2012 NFL Free Agents: Recapping the Action from This Week

A lot has happened since the NFL's free agency opened on Tuesday. Some moves have been expected, while others have been completely surprising.

Here's a recap of what's happened so far:

Brandon Marshall, WR, Chicago Bears—Definitely the most surprising news of free agency came mere minutes before free agency even started, when a trade was announced between the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears. The Bears gave Miami two third-round draft picks (2012 & 2013) in return for receiver Brandon Marshall.

This was extremely unexpected because it left the Dolphins, who were in the running for Peyton Manning, without an alpha receiver. The Bears came out great because they got Marshall, who has a great history with Chicago's QB Jay Cutler. This was an exciting way to open free agency, and it hasn't disappointed since.

Peyton Manning, QB, Free Agent—What recap of this year's free agency so far would be complete without talking about one of the most coveted free agents ever in the NFL? Within 24 hours of the Colts announcing that they would release Peyton Manning, his agent received calls from over a third of the teams in the NFL, and who can blame them?

Peyton Manning is in the discussion for one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, and he is a free agent. That kind of opportunity doesn't come around very often.

Manning has since narrowed the teams he is considering down. Up until today, Manning was reported to be deciding between the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals. Today news came out that Manning had eliminated the Dolphins from that list, and the Cardinals were no longer interested.

But a dark horse has now emerged in the Peyton Manning chase. The San Francisco 49ers are now interested in signing Manning, according to Chris Mortensen.

Originally, the 49ers were not expected to try and pursue Manning because their current quarterback, Alex Smith, has played well in Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's new offense. But that, apparently, is no longer the case.

I now think that San Francisco will sign Manning. They made it to the NFC Championship Game with an average quarterback. I can't even imagine how good they would be with Peyton Manning under center. I seriously think that they could make a run at a perfect season as long as he stays healthy.

Signing Peyton would instantly turn the 49ers into Super Bowl favorites. I have no doubt in my mind about that.

Don't be surprised if the Manning saga takes even longer to unfold now. He is going to want to interview with San Francisco, which could take an additional day or two.

Matt Flynn, QB, Free Agent—Matt Flynn is considered the next-best free-agent quarterback behind Manning. He has already interviewed with the Seattle Seahawks, and he is going to interview with Miami in the very near future.

He is expected to sign with the Dolphins, whose head coach, Joe Philbin, has been his offensive coordinator for his entire NFL career. I expect the Dolphins and Flynn to reach an agreement within the next day or two. The two sides are essentially in contract negotiations right now.

Notable Free-Agent Acquisitions

Mario Williams, DE/OLB, Buffalo Bills—An extremely good acquisition for Buffalo. They get the top defensive player in free agency and one of the elite pass rushers in the NFL. Williams is versatile and is just what the Bills need for their hybrid defensive scheme.

Carl Nicks, OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers—The Bucs use their money wisely, signing the best offensive lineman in free agency and one of the best in the NFL. Nicks is a two-time Pro Bowler and instantly upgrades their running game (taking the Saints' best O-lineman also doesn't hurt matters).

Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers—This came as a surprise to me, even with Tampa Bay's large amount of cap space. Mike Williams emerged at WR in his rookie season but had an “off” year in 2011, which can mainly be accredited to QB Josh Freeman having a very bad year.

All of a sudden, the Bucs have a very nice receiving corps and give Freeman a better shot at success.

Pierre Garcon, WR, Washington Redskins—I thought the Redskins would push for a WR with a better track record than Garcon, but I do think he has a lot of upside. He's shown glimpses of inconsistency and glimpses of greatness, but I think he fits Shanahan's system well and might possibly be RG3's favorite target.

Peyton Hillis, RB/FB, Kansas City Chiefs—This is an interesting move, and I believe a smart one. Thomas Jones has really gone downhill, Jamaal Charles is coming off a missed season due to tearing his ACL, and Hillis has shown he can play at a very high level. The question is: Will Hillis be motivated enough to come in and make a difference?

Key Re-Signings and Extensions

The Detroit Lions made Calvin Johnson the highest paid player in NFL history, signing a seven-year extension worth $132 million ($60 million guaranteed).

The Philadelphia Eagles secured key players, resigning WR DeSean Jackson to a five-year contract worth $51 million, and agreeing with two time Pro Bowler DE Trent Cole to a four-year extension.

The Indianapolis Colts retain veteran WR Reggie Wayne. Wayne can expect to receive passes from the consensus No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck in 2012 and beyond.

The New Orleans Saints hold on to their No.1 WR, Marques Colston; he has led the Saints in receiving in four of his six seasons.

Thanks for stopping by. What do you think about free agency so far? Do you agree or disagree with any of the moves made so far?

Paul Smythe runs From the Pocket, a site dedicated entirely to the NFL, with John Bleech. Check it out at www.nflfromthepocket.com