2012 NFL Free Agents: Predicting the Best Team-Player Fit at Every Position

Sometimes in free agency, it looks like players and teams were simply created for each other. Whether it's a system that a certain team runs or the talent surrounding that position, players fit into schemes differently around the league and, therefore, fit better on some teams than others.

If you don't believe me just look at Randy Moss's production in New England and compare it to his production in Tennessee.

Furthermore, some of the free agents on the market right now fit in with some teams better than they do with their current team.

With that in mind, these are the best team-player fits for free agents at every position.

Quarterback: Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers

Let's face it: San Francisco and Alex Smith were destined for each other.

Peyton Manning went to the Denver Broncos, Matt Flynn went to the Seattle Seahawks, the Washington Redskins are going to draft Robert Griffin III and the Miami Dolphins signed David Garrard, so, really, Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers have no other choice but to agree to terms.

And honestly, the 49ers and Smith should look at this positively. After all, it was the 49ers that stuck with Smith for so many years when he had a quarterback rating of 40.8 in 2005 and a rating of 57.2 in 2007.

So, they've seen the lows together. And, following last year's 90.7 quarterback rating and his three-touchdown performance against the New Orleans Saints in the 49ers' playoff victory, it's safe to say that they've also had highs together as well.

The grass isn't greener on the other side for Smith or the 49ers, and they're finding that out this offseason.

Running Back: Michael Bush and the Chicago Bears

Bringing in Michael Bush would take a lot of the workload off of the Chicago Bears' best player, Matt Forte.

Bush is as quality of a backup as you'll find in the league. He's a big, physical back that has accounted for 2,642 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in four seasons with the Oakland Raiders.

So, it's safe to say that the guy can carry his load, and if the Bears add him, they'll be taking so much pressure off of Forte and even Jay Cutler.

Forte would bring the lightning, while Bush would bring the thunder, and that would result in the Bears winning a lot of football games.

Wide Receiver: Plaxico Burress and the Philadelphia Eagles

Plaxico Burress wants to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, and really, it's a perfect fit when you think about it.

With DeSean Jackson on one side and Burress on the other, Mike Vick and the Philadelphia offense would be one of the best units in the league, if not the best.

Not to mention, Burress would fit in perfectly with the Eagles' goal-line offense because he would give the Eagles that tall target that they've been needing near the end zone.

If you give opposing defenses that to think about, along with the fact that Vick can scramble out of the pocket, the Eagles' red-zone touchdown efficiency would certainly improve from being the 14th best in the league.

Tight End: Dallas Clark and the Denver Broncos

Could Peyton Manning and Dallas Clark reunite in Denver?

Mike Kliss, who covers the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post, took to Twitter shortly after Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen broke the story about Manning signing and said: "Expect the Broncos to sign Dallas Clark."

Obviously, nothing is official at this point. But that would certainly be the perfect place for Clark to go to. Tight end is obviously the biggest need for the Broncos right now, and bringing in a guy that's already familiar with Manning would benefit both the team and Manning.

In Clark's outstanding career in Indianapolis, he had nearly 5,000 receiving yards and 46 touchdown receptions.

Offensive Line: Marcus McNeil and the Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins need to protect their future franchise quarterback Robert Griffin III, so why not pick up Marcus McNeil?

The Redskins need another offensive tackle, as Jamaal Brown is still rehabbing a hip injury, and adding McNeil upfront would certainly benefit the Redskins.

Word around the barber shop is that McNeil is looking for a new team, so this looks like a perfect fit.

McNeil is a Pro Bowl-caliber talent, and if the Redskins do select RGIII, protecting him upfront will be a big key for their offense's success.

Defensive Line: Luis Castillo and the New England Patriots

Even though he broke his leg in 2011, Luis Castillo's versatility makes him perfect for the New England Patriots.

Bill Belicheck loves to run the 3-4 scheme on defense, and adding a guy like Castillo—who's been around long enough to know his ways around a football field—could make for a smooth transition.

After playing seven season with the San Diego Chargers, Castillo has totaled 151 tackles and 19 sacks.

Linebacker: Curtis Lofton and the New Orleans Saints

Curtis Lofton would fit in perfectly with the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints need to find a linebacker that can produce, especially since Jonathan Vilma is still recovering from his offseason surgery.

Enter Lofton.

The Saints have already visited with Lofton, and, really, this is a perfect situation for both sides. Drew Brees and the Saints offense are going to score loads of points, so the defense needs to be good, not great.

Adding a guy like Lofton—who's been around the league for 12 seasons and has totaled over 470 tackles and 112 sacks—would certainly put a smile on new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's face.

Cornerback: Lardarius Webb and the Baltimore Ravens

Lardarius Webb is a restricted free agent who looks like he's staying in Baltimore.

The Baltimore Ravens have made it clear that they don't want to lose Webb by placing a first-round tender on him. With the Ravens placing a second-round tender on Webb's teammate and fellow cornerback Cary Williams, that shows you how highly they think of Webb.

Considering the fact that teams would have to give up a first-round pick to grab Webb, it looks like Webb is going to stay in Baltimore.

Webb's coming off of his best season yet, with five of his seven career interceptions coming in 2011.

Safety: Rashad Johnson and the Arizona Cardinals

With LaRon Landry going to the New York Jets, there aren't a whole lot of safeties left on the market. That's why the Arizona Cardinals should hang on to Rashad Johnson.

Though he's not a big-time name just yet, Johnson is only 26 years old and is continuing to improve with the Cardinals.

It makes total sense for the Cardinals to hold onto their young safety, as there's really no better safety on the market.

In three seasons with Arizona, Johnson has totaled 113 tackles and has one interception.