2012 NFL Free Agency: 8 Perfect Fits That Will Never Happen

With free agency back in its proper spot on the NFL calendar before the draft, it becomes the primary vehicle for filling needs. This is vastly different from last season, when clubs were forced to fill needs through the draft, which resulted in teams "reaching" for players. 

With so many players on one-year contracts because of the uncertainty surrounding the CBA at the time, this free agency class is abnormally deep. Every team has that one player who would completely turn their team round, but these acquisitions, unfortunately, are not as easy as they are when managing your Madden franchise. 

Here are eight acquisitions that should happen, but are nothing more than fantasy football. 

Mario Williams to the New York Jets

The Jets have been starved for a pass rusher since they whiffed on Vernon Gholston back in the 2008 draft.

With all of the talent they have at the cornerback position, just imagine what they could do if they had a guy who can just put his hand in the dirt and generate pressure without fancy schemes or added pressure that have characterized the Jets defense under Rex Ryan. 

Aaron Maybin gave the Jets a much-needed injection of athleticism and speed, but he is too small to be an every-down player, and most of his plays came from pure hustle and coverage sacks. 

Williams has proved he can stand up and put his hand in the dirt, and versatility is a must in a complicated defense like Rex Ryan's.

DeSean Jackson to the New England Patriots

As good as the Patriots are on offense, they lacked the element of vertical explosion. DeSean Jackson has made a living on generating big plays for the Eagles. Connect the dots. 

Assuming they can keep Wes Welker, adding Jackson to an offense with Welker, Gronkowski, and Hernandez and Tom Brady pulling the trigger will be quite a nightmare to defend. 

The issue with Jackson is that he simply was not very productive in 2011, at least relative to his previous numbers. He is also known as a character problem in the locker room, and with so many other receivers to choose from, the Pats will probably pass on Jackson. 

The Patriots may end up with Brandon Lloyd, but Jackson is exactly what the Patriots need for their offense. 

Ray Rice to Cincinnati Bengals

Honestly, Ray Rice would be a great fit just about anywhere. He is a complete back who can do it all, whether it's running between the tackles or catching the ball out of the backfield. 

To me, Cincinnati would be a perfect marriage. Cedric Benson is a free agent, and the Bengals need a steady back who can take as much pressure off a young Andy Dalton as possible. 

However, this is never going to happen, as Ray Rice is not leaving Baltimore, and the Bengals are not going to pay a ton of money for a running back.

Brent Grimes to the Dallas Cowboys

Arguably the best corner in this year's class of free agents, Grimes would be an immediate upgrade over anyone in the Cowboy secondary. 

The Cowboys gave up way too many big plays for a defense that is as talented as they are on their front seven. Terrance Newman is a shadow of what he once was, and Mike Jenkins had one injury after another. They need to add another starter, whether it's through free agency or in the draft. 

The Falcons may have some difficulty retaining Grimes, so this is not totally out of the question. But the Cowboys may not have the cash to pay Grimes, who is going to want top-corner money. 

LaRon Landry to the Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings may have the worst secondary in football, particularly at the safety position. 

Landry is hard-hitter who can cover a lot of ground in a hurry. He has a ton of range and has a knack for being around the football. 

The biggest issue with Landry is his injury history, as he missed significant time last season. However, because of his history, he may be available at a discount, and he would be a huge upgrade over anyone else they have in the secondary. 

However, the Vikings are in a bit of a rebuilding mode and would probably prefer to go younger at the position. 

Carl Nicks to the Tennessee Titans

Blame Chris Johnson for his struggles all you want, but the interior of the Titans' offensive line has been a liability for several years now. They could use a new player at any one of the three lines. 

Nicks, who is regarded as one of the best interior lineman in football, would not only create massive holes for Chris Johnson, but he would be a huge asset in minimizing pressure up the middle for a young Jake Locker. 

Curtis Lofton to the Philiadelphia Eagles

The Eagles put way too much pressure on their linebackers with their "Wide 9" alignment, and need to be more physical an instinctive at the position. 

Lofton is a seasoned veteran who is a great downhill tackler. After trying Casey Matthews at the start of the 2011 with disastrous results, the Eagles would thrive with a physical, veteran presence in the middle of their defense. 

However, Lofton is going to command a lot of money, and after the spending spree they went on last offseason, it's going to be tough to get another prized free agent like Lofton when they may be able to fill the position in the draft. 

Peyton Manning to the Seattle Seahawks

For some odd reason, there is little speculation about mentioning Manning to the Seahawks. Tavaris Jackson made some strides, but the Seahawks can't be sitting there and not be thinking about how good their team can be with a healthy Manning under center. 

The Seahawks really are just a quarterback away; the have a solid defense, a strong running game, and some weapons at the receiver and tight end positions. 

A healthy Manning on the Seattle Seahawks would instantly put the Seahawks not only as favorites in the division, but contenders to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. 

However, with all of the issues regarding Manning's health and competition from other suitors, Manning to Seattle appears to be doubtful.