2012 NFL Free Agents: Looking at Possible Destinations of Released Players

Every single season, a whole bunch of solid players hit the free-agent market after getting the pink slip from their current teams. 

There are a few different reasons as to why this happens.

First, certain teams are in a bad salary-cap situation and have to cut the proverbial beef somewhere. Secondly, players are not performing up to the money that they are making.

Either way, it never fails.

This season is no different. There has been a tremendous amount of talent hit the open market after being released.

This article is going to look at six such players and where they could end up when all is said and done.

Marcus McNeill, OT, San Diego Chargers

The release of Marcus McNeill came as a bit of a surprise to me.

He has been a really good pass-protecting offensive tackle for quite some time now.

There have been some rumors that the talented tackle isn't healthy, but his agent seemed to take offense to that idea.

If healthy, McNeill is going to get a lot of play from other teams in search of a blindside protector.

I could see the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets and Washington Redskins making a play for him.

It is rather soon in the process, so we are going to see a lot more come out as the offseason progresses.

Terence Newman, CB, Dallas Cowboys

I don't think anyone was shocked that the Dallas Cowboys released Terence Newman.

His production didn't meet the money that Dallas way paying to him.

Plus, they are in an unenviable salary-cap position right now.

With that said, Newman is going to get some play on the market as a No. 2 corner.

Steve Hutchinson, G, Minnesota Vikings

Steve Hutchinson has been one of the best guards in the NFL over the course of the last decade but has regressed somewhat in the last two seasons.

This doesn't mean that the veteran guard cannot make an impact moving forward.

He does seem to have a couple solid seasons left in the league.

The Tennessee Titans are currently exploring their options as they relate to Hutchinson, and they have had him in for a meeting.

That seems to make a great deal of sense to me.

Eric Winston, OT, Houston Texans

No one was more surprised than me with the news that the Houston Texans had released Eric Winston.

After all, I have him ranked as the best run-blocking right tackle in the entire National Football League.

Obviously, there is going to be a tremendous amount of interest in Winston in the free-agent market.

The Sun Sentinel is reporting that the Miami Dolphins are going to be the first team to meet with Winston.

This makes a lot of sense, as they are trying to build a strong offensive line foundation with Jake Long.

Winston would be a great fit there.

Brandon Jacobs

The veteran running back was released last Friday after he failed to agree to a trimmed-down contract with the New York Giants.

There are bound to be a few teams that are going to take a look at Jacobs as a complementary back.

Immediately after his release, Jacobs indicated that the Jets would be a good fit for him.

With that said, I have a hard time believing that Rex Ryan would want to bring him in—especially after Jacobs made the following statement in regards to the Jets head coach and his bust-line.

"“It’s time to shut up, fat boy.”"

Other than that, we haven't heard too much in regards to Jacobs.

He is the type of free agent that is forced to wait until the real difference-makers come off the board.

Peyton Manning

There are four teams in the hunt for the services of the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

While Manning had wanted to get a contract signed prior to the start of free agency yesterday, this promises to be a little bit more of a drawn-out process.

Reports early Wednesday morning indicate that Manning is going to choose between the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans.

While I am not sure if those reports are true, I am pretty sure that he wants to stay in the AFC.

Either way, if Manning wants his new team to build a core around him, he is going to have to make a decision before the free-agent crop dries up considerably. If not, Manning is going to find himself in a rather unenviable situation in 2012.

After all, I am working under the assumption that his primary goal moving forward is winning.