2012 NFL Free Agents: Quarterback and Seattle Seahawks Biggest Needs

With NFL free agency set to get underway in less than two weeks, the Seattle Seahawks need to plug some glaring holes on the roster and take the next step towards contending in the NFC.

If they do well in the draft and free agency, the Seahawks will be a legit threat in 2012.

Here are some of their biggest needs and possible players to fulfill them.

Quarterback

Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson played reasonably well in 2011, his best season statistically, but moving forward Seattle needs an improvement at field general.

With Peyton Manning news and rumors swirling, it's tough to say where the four-time NFL MVP will end up.

The draft is another way to obtain a starting quarterback, but the best available will be Ryan Tannehill unless the Seahawks trade up to get Robert Griffin III.

Matt Flynn is the best available option on the free agent market. The four-year pro has had time to learn from Aaron Rodgers and has played well in limited action.

Last time the 'Hawks brought over a young QB from Green Bay who had time to learn from a great one it turned out pretty well (Matt Hasselbeck).

The next best available is Kyle Orton, so Seattle should aggressively pursue Flynn.

Running Back

While the Seahawks and Marshawn Lynch continue contract negotiations, the front office should keep their peripherals open to other backs on the market.

Lynch had the best season of his career in 2011, and Seattle definitely needs him back in order to content in 2012, but if a deal isn't reached they'll need to acquire a ball carrier either via draft or free agency.

Trent Richardson or Lamar Miller would be great pick-ups in April, but some big names will hit the free agent market, Ray Rice, Peyton Hillis and Matt Forte to name a few.

Linebacker

Two of Seattle's starting linebackers will become free agents in Leroy Hill and David Hawthorne.

It''l be tough to get both guys back, and Hill's recent arrest, his third since turning pro, may have spelled the end to his playing days in Seattle.

Some attractive options are available in the draft and free agency.

Stephen Tulloch, Anthony Spencer and oft injured D'Qwell Jackson would make viable replacement if Hill and/or Hawthorne don't return.

Safety

Earl Thomas made his fist Pro Bowl appearance after a stellar 2011 season, and two-year pro Kam Chancellor looks promising. Seattle's starting safeties are young and have miles of potential, but the rest of the depth chart is weak at the position.

Veteran Atari Bigby will become a free agent, and if he isn't re-signed there will be some young, inexperienced players backing up Thomas and Chancellor.

Veterans Deon Grant and Bob Sanders are upcoming free agents, and yes they're old and Sanders is always hurt, but either of them could step into Lawyer Milloy's role of a couple years ago and serve as experienced leaders in the secondary.