2012 NFL Free Agents: Who Will Win Matt Flynn Sweepstakes?

Unless both Peyton Manning and Drew Brees end up testing the free-agent waters this offseason, the most sought-after free-agent quarterback on the market will be Matt Flynn.

Flynn has spent the first four seasons of his career with the Green Bay Packers, serving as Aaron Rodgers' backup. In the two starts he's gotten, however, Flynn has been incredibly impressive. Most recently, he threw for nearly 500 yards with six touchdown passes against the Detroit Lions in Week 17.

It's still early in the process, but a handful of possible suitors for Flynn's services have begun to emerge. Let's round up the latest rumors and discuss whether or not Flynn would be a good fit with the teams involved.

Cleveland Browns

The buzz concerning Flynn as a possible fit for the Browns is more speculation than anything. Colt McCoy hasn't done anything to prove he's capable of leading the Browns, so people are wondering if the team might target Flynn.

For example, Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Republic point to the thoughts of former NFL player and current analyst Rich Gannon to suggest that Flynn is a perfect fit for the Browns.

“You talk about a guy who could step in on Day 1 and run the offense," said Gannon.

Dan Shonka, a former NFL scout, told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer pretty much the same thing.

"Matt Flynn is a perfect fit for their offense," said Shonka.

The question the Browns have to ask themselves if signing Flynn is a better option than drafting a quarterback, a la Robert Griffin III. Since the Browns have the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, drafting Griffin is a legit possibility.

One way or the other, it's hard to get a grasp on what Cleveland is thinking at the moment.

Miami Dolphins

A lot of people expect the Dolphins to sign Flynn because they just hired Joe Philbin, formerly Green Bay's offensive coordinator, as head coach.

It's not necessarily a done deal. According to the Miami Herald, Flynn is Plan B in Miami. Peyton Manning is Plan A.

The Indianapolis Colts have the option of cutting Manning loose if they want. It's a simple matter of getting out under the $28 million bonus due to Manning. Since it's unclear how healthy Manning is, the Colts not paying him is a very real possibility.

If Manning does hit free agency, the Dolphins would have to get a clean bill of Manning's health before pursuing him. If they do, they'll be in the mix. If not, Plan A likely shifts to Matt Flynn.

Seattle Seahawks

In late January, Aaron Rodgers told ESPN Milwaukee that Seahawks general manager John Schneider is "pulling some strings" to bring Flynn to the Northwest. 

That seems to be the extent of the Seattle rumors. The Seahawks should be considered a dark horse in the Flynn sweepstakes, but Rodgers is the only one saying there's stuff going on behind the scenes.

The Seahawks don't need to pursue Flynn; they have Tarvaris Jackson under contract for another season. He's not the best quarterback in the league, but he's not the worst either. If the Seahawks want to tackle 2012 with Jackson under center, they will.

Washington Redskins

Here's what ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted on Super Sunday:

In essence, Washington's plans are the same as Miami's: Manning first, Flynn second.

Just like the Browns, the Redskins also have the option of drafting a quarterback if they so please. They have the No. 6 pick in the draft.

Still, you can't rule out anything with Dan Snyder. He's demonstrated that he's not afraid to spend big when he smells a way to fix his franchise.

It's just too bad he's usually wrong.

Best Bet: Flynn goes to Miami

Personally, I'm banking on Peyton Manning getting released. If that happens, I think the Redskins will be able to outbid the Dolphins for Manning's services, forcing them to turn to Flynn.

If Manning sticks with the Colts, the Dolphins will be the best fit for Flynn. Hard to ask for a better opportunity than getting to team up with his old OC.