With the NFL season already at its halfway point, it’s a perfect time to begin a discussion on next year’s free agent class. Today we’re breaking down the quarterbacks, giving you our thoughts on who’s likely to cash in with a nice payday next spring.

Feel free to leave any thoughts in the comments section, as we’d love to hear who you think is deserving of a big contract or not. And be sure to check back tomorrow for our thoughts on the potential RB free agent class for next year.

Top Free Agent Quarterbacks

1. Jason Campbell – Washington (UFA)

I really like what Jason Campbell brings to the table, but he’s struggled to put last off-season’s turmoil behind him, and it’s been pretty evident thus far this season. That said, I think he could definitely blossom if given an opportunity to play on a team without a megalomaniac for an owner, and at the very least, he’d be a solid game manager for a playoff contender in need of a competent QB.

Likely destinations: Buffalo, San Francisco, Minnesota, Carolina, Denver, Oakland

2. Kyle Orton – Denver (UFA)

Orton received the best gift possible when he was traded from Chicago to Denver last off-season in the Jay Cutler extravaganza, and he’s made the most of it thus far, guiding the Broncos to a 4-0 start. I don’t envision him becoming a premier NFL starter anytime soon, but to be sure, some team is going to overpay for his services next spring, especially if he can continue to play like he has in his first four games. Then again, he could stay put in Denver, depending on what Josh McDaniels and Co. decide to do at the end of the year.

Likely destinations: Denver, Buffalo, Carolina, Washington, Oakland

3. Tavaris Jackson – Minnesota (UFA)

Given the fact that he’s only 26 years old, Jackson is probably going to be a hot commodity when he hits the market next March, unless of course, the Vikings sign him first. He hasn’t done much to show he can be a legit starter in this league, but then again, half the QBS playing right now were in the same boat at one time or another, so I’m sure a team would go after him if possible. Skill wise, I like what he offers, but his game intelligence definitely leaves a lot to wish for, and that’s as important as anything else when you pick your franchise QB.

Likely destinations: Minnesota, Washington, Buffalo, Oakland

4. Chad Pennington – Miami (UFA)

It’s too bad that he suffered a season ending injury this year because Pennington was poised to take home one more big contract next spring, especially after leading the Dolphins to the playoffs like he did last season. As it stands now, he’ll probably get offered a middle of the road contract with no guarantees of playing time, but at this point in his career, he’d be hard pressed to get much else I think.

Likely destinations: Minnesota, San Francisco, Carolina, Buffalo, Denver, Seattle, Kansas City

5. Kellen Clemens – New York Jets (UFA)

Once Mark Sanchez arrived on the scene, Clemens’ chances at earning the starting job became slim to none, even though he has the ability to be successful with the Jets. If he’s able to leave town next March, I suspect that he’ll put up solid numbers, especially if he’s on a team with enough talent around him to not require him to win the game on his own. That said, New York may do their part to keep him in the fold, as he’s a nice insurance policy to have in case Sanchez runs into trouble.

Likely destinations: New York Jets, Minnesota, Buffalo, Denver, Seattle

Other UFAs

• Charlie Batch – Pittsburgh
• Kyle Boller – St. Louis
• David Carr – New York Giants
• Dante Culpepper – Detroit
• Jeff Garcia – Oakland
  
• Rex Grossman – Houston
  
• Joey Harrington – New Orleans
  
• Jon Kitna – Dallas
  
• Patrick Ramsey – Tennessee
  

Other RFAs

• Matt Moore – Carolina
• Brett Ratliff – Cleveland
• Troy Smith – Baltimore

Other posts you may enjoy:

1. 2010 Outlook: Top Free Agent Defensive Ends
2. 2010 Outlook: Top Free Agent Offensive Linemen