NFL Free Agency 2012: Projecting Where Peyton Manning and the Top QBs Will Land

NFL free agency is set to begin on March 13, and there are a number of proven quarterbacks who are set to hit the market. 

Peyton Manning leads this free-agent class, but guys such as Matt Flynn, Alex Smith and Kyle Orton will become hot commodities for quarterback-needy teams. 

This free-agent class of quarterbacks is one of the best in recent memory, so let's take a look at where the top signal-callers will end up. 

Vince Young

Projected Destination: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

The Buccaneers will be losing backup quarterback Josh Johnson to free agency, which leaves the team with a vacancy at the position.

Vince Young has Josh Johnson's athleticism and a stronger arm. Young could push Josh Freeman for the starting job if Freeman struggles early in the year. 

Shaun Hill

Projected Destination: Jacksonville Jaguars 

Shaun Hill maybe an NFL journeyman, but there is no question this guy can keep a team on track for a few weeks. 

Hill would provide a solid veteran presence behind second-year pro Blaine Gabbert, and Hill could keep the team afloat should Gabbert struggle or suffer an injury. 

Jason Campbell

Projected Destination: Philadelphia Eagles 

Jason Campbell may not be a starting quarterback in the NFL again, but there is no doubt he will be a valuable backup for a team who has a question at quarterback. 

The Philadelphia Eagles already have Michael Vick, but the injury bug hindered Vick and the Eagles' full potential last season, which causes some concern.  The Eagles need to add a quarterback with the departure of Vince Young, and Jason Campbell is a proven veteran who could be the savior for Philadelphia if Vick does get hurt. 

Alex Smith

Projected Destination: San Francisco 49ers

Alex Smith already has a contract on the table from the 49ers, according to reports, and San Francisco has proclaimed it wants the veteran to lead the teams going forward. 

Smith guided the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game last season, which makes the acquisition of another quarterback highly unlikely. 

Chad Henne

Projected Destination: Indianapolis Colts 

The Colts will perhaps be drafting Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in the draft, but the team still desperately needs another option behind the rookie. 

Colts quarterbacks were downright awful last season, which forces the team to add a veteran backup.  Chad Henne has shown signs that he can play in this league, and he would provide some competition for Luck heading into the season. 

Kyle Orton

Projected Destination: New York Jets

I believe Kyle Orton is a starter in the NFL. He has had some success over the past few seasons, but he is still one of the most underrated and most disrespected players in the league.

The Jets have had some problems at the quarterback position as of late, and the team should look to bring Orton in to compete with Mark Sanchez. Sanchez reportedly signed an extension with the Jets, but the team should still look to bring a veteran like Orton to compete with the young quarterback. 

Matt Flynn

Projected Destination: Seattle Seahawks 

Matt Flynn is the most intriguing free agent in this year's class. He appears to be the real deal, but a number of teams may view him as the next Kevin Kolb. 

Flynn will come at a cheaper price, however, because the team that signs him will not have to surrender draft picks. The Seahawks have expressed interest in acquiring a quarterback this offseason, and Flynn may be their perfect fit.

Where Flynn goes really depends on Peyton Manning, but I really expect the Seahawks to make a strong push. 

Peyton Manning

Projected Destination: Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins' first priority this offseason is signing Peyton Manning, and it looks as if the team will do everything in its power to bring the quarterback to South Florida. 

The signing of Manning would potentially lure his former running-mate, Reggie Wayne, to Miami, which would give the Dolphins a dynamic duo at the wide receiver position with Brandon Marshall. 

Manning will end up in Miami because the Dolphins ultimately give him the best chance to win. They posses a very underrated defense and arguably the best left tackle in the game. The weather, the new coaching staff and the fact that Manning owns a property there makes it hard to believe that the quarterback will end up anywhere besides South Florida.