2012 NFL Free Agents: Biggest Names on the Market

As more Super Bowl dreams are crushed every week, teams will begin to look at whom they can add in the offseason to get their squad back into contention. 

This year's free-agency class has a lot of excellent players who have the potential to change the balance of power throughout the league.

Let's take a look at the top free agents this offseason. 

Matt Flynn

Matt Flynn may not be the most physically impressive quarterback around, but it is hard to ignore his production in his recent two starts.

Against the Lions, he threw for more yards than any Packers quarterback in history—and that includes Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre and Bart Starr. 

Now, that doesn't mean he is going to be anything close to those guys, but he is this year's version of Kevin Kolb.

Whoever is willing to give the kid a chance to start just hopes he plays a lot better than Kolb did this season. 

Ray Rice

I would be stunned if Ozzie Newsome let Rice walk, but he is still the best back that will hit the market.

Rice is in his prime and is the kind of player you can build an entire team around. 

Rice has also been pretty durable during his time as a starter, which will only drive up his price.

But I expect the Ravens to do everything they can to retain their best offensive player. 

Matt Forte

Unlike Ray Rice, there is no guarantee that Forte will be back.

With Jerry Angelo now out in Chicago as GM, it is unknown what plan the next GM will have for Forte. 

Still, Forte was having an outstanding season before his injury and will command a lot of interest if the Bears do not retain him. 

Vincent Jackson

Jackson had a bit of an inconsistent season, but there is no doubting that he can be a top-level receiver.

Jackson will not have qualms about leaving San Diego, where A.J. Smith has refused to pay Jackson before his contract expired. 

Any team looking for a big target that can stretch the field should look no further than Jackson. 

DeSean Jackson

DeSean is one of the most explosive players in the game, but his inconsistent season has his status with the Eagles up in the air. 

Combined with his attitude issues and reports of how he is not well liked in the locker room, it would not be a surprise if the Eagles let Jackson walk. 

Still, he is a great talent, and someone will be willing to give this guy a monster contract. 

Robert Mathis

Mathis has stated his discontent with the Colts front office about his lack of a long-term contract.

With the Polians now out of the picture, Mathis' status with the Colts is now completely unpredictable, and he will likely test the market. 

Mathis had a lousy season for his standards, but he is still one of the best pass-rushing defensive ends in football, and someone will be willing to pay him. 

Mario Williams

The Texans would love to keep their best defensive player, but Williams is going to draw a lot of interest, especially from 4-3 teams.

Mario made a nice transition to a 3-4 linebacker, but I wouldn't fault him for wanting to return to his more natural 4-3 position. 

Carl Nicks

As much as the Saints would love to retain the rights to the best pair of guards in football, it will be difficult to tie up that much money in that position. 

Unless Nicks is willing to take a hometown discount, he will probably be on his way out of New Orleans, and he will draw a ton of interest. 

Peyton Hillis

Hillis was once a fan favorite, but his actions over the course of the season has made him fall out of favor in Cleveland.

He is a huge part of the Browns offense, but given his physical running style, they will have a hard time convincing themselves that giving Hillis a ton of money is a good idea. 

Should he hit the open market, he may be disappointed in the interest he gets.

Teams aren't usually eager to give physical running backs like Hillis a ton of cash.