2012 NFL Free Agents: 8 Deals That Still Must Go Down

NFL free agency is off and running, as players are changing clothes more than music mogul Jay-Z.

Cornerback Cortland Finnegan is now a St. Louis Ram, and wide receiver Vincent Jackson is heading to Tampa Bay.

With so many hot first-day deals going down, there are still a lot that is left to be done. Quarterback Peyton Manning is still without a team, and defensive end Mario Williams remains unemployed.

As these players continue to make the rounds, I have a few deals that I believe are best for these free agents—it's just too bad I’m not their agent.

Here are eight deals that we still need to see happen.

Peyton Manning to Arizona Cardinals

Everyone seems to think that Peyton will end up as a Denver Bronco.

According to SI's Peter King, Peyton will have "much sway" over the offense.

If so, I would say yes to that deal as well.

But I still believe Arizona is his best fit, and he already has an All-Pro wide receiver in Larry Fitzgerald and a solid defense with a good running game. The Broncos seem further away.

No matter what he decides to do, it will be big news. But when he does it, it should be with Arizona.

Mario Williams to Chicago Bears

The Bears are trying to win the offseason championship.

They are in the running for Mario Williams, which may be a long shot, but there is still a chance.

The Bills are leading the way to sign the star defensive end, but the Texans still want him—and so do many teams.

If he decides to take a deal with the Bears, that would catapult Chicago to the top of the list in the NFC in my eyes.

Two ferocious pass-rushers in Julius Peppers and Mario Williams should be enough to scare away the biggest, baddest quarterback arm. 

Matt Flynn to Miami Dolphins

Flynn turned a six-touchdown performance into a potentially huge payday.

He's being courted by the Browns, Dolphins (Omar Kelly and Izzy Gould of the Sun Sentinel) and Seahawks (Adam Schefter of ESPN) and he should end up in Miami.

The Dolphins are looking to make a splash this offseason, and signing Flynn would provide a minor one.

He's familiar with new Dolphins head coach (and former Packers offensive coordinator) Joe Philbin, which may give the team a leg up.

Honestly, the Dolphins are probably a few seasons away from competing, but signing Flynn would be a good start.

Jason Jones to Seattle Seahawks

Jones is a no-name to many, but he has almost 20 sacks in four years and has a lot of potential.

He’s a former Titan and would provide a great defensive spark for Seattle.

He is being courted by the Rams as well, and if their signing of cornerback Cortland Finnegan is any indication, they plan to remain aggressive. 

Laurent Robinson to San Diego Chargers

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, Robinson will likely be out of their reach.

With Vincent Jackson gone from San Diego, Robinson is now high on the Chargers' list, according to NFL.com's Albert Breer.

I would imagine that San Diego wants to replace Jackson as soon as possible, and Robinson would go a long way in doing so.

Kyle Orton to the Washington Redskins

Orton is actually being sniffed around by the Cowboys and Redskins, according to NFL.com's Jason LaConfora.

Dallas does need a quality backup, but Washington has an immediate need at the position.

They will draft Robert Griffin III with the second pick in the draft, but if they are uncomfortable with starting him right away, Kyle Orton is a great back-fill option.

Carl Nicks to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Nicks wants headliner-type money.

He wants almost $9 million per year, and with the Saints not willing to give that type of money to a guard, he was allowed to walk.

But he only has two serious teams kicking the tires on him, and Tampa Bay seems to be the most serious with the most money.

If the Bucs can grab Nicks and pair him with quarterback Josh Freeman and wide receiver Vincent Jackson, the NFC South may have a different feel in 2012. 

Update: According to ESPN, Nicks has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for five years and $47.5 million.

Brandon Carr to Dallas Cowboys

Carr was tops on the Cowboys list along with guard Carl Nicks.

Nicks is going to be to expensive, and the most pressing need is in the defensive backfield.

He’s young and will add toughness and depth to their secondary.