2012 NFL Free Agents: Odds on Landing Spots for NFL's Hottest Targets

In a year where the franchise tag was at its cheapest, the free agent crop still found a way to flourish. 

Peyton Manning is obviously the headliner of the group, but it isn't every day that a former No. 1 overall pick entering the prime of his career is allowed to walk. We haven't talked about him as much as we should, but 27-year-old Mario Williams is the true prize of this free agent class.

There are a few other monster names as well, and a number of teams with a ton of cap room.

The only question is, who will land where?

Mario Williams, DE

The soon-to-be former Texan will have no shortage of suitors, but he'll have to decide whether he wants to play in a 4-3 or 3-4. He fits better as a traditional 4-3 end, but obviously has more than enough talent to excel as an edge rusher in the 3-4.

Teams chasing him will include Tennessee, Seattle, New England and Dallas.

The Patriots and Bill Belichick aren't accustomed to paying top dollar for a free agent, but they could make an exception considering their need for someone of his caliber in their front seven.

He's a dream fit for the Cowboys opposite DeMarcus Ware, but it would be surprising if they were able to outbid the Titans and Seahawks.

Seattle is going to be involved in the Peyton race, so they could falter when it comes to Williams by not giving enough attention. That would be a mistake if they do.

As for the Titans, they have the money to make Williams very happy, but they're the worst of the four teams mentioned.

Landing Spot: Seattle (They'll realize that Peyton isn't coming out and quickly throw everything at Williams) 

Carl Nicks, OG

Like Williams, it isn't every day that one of the NFL's best guards, at the ripe, young age of 26, is allowed to test the market. When New Orleans failed to re-sign Drew Brees before the deadline and was forced to franchise him, they knew they were in for trouble with Nicks.

He's said that he'd return to New Orleans, but he wants to be made the highest-paid guard in the game.

The Saints have to worry about Brees, who is refusing to sign his franchise tender, as well as Marques Colston (who looks like the odd man out in terms of priority re-signs here).

One team that has struggled mightily to fix their offensive line is the Chicago Bears. They were forced to move Roberto Garza from guard to center last year after Chris Spencer, the center they brought in, couldn't hack it. They were struck by injury and haven't seen the type of production they expected out of former first-round pick Chris Williams, either.

Adding Nicks makes this entire unit better and allows them push a player who doesn't deserve to start out of the lineup. 

San Francisco is also a great option and offers an immediate chance at success.

A return to the Saints is also not out of the question.

Landing Spot: San Francisco (They'd be foolish not to make him a huge offer as neither Chilo Rachal or Adam Snyder are worthy starters)

Matt Flynn, QB

The teams that miss or are rejected by Peyton will start to take an interest in the former Packers backup. He isn't, however, nearly as intriguing as he'd hoped, and there aren't many teams clamoring for a shot right now.

He's an unproven, inexperienced option, and the talent in the draft pool doesn't help his case. Flynn will have to be patient and wait out the Manning sweepstakes before he makes the right move.

And the right move, without question, is Miami—but only as the second option. 

The Dolphins are justified in their chase of Peyton, and they could very well land him if they play their cards right. They're currently going all-in with their pursuit of the future Hall of Famer.

Cleveland reportedly won't sign a big-name free agent QB, leaving Flynn with less options than ever before.

Seattle could get in the mix for the right price, but it is Washington who may very well be the team that appears most desperate in the end, as Peyton has already turned them down.

Landing Spot: Miami (If he waits and they miss on Peyton) or Washington (If he's impatient)

Vincent Jackson, WR

The market for V-Jax won't be as lucrative as he'd like, but the 29-year-old is still going to have his suitors.

The Chargers are still very much in the hunt for him to return, but teams like Chicago and San Francisco have major needs at wide out as well.

Jacksonville could very easily get involved considering their desperate need for a playmaker and their wealth of cap space, but that would be a monetary move only. The Jags are in no position to compete for anything on the field just yet.

San Diego will stay involved, but Chicago and San Fran offer new opportunities. 

Landing Spot: Chicago (There is a ton of potential for V-Jax to succeed with this team above all others)

Peyton Manning, QB

Despite all the rumors of 12 teams calling on day one, this race will come down to Miami and Arizona.

Both have their pros and cons and can be described as near-mirror images in the two conferences.

Miami's young offense promises more potential and better protection, but Arizona has Larry Fitzgerald and proven success in a similar situation.

Landing Spot: Miami (Potential to play Tom Brady twice a season and stay in AFC will be too great)

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