Free agency is upon us as of this afternoon, and already we have seen huge reasons why the 2012 card season will continue to improve. Aside from some big names changing uniforms, there are many collectors who follow certain teams that are poised to make a splash. We are less than a few hours into the new league year, and we have already started to see the ripples flow outwards.

Peyton Manning

Not only is Manning’s future at stake with a new team, but some hobby favorites of past year’s rookie classes are as well. Peyton Manning has already been rumored to have significant interest in the Denver Broncos, which meet many of his criteria. As a potential contender without him, with him they are on a short list of top teams in the AFC. This will leave Tim Tebow on the outside looking in, and potentially out of Denver. I think this is a GREAT move for the team (obviously), as I think Peyton Manning at 50% is better than Tim Tebow at 100%. Manning could also end up in Tennessee and Miami, which could spell disaster for Jake Locker’s potential as an impact player in the next few years.

Matt Flynn

The other QB on the market, Flynn has played second fiddle for his entire career. Based on some shining moments late this past season, many teams view him as the next Matt Schaub or similar, even without significant game experience. With the Redskins trading up for RGIII, its obvious they are out of the running. I would guess he could end up with a team like Seattle, who wont be in a position to make a run at a top QB draft pick.

Mario Williams

I am not sure why the Texans couldnt figure out something with the guy who was the face of their franchise for years. The guy is one of the best in the league, and some team is going to get VERY lucky. He has already been rumored to go to Tampa or Chicago, which the latter scares me a ton for the Vikings having to play against him and Peppers twice a year. The injury sustained last year doesnt help his worth, but I stand by the fact he is the player I would chase in this year’s class.

Vincent Jackson

Although he has a strong personality and some off the field issues in the past, he is one of the only top receivers available. Jackson could end up in Tampa Bay, which is surprising to say the least. Chicago was on the short list to make a play, but a recent trade for Brandon Marshall means this probably isnt going to happen. Jackson should end up somewhere for a team who he can be the top banana.

Reggie Wayne

Like Manning, Wayne got his pink slip in the Indy rebuild process, which makes me wonder who they thought Luck would be throwing to without him there. A tackling dummy maybe? I dont think they have anyone else. He could end up reuniting with Manning wherever he goes, but that type of stuff rarely happens. I would guess that Wayne’s age could factor into his potential cash on the table, but the fact that receivers are disposable these days will factor more.

Dallas Clark and Visanthe Shiancoe

Two tight ends with great pedigrees that will likely not get the kind of thought they deserve. Both could end up as a second tight end on a team with a young guy to develop, especially in the case of Clark who is getting on in years. I think there is a good chance that both could end up in the AFC, which is odd for Shiancoe, who has spent his entire career with Minnesota and the Giants.

Brandon Carr and Carlos Rodgers

There are so many teams in need of secondary help that even teams like Dallas are looking at making a run at Carr and Rodgers. Good corners are hard to find, and these guys are good to complement a top corner on the other side of the field. Dallas just cut Terrance Newman, so they could easily be in play for one of these guys.

I love this time of year, if not only because it means the draft needs for the teams I follow are that much more clear. I cant wait for football to start again, and with this year’s draft being the biggest in years, these signings are really a huge factor in the success of those picks. I hope that the Vikings start to fill some of the huge holes they have, but like the rest of the rebuilding teams, they have a lot of competition.