Jets vs. Redskins: 7 Veterans Playing for a Job in 2012

Nothing is guaranteed for a player in the NFL. 

Over the years, we've seen everything from respected veterans getting the boot, to unproven rookies setting their bank accounts for life. 

When the Washington Redskins host the New York Jets this Sunday, it'll be interesting to keep an eye on a handful of veterans that could be making their case for a gig next season. 

As the season winds down, whether a part of a playoff team or not, veterans are clearly thinking of their future. As we approach Week 13, will we see these guys make a late push or take a step back?

Rex Grossman

I'm about as tired as anyone when it comes to talking about Rex Grossman, but he clearly belongs on this list. 

Grossman, who has been the deserving victim of Washington hatred throughout the season, will be a free agent next season and his future with the Redskins is as cloudy as it comes. 

At times, Grossman looks like he knows what he's doing—like he really has been grasping things over his nine-year career. But at other times, any newcomer to football would think that Grossman picked up a football for the first time on that specific Sunday. 

In the past two games, the Redskins appear to have opened up the playbook a bit, giving the offense more of an arsenal to help execute the game plan. So far, this has drastically helped Grossman's game. 

With a quarterback situation in Washington that makes alien time warps in the Bermuda Triangle seem simple, Grossman is very much a potential starter next season. Although it's his biggest demon, Grossman should work to limit his mistakes throughout the rest of the season and show that he can manage a game effectively. 

LaDainian Tomlinson

In his first season with the New York Jets last year, All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson put up solid numbers with over 900 yards on 220 carries and six touchdowns. He also hauled in 52 passes for over 360 yards.

This season...not so much. 

Tomlinson, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the year, has rushed for just 167 yards in nine games this season and has just two total touchdowns. 

The decrease in LT's production, who continues to be a receiving threat (312 yards), is in large part because Shonn Greene has become a bigger piece of the Jets' offensive puzzle. Not to mention, Tomlinson has tussled with some injuries throughout the first half of the year, most recently a knee injury.

It seems to me like head coach Rex Ryan and the coaching staff are big supporters of Tomlinson, as any coaching staff would be. But Tomlinson will be 33 at the start of next season and who knows what the Jets may be looking to add in the offseason. 

Donte' Stallworth

The Stallworth signing in Washington started off with excitement. 

As the season went on, I often wondered if Donte' Stallworth even played football anymore. 

Then, out of absolutely nowhere, Stallworth catches three passes for 30 yards against the Eagles in Week 6. 

Stallworth pulls another Houdini for about four weeks and suddenly bursts onto the scene again with four catches against Dallas for 51 yards and the game-tying touchdown as regular time expired. 

And to no one's surprise, Stallworth was completely absent again in last week's win against the Seahawks. 

With Stallworth set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the 31-year-old receiver needs to make the most of his limited time on the field. Consistency would be nice. 

In my opinion, Stallworth's performance against Dallas at FedEx is enough to give him another low-level one-year deal. But the receiver position seems to be a crowded one, especially when the injuries clear. 

Eric Smith

I'll admit that I'm not all that familiar with the New York Jets and the reputation of their starters in the eyes of their fans. However, safety Eric Smith seems like a guy that may need to make some major moves in order to retain his starting job. 

Although Smith seems to have earned himself the full-time job at strong safety this season, it doesn't appear to be a guaranteed spot. 

Smith has done his best in the tackling department, with standout games against New England (nine tackles) and San Diego (10), but he's not much of a ballhawk. Through 11 games, Smith has registered just one interception and one sack.

In terms of contract, Smith is signed through 2013, but is only due $3 million over the next two years. The contract wouldn't be a huge blow to the Jets' books and Smith looks to be replaceable from a talent standpoint. 

David Anderson

It feels weird even mentioning Anderson, considering he has just three catches for the Redskins this season after being picked up so late in the year. 

Anderson was brought on because of his time spent in Houston and his familiarity with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's system. 

Since arriving in Washington, Anderson has made catches when they count—especially the 23-yarder against Dallas. But does Anderson stick around for next year?

He's 28 years old with experience in the system. But again, the receiver position isn't necessarily lacking talent or potential when the injury bug is chomping away at the Redskins roster. 

If Anderson can come up with some more big plays as the season comes to a close, maybe he has a shot. But only maybe. 

Adam Carriker

The only reason Adam Carriker makes this list is because he's a free agent after this season. But it's necessary to note that Carriker has been a solid piece of the Redskins defense since Mike Shanahan and Jim Haslett came to Washington. 

After teetering on the label of "bust", Carriker found his calling as a defensive end in the 3-4 scheme. So far this season, Carriker has registered 4.5 sacks and Shanahan is calling him, "...very strong, very stout and very consistent."

At just 27 years old, Carriker is assumed to be in the Redskins' future plans. Closing out the season strong will guarantee that. 

DeAngelo Hall

If roster spots were voted on by the people, I'm pretty sure DeAngelo Hall wouldn't have a job in the NFL. 

This season for the Redskins, a year in which Hall is making about $5 million, the secondary has been a disappointment. 

DeAngelo Hall is signed through the 2014 season thanks to the bonehead Vinny Cerrato, but his $6 million salary next season is more than alarming. And that salary only increases over time. 

What happens if Hall closes out the season with poor play and the same miserable attitude that he has had his entire career?