2012 NFL Free Agents: Players Who Will Become Cornerstones on Their New Teams

NFL free agency has had plenty to offer since March 13, and the best part about is it's not over. One thing is for certain, many players are expected become the cornerstones of their new teams.

With so much drama unfolding at the drop of a hat, many fans are eager to learn the fate of their franchise through free agency. 

With many big-name free agents still on the market, fans have a multitude of rumors to mull over.

Some teams have already taken a step in the right direction, while others continue to try and attract talent their way. 

Evidence shows that nothing is certain until the ink dries on these deals as bombshells are bound to burst at any moment. 

Regardless of where the stars land, the belief is that they'll bring success to their new teams. 

The Extra Point: Steve Hutchinson May Not Be a Cornerstone, but He's a Lure

The Tennessee Titans made a brilliant move by signing 11-year veteran Steve Hutchinson to a three-year deal.

Hutchinson just happens to be a five-time All-Pro left guard and friend of Peyton Manning. 

Certainly this is added incentive for Manning to become a member of the Titans, along with the opportunity of a contract for life.

The Hutchinson signing doesn't mean that Manning to the Titans is a done deal, but it certainly stirs the chili. Knowing that Peyton has someone he trusts does nothing but good for the Titans' chances.

Time will only tell where Manning will end up.

For now, there's only a world of speculation. 

Everybody Knows Peyton Manning Will Be a Cornerstone

Peyton Manning is the most sought-after free agent in NFL history.

His numbers say that he's one of the best in history, and the fact that he's suddenly a free agent creates an offseason fever like no other.

He was the cornerstone for the Indianapolis Colts before the man and the organization went their separate ways on March 7.

Now he's being courted by a number of NFL teams who desperately need his services. 

As fans impatiently wait like a kid on Christmas to learn of Manning's decision, one team will certainly get drastically better overnight. 

Believe It or Not, Peyton Hillis Will Be a Beast for the Kansas City Chiefs

Peyton Hillis exploded in 2010 before having a forgettable 2011 with the Cleveland Browns.

With grumblings of trade rumors and injury before the end of the 2011 season, Hillis, 26, now finds himself with the Kansas City Chiefs, signing a one-year, $3 million deal. 

He joins a Chiefs team that looks to rebound from an injury-riddled 2011 season themselves.

Hillis gets the fresh breath of air that he wanted and knows that he has to prove himself in 2012.

Given a healthy Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs will have a hellacious thunder and lightning combo in their backfield.

Chiefs fans should expect Hillis to take a liking to the organization and become a cornerstone of a contending Chiefs team for years to come. 

Cortland Finnegan Gives the St. Louis Rams' Defense an Identity

Cornerback Cortland Finnegan made a wise decision in following his former coach Jeff Fisher to the St. Louis Rams. 

Finnegan, 28, quickly becomes the face of the Rams defense.

The tenacious cornerback signed a five-year, $50 million deal that instantly makes the Rams better. 

The Rams already had a strong pass defense, ranked seventh best in 2011, but Finnegan makes them better because he brings a nastiness to the team. 

He'll back down from no one and demand the same from his teammates.

With Finnegan, things are looking bright in St. Louis. 

Many Think It's Vincent Jackson, but Carl Nicks Is the New Pillar for the Bucs

On the outside, NFL fans may think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit the jackpot by signing wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

In reality, it was the signing of 26-year-old Carl Nicks that will lead to success in Tampa Bay.

He's an All-Pro guard who'll provide great protection for young quarterback Josh Freeman.

Nicks signed a five-year, $47.5 million deal with the Bucs as the team now has big expectations for the future.

Nothing will boost Freeman's confidence more than the peace of mind of knowing that he'll have ample time in the pocket thanks to Nicks. 

He'll quickly become a fan favorite as the Bucs got astronomically better overnight.

The Buffalo Bills Made a Statement by Signing Mario Williams

The Buffalo Bills hit a home run when they signed Mario Williams on March 15 to a six-year, $96 million deal.

What Williams brings to the Bills is the cornerstone they desperately needed on defense.

The Bills started the 2011 season 4-1 but finished just 6-10 as their defense allowed 30-plus points eight times. 

Williams, a former No. 1 draft choice brings leadership to the Bills defense.

He's coming off an injury-plagued 2011 season and has much to prove to his doubters.

In fact, both Williams and his new team have had more than their fair share of skeptics. Player and team now look to begin a new era together and silence those critics.  

Matt Flynn Will Be Deemed the Cornerstone of the Franchise of His Choice

In Week 17 of the 2011 NFL season, Matt Flynn's numbers jumped off the stat sheet as the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.

His 480 passing yards and six touchdowns against the Detroit Lions definitely propelled Flynn to a prosperous free-agent offseason. 

While it's still unclear where Flynn will sign, the belief is that Flynn will become the foundation of his new team.

Flynn knows what it takes to win it all and has been mentored by Aaron Rodgers, one of the game's best. He's been raised in one of the game's finest organizations and will bring professionalism to his new squad.

Although he only has 1,015 career passing yards in four NFL seasons, he will automatically win respect from his new teammates—whoever they may be. 

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