2012 NFL Free Agents: Best Fits for the Top Players Left on the Market

According to the recent weather (unseasonably warm and now brisk), there should be a football game this weekend. Alas, fans will have to settle for predictions regarding top free agents' destinations.

Please note that cap space was taken into account, but accurate, up-to-date numbers are difficult to find. 

Now that the legal disclaimer is taken care of, let's start the show.

Marcus McNeill: Green Bay Packers

Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers are not known for chasing free agents, but the signing of Jeff Saturday has opened the door ever so slightly. 

The Packers employ the aging Chad Clifton and the fresh-faced Bryan Bulaga at the tackle positions. Against the nasty pass-rushers of the NFC North, better protection for Aaron Rodgers is required.

Marcus McNeill brings an impressive resume and knows how to keep players off of a star quarterback. Considering that it's getting late in the free-agent season, his price should be palatable to any tackle-starved squad. 

David Hawthorne: Houston Texans

Whether the teams just passed or Stephen Tulloch was signed while he was in the air, David Hawthorne has not been able to find a new home. 

Perhaps the Houston Texans would be better hosts. 

Houston recently shipped out linebacker DeMeco Ryans and shouldn't settle for backup Darryl Sharpton.

Hawthorne is similar in stature to the departed Ryans and would fill a sudden need up the middle.

Cedric Benson: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have added more pass-catchers with the signings of Anthony Gonzalez and Donte Stallworth. Now it's time to address the running game.

The Cincinnati Bengals picked up former Patriot BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Thus, New England should return the favor by grabbing Cedric Benson.

He would provide a power element that the Pats lack. The last time New England acquired a Bengals running back, things worked out swimmingly. 

Lardarius Webb: New Orleans Saints

Lardarius Webb has proven himself with each challenge he's faced. 

The Baltimore Ravens needed a kick returner. He promptly filled the void and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in his eighth professional game.

Then he moved to the starting lineup and demonstrated that he is an above-average cornerback in the NFL. 

The New Orleans Saints lost Super Bowl hero Tracy Porter to the Denver Broncos. This deal is a no-brainer if the numbers are attractive enough.

London Fletcher: Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks haven't completely moved on from David Hawthorne yet, but there are other options available.

London Fletcher may become the first person to beat Father Time. His production is remarkably consistent despite his ever-advancing age.

The Seahawks could plug him in the middle and forget about the rush defense. Fletcher will have that covered.

Mike Wallace: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars missed out on Tim Tebow. However, there is still time to make a splash.

Mike Wallace was given a first-round tender by the cap-strapped Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Jags should jump at the opportunity to grab a known quantity for a first-rounder and considerable cash. 

Blaine Gabbert has yet to impress, but Jacksonville should do everything it can to put him in the best position to succeed. Pairing him with a rising star at wide receiver would be an excellent start.

Demetrius Bell: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has tried to stir up interest in the Vikings' No. 3 overall selection with limited success.

Other NFL teams are convinced that the Vikings will select offensive tackle Matt Kalil. Therefore, they're not worried about the availability of their own targeted prospect.

However, if Minnesota signed Demetrius Bell, that would lend instant credence to alternative possibilities and grab the league's attention.

The secondary needs a massive overhaul, so it would be reasonable to hold on to the pick and select LSU cornerback Maurice Claiborne. Conversely, taking Kalil and having two bookend tackles wouldn't be terrible either.