NFL Free Agents 2012: Vincent Jackson and Top Offensive Playmakers Available

Although it figures to thin out a bit in the coming weeks, the 2012 NFL free agent class has the makings to be one of the best in quite some time. There are high-impact players possibly available on both sides of the ball, but the offensive skill positions in particular are absolutely stacked.

While players like Ray Rice, Matt Forte and Wes Welker will almost certainly be retained by their current teams, there is plenty of uncertainty regarding other players. With that said, here are the top three offensive playmakers who I believe can realistically be had in free agency this offseason.

WR DeSean Jackson (PHI)

Because of his bad attitude I think it's safe to say that dynamic Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson will be on the open market this offseason. After two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Jackson didn't live up to expectations in 2011, much like the Eagles as a whole. He only totaled 961 yards and four touchdowns while struggling in the return game and getting suspended for a game for missing a meeting.

I think head coach Andy Reid's patience is wearing thin with Jackson, so I would expect him to get a fresh start elsewhere. When he's committed, focused and on his game, there may be no better big-play receiver in the game than Jackson. There is no shortage of teams that could use a legitimate deep threat, so he'll find work somewhere.

TE Jermichael Finley (GB)

Coming off a season in which he played in only five games due to injury, Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley had a solid year in terms of tight ends, with 767 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Finley was on pace for much more than that in 2010, though, and his contributions were quite inconsistent as he led all tight ends in drops this season with 11.

You would think that the Packers would re-sign him long term or at least franchise him, but Finley often voiced his displeasure with not being targeted enough by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, so the Packers could decide that he's more trouble than he's worth. If Green Bay does let him walk then he will be the best tight end on the market by far and will make an absolute killing in free agency.

WR Vincent Jackson (SD)

The San Diego Chargers and wide receiver Vincent Jackson have had a contentious relationship over the past couple seasons in terms of contract negotiations, and it looks like the Bolts will now have to put up or shut up if they want to keep him. It's unlikely that Jackson will get franchised yet again, so I fully expect him to test the market.

Jackson has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in his past three full seasons and he is an incredibly rare athlete. He is one of the biggest receivers in the game at 6'5" 230 lbs., allowing him to leap over almost every defender, but he also maintains good speed and can make plays down the field. Any team looking for a No. 1 receiver will be willing to pay Jackson, so there figures to be quite the bidding war for his services this offseason.