Top 5 remaining free agents: Defense

Williams is the best player left in a thin crop of defensive free agents

We took a look at the top 5 remaining free agents on offense earlier today, now lets take a look at the top five remaining free agents on the defensive side of the ball. It's a good thing the Patriots struck early with their defensive moves, because there isn't a lot left here. Nevertheless, here are the five best players still available.

1. Kevin Williams

Williams isn't quite the monster he was a few years ago, when he was a perennial Pro-Bowler in the middle of the Vikings defense, but he was still a very productive player last year. The big defensive lineman managed a solid +7.3 grade from Profootballfocus, but the Vikings appear intent to move on with 2013 first rounder Sharrif Floyd and free agent signee Linval Joseph set as their starters.

Age is likely the reason for that, as well as the reason a player of Williams' caliber is still available. The former top 10 pick will turn 34 in training camp, and he's seen his play slowly decline over the past few seasons. However, his play in 2013 indicates that he still has something left in the tank, and moving to a reduced role as a rotational player could help maximize his effectiveness. At this point, I wouldn't expect him to get picked up until after the draft.

The Patriots appear set on paper at defensive tackle, but a closer look reveals they could use one more reliable body for depth purposes. Vince Wilfork is likely to miss at least the first few weeks of the season as he recovers from his ruptured Achilles, and Tommy Kelly is also a question mark as he recovers from knee surgery. Armond Armstead and Sealver Siliga have the potential to be a productive duo behind those presumed starters, but Armstead has yet to see NFL action and Siliga will have to prove that last year wasn't a flash in the pan. If the Patriots don't draft a tackle, Williams could emerge as a veteran option to provide depth and some extra interior pass rush.

2. Kerry Rhodes

Rhodes was a highly productive player the last time he played in the NFL. That was 2012, when Rhodes was PFF's fourth highest graded safety while racking up 68 tackles, four picks and two forced fumbles for the Arizona Cardinals. Good numbers, but not quite good enough to justify his $5 million cap hit, especially considering the cap hell Arizona was in thanks to the Larry Fitzgerald contract. As a result, Rhodes was released and became a free agent last year.

A funny thing happened after that; Rhodes went unsigned. There wasn't a single team willing to take a chance on a former All Pro coming off of a productive year. Rhodes was 30 at the time, not ideal for a defensive back, but certainly not old enough to justify his unemployment considering his 2012 play. Is it a coincidence that Rhodes suddenly couldn't find work the offseason that a gossip website leaked photos that make Rhodes appear to be gay? Many don't think so, although Rhodes insists that he's not gay and not being blackballed by the league because of his perceived sexuality.

However, Rhodes has kept in shape, and maintains that he wants to play in 2014. Considering the complete lack of a market for him, he could likely be had for the veterans minimum. This was reinforced by Rhodes himself in a live Q&A this offseason with Deadspin, when he repeatedly claimed he was valuing winning over money as he makes his next career choice and named the Patriots as the team he'd most like to play for, all things being equal. He'll turn 32 in August, but he showed no signs of slowing down in 2012. Having last year off could actually be beneficial for his legs at his age.

The Patriots cut their losses with Adrian Wilson last week, and signed Patrick Chung to bring in a little depth and special teams ability. Considering Chung's struggles the past few years in Philly, New England and presumably in geometry class, the team would be remiss to head into the season with him as their top backup behind second year man Duron Harmon (and the importance of cornerback depth makes me favor them keeping Harmon's old Rutgers teammate Logan Ryan at corner).

Signing Rhodes would be a way to not only supplement Harmon, but likely upgrade from him, at least for this year. Rhodes would bring a playmaking element that's been largely lacking from the Patriots safeties the past few years. He could mentor Harmon, just as he once mentored new Patriot Darrelle Revis while a member of the Jets. All of this for the veterans minimum. Get on the phone, Bill.

3. Terrell Thomas

A former second round pick, Thomas once seemed destined for big things, racking up 10 picks and 34 passes defensed between 2009-2010 for the Giants. However, his follow up to that impressive start was held off, as back-to-back ACL injuries robbed him of two consecutive seasons. Thomas unexpectedly recovered and managed to play all 16 games in 2013. He was solid if unspectacular, totalling 67 tackles, a pick and 8 passes defensed.

His recovery made for a nice story, but the history of knee issues combined with the number of quality corners on the market has lead to a very tepid market for Thomas' services. As a result, the 29 year old Thomas can likely be had on a relatively cheap short term deal, allowing that team to pick up a quality player at a bargain price. The Patriots don't have any room in their secondary after adding Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, but someone will likely be getting a steal in Thomas if his body cooperates again this year.

4. Anthony Spencer

As is usually the case at this time of year, Spencer is a proven player who is still available due to injury circumstances and age. In his case, the specifics are that he's a thirty year old who managed one game in 2013 before going down with a knee injury that required microfracture surgery in October. It's awful timing for Spencer, who was playing under the franchise tag for the second straight year and in line for a big contract before his injury. Due to the lengthy recovery period for his injury, he's not expected to sign with anyone until closer to the season's start.

However, Spencer represents a classic case of "low risk, high reward". With his market value low due to the injury questions, Spencer will be available for a bargain cost, likely on a short term deal to prove he can still play. If he can come even to close to the form he displayed in 2012, when he had 11 sacks and 2 forced fumbles for the Cowboys, he'll be a major steal for whoever picks him up. I expect the Patriots to add a pass rusher in the draft, but Spencer could wind up as a veteran option (along with the recently worked out Will Smith) should they go a different route there.

5. Thomas DeCoud

DeCoud exploded in 2012, reaching the Pro Bowl after snaring a career high six interceptions and 9 passes defensed for Atlanta. However, the safety saw his play deteriorate in 2013, leading to his release this offseason. That poor season is apparently still on everyone's mind, as DeCoud has quietly lingered on the free agent market without getting much notice.

DeCoud's sudden decline is hard to explain. At 29, it's unlikely that his age caused his play to slip, but there are no known injuries (other than a late season concussion) that we know of to explain his lackluster play. Whoever signs him will be banking on a change of scenery helping DeCoud to return to the form he showed in 2011-2012, when he picked off 10 passes.

That team could wind up being the Carolina Panthers, who are visiting with DeCoud today according to Ian Rapoport. Makes sense that DeCoud would go to a cat team, considering he once played the "meow" game in a live Sportscenter interview. Sportcenter, rightmeow!

Honorable Mention: Will Smith, Jabari Greer, Nick Barnett, Pat Angerer, Asante Samuel, Steve Gregory