2012 NFL Free Agents: The Best Available Player at Every Key Position

Super Bowl XLVI is in the books; congratulations New York Giants.

While that closes the door on the 2011-2012 NFL season, it simultaneously opens the door for the 2012-2013 campaign to begin. Later this month, the NFL scouting combine highlights the beginning of the new season.

Next month, the annual madness that is free agency in the National Football League begins.

Among the players looking to cash in big are the following NFL stalwarts, who will be highly sought-after as the best available players at their respective positions.

QB: Matt Flynn, Green Bay Packers

First off, technically Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints is a free agent, but the Saints are apt to just hand Brees a blank check and tell him to fill in a number he's comfortable with, so I'd put the odds of his leaving at slightly worse than Ron Paul's winning the Presidency.

There are some more established names available who may be on the move, such as Kyle Orton of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jason Campbell of the Oakland Raiders—the latter could be a steal for a team with a need at signal-caller after injury ended a 2011 season in which he was playing fairly well.

However, it doesn't appear that the Green Bay Packers will place the franchise tag on backup quarterback Matt Flynn, and on the heels of a 480-yard, six-touchdown performance in the Packers' regular-season finale, a number of suitors are already lining up to make the fourth-year pro a wealthy man.

RB: Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

Running backs Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears and Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks are all free agents, but they're about as likely to leave their respective teams as Andy Reid is to effectively manage timeouts.

That leaves Michael Bush of the Oakland Raiders as easily the best available ball-carrier after gaining nearly 1,000 yards this season.

While the Raiders would very much like to retain the fourth-year veteran's services, it may be hard to do given their current cap situation.

WR: DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

Even after dropping a huge pass in Super Bowl XLVI, there's still no way that the Patriots are letting Wes Welker walk, so he's off the list here.

However, after grousing his way through much of Philadelphia's miserable 2011 season, wide receiver DeSean Jackson may have worn out his welcome with the Eagles, and there will be plenty of teams that will line up for a wide receiver with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, headcase or not.

TE: Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers

This one's still a bit unlikely.

But after a year in which Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley seemingly had a terminal case of the dropsies, it's possible that Green Bay will let Finley test free agency.

Should they go that route, the Packers may well find themselves outbid, at least financially, as the 6'5" Finley would be the most talented player available at his position—by a long shot—on the open market.

OL: Carl Nicks, OG, New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints would absolutely hate to lose guard Carl Nicks, as he and batterymate Jahri Evans form one of the most potent one-two punches in the National Football League at the position.

However, after signing Evans to a $56.7 million contract in 2010, it would likely take a similar deal to retain Nicks. That's an awful lot of money to have tied up in two guards.

If the Saints are fiscally forced to allow Nicks to depart, then half the NFL will likely give his agent a call.

The fourth-year Pro Bowler could be in for a huge payday.

DL: Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts

Defensive lineman Robert Mathis has been the foundation of the Colts defensive line for several seasons, averaging double-digit sacks over the past five years.

However, the Colts are rebuilding, and Mathis seems ill-suited to the 3-4 "Hybrid" defense being implemented by new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Thus, it's fairly likely that the soon to be 31 year-old may decide it's time to move on.

If that's the case, there should be no shortage of interested parties. Plenty of teams using the 4-3 out there need pass-rush help and have cap space to burn.

ILB: D'Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns

First, let me say that I hope the Cleveland Browns have enough sense to re-sign middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who had a fantastic rebound season in 2011 and finished second in the NFL in tackles after missing all of 2010 and most of 2009 due to two pectoral injuries.

This, however, means it probably won't happen, as hope is to Browns fans as antifreeze is to cats.

Tasty, then fatal.

Should the Browns let Jackson test the waters, there are two NFC East teams that I can think of with a glaring need at MLB that would probably be interested.

Also, Jackson might as well take less money just to escape the nexus of misery that is Cleveland.

OLB: Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys

Even playing opposite All-Pro DE DeMarcus Ware in Dallas, Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer has been something of a disappointment in his five-year career.

However, in truest contract-year fashion, Spencer tied his career high in sacks and posted his second-most tackles in a season in 2011.

Those 66 tackles and six sacks are likely to be enough to generate some interest from squads who use the 3-4 and have a need outside.

As well, the Cowboys appear to be in no rush to re-up him, so Spencer is the top available option in a thin class at his position in free agency.

CB: Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan may not be very popular among his peers, but it's hard to argue with the numbers that he's put up over his six years in the NFL.

He's notched nearly 500 tackles and has 14 interceptions, proving he can both help stop the run as well as cover his man.

Finnegan doesn't seem to think he'll be returning to Nashville. Given the lack of available talent at the position this year and the fact that Finnegan is in his prime at 28, he should be able to wrangle a long-term deal from someone.

S: LaRon Landry, Washington Redskins

This one carries with it some risk.

Landry has shown the ability to be a star, but at times he's also battled Achilles injuries each of the past two seasons and still appears reluctant to address the issue surgically.

It's a good possibility that, at the very least, the Washington Redskins will let Landry test free agency before trying to get the fifth-year veteran to sign a short-term contract.

In the interim, it's possible that another team will take a chance on Landry's talent and snatch him away.