2012 NFL Free Agents: Best Destinations for Top Players

Tuesday, March 13 is going to be the biggest day on the NFL calendar until April’s draft.

The top free agents that weren’t slapped with the franchise tag are salivating at the mouth as they prepare to sign a multi-year deal worth enough money to swim in.

While no team will ever publicly admit to speaking with a specific player over the last two months, we all know discussions have occurred and players are counting down until Tuesday. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top free agents and the destination that makes the most sense. 

Peyton Manning, QB

The biggest free agent of the last 20 years has all of the power in his decision-making process. Manning is going to play where he wants to after evaluating all his options.

I’ll make it simple for him.

The Washington Redskins play in the same division as his lil’ brother, the Seattle Seahawks play outdoors in cold weather, the Arizona Cardinals already have invested their future into Kevin Kolb and the New York Jets are too big of a soap opera on top of playing outdoors in frigid weather.

That leaves only one team.

Best Destination: Miami Dolphins

Next-Best: Arizona Cardinals 

Matt Flynn, QB

Flynn and his one great game are going to cash in, but it’s going to take a minute. He has to wait for Manning to sign and potentially even until after the draft for that mess to be sorted out.

The Redskins make sense because of their track record of throwing big money on free agents, the immediate ability to start and a decent team around him.  

The Cardinals aren’t going to get a QB unless it’s Manning, the Jets aren’t going to shell out for a QB unless there is no question he is better than Mark Sanchez and Flynn wouldn’t be a huge upgrade over Tarvaris Jackson in Seattle.

Best Destination: Washington Redskins

Next Best: Miami Dolphins

Michael Bush, RB

The backup for Darren McFadden is ready to spread his wings and fly to a team in need of a starter. He has the speed and durability to handle 20 carries a game. He registered 977 yards and seven TDs in a pass-happy offense last year.

So who runs a system where the No. 1 back gets 20 carries and is currently in need of one?

The Cincinnati Bengals.

Cedric Benson ripped the offense on Sirius Satellite radio recently and sounds like a man that is long-gone. That leaves a huge hole, and backup Bernard Scott is not the answer.

Bush is the top free agent at running back and will land a big deal wherever he lands.

Best Destination: Cincinnati Bengals

Next Best:  Cleveland Browns

Peyton Hillis, RB

Hillis dealt with a ton of issues with the Browns last year, and despite reports that he is back in good graces with the team, a breakup is in order.

The bruising back didn’t even collect half the numbers of 2010 (587 yards, three TDs), and he will probably have to prove himself with a one-year deal.

That makes perfect sense for the New York Jets, a team in full-blown desperation mode in 2012. He would also fit in Detroit to counter the speedy yet fragile Jahvid Best.

Best Destination: New York Jets

Next Best: Detroit Lions.

Vincent Jackson, WR

At 6’5’’, few receivers possess the combination of size and speed of Jackson. At the age of 29, he has one fat contract left in him.

So who has the money to pony up for Jackson, who will likely land a deal in the $50M neighborhood?

There are multiple reports that the Bears plan on making a strong push for him, and that is just what the doctor ordered for Jay Cutler. Chicago hasn’t had a franchise receiver seemingly ever, and now is the time to change that.

Best Destination: Chicago Bears

Next Best: Washington Redskins

Brandon Lloyd, WR

Lloyd’s career was resurrected under Josh McDaniels in Denver, then St. Louis. Now McDaniels is the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, who just so happen to need a deep threat with experience.

This one is a slam dunk.

Best Destination: New England Patriots

Next Best: Jacksonville Jaguars 

Carl Nicks, OG

You may not know who he is, but Nicks is going to land one of the fattest contracts of anybody in free agency. He has two All-Pro’s to his name, a Super Bowl ring and is only 26.

He is one player every team in the league would be thrilled to have (aside from Manning).

Best Destination: Seattle Seahawks

Next Best: Buffalo Bills

Mario Williams, OLB/DE

Super Mario made a seamless transition from defensive end to linebacker, collecting five sacks in as many games before succumbing to a season-ending knee injury.

He has the speed to hang with receivers in coverage and the strength to knock down big burly lineman. He is Julius Peppers 2.0, and he will get paid as such.

Best Destination:  Carolina Panthers

Next Best: New England Patriots

Cortland Finnegan, CB

A strong and physical player that some may consider dirty, few corners hold the skills of Finnegan. The edge he plays with is something teams love to see, as long as it doesn’t lead to any dumb decisions…like a fight with Andre Johnson.

Finnegan’s antics have worn out his welcome in Tennessee, and he is now ready for a fresh start.

Best Destination: Dallas Cowboys

Next Best: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

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