Predicting 2012 Destinations for the Best Players Not Given the Franchise Tag

The deadline for teams to apply the franchise tag has come and gone. While star players like quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and running back Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens got the proverbial slap from their respective clubs, a number of prominent players did not, meaning that they will be hitting the open market on March 13.

Here's a look at the cream of the soon-to-be-available crop, as well as a projection for which cities' real estate those players might want to start scanning for a place to hang their hats.

Matt Flynn, Quarterback

After the Green Bay Packers signed tight end Jermichael Finley to a contract extension, there were some rumors that the Packers might franchise tag backup quarterback Matt Flynn and then attempt to trade the fifth-year pro. Apparently, the Green Bay front office decided that a $14 million bet was a bit too rich for their taste.

The conclusion of the Peyton Manning saga will have a huge impact on where Flynn finally ends up. When the dust settles, the Miami Dolphins—who have Flynn as a "Plan B" target in free agency behind the aforementioned Manning—will most likely "B" the ones overpaying for the unproven Flynn.

Projected Destination: Miami Dolphins

Michael Bush, Running Back

The Oakland Raiders placed their franchise tag on safety Tyvon Branch. This makes four-year veteran Michael Bush, who gained nearly 1,400 total yards last year, the crown jewel of an admittedly thin crop of free agents at running back.

Bush wore down as the season progressed last year, so he may be best utilized as part of a committee attack. With a need at the position as plodder Cedric Benson hits free agency, as well as ample salary cap space, the Cincinnati Bengals could use Bush as the front end of a "thunder and lightning" backfield.

Projected Destination: Cincinnati Bengals

Vincent Jackson, Wide Receiver

In a move that surprised very few people, the San Diego Chargers declined to place an $11 million franchise tag on wide receiver Vincent Jackson. It appears that Jackson's sometimes spectacular, often acrimonious seven-year tenure in sunny Southern California is coming to an end.

The Washington Redskins are reportedly set to make a significant run at Jackson once he hits the open market. Should Daniel Snyder and Company miss out on the Peyton Manning/Reggie Wayne combo pack, it's easy to see Washington ponying up the dough to bring Jackson to D.C.

Projected Destination: Washington Redskins

Marques Colston, Wide Receiver

The New Orleans Saints' decision to apply their franchise tag to quarterback Drew Brees had a number of effects, not the least of which was making their star signal-caller a very unhappy camper.

Tagging Brees also prevented the Saints from using it on guard Carl Nicks or wide receiver Marques Colston. While the hefty salary that Nicks will command may prevent the Saints from keeping him in the fold, New Orleans should be able to free up enough wiggle room to keep the Saints' top wideout in the Big Easy.

Projected Destination: New Orleans Saints

Carl Nicks, Guard

Nicks immediately leaps to the front of the free-agent pecking order among offensive linemen.

While New Orleans would love to bring the beefeater back, a team with more salary cap space could easily swoop in and snatch the stalwart away.

Projected Destination: Kansas City Chiefs

Mario Williams, Defensive End/Linebacker

Mario Williams of the Houston Texans may be the most sought-after free agent in this year's class.

Even though Williams missed 11 games last year with a pectoral injury, the seventh-year pro has shown an uncanny ability to get after the quarterback both as a 4-3 defensive end and as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

The Texans had little choice but to let Williams hit the open market given that his franchise tag for 2012 would have been an exorbitant $22 million. With plenty of suitors set to make Williams the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL, the chances of "Super Mario" remaining a Texan are anything but super.

Projected Destination: Seattle Seahawks

Curtis Lofton, Linebacker

In today's pass-happy NFL, solid cover cornerbacks come at a premium, so it wasn't exactly a surprise to see the Atlanta Falcons forgo placing their franchise tag on linebacker Curtis Lofton in favor of using it on cornerback Brent Grimes.

There were reports last month that the Falcons had grown frustrated with their leading tackler due to last year's coverage deficiencies, but that may have been as much a negotiating ploy as anything. When the dust settles I expect Lofton to end up right back where he started.

Projected Destination: Atlanta Falcons

Stephen Tulloch, Linebacker

After what was likely some serious hand-wringing in Motown, the cap-strapped Detroit Lions bit the bullet and used the franchise tag on defensive end Cliff Avril. They shelled out $11 million for the team's leading pass-rusher from a season ago.

Unfortunately, that puts the Lions in a sticky wicket when it comes to signing other free agents such as linebacker Stephen Tulloch. It's distinctly possible that the linebacker-needy Eagles could make a serious play for Tulloch given his familiarity with the "Wide 9" defense that they employ. 

Projected Destination: Philadelphia Eagles

Brandon Carr, Cornerback

The Kansas City Chiefs elected to hedge their bets against the potential loss of cornerback Brandon Carr in free agency, signing former Oakland corner Stanford Routt before deciding against tagging Carr in favor of wide receiver Dwayne Bowe.

The 25-year-old will likely be the most sought-after player at a premium position when free agency opens, so the bidding should be fast and furious. Whichever team has the most desperate need at the position and a boatload of salary cap space is in the best position to secure Carr's services.

Projected Destination: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cortland Finnegan, Cornerback

Not only did the Tennessee Titans elect to use their franchise tag on safety Michael Griffin instead of cornerback Cortland Finnegan, but the Titans apparently have no intention of making any real effort to keep the seventh-year pro in Nashville.

The Titans may not want Finnegan back, but that shouldn't stop a number of teams with a need in the secondary from giving Finnegan's agent a call. The bombastic defensive back may find a soul mate of sorts in the owner of a certain team in Texas.

Projected Destination: Dallas Cowboys