Top 50 free agents: Former top pick Williams is top player on open market - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy Advice. Following up on an earlier article on free agency and the Green Bay Packers, I came across Pete Prisco's list of the Top 50 free agents. He narrows the list by excluding obvious franchise tag candidates (Wes Welker, Drew Brees, etc.) and pushes down free agents if they're over 27.
While SB Nation had Matt Flynn at No. 1, here he's listed as the 35th best free agent and ranked below 49ers QB Alex Smith. Prisco seems to feel that Smith's awful pre-2011 track record (56 career starts!) gives him an edge. At least you know what you're getting! Not to pick on him too much, but I get the feeling that there's a lot of differing opinion on Flynn. Are those two great starts by Flynn fool's gold or a sign of better things to come?
The Packers could (should?) re-sign Jermichael Finley and Scott Wells, two players listed on this Top 50 list, but every other player on it is probably too expensive for GM Ted Thompson. However, there were a couple players who got my attention.
Seahawks DL Red Bryant. He's been a very good over the past two seasons and Prisco calls him "a perfect 3-4 end." He would be a great addition for the Packers, but the Seahawks "will make it a priority to re-sign" him.
49ers S Dashon Goldson. The 49ers only re-signed him in 2011 for depth. He ended up starting 14 games and grabbing 6 INTs. It looks like the 49ers have learned from their mistake and they'll let the guy who was supposed to start (Reggie Smith) leave in free agency and keep Goldson instead. The Packers might not need an upgrade at safety if Nick Collins can return next season.