2012 NFL Free Agents: The 5 Players Who Will Be Re-Signed, Won't Hit Open Market

While the 2012 free agent class is absolutely loaded with talent at nearly every position, that doesn't mean the top guys will actually hit the open market. 

Don't get your hopes up with aspirations of your team actually landing on of these three offensive stars. 

It won't happen. 

Drew Brees

After his record-shattering season, there's absolutely no way the New Orleans Saints don't offer Drew Brees a shiny new contract sometime soon. 

The Saints are essentially unstoppable at home with Brees at the helm, and although New Orleans has a handful of free agents to take care of, Brees has to be priority No. 1.

Wes Welker 

What has Welker done over the last two years with the Patriots? Well, he's caught only 208 passes with 16 touchdowns from Tom Brady; that's all.

He's the life-force of New England's vaunted aerial attack and should sign an extremely lucrative deal. He's definitely deserves it. Welker will likely retire a Patriot.

Vincent Jackson 

It's not as much of a lock that Jackson stays in San Diego, but after another solid season in 2011, one in which he reeled in 60 passes for 1,106 yards and nine touchdowns. 

He's the team's clear-cut No. 1 receiver, and in order for the Chargers to battle for the AFC West title in the future, they'll need the physically-imposing Jackson lined up on the outside. 

Ray Rice 

Wouldn't it be nice if your running-back needy team could scoop up the small yet ferocious Ray Rice? Yeah, well, not happening. 

Rice is the backbone of the Ravens offense, and he consistently alleviates pressure from Joe Flacco. His 2,068 total yards led the NFL this season, and he scored 15 touchdowns. 

With aspirations to make another run at the Super Bowl and the overall talent to do it, the Ravens will lock of Rice for a long time. 

Matt Forte

Forte and Rice are essentially the same player within their respective offenses. Forte was averaging 4.9 yards per carry with 52 catches and 490 through 12 games before a season-ending injury ended his season. 

He was grossly underpaid this season and is certainly deserving of a big-time contract. 

Forte is the key cog in the Bears balanced offensive attack and must be kept in Chicago if the team wants to compete with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions in the NFC North. 

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