2012 NFL Free Agents: Drew Brees and Stars Not Going Anywhere

With the 2011 season in the rear-view mirror, the NFL's focus now shifts to free agency. At first glance, the free-agent class looks absolutely incredible. While that will remain true for the most part, there are several free agents who aren't realistically available on the open market.

I suppose that nothing is impossible and that some said players could be enticed to play elsewhere if the money and situation were that good, but the odds are against it. Here are three players who, despite their statuses as free agents, won't be switching locales in 2012.

WR Wes Welker (NE)

After "dropping" a pass that was thrown high and away by quarterback Tom Brady in the Super Bowl, New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker has shouldered a lot of blame. That's certainly a catch he normally comes up with, and it may have iced the game for the Pats, but there were plenty of other players at fault. With that said, it would be a shock to see Welker in any other uniform next season.

Welker has had an incredible run with the Patriots, as he has caught at least 111 passes for over 1,100 yards in four of his five seasons with the team. He is undoubtedly the best slot receiver in football, and he is Brady's favorite target. I'm sure he will get some intriguing offers, but the fact of the matter is that there is no system in the league that he would be more productive in.

Welker is a Patriot through and through, and he will show his allegiance during the offseason.

RB Ray Rice (BAL)

After a season in which he racked up 2,000 total yards and 15 total touchdowns, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice may very well be the hottest commodity on the free-agent market. The diminutive workhorse was Mr. Everything for the Ravens offense, averaging close to five yards per carry and leading the team in receiving with 76 grabs.

There isn't a team in the league who wouldn't love a versatile, Swiss Army knife player like Rice, but no team needs him more than the Ravens. Granted, quarterback Joe Flacco showed flashes of taking the next step in the postseason, but Baltimore relies on playing great defense and running the ball on offense. Losing Rice would simply destroy their identity.

Rice has to realize that he has leverage, and he will obviously use it to his advantage to land a fat contract, but when push comes to shove, he'll remain with the Ravens.

QB Drew Brees (NO)

In the 2011 season, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke Dan Marino's long-standing record for single-season passing yardage, and he broke his own record for completion percentage. On top of that, he threw for 46 touchdowns and was the runner-up for the NFL MVP award. With that in mind, it's fair to say that Brees is the most prolific free agent of all-time.

The only problem is that there is virtually a zero percent chance he ends up anywhere else. Brees took a chance by signing with the Saints in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and he became an icon in the region, especially after leading the Saints to a Super Bowl win. Not only that, but he has a great relationship with head coach Sean Payton and is a perfect fit for the offense.

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Brees signing with another team would be the biggest shocker in NFL history. That's a complicated way of saying that Brees will be staying on Bourbon Street.