NFL Free Agency 2012 Preview: Quarterbacks
By Chris Smith
Ladies and gentlemen, the time has almost arrived. There’s this tedious little game called the Super Bowl to go, but for those of us who support the other 30 teams are already looking ahead to Free Agency 2012.
Over the next week, I’ll be putting out a series of articles previewing this year’s free agency class and giving you my thoughts on who is at the top of the class, who is the dark horse and who is the flash-in-the-pan. I’ll be starting today with the quarterbacks and going right through to the special teamers (yes – kickers, punters and long snappers matter. If you doubt this, ask Ravens fans how they feel about Billy Cundiff).
So let’s forget about the Superbowl and look ahead to the craziness that is the NFL offseason.
1. Drew Brees – Saints
Yes, he’s technically a free agent at the moment. At the very least, he will be under a franchise tag for 2012 and, realistically, you can expect him to sign a deal to stay in New Orleans. While he’s the prime free agent quarterback this year, he is not that available.
Possible landing spots: NO
2. Alex Smith – 49ers
This is not a typo – Alex Smith is the second best free agent this year. The former number 1 overall pick has had his issues in the past, but under Harbaugh he has gone from strength to strength with disciplined decision making and the athleticism that we always knew was there but never saw. It is most likely he returns to San Francisco, but in the event that he doesn’t I expect him to have plenty of suitors in spite of the hype surrounding Matt Flynn.
Possible landing spots: SF, WAS, SEA, MIA
3. Jason Campbell – Raiders
Still no Flynn, which I bet surprises many of you. However, Campbell is a quarterback who in 2011 showed the skill that many believed he had. In reality, Campbell shouldn’t be a free agent but with the price that Hue Jackson paid for Carson Palmer you can expect Campbell not to look kindly on Oakland and to actively pursue a starting job elsewhere. There is only one way that Campbell returns to the black and silver– if Carson Palmer does not.
Possible landing spots: SEA, WAS, MIA
4. Matt Flynn – Packers
Some may see this as a slight on Flynn. It’s not.
Let’s review – he was a late round flier, who has done nothing but sit behind Aaron Rodgers. He has played two games – one in which he started well, but finished poorly against the Patriots and another in which he broke two of the most prestigious all-time Packers quarterback records. Let me ask you something – what else has he done?
You heard me. He’s played two games and as of right now I’m not prepared to really boost him up as a legitimate top free agent based on college tape. Granted, he’s had time to mature and learn behind Aaron Rodgers. The NFL talking heads all saying how great the kid is. I have no doubt that Matt Flynn will be the most hyped free agent quarterback of 2012 providing Peyton Manning isn’t released (yeah – Peyton’s getting released all right) but is Flynn deserving of being more highly thought of than the proven quarterbacks I have rated above him? No. In fact the only reason I didn’t drop him even further down this list is because he has a better shot at getting a starting job.
Possible landing spots: MIA, WAS, SEA, ARZ
5. Kyle Orton – Chiefs
Orton is a quarterback who will turn no heads. He’s well respected as a game manager and always tends to outperform expectations.
So why so low? Because while Orton is definitely deserving of a starting job in the NFL, I have my doubts as to whether or not anyone will give him the opportunity. If he’s smart, Orton will find himself a job on a team with a rookie or second year quarterback and see what happens. However, the one other spot I’d be interested to see Orton land would be Philadelphia. With Michael Vick a ticking timebomb, Orton would be a nice fit for a true West Coast Offense such as the Eagles run. Andy Reid has been known to take a flyer on quarterbacks before and Orton fits that mold well.
Possible landing spots: CLE, MIN, PHI, STL, IND, JAC, TB
Watch out for: Shaun Hill (DET), Chad Henne (MIA), Josh Johnson (TB)
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