2012 NFL Free Agency: Top 5 Quarterbacks Entering Free Agency This Offseason

The following are the top five quarterbacks available during the 2012 NFL free agency period: 

1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Brees makes this list only by principle. While technically a free agent, the Saints and Brees will almost certainly come to terms on a long-term agreement that keeps the quarterback in New Orleans for the rest of his career. Expect a deal to be done sooner rather than later.

2. Matt Flynn, Green Bay Packers

Flynn might have topped this list (minus Brees), regardless of what happened in Week 17, but he ensured his name would be the most coveted among quarterbacks this offseason with a record-breaking performance against the Lions. He threw for a franchise-record 480 yards and six touchdowns, including the game-winner to Jermichael Finley with under two minutes left.

He's learned the craft under the very best in Green Bay, so there should be a number of teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks, that line up for his services. 

3. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

After Jim Harbaugh was hired by the 49ers, Smith gave himself one more chance to make amends in San Francisco with a one-year contract. It ended up being the smartest move of his career. Smith showed that he could lead a winner and take care of the football in the regular season.

His final five minutes of the NFC divisional round against the Saints will live on in NFL history. Smith is not a perfect option, but the 49ers have to look to bring him back in 2012.

4. Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders

What was shaping up to be a postseason appearance for Campbell in Oakland ended in a hurry when he busted up his shoulder. His career in Oakland ended even faster.

A couple days after his injury, the Raiders traded several high picks for Bengals "retired" quarterback Carson Palmer. GM Reggie McKenzie is committing to Palmer, so Campbell is almost certainly on his way out. There should be a couple of destinations that give him another shot, however.

5. Kyle Orton, Kansas City Chiefs

Not a huge Orton fan, but I'd trust him over both Vince Young and Chad Henne.

When you don't ask too much from Orton, he can be efficient with the football (see: Chiefs' win over Green Bay Packers). But when you're asking him to go win you a football game, disaster is waiting (see: Broncos' loss to Packers). Used correctly, Orton is a fine stop gap for any franchise that needs one. 

Also: Vince Young, Philadelphia Eagles; Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins