back and thus won't get paid like one, but like he was used in New York, he can be effective as part of a 2 headed rushing attack.

WR - Malcolm Floyd/TO/Randy Moss - For the 49ers I would love the addition of a Malcolm Floyd, big tall physical receiver, would be an awesome red zone target (the one part of the field Alex Smith excels in) and will never expect to be the #1 receiver, in SF he'd just be a part of the receiving corp. As for TO and Moss, I don't think they get signed soon, however, once Training Camp gets in to full swing, preseason starts and injuries start mounting. You know a team will come calling for their services, it really is a matter of when not if.

COULD WE SEE THIS AGAIN? 49ERS DO HAVE A SERIOUS LACK OF DEPTH AT WR.....

OL - Olin Kreutz C Shaun O'Hara C, Brian Waters OG - Both of these guys are quality Centers. Not only are they both talented players on the field, they would also provide veteran leadership to an O-Line lacking that (cough 49ERS cough). These guys can immediately step in and be the captain of the line. Again teams lacking a Center actually have some good options available. Waters is an established veteran who has had a great career for KC. He is very near the end of the line, however, I wouldn't completely count him out yet as an effective starter. KC have tried to become a much younger team. I still believe he'd help out many teams with a need at RG.

DEFENSE
DL - Aubrayo Franklin NT - It's beyond me how a guy of Franklins caliber seems to have been totally overlooked by teams this offseason. If they only looked at his excellent 2009 season and very respectable 2010 season, there should be a line of 3-4 lining up for his services. He is currently on his way back to meet with the 49ers. I doubt they let him leave without a contract.

ASANTE SAMUEL IS WORTH A 2ND ROUNDER

LB - Lofa Tatupu (available via trade) ILB/ Manny Lawson OLB - Tatupu has recently demanded a trade or release from the Seahawks, while I do feel he is overrated, any 4-3 team requiring LB help should be interested. I think if I'm the Detroit Lions, I'm getting in on this action. Suh and Fairley in the middle, with Tatupu behind? That sounds like a RB's nightmare. Also Lawson is a very solid pass rusher who wasn't asked to rush as much in SF as he should have been. He is also very athletic and capable of covering TE's and Pass catching RB's very well. He will be a great pick up for some team.

DB -  Asante Samuel (via trade)/Carlos Rogers- With the acquisition of Asomugha and DRC, the Eagles can afford to trade Asante. He has a very favorable contract and should be able to net a 2nd rounder from teams needing secondary help (Lions, 49ers). Rogers is actually a good solid cover corner, he just has the worst hands in the NFL, I know it's not exactly a DB's job to catch. But be prepared about 5+ times a year for "HOW DID HE DROP THAT EASY INTERCEPTION?!?!?!?!" Again Rogers is very solid, would make for an awesome #3 CB and good #2.

I just touched on a few players left, there are still some real solid options available, and in particular I'm hoping my 49ers can start getting in on the action.