NFL Free Agents 2012: Suggesting 3 Moves That Could Pay off

The 2012 NFL offseason is filled with some pretty solid free agents who could likely end up signing elsewhere. The 2011 season had some drama, and because of that, changes appear to be evident.

And with making moves in mind, here are three players who could pay off big time in 2012.

Cortland Finnegan, CB

Despite being undersized, Tennessee's Cortland Finnegan would make any defense needing a stud No. 1 corner better.

His attitude and physical play is what you want in a defensive back and his lock down coverage also.

In 2011, Finnegan recorded 75 tackles, defended 11 passes and had five run-stuffs. Cortland is one of the better press coverage corners in the league and provides excellent run support. Being that he's rarely challenged, it's no surprise to see him in the trenches.

His ability to keep receivers at the line, awareness in zone and ball skills once getting an interception makes him arguably the most complete corner available this offseason.

Projected Team: Oakland Raiders

DeSean Jackson, WR

Regardless of how disappointing a season it was for the City of Brotherly Love, Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson still had a respectable campaign with 961 yards and four TDs.

Now, he's clearly had better before, as evidenced by 2009 and 2010. But a change of scenery will be refreshing for one of the NFL's most explosive players. Serving also as a dangerous punt-returner, Jackson has taken four punts back to the house in his short career.

He's also a viable threat in the running game on jet sweeps, quick tosses and reverses. With straight line track speed and scary acceleration, anyone needing to improve on field position and explosiveness will come calling.

As long as there's a solid No. 1 receiver and developing or well-established pocket-passing QB, Jackson is a great sign.

Projected Team: Miami Dolphins

Peyton Hillis, RB

With other running backs in Brandon Jackson (when healthy) and Montario Hardesty, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Cleveland Browns part ways with Peyton Hillis.

Fortunately for Hillis, there are plenty of teams who could use a between-the-tackles/downhill Brahma Bull. For his size, Hillis has great athleticism, speed and agility. In 2010 he accounted for 1,654 total yards and scored 13 TDs.

After health issues in 2011, Hillis still compiled 717 total yards and had six solid games where he was responsible for an average of 107 total yards between those contests.

Provided that he can remain consistently healthy, Hillis' dual-threat dynamics will significantly help anyone needing a No. 1 back and/or to improve the ground game.

Projected Team: New York Jets

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