2012 NFL Free Agents: Quarterback Options for the Washington Redskins

There aren't many who will doubt that the Washington Redskins currently have the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. The draft is one way to solve that problem—arguably the best way—but free agency is another route that Washington is very fond of.

Let's take a look at some names that the Redskins could target during the 2012 free agency period:

Peyton Manning, Colts

If Manning is released—he's owed a $28 million roster bonus on March 8th—and deemed healthy, he'll be the one most put to the Redskins.

Washington has the salary cap money available to both sign Manning and accommodate him with other free agents and draft picks. Plus, Mike Shanahan is a two-time Super Bowl winning coach.

However, would Manning be fine with playing Eli twice a year in the NFC East?

Matt Flynn, Packers

Flynn should be the most coveted young quarterback in this free agent class. A seventh-round pick in 2008, Flynn has studied under the best for three seasons. In his limited starting opportunities, Flynn has aced each chance. There's still some risk—after all, we have just two starts to go off—but Flynn has displayed the ability to command a top NFL offense.

Kyle Orton, Chiefs

Orton is quickly becoming the NFL's journeyman starting quarterback. It's now looking increasingly likely that he'll be looking for his fourth NFL city to call home with Matt Cassel returning from injury.

Orton would be just a minor upgrade over the combination of Rex Grossman and John Beck.

Jason Campbell, Raiders

Campbell looked ready to take the Raiders to the postseason in 2011, but a shoulder injury ended his season in an unexpected hurry. His career in Oakland ended just as fast when the Raiders went out and traded for Carson Palmer a few days later.

Would he ever consider a return trip to Washington?

Chad Henne, Dolphins

Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued Henne throughout his NFL career. While he has shown flashes of being a top-15 starter, those moments have simply been too rare to hand him the keys to a franchise.

However, there could be some value in a scenario where Henne would fight for a starting spot.

Vince Young, Eagles

Young would be an interesting fit, especially if he was brought in to battle another veteran. While the athleticism is still there for Young, he's struggled as a passer since being drafted by the Titans back in 2006.

I'd still argue he's a better option than Grossman/Beck.  

David Garrard, N/A

Longshot odds here. Garrard has been out of football for an entire season and wasn't a dominant player before his injury like Manning. In a backup role, Garrard has value. However, asking him to start is not a good way of approaching free agency.