NFL free agency is just around the corner and there is a lot of intrigue surrounding the available quarterbacks in the the 2012 free agent class. Whether it is a future Hall of Famer or a highly touted backup, there are a handful of guys that can immediately come in and get a starting job on a new team.
Who are some of the top free agent quarterbacks that your team could pursue?
- Peyton Manning
It is not very often that a future Hall of Famer enters free agency. Manning is quite possibly the biggest free agent to ever hit the open market and he is attracting attention all over the NFL map. Manning has yet to tip his hat as to where he will land, but the Denver Broncos are considered the favorite. Other teams still in the Manning sweepstakes are the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and perhaps the Tennessee Titans.
- Matt Flynn
Much like Matt Schaub, Flynn is a highly touted backup quarterback that is going to be given a shot to start next season. If it were not for Manning, all of the hoopla would be surround Flynn. If you ask Packers starter Aaron Rodgers, someone is getting a future star in Flynn. Rodgers said Flynn is a “top ten or top fifteen quarterback.” He will have teams like the Dolphins, Browns and Seahawks lining up for his services.
- Alex Smith
Smith resurrected his career this past season, thanks to Jim Harbaugh. All indications point toward Smith re-joining the 49ers. After all, the team is trying frantically to agree to a new contract. It would be shocking if Smith ended up elsewhere.
- Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton was actually the Broncos best quarterback last season and he did an admirable job with the Chiefs. Were it not for the fans cries being heard, he would have likely remained the starter in Denver. Orton is one of those guys that can come in and be a solid stop gap starter or game-manager for your team. If you miss out on one of the top tier quarterbacks, Orton is a very solid Plan B.
- Chad Henne
Despite popular opinion, Henne was not the problem in Miami this past season. In fact, Henne did a good job and was on his way to having an impressive season before being sidelined for the year with injury. If given a second shot, Henne has the potential to restart his career and pick up where he left off prior to injury.
- Jason Campbell
Campbell has been plagued by offensive coordinator roulette. He had a chance to revive his career in Oakland, but that chance was cut short as the team abandoned him and traded for former Bengal Carson Palmer. Campbell could come in and compete for a starting job, but he will likely be brought in to sit behind one of the young rookie quarterbacks or provide a stop gap until they are ready to go.
- Rex Grossman
Never count out Sexy Rexy. After all, he did help get the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl. However, Grossman is either hit or miss. He should not be given the keys to an offense, but he is an excellent option as a backup that brings quality experience.
- Vince Young
Vince Young is still an enigma. He shows flashes of brilliance and then performs about as pathetic as you can with still being able to hold on to a NFL job. His athleticism will always entice teams, so expect someone to bring in Young as a backup.
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