NFL Free Agency: Bart Scott and 5 Superstars That Will Be on New Teams in 2012

The 2012 NFL free agency period is getting closer, and it's time for teams to start negotiating with their players or surrender them to the free-agent market.

The Philadelphia Eagles announced yesterday that they were applying the franchise tag on disgruntled wideout DeSean Jackson, relinquishing Jackson from a few teams' wish lists.

Beginning on March 13, the free agency period begins, and there are many players who are predicted to be playing for new squads in 2012.

So who are they and where might they end up?

Bart Scott

The New York Jets have reportedly given Bart Scott permission to actively seek a trade, according to CBS New York.

Scott is unhappy with his role in the defense, as his playing time wore thin in passing situations.

Scott's agent, Harold C. Lewis told the media:

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Bart loves being a Jet, but a lot of guys gave back a lot of money last year — a lot of money, millions of dollars. That money was supposed to be used to get players to improve the team to win the Super Bowl. Anything other than winning the Super Bowl is unacceptable.

"

Lewis also said that Scott would play for the Giants in a heartbeat.

While there's no favorite as of yet, we know one thing for sure: Scott does not want to play for the Green and White anymore.

Peyton Manning

Future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is on the wish list of numerous teams around the NFL this offseason.

So who's the favorite to land the four-time MVP?

ESPN's Adam Schefter has consistently listed the Miami Dolphins as the likeliest team to reel in No. 18.

There's so much buzz in Miami that fans have created a website, "ManningtoMiami.com," as well as a billboard along an interstate near the Dolphins facilities.

While there are some benefits of Manning staying with the Indianapolis Colts, as detailed by Yahoo! Sports, the release of Manning from Indy is imminent. 

Mario Manningham

Last week, Mario Manningham informed the media that he was "75 percent sure that he was leaving the New York Giants."

Manningham has since then rescinded his 75 percent comment, saying that he's "50-50."

Regardless, his spectacular and improbable catch in Super Bowl XLVI has granted him a one-way ticket out of New York, which comes with a complementary bonus.

Recent reports have surfaced that Manningham will follow former Giants assistant Mike Sullivan to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Even if Manningham doesn't go to the Bucs, the Giants have reportedly stated that they are looking for a wideout who can line up at more than one or two spots, which they feel Manningham cannot.

Peyton Hillis

The Cleveland Browns will not use their franchise tag on running back Peyton Hillis, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

ESPN further reports that Hillis even contemplated retirement and joining the CIA instead.

Cleveland GM Tom Heckert had this to say to about the Hillis situation:

"

"If we can work something out with Peyton (Hillis) we will," Heckert told ESPN. "Did he have some rough patches during the season? Yes. Were there stretches where things were blown out of proportion? Yes. Honestly, I feel like a lot of that was blown up in the media."

"

Those rough patches during the season are enough for Hillis to hit the free-agent market.

So what about a destination for Hillis?

Well, Mike Shanahan drafted Peyton Hillis with the Denver Broncos in 2008, and now Shanahan's current team, the Washington Redskins, would be a good fit for Hillis, says NBC Sports' Mike Tanier. 

Behind Roy Helu, Washington is questionable at the RB position, as Tim Hightower is an unrestricted free agent who won't see the field until June.

Keep an eye on this one.

Vincent Jackson

Vincent Jackson is one of the most sought-after wideouts on the 2012 free agent-market. And the Washington Post is reporting that the Washington Redskins are looking to add Jackson.

But they're not the only squad.

As reported by NFLTradeRumors.com, Jason Lacanfora of the NFL Network has said that both the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers are interested in Jackson's services.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the San Diego Chargers are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Jackson, as it would cost them more than $13 million.

Be on the lookout for Jackson to make some big money this offseason. 

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