2012 NFL Free Agents: Braylon Edwards and the Riskiest Free Agents

With so much going on in the 2012 NFL offseason such as the draft, upcoming combine, Super Bowl XLVI and those looking for a new head coach, it's easy to forget about free agency.

That said, once concerned about the market a team must be wary of the risky players available. After all, signing a player who's been underachieving, has dealt with injuries and/or has attitude problems weighs into a decision.

So, here are the riskiest free agents this offseason.

Braylon Edwards, WR

According to Jon Presser of Rant Sports, Braylon Edwards is open to returning to the New York Jets:

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With the Jets trying to find ways to improve their offense in 2012, is a reunion with Edwards on the table? Edwards was asked by a fan on Twitter if he’d consider a return, and he seemed to be open to the possibility.

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Well, although Edwards would improve the Jets, it's not the best fit.

For one, Edwards has underachieved throughout his NFL career and is currently dealing with some injuries, otherwise San Francisco would have never parted ways.

Braylon's not so much of a risk in terms of ability as he is with production and health. The Jets need to go in a new direction with younger players as well as newer players.

Now, this doesn't mean Edwards shouldn't go back to the Big Apple. However, a team like the Arizona Cardinals would be a better fit.

There's simply just not a lot of so-called drama going on there right now and pairing him with Larry Fitzgerald will surely take the pressure off Edwards having to produce.

Kyle Orton, QB

He has experience and some decent numbers to his credit, but Kyle Orton isn't getting any younger, his mobility isn't getting any better and his arm isn't getting any stronger.

Having played with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, Orton has had his moments of glory in the NFL. The concern is that he's never had that killer instinct or confidence to put games away, make a winning comeback or put the ball into a tight window.

Now, he can thrive on a team with a great defense and running game because his game-managing skills are solid, but what veteran quarterback couldn't?

Chances are Orton will get a look from teams like Jacksonville, NY Jets, Tampa Bay and/or Seattle.

Unfortunately, Orton isn't that much of an upgrade and those teams are better off continuing to develop their respective quarterbacks than take a chance with a guy who underthrows a lot of passes downfield.

Sure it's nice dumping off the short routes as well as hitting the intermediates, however, lacking downfield accuracy and the ability to stretch the field is what can cost you in today's pass-happy NFL.

Peyton Hillis, RB

With Peyton Hillis, the concern is health and production.

After a stellar performance in 2010 where he accounted for 1,654 total yards and scored 13 touchdowns, Hillis pulled a 180-degree turn in 2011.

There, he only amassed 717 total yards while scoring just three touchdowns.

His window of opportunity came and went because the Browns have other running backs in Brandon Jackson and Montario Hardesty that they can count on. Struck by health problems in 2011, it would be somewhat surprising if Cleveland re-signs him for 2012.

Still, Hillis has proven he can be a good No. 1 running back but not being able to perform with defenses better prepared to shut him down is a cause for concern.

Now yes, we can use the new head coach/system/NFL lockout excuse, but the Browns and Hillis aren't the only ones who dealt with that situation.

Take the Denver Broncos, for example: new head coach, new system and having to replace their quarterback midseason (the most important position on the field).

If Cleveland keeps Hillis the Browns better hope he has a 2010 encore performance.

Tracy Porter, CB

According to Pro Football Weekly, the New Orleans Saints may re-sign corner Tracy Porter:

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The Saints are interested in re-signing CB Tracy Porter, who is due to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but they do have other homegrown talent at the position that they are confident in if Porter moves on. 

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Regardless of what happens though, whether it's the Saints or someone else, Porter's consistency in health should raise some red flags.

He's never started and/or played in a full season with 14 games in 2011 being Porter's most through a brief four-year career.

Now, he may be a lockdown cover man but he also needs to improve as a tackler and in run support. New Orleans or whoever signs him needs a complete defender it can count on every down of every game.

Unfortunately, Porter hasn't been on that level of shutting down receivers despite recording four picks though 12 games in 2009. And with the Saints being arguably the worst team against the pass in recent seasons, it wouldn't be surprising to see them part ways.

Porter will make a solid No. 2 corner no doubt when healthy, however, the question is whether or not he can remain healthy.

John Rozum on Twitter.