2012 NFL Free Agents: Players Your Team Must Target

From a quarterback that just wants a chance to start to a phenomenal guard that can transform the line, here are the key free agents for your favorite teams to target this offseason. 

There's no rest for the weary, and that means that the incessant NFL calendar continues to hit key dates. Fans will have plenty to discuss, as the next crucial moment is free-agent signings, and that means that some of the best talent on the open market will be getting a ton of love. 

Here are the players that you should hope and pray that your team has on their radar. 

1. Matt Flynn: Everyone wants to know about Peyton Manning—where he will play and what we can expect from him next season. 

The better player to make note of is Matt Flynn. He has been lying in wait behind Aaron Rodgers, learning a solid offensive system. The upside is there, as well as the hunger.

Forget Manning, I want to see more of the guy that threw 31-of-44 for 480 yards and six touchdowns against the Lions.  

2. Carl Nicks: The Saints guard is looking for a raise this winter, and there is no reason he shouldn't expect one. 

He is one of the best in the game, and he lends a great deal of consistency and leadership to the line. You can't undersell what a player of his acumen brings to an offense. 

3. Mario Williams: The only issue comes in the form of his durability, and after that it's all upside. Williams is exactly the kind of player you want to lead your team on defense. 

Williams has 53 sacks on his career and managed to get five in 2011 despite playing in just five games. More than just his production, Williams is a phenomenal leader and a quality personality off the field.  

4. Cortland Finnegan: Here is an interesting free agent that is an immense addition if you can get him on the cheap. 

The Titans were not about to overpay for him, and it remains to be seen if the market agrees. He is still one of the most versatile and aggressive corners in the game. 

5. Vincent Jackson: The star wide receiver will garner a great deal of attention on the open market, and rightfully so.

Chuck Schilken of the LA Times reports that there are teams eager to have Jackson hit free agency:

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Jackson could command $10 million or more per season, but teams like the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have the cap space and the need at wide receiver to pursue such a signing.

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The Chargers will no doubt make a play at re-signing Jackson, but the excitement from other teams makes that unlikely. 

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