Top 5 Matt Flynn NFL Free Agency Rumors

Matt Flynn figures to be the most sought free agent in 2012, provided that neither Drew Brees or Ray Rice see March arrive without a new contract or a franchise tag.

There are certainly several veterans with a proven track record that will have the opportunity to sign free agent contracts, but a quarterback with just two NFL starts has been getting the lion's share of attention.

I don't intend to minimize Flynn's potential value, nor his potential as a starting quarterback. I have been talking about Flynn as a potential franchise quarterback since the 2011 draft and in November wrote about why he would be the next starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.

Then Flynn did the unthinkable and outplayed the anticipated league MVP in a Week 17 start against the Detroit Lions. His stat line was incredible—31/44, 480 YDS, 10.9 YPA, 6 TDs, 1 INT, 136.4 QBR.

This has certainly peaked the interest of other teams around the NFL, and likely none as much as the Miami Dolphins who have signed his former offensive coordinator Joe Philbin to be their new head coach.

Rumors are already swirling about Flynn in free agency. Here are a few that are making the rounds.

5. Matt Flynn Is Actually Aaron Rodgers' Clone

Aaron Rodgers is 6'2" and 225 pounds.

Matt Flynn is also 6'2" and 225 pounds.

Rodgers has lost his baby face following a few seasons of being a starting NFL quarterback, but Flynn will soon catch up.

The other similarities are there as well. Both throw touchdowns almost at will, both actively excite a fan base and there are tales that both defy the laws of gravity while perched on open waters.

Flynn has a bit of work ahead of him to demonstrate he and Rodgers are cut from the same cloth, but he will look to do just that in either the northwest or southeast corner of the country.

4. Joe Philbin's Head Coaching Job in Miami Is Contingent on Securing Matt Flynn

As the offensive coordinator in Green Bay, Joe Philbin had the enviable job of finding opportunities for Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers to flourish.

He will now be expected to work the same magic in Miami, but their offensive talent is just a bit shy of what the Packers had to offer.

What better way to transition to the Packers offense than bringing in their coordinator and backup quarterback? 

It wasn't easy for Philbin to secure a promise from Flynn and his agent to follow him to Miami. One step was Philbin securing a final start in Green Bay, combined with opening up the offense to allow Flynn to set passing records.

This was the carrot side of the argument, as it would add several million dollars to his contract.

Then there was the stick side—Philbin threatened to force Flynn to look at Favre's text pics if he doesn't follow him to Miami.

3. Matt Flynn Agreed to Follow John Schneder to Seattle When He Was Named GM

Seattle has a habit of luring general managers from Green Bay.

They also have a decent track record with bringing their backup quarterbacks along to lead their new team.

John Schneider was part of the draft team that valued Flynn enough to draft him at a time when quarterback wasn't a need. He recognized the talent and value then, as well as when he was packing his office to move west.

Pete Carroll took a cue from Schneider, as he has with so many other young, talented players. He has already worked out a contract with Flynn's agent to be the new quarterback in Seattle.

Some will say this is collusion, and, on the face it, certainly is.

However, Carroll's critics like to point out that he cheated while he was the head coach at USC, as he wasn't aware of every action of every one of his players. They ignore the fact that the NCAA investigation actually found no wrongdoing on his part, so we'll say he gets a free pass on tampering with Flynn.

Taking steps to ensure he gets his franchise quarterback is just his next move in dominating his chosen league.

2. Matt Flynn Will Play for Both the Seahawks and Dolphins in 2012

In a bold ratings move, the NFL has agreed to allow Matt Flynn to play for both the Seattle Seahawks and the Miami Dolphins in 2012.

This will create some scheduling challenges, but Roger Goodell will massage prime time games into their schedules and offer a private jet to get Flynn to the different venues.

The easiest, yet most interesting weekend, will be when the Seahawks visit the Dolphins in 2012.

Flynn will actually quarterback for both teams, acting as "constant quarterback" like dads do with their kids in backyard games.   

Adding a bit more emphasis to this matchup, Flynn's services beyond the 2012 season will be granted to the winning team.

1. The Green Bay Packers Are Going to Franchise Tag Flynn

The Packers had the opportunity to trade Flynn during the 2011 offseason. Instead, they opted to bring him back to serve as Rodgers' backup knowing he could lead the team should their starting quarterback be injured.

However, the Packers had a plan all along.

They would play him in Week 17 and opt against posting a defensive front. This would allow Flynn to have a career day, raising his value on the free agent market.

The Packers would then ignore the spirit of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and franchise tag him for the purpose of trading him.

Brilliant!

Flynn and his agent are going to turn a blind-eye on the abuse of the tag, accepting the generosity of the Packers one-year deal. The freedom to pick his preferred team in 2012, as opposed to settling on whomever the Packers can work out a trade with, is vastly over-rated.