2012 NFL Free Agents: Analyzing Rex Grossman and the Riskiest Free Agents

With so many free agents on the market every year, it's somewhat comparable to the NFL draft in the sense that teams are analyzing players to fit multiple needs.

After all, at least free agents have gone through the college-to-pro transition already. The riskiest ones, however, are considered so because of injuries and/or lack of production.

So, when viewing most of the market, hope that your team looks elsewhere.

Rex Grossman, QB

The only thing that's really appealing about Rex Grossman is that he's a nine-year veteran and was fortunate enough to play in a Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears in 2006.

Ironically, that was the only full season Grossman's played and was easily his best year.

Even still, Grossman threw just 23 touchdowns to 20 picks and had a 54.6 completion percentage. The next most games he's played through a season was in 2011.

There, Grossman tossed just 16 touchdowns to 20 picks and had a 57.9 completion percentage. Though it was only 13 games, the good Rex isn't all that appealing alone. Now add the bad Rex and the appeal goes away completely.

All this being said, only teams who are incredibly desperate for a quarterback with NFL experience need to consider Grossman.

Anthony Gonzalez, WR

At this point in his brief five-year career, Anthony Gonzalez has dealt with numerous injuries and might as well be considered the NFL's version of Evel Knievel, with football being the dangerous stunt.

As a rookie in 2007, Gonzalez played in 13 games (37 catches, 576 yards) and had a full season of work in 2008 (57 receptions, 664 yards) giving much hope and confidence for 2009.

Well, in 2009  he missed the entire season, paving way to a whole new group of receivers that are virtually unknown outside of Indianapolis.

Then, 2010 came around and he played in just two games that were six weeks apart. In 2011, at least we saw a healthier Gonzalez, but previous injuries kept him from receiving much playing time.

It would be surprising to see the Colts re-sign him.

Chances are, he will get a look, but only as a reserve target. With a consistent past of injuries, Gonzalez has to prove his durability. Otherwise, it's going to be a career cut sooner than later.

Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB

Jarvis Moss's NFL production wouldn't be considered underachieving if he weren't a top 20 first-round draft choice.

In addition, the Denver Broncos—his original team—traded up to draft him and he simply under-performed for three and a half years. With limited playing time, Moss recorded only 34 tackles and 3.5 sacks in Denver's 3-4 scheme under Mike Nolan.

Then, roughly halfway through 2010, Moss head to Oakland where the Raiders 4-3 scheme would suit him better. Needless to say, he still hasn't developed into the player most expected.

Amongst a solid defensive line with guys like Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly, as well as linebackers in Kamerion Wimbley and Rolando McClain behind him, Moss still hasn't put up impressive numbers.

Not to mention, the Raiders ranked No. 27 against the pass and rush and No. 29 in total defense.

Moss has played in 19 games for Oakland and has just 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks. So, if the Raiders decide to re-sign him, a lot of offseason development is needed.

Reading and reacting better against the run is a must, while also getting the hands up to deflect a pass when a sack isn't possible would help.

Abram Elam, S

In just seven NFL seasons, Abram Elam has already been with three teams.

As a rookie in 2006, he played 15 games with the Dallas Cowboys and then was part of the New York Jets for 2007 and 2008.

With the Jets, Elam received more playing time but wasn't overly impressive.

He recorded 122 tackles and forced three fumbles with Gang Green, but he was off to Cleveland for 2009 and 2010.

With the Browns, Elam played two full seasons and recorded 170 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, defended 12 passes and had two interceptions. Still, he's yet to earn a Pro Bowl selection and develop into a complete safety.

Elam then went back to Big D for 2011, where he recorded 68 tackles but didn't defend even one pass. In addition to rolling down, Elam must improve at defending when in zone coverage and man coverage against a slot receiver.

Plus, it doesn't help that he was part of a weak secondary and defense that allowed almost 250 pass yards per game and ranked No. 23.

John Rozum on Twitter.