Free agency can't be all about dropping nine figures on Ndamukong Suh. There has to be a few good items on the discount rack.
But which players might be the best bargains? Let's pick one for each position:
QUARTERBACK: Matt Moore
Really, the quarterback free-agent class is nothing to get excited about, from top to bottom. But the last time we really saw Moore, he was having a good 2011 as the Dolphins' starter with an 87.1 rating. He has thrown 29 passes since, as Ryan Tannehill took over as the franchise quarterback. With many teams having serious issues at quarterback, Moore should get a look.
RUNNING BACK: Roy Helu
Helu was a fourth-round pick by Washington in 2011, but was usurped by 2012 rookie Alfred Morris. But he has been pretty good in the passing game, giving clues that he could take on a bigger role. And the best part of him being buried behind Morris is he has very few miles on him.
RECEIVER: Nate Washington
Washington is the 40-degree day among this receiver class. Nobody has anything to say about a 40-degree day (h/t Stringer Bell). Yet Washington has been a steady, productive receiver for many years, and will come at a fraction of the cost as some of the other receivers in this class.
TIGHT END: Virgil Green
Green isn't going to light up a passing game, but what he does well is block. There's value in that, and he was a big part of C.J. Anderson's Pro Bowl season last year. He's only 26, as well.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Jermey Parnell
There should be trepidation about any player who has six NFL seasons and just seven starts. Five of those starts came last year, however, when Doug Free was out for the Cowboys. And Parnell played pretty well. He shouldn't have a huge price tag because of his lack of starting experience, but he might be a late bloomer.
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Karl Klug
Klug might not be a great bargain, because it should be clear he's capable of taking on a bigger role after spending four years as a backup with the Titans. He can rush the passer, he holds up well against the run, he is versatile and is still just 26. He's not a big name but could be a valuable addition.
LINEBACKER: Akeem Ayers
Ayers looked like a typical second-round bust, as even the talent-poor Titans didn't have a use for him anymore. They traded Ayers to the Patriots, where he had a good run late in the season. Ayers went to the bench (understandably) when Chandler Jones returned. But he showed he can be a solid pass rusher, and he's just 26. When the Patriots are interested in a player's talent, other teams should be too.
CORNERBACK: Rashean Mathis
It's hard to trust aging corners, but there's no sign that Mathis is letting up. Mathis had yet another good season with the Lions last season. Mathis will be 35 next season, but that's why he'd come at a much lower price than some of his counterparts.
SAFETY: Tyvon Branch
Branch has had no shortage of interested teams since the Raiders cut him for cap reasons. But he might not get quite what he wants as a free agent because of his injury history. He has played just five games the past two years. But he was a rising star a few years ago, and the injuries should lead to a discount. It might be tough to bet on him staying healthy, but if he does he would likely be a tremendous value.
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab
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