2012 NFL Free Agents: 10 Top Players Teams Shouldn't Bank Too Hard on

While the NFL playoffs will enrapture much of the nation, others will have already moved onto the NFL draft and the 2012 NFL free agents. They will surely work themselves into a frenzy discussing who their teams should sing, but they should be careful of what they wish for.

All players mentioned in this article could be headed for large paydays considering they were included on a Top 50 free agent list. 

However, teams would be smart to exercise caution. Some of these players are bound for a letdown, either due to advanced age, or because they will no longer be a part of the same system.

Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts

Robert Mathis has been a long-time contributor to the Indianapolis Colts' crumbling dynasty. Opposite Dwight Freeney, Mathis has made a living terrorizing quarterbacks forced to throw to keep up with Peyton Manning.

Mathis' numbers have fallen across the board the last two years. Considering he turns 31 before the start of next season, this trend is likely to continue.

It's a difficult proposition to pay much for an aging defensive end who ended in single digits in sacks and tackles for a loss.

Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Wes Welker had a career year, setting individual marks for touchdowns and receiving yards. Regardless, other teams around the NFL shouldn't invest too heavily in the slot receiver.

He is worth much more to the New England Patriots than anyone else. His role in the offense is defined, and Tom Brady knows exactly where he will be.

It would take years to build that type of chemistry with another quarterback, save for a select few (Drew Brees comes to mind). 

In addition, he will also be on the wrong side of 30 when the 2012 season kicks off. 

John Abraham, Atlanta Falcons

Teams will be interested in John Abraham's services because he amassed just over nine sacks and forced four fumbles this year. Depending on his willingness to take a one-year deal (not likely), teams will need to resist this urge.

His tackle factor reveals a player that is not making nearly as many plays as he could. 

Putting up a large sum of money for an ancient (34) player with a few good stats is not the key to building a successful franchise. If he is the last piece for a desperate team trying to take advantage of a closing championship window (New Orleans Saints or New England Patriots), he could be an intriguing possibility.

Otherwise, the money would be better spent somewhere else.

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

DeSean Jackson recently apologized for the distraction his contract situation became for both him and the Philadelphia Eagles. He also states that he'd understand if the Eagles used the franchise tag on him.

Philadelphia would be wise to do no such thing. Except for a couple more touchdowns, his season was not that far from his normal production.

DeSean is a "boom or bust" player. His explosiveness can be the turning point of a game, but that comes with the hefty price tag of inconsistency.

If you are going to pay a receiver top dollar, you had better be able to depend on him. Jackson is not that type of player.

Tracy Porter, New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints will have a difficult time looking past their emotional bonds with Tracy Porter when it comes time to negotiate a new deal. The young cornerback returned an interception to the house to clinch the Saints' first Super Bowl title. 

Porter has had big moments like the above interception. However, much like DeSean Jackson, he lacks consistency.

He is certainly not a shutdown corner (although such a player may be a mythical beast on par with the Pegasus). There is no need to break the bank to bring him back, and they shouldn't have to anyways.

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

Like many other wide receivers' production would, Reggie Wayne's numbers slipped quite a bit without Peyton Manning. 

Additionally, Wayne is an 11-year veteran who lacks the explosiveness he once had. He was DeSean Jackson if Jackson was able to be consistent.

The right play for Wayne is probably to see where Manning lands, and then signing a small-money deal. Otherwise, to get a large payout, his services will have to be sold to a desperate and likely noncompetitive team.

Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns

The concerns regarding Peyton Hillis are piling up. His lack of motivation to play this year for the Cleveland Browns illustrates an unfocused attitude.

If Hillis were concerned about his team and teammates, his poor decisions about playing when sick destroyed that idea.

Even more surprising is that his poor effort in a contract year shows that he doesn't even care about getting paid.

His cumulative stats (587 yards and three touchdowns) are weak, but the worst part is his 3.6 yards per carry average. It's obvious that he was ineffective even when he did play.

Andre Carter, New England Patriots

Andre Carter has had a resurgence with the New England Patriots this season. This very well could be the work of Bill Belichick.

If so, kudos the hoodie for bringing out the best in a player. Yet, the deeper issue is why has he never been able to have consistent production from year to year?

Every time Carter has notched double-digit sacks, he has had at least six less the following year. No team should bank on a soon-to-be 33-year old defensive end with such a track record.

Cory Redding, Baltimore Ravens

It was somewhat stunning that Cory Redding of the Baltimore Ravens was included on the aforementioned top 50 free agent list. After seeing that he produced 4.5 sacks as a 3-4 defensive end, it became at least an option in a weak year for free agency.

However, any player who is signed to a monster deal, and then traded twice, raises red flags. If he were that great, he wouldn't have been so easily moved.

In addition, his tackle factor is a measly 0.70. There are too many concerns with the nine-year vet to give him a large sum of cash.

Steve Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

To be fair, Steve Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles was only an honorable mention on the list. Even that seemed to be a stretch though.

Smith was the 2009 Victor Cruz. He broke out for the New York Giants, but was unfortunately injured the following year after decent success through nine games. 

Smith's lack of production may have been due to possible lingering effects of his injury. Regardless, 11 catches and one touchdown in nine games does not deserve much more than a one-year deal.