NFL Free Agents 2012: Likely Landing Places for Top QBs

The quarterback is the most important position in football.

That's why a free agent quarterback is likely to receive multiple offers and a good deal of dough in the offseason, even if he is slightly above average.

Here is a look at the top three quarterbacks headed into free agency in 2012.

3. Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders

When the Raiders made the trade for Carson Palmer earlier this season, they basically sealed Jason Campbell's fate in Oakland.

There are several teams this offseason that need a quarterback and, after USC's Matt Barkley and Oklahoma's Landry Jones decided to return to school for another year, you can bet some of them will take a look at Campbell.

Campbell isn't a star. In short, he's a good game manager. It's worth noting that Palmer had more game-changing ability for the Raiders this season, but he also was more turnover-prone. Campbell is a guy you can pair with a good defense or run-heavy offense and still succeed.

Projected Landing Spot: Denver Broncos

Yes, you heard me right. The Broncos will bring in a veteran to pair along with their emerging young defense and be better set up in 2012 because of it.

Sure, they have one Tim Tebow, but I'm not convinced they are set on him for next season.

2. Matt Flynn, Green Bay Packers

Matt Flynn may be the best backup quarterback in football.

He's received two starts in this last two seasons with the Packers and erupted in both of them. Against the New England Patriots last season, he threw for 251 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Against the Detroit Lions this season, all he did was set Packers records for passing yards (480) and passing touchdowns (6) in a single game.

Projected Landing Spot: Seattle Seahawks

Peter King of Sports Illustrated believes the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks are the best landing spots for Flynn. I would say the Seahawks are the most likely of the two considering I think the Redskins will draft Baylor's Robert Griffin III with the No. 6 overall pick.

1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees isn't going anywhere. Period.

Although the Saints will have to cough up tons of money for a 32-year-old, there is no way they are letting Brees walk. They will give him as much as he wants...and then some.

Brees, by the way, set the NFL record for passing yards in a single season in 2011 with 5,476 passing yards. He also threw for 46 touchdowns.

Projected Landing Spot: New Orleans Saints