2012 NFL Free Agents: Center

2012 NFL Free Agent Positions:
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2012 Free Agency: Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2012.
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Scott Wells, C, Packers. Age: 31.
Signed with Rams

Scott Wells is one of the top centers in the NFL. He excels in all areas, and is due for a big contract.
Nick Hardwick, C, Chargers. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Chargers (3 years)

Nick Hardwick is one of the top centers in football, but he told the media recently that he’s going to consider retirement this offseason.
Chris Myers, C/G, Texans. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Texans (4 years, $25 million)

Chris Myers has been exceptional as Houston’s center, but his value isn’t really high as it should be because he doesn’t fit with non-zone-blocking teams.
Dan Koppen, C, Patriots. Age: 32.
Re-signed with Patriots (2 years, $6 million)

Dan Koppen performed very well in 2010, but missed most of 2011 with a fractured fibula. He turns 33 in September, which is the concern.
Samson Satele, C, Raiders. Age: 27.
Signed with Colts

Samson Satele missed one game with a concussion last year, but otherwise had another solid season.
Matt Birk, C, Ravens. Age: 36.
Re-signed with Ravens (3 years)

Matt Birk is still getting the job done, but he’ll be 36 in July. His skills could quickly erode without warning.
Jeff Saturday, C, Colts. Age: 37.
Signed with Packers

Jeff Saturday is coming off a great season, but the wheels could fall off at any moment because of his age. He’ll be worth a 1-year deal though.
Todd McClure, C, Falcons. Age: 35.
Re-signed with Falcons (1 year)

Todd McClure turns 35 in February, but he still gets the job done. His skills could erode without warning, however, which is why I’m listing him at just three stars.
Will Montgomery, C/G, Redskins. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Redskins (4 years)

Will Montgomery is a good fit in Mike Shanahan’s scheme as a lineman who can play guard and center. He’s worth more to the Redskins than most other teams, so he should re-sign with them.
Casey Wiegmann, C, Chiefs. Age: 39.
The Chiefs will welcomed back Casey Wiegmann if he still wants to play, but at 39, his performance could fall off at any point without warning.
Jason Brown, C/G, Rams. Age: 29.
Jason Brown was considered a top-tier free agent center in 2009 when he signed a 5-year, $37.5 million deal with the Rams. But like most players who go from a good team to an inferior organization solely for the money, Brown’s performance really dropped off. He was benched last season. He’s still young enough to turn his career around though, so he might be worth signing to an incentive-laden contract.
Jeff Faine, C, Buccaneers. Age: 31.
Jeff Faine has battled way too many injuries over the years. He managed to play in 15 contests last season, but he looked like a shell of his former self. Perhaps he can get healthy and rebound, but no one should hold their breath.
Mike Pollak, C/G, Colts. Age: 27.
Signed with Panthers

Mike Pollak was in and out of the lineup in 2011 due to inconsistency, but he played well at times. He won’t kill you if you have to start him at guard or center.
Dan Connolly, C, Patriots. Age: 29. — Re-signed with Patriots
Scott Mruczkowski, C, Chargers. Age: 30.
Jamaal Jackson, C, Eagles. Age: 32. — Announced retirement
Fernando Velasco (RFA), C/G, Titans. Age: 27.
Andre Gurode, C, Ravens. Age: 33.
Brett Romberg, C, Falcons. Age: 32.