As we inch closer to NFL free agency teams will now decide what to do with some of their top players and difference makers. There is a significant lack of star power at the tight end position, but there are still a few names that could make a difference including Jermichael Finley of the Green Bay Packers and Fred Davis of the Washington Redskins. Here are the top three choices for tight end in 2012 NFL free agency.

Jermichael Finley (Green Bay Packers)

Finley is an interesting talent for the Packers. His versatility make him a potent weapon but nine drops, four false-starts, and lapses in blocking have led many to question the 2012 free agent. At the same time he is dangerous as a tall receiver split-wide. The trendy play to tall tight ends split wide at the goal line is called the “bang” slant, the tight end steps across the line and looks in while the ball arrives like a bullet. Green Bay loves to run the bang slant, just ask quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  Finley enjoyed Rodgers success in 2011 tying a career high in receptions (55) and setting new highs in receiving yards (767) and touchdowns (8).

Fred Davis (Washington Redskins)

Fred Davis may have screwed himself out of millions by not just testing positive during the league’s lockout for recreational marijuana, but he continued to fail drug tests over the course of the season. Davis ended the season on a four-game suspension but according to Head Coach Mike Shanahan he has seen improvement over the weeks. A second round pick in 2008, Davis had a breakout year this season, recording 59 receptions for 796 yards in 12 starts – all career highs. He also had three touchdown catches. While he has hurt his dollar amount he won’t hurt the interest he will draw. Although teams may want to be careful, one more failed drug test would result in a one-year suspension.

Scott Chandler (Buffalo Bills)

Drafted in the 2007 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, Scott Chandler has already been with four different NFL teams. He may have finally found a home in Buffalo and with Ryan Fitzpatrick. If he does decide to test the market there may be teams that want to take a chance on the progression witnessed over the last year. Chandler finished with six touchdowns on the season, only one away from the most by a Bills tight end in franchise history.

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