2012 NFL Free Agents: Predicting Where Top Remaining Players Will Land

The first wave of free agency madness came and went in an exciting fashion, with studs like Mario Williams, Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks quickly signing with teams.

But in one of the deepest free agency classes ever, some very good players remained ripe for the picking on the market.

Let's take a look at the top five players left to be had and predict where they are most likely to end up.

Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Most Likely Destination: Pittsburgh Steelers

A team like the Denver Broncos could decide that sacrificing a first-round pick and constructing a front-loaded contract the Steelers couldn't afford to match is still a very real possibility. Peyton Manning and Mike Wallace would be scary together, and the Broncos still have some cap space to work with.

But with the wide receiver market pretty much dried up and the teams thought to have interest in adding wide receivers having already filled that void, it seems more likely that the restricted free agent—and best available receiver this offseason—will return to the Steelers.

At least for one more year.

Stephen Tulloch, MLB, Detroit Lions

Most Likely Destination: Detroit Lions

Tulloch wants a big payday in a slow linebacker market, and with Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne floating out there as well, its unlikely to happen. Tulloch simply doesn't have a lot of leverage.

I would expect him to return to the Lions once this process drags on and Tulloch realizes he won't get $6 million per year, like he apparently wants.

Tracy Porter, CB, New Orleans Saints

Most Likely Destination: Tennessee Titans

The Titans missed out on Peyton Manning and Mario Williams in free agency and wasted little time afterward, snagging defensive end Kamerion Wimbley with a five-year, $35 million contract.

With money to spend and the bad taste of missing out on the big free agents remaining in the team's mouth, a need at corner after Cortland Finnegan departed and Porter coming in for a visit on Wednesday, don't be surprised if Porter lands in Tennessee.

Curtis Lofton, MLB, Atlanta Falcons

Most Likely Destination: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs were thought to be early suitors for Lofton, though the middle linebacker's high contract demands likely pushed them away.

Still, don't be surprised if the Bucs pounce once Lofton inevitably lowers his demands given the non-existent linebacker market, completing a crazy offseason in Tampa Bay.

Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders

Most Likely Destination: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals need to replace Cedric Benson and Bush would be a nice player to pair with Bernard Scott in the Bengals backfield. Bush visited with the team on Monday.

The Bengals might be unwilling to overpay for a running back in free agency given the two first-round picks they have, which might signal a possible return to Oakland for Bush. But I think it is more likely Bush winds up with the Bengals, where he gets an excellent chance of starting.

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