2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Early Team-Player Fits in Free Agency

With the 2012 NFL free agency period on the horizon, let's take a look at some player-team fits that makes sense early in the process:

Brandon Lloyd to New England Patriots

Lloyd will listen to what Jeff Fisher and the St. Louis Rams sell him, but the connections to New England are fairly obvious.

Josh McDaniels, who coached Lloyd in Denver as head coach and St. Louis as offensive coordinator, is now with the Patriots as offensive coordinator. Considering how transparent the Patriots receivers were outside Wes Welker, the foot fits the shoe here.

Matt Flynn to Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins would have been considered a top destination for Flynn even if Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin hadn't been hired as Miami's next head coach. Now, the fit seems almost too good not to happen.

Philbin knows all there is to know about Flynn's game and Flynn hasn't known another offensive coordinator as a professional quarterback. And, of course, the Dolphins need a long-term quarterback option.

Braylon Edwards to New York Jets

The 49ers sent Edwards packing during the regular season, but it makes sense for there to be a reunion of Edwards and the Jets in New York in 2012.

A year ago, Edwards caught over 50 passes with seven touchdowns for Mark Sanchez. Considering the state of flux in the Jets' offense, bringing back a guy that has worked with Sanchez and had success only makes sense. 

Vincent Jackson to Chicago Bears

The Bears haven't had a true No. 1 receiver since the days of Marty Booker and Marcus Robinson, and recent dips into free agency have only landed mid-level players such as Roy Williams. With an abundance of top level receivers on this market (before franchise tags are handed out), this might be the year Chicago finds their guy.

Jackson, who may have worn out his welcome in San Diego, could be looking for a big paycheck in another city. Playing with big-armed quarterback Jay Cutler would be enticing, too.

Robert Mathis to Seattle Seahawks

With $13 million tied up in Dwight Freeney and a rebuilding project underway, the Colts should be reluctant to give Mathis big money to stay in Indianapolis. 

The Colts' loss could be the Seahawks' gain. One could argue that Seattle is just a piece or two away from being a top NFL defense, and another pass rushing defensive end is high on the wish list. Teaming Mathis with Chris Clemons, who had 11 sacks in 2011, gives the Seahawks a workable edge pass rush.