2012 NFL Free Agents: Where Matt Flynn and Biggest Targets Are Going

It's nearly open season on NFL free agents, with but five days remaining until teams can begin to reshape their rosters in earnest ahead of the 2012 draft.

The market is expected to be full of intriguing names seeking new employers, though these three stars will play big roles in shaping how it all shakes out during the spring.

Matt Flynn

Aside from some future Hall of Famer who's already working the phones, Matt Flynn will be the most coveted quarterback for hire. The 26-year-old from Tyler, Texas has made a name for himself as a gritty passer whose patience has payed off, first during his collegiate days at LSU and then as Aaron Rodgers' backup with the Green Bay Packers.

Now, Flynn is set to reap the rewards of (essentially) two spectacular NFL starts, with the Miami Dolphins and the Seattle Seahawks as his top suitors.

If the aforementioned Hall of Famer winds up with the Dolphins, as many expect he will, then look for Flynn to fly to the Pacific Northwest, where he'll follow in the footsteps of another one-time backup to a Packers MVP in Matt Hasselbeck.

Peyton Manning

In case you hadn't guessed it already, that mystery Hall of Famer I've been referring to is none other than Brett Favre...

Just kidding, it's Peyton Manning. According to The Miami Herald, the now-ex-Indianapolis Colts great has already been contacted by 12 teams, including the Dolphins, who currently rank as the front-runners to secure his services.

In Miami, Peyton would have the opportunity to play on a team that came on strong after a slow start to the 2011 season, in an offense with a pair of explosive playmakers (Brandon Marshall and Reggie Bush) and a defense that ranked sixth in scoring. 

Reggie Wayne

Wherever Peyton goes, so goes Reggie Wayne.

At least, if you believe what Wayne told CBS Miami on Thursday.

And who could blame Wayne for preferring to ride the coattails of his historically talented teammate? After all, Wayne had enjoyed seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons as Manning's sidekick in Indy before his favorite QB went down with a neck injury.

Surely, Wayne won't mind returning to South Beach to play for the Dolphins, either, especially after playing college ball at The U and winning a Super Bowl at Pro Player Stadium in 2007.

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