There are other “name” free agents available, notably Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs, Pittsburgh guard Alan Faneca and a pair of potentially good pass rushers in Justin Smith of Cincinnati and Antwan Odom of Tennessee.

But Smith, the fourth overall pick in 2001, has a so-so 43½ sacks in seven seasons and Briggs, protected as the Bears’ franchise player last season, may not be as productive without Brian Urlacher next to him.

Another attractive free agent is San Diego RB Michael Turner, who has averaged 5.5 yards a carry as LaDainian Tomlinson’s backup the past four years. Turner is the real deal, but this year’s draft is loaded at running back and teams needing help at that position might fill it with a younger, cheaper rookie.

Other teams will pick up veterans cut to make cap room, as Dallas did with former Dolphin Zach Thomas.

Like the 34-year-old Thomas, many of those are aging, injury prone or both, like Jevon Kearse, released by the Eagles on Thursday and 34-year-old Kevin Carter, cut by Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

One player getting attention is 30-year-old tight end Alge Crumpler, a former Pro Bowler and one of many veteran Falcons purged by a team that needs a fresh start.

Ultimately, the best way to approach free agency is to find a player who fits both your scheme and your budget and go after him. In some cases, it might be a veteran quarterback to use as a backup. Todd Collins, who replaced an injured Jason Campbell and led the Redskins to the playoffs, is available.

Yet, even teams that need help are cautious.

“We have a lot of needs,” Panthers general manager Marty Hurney says. “We have a lot of areas that we want to improve in. It’s just what comes up and is the right fit.”

Teams with fewer holes might do well to imitate the Super Bowl winner

The Giants had a very quiet offseason in 2007.

Look how they finished.

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