Deciding your quarterback is one of the most important factors in the NFL and as 2012 free agency approaches there are not many options for those teams searching. Players like Drew Brees and Alex Smith are free agents, but unlikely to go elsewhere. Matt Flynn, Donovan McNabb and Vince Young each offer something different but are they difference makers? Here is a look at the 2012 Free Agent list of quarterbacks and where they could end up next season.

Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)

Drew Brees is by far the best possible free agent in the 2012 class, but it’s obvious the New Orleans Saints will do everything to lock him up. Brees has made a home in New Orleans and his family is loved by the fan base. He is not the type of player that would go to another team for more money. Prediction: Saints

Matt Flynn (Green Bay Packers)

Matt Flynn could be a difference maker, but he could also be another Kevin Kolb. Rumors started swirling that Aaron Rogers backup could be following Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin in Miami, but Matt Moore’s strong play to close out the year could have put an end to that. Prediction: Jets

Alex Smith (San Francisco 49ers)

Alex Smith’s game against the New Orleans Saints showed just how much he deserved a new contract. The 49ers have taken notice and are making it priority number one to resign the now eight year pro who is coming off his best NFL season. Prediction: 49ers

Donovan McNabb

The best years are behind Donovan McNabb and chances are he isn’t interested in playing back up anywhere. Let’s not remember McNabb for the last few years, but instead remember how great he was for the Eagles organization. Prediction: Unsigned

Vince Young (Philadelphia Eagles)

An argument can be made that the Eagles may want to sign Vince Young to another deal because of the injury prone Michael Vick. Did Young show enough during his time to shine? Probably not, he’s nothing better than a back-up QB. Prediction: Eagles

Dan Orlovsky (Indianapolis Colts)

Orlovsky is a solid back up for teams that need one, like the Buffalo Bills or Denver Broncos. No team would offer him a starting job after watching him play with the type of offensive talent in Indianapolis and being unable to do anything with it. Prediction: Bills

David Garrard

Garrard was a pro-bowl quarterback in 2009 and then suffered a neck injury which would lead to his dismissal from the Jacksonville Jaguars. He missed the entire 2011 season after undergoing surgery on a herniated disk, but there weren’t going to be any teams that were really interested. Garrard stated he would only sign for a starter’s gig. Prediction: Unsigned

Chad Henne (Miami Dolphins)

Henne said he wishes he would have had the chance to make his case to the Dolphins, over a 16-game season, that he’s a practical long-term starter. The Dolphins have not ruled out re-signing Henne to be a backup, but Matt Moore likely will stay in that role. Prediction: Dolphins

Rex Grossman (Washington Redskins)

The Redskins are on the clock and desperately searching for quarterback of the future. No where in their plans should be sexy Rexy. Grossman will probably find a home with a team that needs a less competitive back-up, but someone capable to take the reins if desperately needed. Prediction: Packers

Jason Campbell (Oakland Raiders)

Disrespected or was it the Raiders trying to save the season? Campbell may have been the better starting quarterback, but now that Carson Palmer is there it could spell the end for Campbell. A broken collarbone knocked him out of the 2011 season and while he might not get a starting nod automatically he will earn it. Prediction: Jaguars

Kyle Orton (Kansas City Chiefs)

Way to go Kyle, you beat Tebow and got your revenge, but that could be the highlight of your career. Orton was mediocre in the win, completing 15-of-29 passes for 180 yards with no touchdowns. Rumors have started that Orton could be signed as a backup at Jacksonville but the Vikings could be better suitors. Prediction: Vikings

Dennis Dixon (Pittsburgh Steelers)

The Steelers are not expected to keep Dixon, but he does make an intriguing backup option on the open market. Dixon has an interesting set of skills as he has shown in his four career appearances completing 35-of-59 passes (59.3%) for 402 yards (6.8 YPA), one touchdown, and two interceptions. Dixon has rushed 10 times for 56 yards (5.6 YPC) and another score. Prediction: Seahawks

Charlie Whitehurst (Seattle Seahawks)

“Check-down Charlie” attempted just 56 passes in 2011. He was so ineffective in his second of two starts that Whitehurst was pulled after only seven throws in favor of Tarvaris Jackson, who was dealing with a debilitating pectoral injury. Look for Charlie to land somewhere with a solid quarterback but in need of a back up. Prediction: Ravens

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