2012 NFL Free Agents: Overrated Players Who Will Get Paid Too Much Money

Free agency is a magical time for an NFL player. The league has done all that it can to prevent players from actually getting their right to choose where they go thanks to things like the "Franchise Tag." This year's class features a strong mix of big-name players and others starting to find their niche. 

But there are always a few players who get contracts that they have not come close to earning just because they fill a direct need for a team that is desperate to make a move.

I suppose, in the scheme of things, paying a player too much money doesn't hurt that much because these contracts aren't guaranteed. But it does not make sense for a team to put all of its hopes in a player who isn't capable of performing in the way that is required of them. 

Here are a few potential free agents who will get paid too much money. 

Matt Flynn, QB

As Flynn was throwing for 480 yards and six touchdowns in Week 17, the first thought that went through my mind is how some team is going to overpay based on that one performance.

He had a great game and has shown a lot in limited action, but bear in mind that the Packers have the best collection of skill players in the NFL. 

Going to another team that does not have players like Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, James Jones and Donald Driver will show us how good he really is. 

Quarterbacks almost always get overpaid because of how valuable they are, and I can see Flynn parlaying his record-setting performance against Detroit into a contract that includes a guaranteed eight-figure dollar amount.

Not bad for a player with 132 career pass attempts. 

Reggie Wayne, WR

Some might look at Wayne's numbers this season—75 receptions, 960 yards and four touchdowns—as a positive considering that he was playing without Peyton Manning. 

But he is 33 years old and his performance has been declining for the last three years. He has not averaged more than 12.8 yards per catch since 2008.

He doesn't have the same speed that he used to, which is causing him to be more of a possession receiver than a true No. 1 or 2. 

Andre Carter, DE/LB

After being cut loose by the Washington Redskins, Carter's NFL prospects looked bleak. He found a home with the New England Patriots and had one of the best years of his career. 

Before a season-ending knee injury three weeks ago, he had 10 sacks and was the best defensive player the Patriots had. 

But he is a system player now. He has to be a 3-4 linebacker in order to have any success. The fact that he is 32 and coming off a major injury will be a red flag, but considering how productive he was, some team is going to give him a bigger deal than his worth right now.

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