NFL Rumors: 5 Quarterbacks That Will Be Dealt During Free Agency

Having a solid quarterback is essential in the NFL. There are only a handful of teams that have elite, top-tier guys while the rest are constantly trying to upgrade the position.

There are many rumors that begin to fly the minute that confetti hits the stage and the Super Bowl champions put on their freshly printed T-shirts.

Teams are looking to elevate their squad by means of the draft, free agency or via trade. Here's a look at five quarterbacks that are rumored to potentially be wearing a new jersey next season.

Colt McCoy

Mike Holmgren and the Browns are rumored to be interested in trading up in the draft to get their hands on Robert Griffin III, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Baylor.

If they make that move, Colt McCoy may find himself on a new team in 2012.

Browns' staff has been unwilling to commit to McCoy as the team's long-term quarterback, causing widespread speculation on where that leaves the signal-caller.

Mark Sanchez

Mark Sanchez's 2011 season was symbolic of his career thus far: tumultuous and inconsistent. It was marked by disharmony and dysfunction in the locker room.

There was public feuding with wide receiver Santonio Holmes as well other negative comments about the quarterback by several other teammates.

Rex Ryan has publicly backed Sanchez, and GM Mike Tannenbaum confirmed him as the starter for the Jets in 2012. However, Ryan has his eyes on that Vince Lombardi Trophy and is certainly capable of pulling the trigger on a trade to ship Sanchez in favor of a higher draft pick or a better veteran quarterback.

Christian Ponder

Christian Ponder had a typical rookie performance when he took over for Donovan McNabb midseason in 2011. He made his share of mistakes yet also showed potential as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

One would think he deserves at least another year to develop and prove himself. Sadly, in this case he could be the victim of the Vikings' great draft spot at No. 3 overall. The Vikings could jump on a chance at a potential elite quarterback, a situation that doesn't present itself too often for a franchise. While Ponder may elevate his game over time, talent experts believe that both Luck and Griffin III are in a class above.

Where does that leave Ponder? It will certainly be interesting to see what the Vikings decide to do with that third pick in April and how it will effect what jersey Ponder will be wearing next season.

Matt Flynn

So you're probably thinking, "Matt Flynn is an unrestricted free agent, why is he on this list? It wouldn't be in the Packers' best interest to let Flynn go without gaining something in return."

The Packers could decide to use their franchise tag on Flynn, then turn around and trade him to a team like the Redskins or Dolphins, both of which need a quarterback.

It draws comparison to last year's Kevin Kolb trade where the Eagles got Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick in return.

Brian Hoyer

Brian Hoyer, the backup to Tom Brady, could probably have a legitimate shot of starting on several NFL teams.

Hoyer is a restricted free agent and, depending on the tender the Patriots designate, could get a few looks from around the league. They are rumored to place at least a second-rounder on Hoyer in an attempt to retain adequate value if a team is interested in the signal-caller.

The Patriots drafted Ryan Mallett in the third round last year as their quarterback of the future. He has shown real promise in that role, making a deal for Hoyer even more of a possibility.