2012 NFL Free Agents: Studs That'll Make Biggest Impact on New Teams

While signing a free agent is a gamble, bringing in these players will not be. Every one of these players is on the market and whatever team is lucky enough to nab them will be getting an impact player. 

These players aren't gambles; they will be spectacular in 2012. 

Peyton Manning

Okay, file this one in the "duh" category if you must, but Manning will be a tremendous impact player wherever he goes. Between now and the moment he signs, you're not going to hear any shortage of rumors, but Manning will be great in any uniform.

The short-term nature of Manning means that he's likely not going to go to a team that won't have a real chance at winning this year. Of course, that is purely speculative, but it's only logical.

What that means is that he's going to end up on a good team and we'll be seeing him in the postseason. Manning is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game and on a good team, there's no reason to think he won't be a serious impact player. 

Mario Williams

Whether it's as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker, we know that Williams can get at the quarterback. The proven ability to play in either system makes Williams more valuable, and he is going to be dominant again. 

When Williams is on the field for 16 games, he is a virtual guarantee for 10 or more sacks. If he's not making that many sacks, it means that the opposing offense is putting too much attention on him, opening the doors up for some of the other lineman/linebackers to pressure the passer. 

If a defense was good but lacked some ability to find the quarterback, signing Williams will immediately make that a strength. 

Cortland Finnegan

Much like Williams will help a pass rush, Finnegan will do wonders for any secondary in the league. He plays with the ideal toughness that you want to see out of a top corner.

His nastiness is a good thing. Going against the other team's top receivers, you want a guy who will play them tough and not give an inch. Yes, it means you'll fall victim to the occasional penalty, but that also takes the top receiver off of his game. 

That is precisely the kind of player that you want in a top corner. Finnegan will make a tremendous impact on any team. He is an undeniable top corner in the NFL and will make whatever team that lands him very lucky.

Follow @mdixon1985