2012 NFL Free Agents: Green Bay Packers and Teams That Must Add Impact Player

Despite going 15-1 this past season, as well as being the defending Super Bowl champions, it was clear that the Green Bay Packers are still short an impact player.

They are not alone, as quite a few other teams will need to use this deep free-agent class to finally grab that player who could potentially put their team over the top and get their motors running.

This free-agent class features many big-time playmakers on offense and defense, but positions like running back, quarterback and wide receiver have some of the best depth that we have seen in years.

The teams below are going to have to compete with these players' current clubs, but if they can lure them away, they could be set for some real success next season.

Chicago Bears Must Target Wide Receiver Dwayne Bowe

Having a quarterback with a huge arm like Jay Cutler without providing him a big-time receiver is like committing a sin.

This past season, the Bears' top receiver was Johnny Knox, who had just 37 receptions for 727 yards with two touchdowns. That is not the play we expect from an impact receiver. Until the Bears get someone who can greatly improve on those numbers, this team will continue to struggle in the passing game.

With Bowe, the Bears could get a receiver who has had over 1000 receiving yards in each of his four full seasons (well, 995 yards in  2007, but we will bump it up because it was his rookie year).

While he didn't have as many touchdowns this year as last—five to 15—he was still overly impressive in terms of yards, considering quarterback Matt Cassel was out for a good amount of time this season.

It will remain to be seen if Bowe will either move on from the Chiefs, or, more importantly, if they will let him get away. Considering the Bears' new general manager Phil Emery is coming from the Chiefs, there could potentially be some life to this.

Other Targets: WR DeSean Jackson, PHI; WR Vincent Jackson, SD; WR Marques Colston, NO

Miami Dolphins Must Target Quarterback Matt Flynn

The Dolphins have a ton of pieces in place. They have a stud wide receiver in Brandon Marshall, an explosive running back in Reggie Bush and a strong defense led by linebacker Karlos Dansby.

One thing that is missing a legitimate quarterback.

While Matt Moore did a satisfactory job coming in to replace the injured and inconsistent Chad Henne this season, the team clearly could use an upgrade to allow them to compete in the AFC East.

The guy they must add is Packers backup QB Matt Flynn. Although he only has two official starts over the last two seasons, Flynn has shown some solid potential. Considering that the new head coach of the Dolphins, Joe Philbin, is his former offensive coordinator, the move seems like a match made in heaven.

While it is unlikely that Flynn will go 31-for-44 with 480 yards and six touchdowns every week, like he did against the Detroit Lions in Week 17, there is definitely something there that is worth trying for the Dolphins.

While the team doesn't have as many receiver options, Marshall is extremely talented, and Bush can make some big plays coming out of the backfield.

Other Targets: QB Kyle Orton, KC; QB Jason Campbell, OAK; QB Alex Smith, SF

Green Bay Packers Must Target Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson

The Packers are desperate for an impact running back, but, honestly, it is far-fetched that they will land a guy like Bears free agent Matt Forte, the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice or the Houston Texans' Arian Foster. What does that leave them with?

Tomlinson of the New York Jets.

I'll be the first to admit that Tomlinson is not as effective as he once was, and coming off of a 280-yard season with just one score is nothing to brag about. But when it is all said and done, this team will always run through Aaron Rodgers and the passing game.

That being said, the Packers need to add a veteran back who can come up and make the big plays at critical times, especially on short-yardage, third-down situations.

The team simply didn't have a running game this past season. Between Ryan Grant and James Starks, the two combined for just 1137 yards with three touchdowns. That just isn't acceptable, and this team is going to need to add some sort of impact from the backfield.

Tomlinson also has the ability to make an impact in the passing game, so he could be a huge addition to what is the team's already major strength. With guys like Starks looking to emerge out of this backfield, the Packers will need to add a reliable option who has proven over his career that he can make things happen.

Other Targets: RB Peyton Hillis, CLE; RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE; RB Mike Tolbert, SD

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.