2012 NFL Free Agents: Which Players Will Put Teams into the Playoffs?

If the Philadelphia "Dream Team" Eagles from last season are any indication, building through free agency generally isn't a recipe for success.

But that doesn't mean that the right free agent can't catapult a team on the cusp into the playoffs.

Let's take a look at a few free agent this season who have the ability, on the right team, to lead a playoff charge for their new city.

Peyton Manning, Quarterback

Duh.

If the Indianapolis Colts without Peyton Manning last season were any indication, the future Hall of Famer is worth anywhere from five to eight wins for a team.

There's a reason that 12 different teams contacted him the day of his release from the Colts.

Mario Williams, Defensive End

Williams won't make a bad defense good, but he does have the ability to make a good defense in need of help with their pass rush a great defense.

Williams does more than just rush the passer, of course. He's also big and strong enough to help in the run gun and is unbelievably athletic for a man that stands 6'6" and 285 pounds.

The Seattle Seahawks should be making a serious push to acquire Williams. With some cap room and the need for a dynamic player on defense, acquiring Williams could push the Seahawks back into the playoffs.

Carl Nicks, Guard

The Saints should try to keep Nicks around—he's arguably the best guard in football.

But if they can't, teams with some cap room that have proven to be spenders in the past and could use an upgrade on their offensive lines—like the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys—should make a serious push to acquire Nicks.

Each will only have success if they are able to keep their franchise quarterbacks, Michael Vick and Tony Romo, healthy. For the Eagles, adding Nicks to an offensive line that includes Jason Peters would turn an inconsistent unit last year into a strength on the team.

Nicks will be a popular guy in free agency, and he should be—he might be the missing link for a team close to a playoff return.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets are bounty-free.