NFL 2012 Free Agency Preview-Quarterbacks

We continue with the 2012 Free Agency Preview with a look at the most important position in all of the football: The Quarterback. Unfortunately, teams looking for that franchise signal caller are probably not going to find that guy in this group unless the Saints foolishly let Drew Brees hit the open market. Also, the biggest fish to hit free agency since Reggie White could be Peyton Manning. The Colts have less then a week to decide on paying Manning his $28 million option or letting him hit the open market.

Quarterbacks

1) Peyton Manning (Indy): If Manning is healthy, he will lead any team that he goes to into the playoffs in 2012. I know his injury is a mystery and there is no guarantee that he will be healthy come next season, but if he is, then watch out. Look for the Redskins, Jets, Seahawks, Cardinals, and Chiefs all make big plays to get him. There will be a mystery team that jumps in late (Denver?), but whoever gets him will alter the landscape of the league.

1A) Drew Brees (New Orleans): Although there is some hardballing going on between the Saints and Brees, that is all apart of the negotiating process. Brees will stay with the Saints, and he will be nicely compensated as a result.

2) Matt Flynn(Green Bay): In his limited sample of real game work, Flynn has been very impressive. His Week 17 performance against the Lions earned him a chance to become a starter in this league, and he will hit paydirt. I still think the Dolphins are the front runner if they miss out on Peyton Manning.

3) Alex Smith (San Francisco): All indications point to Smith returning to the 49ers where he led them to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.

4) Jason Campbell (Oakland): You can argue that if Campbell doesn't go down last year the Raiders win the AFC West. Campbell would be well served going to someplace like Jacksonville. If Blaine Gabbert fails early on, then Campbell could come in and maybe right the ship and revive his career.

5) Kyle Orton (Kansas City): Orton should go to a place like the Jets. He could be a safety net and push Mark Sanchez, and if he has to play, the Jets are going to play a style that fits him perfectly: A solid run game and emphasis on defense.

6) Chad Henne (Miami): Another name that doesn't wow you, but if he goes to place like Minnesota he could be a cushion in case Christian Ponder falls apart.

7) Shaun Hill (Detroit): A crafty, veteran backup who can step in a win a few games if a team's starter goes down. He should probably just stay in Detroit in case Matt Stafford gets injured.

8) Josh Johnson (Tampa Bay): A lot of people in Denver think Johnson will end up there, but I'm not so sure.

9) Rex Grossman (Washington): You wouldn't want Rex starting for your team, but he could be a decent backup in case your main guy goes down for a couple of games.

10) Drew Stanton (Detroit): At 28, he isn't too long in the tooth, and he could be brought in as an interesting option as a backup.

*Under the Radar Player: Dennis Dixon (Pittsburgh): Dixon is intriguing because of his athleticism. Maybe you can bring him in for some change of pace plays and spread packages.

**Possible Broncos Addition: Although he ripped Tim Tebow, I would have no problem if the Broncos brought back Brady Quinn as a backup. If they don't do that, then a guy like Drew Stanton intrigues me.