2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Instant Upgrades for Vast Majority of NFL Teams

Unless you have a top pick in the NFL Draft, it's much easier to make upgrades via free agency.

For starters, there are already established NFL players who don't need to make the rookie transition, and most are looking for that next opportunity to prove their worth as a player.

There's much value to be had through free agents, so here are five that can instantly enhance a team for 2012.

Matt Flynn, QB

It was a record-setting performance against a playoff team and their starters, which only made the appeal to Green Bay's Matt Flynn that much higher.

He dominated a Lions team needing a win to avoid the Saints this weekend, so Detroit played their starters and the Packers were also without Greg Jennings.

Long story short, Flynn threw for 480 yards and six TDs to just one pick in not the greatest of conditions.

He's clearly proven his worth under center, and any team needing a QB that has the potential to dish the rock around must approach the Flynn.

Someone such as Seattle, who has a great offensive-minded head coach in Pete Carroll as well as a decent receiving corps. Not to mention a complete tight-end in Zach Miller and a solid ground game with Marshawn Lynch.

Or a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Fresh start whenever they hire a new head coach, excellent running back in Maurice Jones-Drew and a solid defense to fall back on.

DeSean Jackson, WR

Not only can DeSean Jackson provide as a solid receiver, but he is a great punt returner and is fast enough to get a handoff for a jet-sweep, shovel pass or quick toss in the ground game.

Thus adding another dimension to give defenses more issues.

And despite all the issues in 2011, Jackson still accounted for 961 receiving yards and four TDs. Teams like St. Louis, Denver and Cleveland would gladly take him in.

The Browns perhaps, would be the best fit with their west-coast offense and their need for a stud receiver. Also, Jackson could takeover for Josh Cribbs on punts and let him focus more on kickoff returns.

That would also allow them both to gear more energy toward improving the offense and adding multiple dimensions to deceive the AFC North defenses. For as physical and tough as Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are, Cleveland can have a distinct advantage by using speed and lateral quickness.

As long as the Browns can improve defensively via the draft, DeSean isn't bad option for them.

Based on their 2011 campaign, any established NFL receiver will vastly improve coach Pat Shurmur's offense. 

Peyton Hillis, RB

With what appears to be a few offensive changes going on in Cleveland, it would not be surprising if Peyton Hillis signed elsewhere in the offseason.

Brandon Jackson will be back, and with Montario Hardesty as well as Chris Ogbonnaya, there's no room for Hillis in 2012. So, expect the Madden '12 cover athlete to get some calls, especially from teams like Tampa Bay and the NY Jets.

The Buccaneers were simply too inconsistent despite LeGarrette Blount's efforts and finished with being ranked No. 30, averaging just 91.1 per game.

As for the Jets, they'll likely part ways with the been-old-since-2009 LaDainian Tomlinson. Plus, Shonn Greene is not a franchise back. However, pairing him will Hillis would be a solid duo.

The question for Hillis is who's more appealing.

New York has a better defense but appears to be in dire straits, whereas the Bucs are young and underachieving. Either would be a good fit and Hillis would certainly be a solid contributor.

As evidence by his 2010 performance (1,177 rush, 477 receiving, 13 total TDs) he can get the job done.

London Fletcher, LB

He may be old, but London Fletcher is defying his age at linebacker, much like Ray Lewis in Baltimore and Denver safety Brian Dawkins.

And although it would take a lot to pry him from Washington, as the Redskins have a great opportunity to be a playoff contender in 2012, heading straight to a championship contending team should be considered.

Any team needing an excellent run-stuffer, sure tackler and high football IQ defensive player must attempt to persuade London out of Washington. The Eagles may be division rivals, but they swept the Redskins in 2011 and it's likely that will happen in 2012.

Plus, Philadelphia is missing a stud middle linebacker, that's it. Fletcher in Philly would make the Eagles a complete defense and with all their talent, they would be a great contender as evidence by finishing with three straight wins.

Another team that would be a solid fit are the Green Bay Packers.

They have an opportunistic defense, explosive offense, but struggle in slowing down any ground game. And other than Clay Matthews, they don't have consistently good cover backers. Fletcher would thrive in Titletown and get their defense back on track alongside Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson.

The man has averaged almost 130 tackles per season and 2012 will be his fifteenth season.

There will be teams calling if he and the Redskins part ways.

Marcus Trufant, DB

He may be 31 years-old in addition to missing 12 games in 2011, however, long time Seattle Seahawk Marcus Trufant is one of the better corners in the NFL.

With the offseason to heal up and get in shape, a fresh start in a new town would be just the answer, especially a team needing a stud corner who's a legit Super Bowl contender.

So, don't be surprised if Bill Belichick comes calling from New England.

The Patriots may be young and opportunistic in the secondary, but they still allowed the most passing yards per game in 2011 (294) and Belichick needs a guy who can take away half the field.

Trufant is arguably the best press-coverage corner in the league, has 541 career solo tackles and 109 passes defended.

So, he's not a guy who'll get a bunch of interceptions as Trufant is rarely challenged.

Another team where he'd be a solid and immediate contributor (at the very least) are the Detroit Lions.

Detroit needs a corner who can shutdown any opposing No. 1 receiver as their offense is quite explosive. Plus, being a press-cover corner, Trufant will significantly boost their rush defense.

The Lions don't have that complete defensive player and a guy like Marcus Trufant is just the physical and run supporting DB they need.

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