2012 NFL Free Agents: DeSean Jackson and Best Fits for Ascending Teams

While it's obvious which teams are Super Bowl contenders, there are several teams that look to be on the rise in the NFL. While those teams are likely a few players away from being major threats, some of them have a lot of cap space to play with this offseason.

Because of that, several teams could get a lot better very quickly with such a deep free-agent class. The needs of most teams are well documented, and while some will use the draft to address them, free agency looks to be as good of a tool this year as it has ever been.

Here are some of the best fits this offseason between free agents and teams on the rise.

DeSean Jackson to Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals were well ahead of schedule last season, as they made the playoffs thanks to a strong defense and excellent play from rookie quarterback Andy Dalton. With Dalton and Pro Bowl rookie wide receiver A.J. Green another year older, the Bengals figure to make major strides again this season.

While the offense was good, it could really benefit from some added weapons for Dalton.

While Green is a great downfield threat, he is also a big target, so he can excel on shorter routes as well. Because of that, the Bengals would do well to put a speed-burner across from Green.

The best option would be Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson. While Jackson can be a headache at times, he is among the best deep men in the league, and to make him even more valuable, he can double as the Bengals' punt returner.

Carl Nicks to Titans

The Tennessee Titans fell just short of the playoffs last season, finishing with a 9-7 record. But they certainly exceeded expectations.

The defense underwent a bit of an overhaul before the season, and Matt Hasselbeck was brought in to start at quarterback. Not everything went perfectly, as it took running back Chris Johnson a long time to get going, and wide receiver Kenny Britt was lost early in the season, but the Titans have a lot of promise.

For the past several years, the offensive line has been a major strength for the Titans, but the interior of that line is beginning to erode. Guard Jake Scott is a free agent, while the other guard position and center are albatrosses.

Tennessee has a lot of cap space this offseason, and it could address that issue by signing the best offensive lineman on the market in New Orleans Saints guard Carl Nicks. Suddenly, the Titans would likely have one of the better lines in the league once again,

Cortland Finnegan to Broncos

The Denver Broncos obviously aren't without faults, as they finished the 2011 season 8-8. But thanks to a weak AFC West, they managed to make the playoffs and even won a game over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While the main focus this offseason will likely be molding Tim Tebow into a more complete quarterback, the defense has some holes as well that need to be addressed.

Champ Bailey continues to play like a shutdown cornerback, but he won't be able to play at that level forever. Also, there isn't much in the way of resistance on the other side of the field, so the Broncos would really benefit from signing a corner.

The best attainable corner on the market appears to be Cortland Finnegan of the Tennessee Titans. What Finnegan lacks in size, he more than makes up for in effort and aggressiveness, so he would be a great complement to Bailey.