NFL Free Agents 2012: Big Names Teams Will Drastically Overpay For

You can’t deny the success of teams that spend big money in free agency.  The Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders—they’re all powerhouses. 

Despite the absurdity of that statement, general managers will still break the bank in free agency, overpaying for a player or two, while successful franchises like the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers build through the draft.

Here are four free agents that will receive a major payday this summer.

DeSean Jackson

Despite being part of a season filled with devastating disappointments for the Philadelphia Eagles, DeSean Jackson is still one of the most explosive weapons in the NFL. He is a deadly threat whom opposing defenses must account for on every single play. His game-breaking ability as a punt returner will also tremendously boost his value.

Cortland Finnegan

As the most-sought after cornerback in the 2012 free-agent class, a team desperate for secondary help will offer Cortland Finnegan a pot of gold. He is coming off a big rebound season after struggling in 2010. Finnegan may be a personal foul machine, but he brings an aggressive attitude and swagger to a defense.

Cliff Avril

The Carolina Panthers re-signed 25-year-old Charles Johnson to a whopping six-year, $72 million contract with $32 million guaranteed after he recorded 11.5 sacks last season. Cliff Avril brought down opposing quarterbacks 11 times this season and forced six fumbles. Teams desperate for a pass rush will see his production and youth and ignore the fact that he blew up after Ndamukong Suh arrived in town.

Matt Flynn

If Kevin Kolb can get offered a five-year deal worth $63.5 million with $21 million guaranteed, Matt Flynn should be offered $100 million. In his first start of the season against the Detroit Lions in Week 17, Flynn threw for an insane 480 yards and six touchdowns with just one interception. The Green Bay Packers will most likely franchise and trade Flynn for a fortune.

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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