2012 Super Bowl: Free Agents This Offseason That Made Money

The following 2012 free agents from the New York Giants and New England Patriots made themselves a few extra dollars by showing up on the game's biggest stage, Super Bowl XLVI. 

MARIO MANNINGHAM, GIANTS

For the first 45 minutes, you might have wondered if Manningham made the trip to Indianapolis.

But once the fourth quarter started, Manningham was a focal point for the Giants. He didn't show position awareness on Eli Manning's first long attempt down the sideline, tip-toeing out of bounds on a ball he should have pulled down with two feet in play.

On the throw that mattered though, Manningham made Super Bowl gold.

If he's not back in New York, someone will pay him to be a starter.

SHAUN ELLIS/GERARD WARREN, PATRIOTS

For two guys with 23 years of combined playing experience on the defensive line, Ellis and Warren looked like younger versions of themselves by continually collapsing the pocket against Manning.

The two combined for nine quarterback pressures and one hit.

You'd have to expect that New England wants one or both back in specific roles next season. 

CHASE BLACKBURN, GIANTS

Few knew who this guy was when the season started, but after a 20-game whirlwind of a year, Blackburn had intercepted both Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady and was starting at linebacker for a Super Bowl champion.

No one is going to pay big bucks to have him start, but the Giants might be willing to pony up a few more dollars to keep a breakout player like Blackburn around. 

AARON ROSS, GIANTS

Corey Webster is the Giants' lockdown cover guy, but you have to appreciate the way Ross can come up and make plays in the running game.

On the Patriots second series, Ross did just that. He knifed through a set of blockers and upended Benjarvus Green-Ellis for a short loss.

Will the Giants re-sign him or let 2011 rookie Prince Amukamara take over? 

STEVE WEATHERFORD, GIANTS

Yes, punters can have a profound impact on football games.

In the first quarter, Weatherford pinned the Patriots deep inside their own 10-yard-line, and one play later, the Giants had the game's first points via a Tom Brady safety.

Weatherford was consistently effective throughout Super Bowl XLVI.

He's given the Giants stability at the punter position, so expect New York to pay him to stay.