2012 NFL Free Agents: Who Is the Best Expiring Player on Every Team?

Matt Forte, DeSean Jackson, Marshawn Lynch and Plaxico Burress are some of the headline free agents that could be on the move during the 2012 NFL free-agency period. Some will resign with their current teams, but others will leave their losing teams and bolt for a championship contender.

Once the postseason comes to a close, the attention of the NFL will be focused on the free agents. This offseason, there are plenty to choose from and plenty of big names who could be on the move.

Exactly who is each team's biggest player with an expiring contract? We'll go through it division by division and team by team.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Spencer LB

The Cowboys linebacker should definitely be re-signed if Jerry Jones and Co. know anything about anything. Spencer has stepped up his play in the past three seasons and would be a coveted commodity if Dallas lets him walk, but don't count on it.

New York Giants: Terrell Thomas CB

The Giants' secondary benefited greatly from Thomas being in the lineup. For a defensive back to have 101 total tackles in a season is nuts. Another guy who shouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson WR

The Philadelphia Eagles have a choice coming up. Sign LeSean McCoy to a contract extension or DeSean Jackson. Jackson most likely will get the franchise tag, but if he doesn't, he could bolt for greener pastures.

Washington Redskins: LaRon Landry S

One of the more underrated guys in the league is LaRon Landry for the Redskins. He has been one of the bright spots for Washington throughout the last few years and should receive a nice contract extension.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: Matt Forte RB

The Chicago Bears have all but been backed into a corner this offseason thanks to Matt Forte's outstanding 2011 regular season. Teams may be reluctant to give big contracts to running backs, but Chicago will have no choice but to give him an extension or franchise him.

He was their offense.

Detroit Lions: Cliff Avril DE

This man won't be leaving the Motor City. After recording 11 sacks during the regular season, the 25-year-old Avril will get re-signed by Detroit.

If they're stupid enough to let him test the market, someone could swoop in with a big offer, but with Detroit's rising stock, it would be a long shot to lure him away. 

Green Bay Packers: Jermichael Finley TE

Green Bay has a ton of weapons on offense, and Jermichael Finley is just part of the group. He'll likely get the franchise tag, but he's certainly not going to simply walk away from Green Bay.

Minnesota Vikings: E.J. Henderson LB

E.J. Henderson had 110 total tackles and three forced fumbles in 2011. His contract expires this offseason, and he could look for a ticket out of the NFC North cellar.

I have a feeling Minnesota might have a tough time convincing him to stay when various suitors come calling.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: Calais Campbell DE

Unless you're a Cardinals fan or a fan of an NFC West team, you probably haven't heard too much about Calais Campbell. The Arizona defensive end had a solid regular season, recording 72 total tackles, two forced fumbles and eight sacks.

Similar to E.J. Henderson, Campbell could be looking for a way out and onto a winning team.

San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith QB

It's probably safe to say at this point that Alex Smith has rejuvenated at least part of his career with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Smith was Jim Harbaugh's starter from day one, and that's not likely to change.

Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch RB

Ah, the man who tastes rainbows. Marshawn Lynch enjoyed easily the best season of his career.

Recording 1,204 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns for the Seattle Seahawks in a contract year will earn him a nice pay check. He'll be able to fill a swimming pool with Skittles if he wants after his new deal.

St. Louis Rams: Brandon Lloyd WR

Brandon Lloyd started his season in Denver and ended his season in St. Louis. His play for the Rams will earn him plenty of admirers around the league who need a playmaker at wide receiver.

Several teams including the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Washington Redskins and others could be in the market for a go-to wide receiver like Lloyd.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: Curtis Lofton LB

The stud linebacker out of the University of Oklahoma has finished up his rookie contract and should expect to be paid handsomely. Lofton has recorded over 100 total tackles in three of his four seasons in the NFL. The one year he fell short was his rookie season with 94.

Atlanta would be out of its skull not to re-sign this guy.

Carolina Panthers: Greg Olsen TE

The Panthers signed tight end Greg Olsen to a one-year contract this past offseason. Olsen ended up with a respectable 540 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Carolina could opt to let the 25-year-old Olsen walk.

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees QB

Technically, Drew Brees is a free agent after this season. However, do not get your hopes up Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins fans; Brees will be retiring in New Orleans.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Geno Hayes LB

Do not be surprised if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers let Geno Hayes test the market before they offer him a deal. His numbers have not been all that impressive, and he suffered a drop-off in production during 2011.

A change of scenery might treat Hayes' career well.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: Steve Johnson WR

Johnson could have acted his way out of Buffalo this season. The wide receiver's antics throughout the year during his touchdown celebrations will cost him some money for sure. He is one of the Bills' essential pieces on offense, but I wouldn't be shocked if they release him.

Miami Dolphins: Paul Sollai NT

The Miami Dolphins have a team in place that is competitive, and with the right coach-quarterback combination they could win some games. Their defense has been solid the past two seasons and a large part of that is due to Paul Sollai.

Nose tackles may not get the attention or fill up the stat sheet, but having a guy who can take up space along the interior line is invaluable.

New England Patriots: Wes Welker WR

The Patriots will resign Wes Welker. Plain and simple.

New York Jets: Plaxico Burress WR

Plaxico Burress' first year back in the league after being incarcerated won't be classified as a huge success. Although, similar to Michael Vick, I think Burress will have a better season in his second year back.

With all the noise coming out of New York about the Jets locker room, Burress might choose to bolt for a winning team with a more tranquil atmosphere.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice RB

The Baltimore Ravens will only go as far as Ray Rice can take them this postseason. Rice has been the focal point of the offense all season and should receive a fat check because of it, starting this offseason.

Cincinnati Bengals: Bobbie Williams G

The 35-year-old Williams should most likely re-sign with Cincinnati, if the Bengals want him after this year. With Andy Dalton as their quarterback of the future, the Bengals would be wise to keep an experienced vet in the fold to protect their main man.

Cleveland Browns: D'Qwell Jackson LB

Most NFL fans probably have not heard of D'Qwell Jackson—mainly because he plays for the Cleveland Browns. Jackson should be at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii this February after recording 158 total tackles.

The 28-year-old Jackson could look to sign on with a winning franchise this offseason, as he sits smack in the middle of his prime years.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Wallace (Restricted)

Mike Wallace is a restricted free agent for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Don't count on him being free to walk.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: Brodrick Bunkley DT

The Philadelphia Eagles castaway has found a home in Denver this season. Bunkley should re-sign with the Denver Broncos and their coming-of-age defense.

Besides, why would he choose to walk away from Tim Tebow and the magic in Denver?

Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe WR

Hiring Romeo Crennel as their head coach could save the Kansas City Chiefs from losing their star wideout. Bowe should come to terms with Kansas City this offseason, but if he doesn't, it will be a feeding frenzy.

Oakland Raiders: Jason Campbell QB

Carson Palmer in. Jason Campbell out.

Someone will come calling for Campbell's services. Whether it's for a starting position or a backup, Jason Campbell will not be in Oakland in 2012.

San Diego Chargers: Vincent Jackson WR

There's no other way to put this. If the San Diego Chargers do not give Jackson a new contract, their front office should be fired as a whole. Everyone needs a pink slip.

However, I think they'll be wise enough to give him what he wants.

AFC South

Houston Texans: Arian Foster RB (restricted)

Arian Foster and Mario Edwards are both free agents this offseason. Don't expect either one to leave Houston.

Indianapolis Colts: Robert Mathis DE

With Indianapolis all but declaring that they're in a rebuilding phase, Mathis could opt to spend the last few years of his career chasing another ring. Besides that, the Colts may choose to simply let him walk as they try to clear cap room.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Mincey DE

I'm not sure how many players can honestly say they would be loyal to the Jacksonville Jaguars. For that reason alone, Mincey could be looking for a ticket out of town.

Tennessee Titans: Cortland Finnegan CB

He may not be the most liked player in the league, but the man does his job. Finnegan should receive a contract offer this offseason from the Titans, but expect a no-fighting clause to be included.

Firing up arguably the best wide receiver in the league (Andre Johnson) is not the smartest tactic in the world.