NFL Free Agents 2012: Big Names, Cap Floor Give Every Team a Chance

As excited as every NFL fan is to improve through the draft, the free-agent class available this year is hard to overlook.  Paired with the salary cap floor that started after the lockout last offseason and your team may be spending big on a premier player to reach it.  Especially with guys like DeSean Jackson and Vincent Jackson who have felt disrespected by their ball clubs for years—they are definitely looking to cash in.

Let's take a look at some of the top guys by position who will become free agents after the Super Bowl.

Quarterbacks

1. Drew Brees

Don't read into this one too much; I don't foresee him retiring anywhere but New Orleans.

2. Matt Flynn

You think his stock went up a bit after Sunday's performance against the Lions?  In his first start for the Packers all he did was set the record for passing yards and touchdowns in a game.  He showcased his skills brilliantly and someone will definitely want to snatch him out of Aaron Rodgers' shadow.

3. Kyle Orton

Kyle Orton was coveted by a number of teams before the season with the controversy in Denver, namely by Miami.  With Matt Barkley returning to USC there will likely only be three big names at quarterback in the draft.  Now that Orton is a free agent he will be easier to obtain and is a serviceable option.

4. Jason Campbell

Campbell won't necessarily sell tickets for your franchise, but he did have the Raiders right in the thick of the playoff hunt before he went down with injury.  Similar to Orton, he can move the ball for you and win some games.

Running Backs

1. Arian Foster (restricted)

Foster has been electric since winning the Texans job last season.  He was hampered with injuries this year and still found a way to be near the top of the league in rushing yards.  A great pass-catcher as well, he would be sought after by nearly everyone with only two years of wear on him.  He is restricted, though, and I see zero chance the Texans let him go anywhere.

2. Ray Rice

All Ray Rice does is pick up yards—well, and score touchdowns.  He got to pay dirt 15 times this year for the Ravens.  He is so quick and agile and so young that it's hard to see the Ravens let him go as he often leads them in receiving as well as rushing.

3. Matt Forte

Matt Forte does a lot of the things Ray Rice and Arian Foster do.  He is great in the open field and catches a lot of balls out of the backfield.  Where he differs from the other two is his attainability.  The Bears and Forte tried to get a deal done during the season and it didn't work.  Then he got hurt.  The Bears will likely let him test the market and if the right teams pays the right price I can see him leaving.

4. Marshawn Lynch

Lynch is a little older than the top three guys, but he has a lot of tread left on his tires.  The last two seasons he has produced some monstrous performances.  I think he enjoys playing in Seattle, though, and really embodies the toughness coach Pete Carroll needs on his team. I doubt he goes elsewhere.

Notables: Cedric Benson, Peyton Hillis, Ryan Grant, LaDainian Tomlinson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Wide Receivers

1. Mike Wallace (restricted)

Mike Wallace is one of the game's best deep threats with his blazing speed and size.  He is a young playmaker who is still growing into a possession guy as well.  I would be surprised if Pittsburgh couldn't come to an agreement with him since he's restricted, but Antonio Brown broke out this year and you never know what Wallace will ask for.

2. Wes Welker

Do you think Wes Welker would leave Tom Brady?  All Brady is going to do is get him in the Hall of Fame if their production keeps up.  I don't think another quarterback in the league could utilize his skill set and I think Welker knows that.  I could see him taking considerably less money to stay with Brady and coach Bill Belichick.

3. Dwayne Bowe

The Chiefs drafted Jonathan Baldwin to eventually replace Bowe if he were to leave.  They talked about trading him at times this season as well.  I could certainly see Bowe as the best receiver really available this offseason.  He is a big target who excels near the red zone.  A dream for a team lacking a go-to guy.

4. DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson has been disgruntled all season, and rightfully so.  I believe he made around $400,000 this season doing more than guys making mega-millions.  He will almost assuredly leave the Eagles unless they decide they truly need him and offer a big, fat, apologetic offer.  Otherwise, a lot of teams will be vying for a game-changing deep threat and return specialist to complement a possession receiver.

5. Vincent Jackson

Vincent Jackson's holdout with the Chargers a year ago has been long chronicled.  They made good for this season and he put up amazing numbers.  Still, like DeSean, you have to imagine that still sticks in his mind as disrespect.  He is a great deep threat, but also a physical receiver glad to do the dirty work as well.

Notables: Marques Colston, Reggie Wayne, Steve Johnson, Brandon Lloyd

Tight Ends

1. Jermichael Finley

Finley has the unique combination of size, strength, speed and catching ability.  Teams that envy what the Patriots and Saints are able to do with tight ends should make a strong push for Finley.  Aaron Rodgers fought for James Jones and John Kuhn last offseason, and I'm sure he'll do the same for Finley making him close to unavailable.

2. Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen has some very sticky hands and great size.  It was no wonder the Panthers wanted him as a security blanket for rookie Cam Newton.  They will likely make him a good enough offer for him to stay.

3. Fred Davis

Fred Davis surpassed Chris Cooley for the Redskins as their go-to receiving option.  He has some huge games for them and will be needed with an aging Cooley.  He will be needed even more if the Redskins add a young quarterback in the draft.  I think Davis knows how good he is and money won't be his only object; Washington will have to bring in a quarterback he feels good about.