NFL Free Agents 2012: DeSean Jackson and Stars Not Worth the Risk

As the NFL Playoffs continue to play out, 2012 NFL free agency is just around the corner. Every year we see teams step out on a ledge to make a bold move—most of those bold moves backfire, but some work out.

These bold moves aren't worth the risk in return.

DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson proved this season with the Philadelphia Eagles that when he’s not happy he won’t perform at his maximum level. It’s almost like the Randy Moss "I’ll play when I want to" routine.

It’s very difficult to win championships with players like this. The team has to come before the player.

Jackson is going to make a decent amount of money somewhere and his ceiling is potentially high given his talent level. However, how much would a team be willing to give up for a deep threat receiver? He’s certainly not a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

Jackson is a 5'10" speed receiver who can hasn’t caught more than 62 balls in a season. I wouldn’t pay him close to No. 1-receiver money, and I would think twice before giving him No. 2 money.

Peyton Hillis

Are you a star if you make the Madden cover? I think you can be considered one, so let’s add Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis to this list.

Hillis only attempted 161 carries while battling the injury bug all season long. He rushed for 587 yards and three touchdowns.

When healthy, Hillis is a strong, physical runner who can certainly make an impact for a NFL franchise.

Let’s look at the only time he’s played all 16 games in a particular season (four-year pro). He rushed for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns on 270 attempts. He proved to be an absolute work-horse type of back.

He’s still only 25 years old, so he has plenty of game left in him. The problem he has is injuries. Hillis has proven to be a viable running back in the NFL when he can stay healthy and garner the appropriate amount of carries.

I wouldn’t risk taking a shot on Hillis because he will probably be looking for more money than he’s worth. I wouldn’t give a guy a ton of money off of one great season.

Brandon Lloyd

Brandon Lloyd may be the most athletic wide receiver in football. He makes some of the most unbelievable catches you will see a football player make.

However, when you look at it, Lloyd has been a one-hit wonder. His only season when he splashed down was in 2010 for the Denver Broncos. Their offense was based through the air, and his 77 receptions, 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns proves it.

Is he worth No. 1-receiver money? No, he’s not. Lloyd is a good receiver, but he is a solid No. 2 in an ordinary offensive scheme. Teams should go after him, but be careful of pouring too much into a guy who has had one really good year.