2012 NFL Free Agents: Predicting Where Top QBs Will End Up

No NFL position is as important as quarterback. Unfortunately, the options this year are limited. This year, we have three top signal-callers, and a group of journeymen and backups. 

So, those players are going to be highly sought after and will make a big impact. Let's take a look at where they'll go, and where they should go. 

Peyton Manning

Obviously, this is the top quarterback on the market and really the top player out there.

But Manning only makes sense on a team that has a chance to win and also needs a quarterback. Breaking that down, there aren't many of those out there. 

I can see him going to Miami, Denver, or Arizona. Ironically, the team there that has the least chance to win (even with Manning) is the Dolphins, but I see them putting the best package together. 

Fans of a certain generation probably can't remember that this was once one of the NFL's most consistently strong teams. They'll be in a hurry to make a big splash this year, and I see Manning going to South Beach. As if all of that wasn't enough, Reggie Wayne is a free agent from Miami and could well be a Dolphin as well.  

That will be enough to bring Manning to the Dolphins. Unfortunately, they're still competing with the Patriots, which will lead to competing for a wild card.

Where he'll go: Miami Dolphins

Where he should go: Arizona Cardinals

Matt Flynn

We haven't seen a lot of Flynn, but what we've seen is spectacular. He has learned in a fantastic offense under one of the game's best quarterbacks.

The fit is great in Miami, as his former offensive coordinator with the Packers is now the Head Coach of the Dolphins. Unfortunately for Flynn, that possibility will be squashed when Manning goes to the Dolphins. 

Honestly, he won't have as many options as Manning, as teams won't give up on existing situations to roll out the red carpet for Flynn. 

The Cleveland Browns will be in position to improve a lot in the draft, bringing in some real playmakers. They won't get Robert Griffin III, but Flynn would work out well there. They need a franchise quarterback and Flynn has shown a lot of promise to be that guy. 

Where he'll go: Cleveland Browns

Where he should go: Miami Dolphins

Alex Smith

Smith finally showed the game that comes from being the No. 1 pick in 2011. Now that he's found an offensive system, we've seen what Smith can do. 

That is going to open some doors for Smith, but he needs to stay put. Smith's career has been a struggle because he couldn't find a consistent offensive system—San Francisco dealt with consistent change.

Now that he's found a stable offense, Smith needs to stand put.

Fortunately for Smith and the 49ers, I see him doing that. The Mark Sanchez deal drove up the asking price, but San Francisco has plenty of cap room. They will bring Smith back, which is what they need to do. 

Where he'll go: San Francisco 49ers

Where he should go: San Francisco 49ers

Follow @mdixon1985