2013 NFL Free Agents: Skills Position Players Teams Must Be Wary of

The NFL free agency period will begin on March 12, and it will be a great opportunity for teams to fill holes in the hopes of making a run at Super Bowl 48.

However, there are some players on the market that may look attractive, but they do come with inherent risks that make them an unsafe bet, and that can be for several reasons.

Perhaps one of these players is injury-prone and could break down at any second, or maybe a certain free agent has proven to have a lackluster attitude in the past.

Let's take a closer look at which players fit the bill.

 

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB

When healthy, Bradshaw is a solid back who can gain 1,000 yards or more per season and even catch the ball out of the backfield. But the key words in that statement are "when healthy."

Bradshaw has battled injury problems over the past few seasons and has missed a total of six games during that stretch (four in 2011, two in 2012).

That may not seem like a lot of time missed, but you have to factor in exactly what has caused him to be in the trainer's room. Bradshaw has battled foot and ankle injuries during his career, both of which are surgically repaired (per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com).

Of course, feet and ankles are the foundation of running backs in the NFL, so those issues must be a concern. Adding to that, Bradshaw will be 27 when the 2013 NFL season begins and is right up against the normal shelf life of running backs in this league.

Dwayne Bowe, WR

Bowe can be a No. 1 receiver for many teams in this league and has put up stellar numbers to prove it. After compiling 995 yards through the air in his rookie season, Bowe has gained 1,000 yards or more in three of the last five seasons.

He likely would have gained 1,000 last year as well, but his season was cut short by three games due to injury. With numbers like those, what could possibly be concerning about Bowe?

Here is what one scout had to say about Bowe, per Peter King of Sports Illustrated:

"I am scared to death of [Kansas City wideout] Dwayne Bowe. Like him a lot, but not sure what we'd be buying if we signed him. Too much baggage."

What is that baggage, you ask?

According to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, it's Bowe's propensity to drop passes and his fluctuating weight. More importantly, Bowe has been known to be selfish during his time in the league. All of those factors should be a deterrent for teams looking to spend big money on him.

Danny Amendola, WR

Amendola has the potential to be one of the best slot receivers in the NFL today, but his small frame (5'11", 188 lbs.) isn't helping him stay on the field.

The 27-year-old compiled 666 yards through the air last season but did so in only 11 games thanks to injury. In 2011, Amendola played in just one game after dislocating his elbow in the season opener.

He's as talented as they come, but sadly Amendola has problems being a consistent contributor because he's always in the trainer's room. His knack for getting injured over the past few seasons is certainly not good for a guy who makes his living over the middle.

Amendola could be as good as Wes Welker for whichever team decides to sign him, although it remains to be seen if he can survive a full season.