2012 NFL Free Agents: Matt Flynn and QBs Who Will Be Overpaid

Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn is one of several players during free agency who will be overpaid to become starting quarterbacks for desperate NFL teams.

With the NFL becoming a passing league, it's clear that you cannot win in today's game without a reliable quarterback that can be productive each week.

Let's look at three players who will be paid way more than they deserve because teams will be looking for a quick fix at the quarterback position.

Matt Flynn

Matt Flynn's Week 17 performance for the Green Bay Packers was legendary, and it will help him earn a nice free-agent contract this offseason.

Flynn threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns against the Detroit Lions, both of which are new Packers team records. He also nearly beat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on the road last year.

Flynn is a good quarterback who has proven he can be productive in a starting role, but because of his great Week 17 performance, you can bet there will be a team that overpays for his services.

Vince Young

Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Vince Young is a good player and has been very productive as a starting quarterback in his career.

Young can make plays with his legs and his arm, making him tough for defenses to defend. Young, however, isn't a Pro Bowl caliber player and won't lead a team deep into the playoffs.

Despite improving his passing skills since coming into the league, he still has issues with his accuracy, evidenced by his 51 career interceptions and 46 touchdown passes.

With that said, Young would still be an upgrade at quarterback for most teams, though, which means someone will overpay for him given his abilities and winning record.

The Eagles would be smart to keep him as a backup considering Michael Vick has trouble staying healthy for a full season, but keeping Young around may be too expensive for Philly.

Kyle Orton

Kyle Orton played well for the Kansas City Chiefs after he was cut by the Denver Broncos, and his experience as a starting quarterback will earn him a nice contract in free agency.

Orton is a high character guy who has a lot poise in the pocket, and his teammates feed off his relaxed composure in high-pressure situations.

The chances of him re-signing with the Chiefs are likely low, given Matt Cassel will be coming back from injury next season and is a very good young quarterback.

Orton said the following about his future in a recent Kansas City Star article:

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"I don’t know,” Orton said when asked whether he thought he would return next season. “I’m going to step away. I know they’ve got a great quarterback in Matt Cassel. Matt’s a good friend, he’s a great teammate, and he’s a great quarterback. As I look at it, it’s his team. We’ll see what happens.”

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Orton would immediately upgrade several teams at the quarterback position, which will make him a popular man during free agency.

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Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/01/3348471/ortons-future-unclear-after-leading.html#storylink=cpy