2012 NFL Free Agents: DeSean Jackson and Players That Lost Out on Big Contracts

The most important year in the careers of many athletes is their "contract year." A contract year is that player's final season under contract, and while they are obviously playing to win a championship, they are ultimately playing to earn a big pay day as well.

While there are many players who certainly cashed in big time thanks to an awesome contract-year performance, there are others who failed to capitalize either because of injury, poor play or character issues. Here are three free agents who blew their chances at a monster contract this offseason.

RB Peyton Hillis (CLE)

Entering the 2011 season, Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis had a ton of momentum. Hillis had over 1,600 total yards and 13 touchdowns in 2010, and he was also given the honor of being Madden cover boy. Either the Madden curse is real or it was far too much pressure for Hillis to deliver a repeat performance, though, as he came crashing back down to Earth this past year.

Hillis missed six games and was limited in several others due to a number of nagging injuries. Even when he did play, however, he was far less effective, as he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. Had Hillis turned in another big year, he would be in line for a huge, multi-year deal right now. Instead, he may have trouble even finding a job, and if he does, he likely won't get much more than a one or two-year contract.

DB Terrell Thomas (NYG)

There is no question that 2011 had to be a tough year for New York Giants defensive back Terrell Thomas. While he ended up with a Super Bowl ring, as the G-Men were able to defeat the New England Patriots, he was unable to play in a single game. A torn ACL cost Thomas his entire year, and it also severely hurt his chances of earning a big pay day this offseason.

Thomas was developing into one of the premiere corners in the league in 2010. He racked up an impressive 101 tackles, as well as five interceptions and four forced fumbles. In his absence, Corey Webster, Aaron Ross and Prince Amukamura all stepped up, so there may not be a place for him in New York. He is certainly a gamble coming off knee surgery as well, so he likely won't get more than a few feeler offers from other teams.

WR DeSean Jackson (PHI)

Most NFL wide receivers would probably be happy with a season of 1,000 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, but for the Philadelphia Eagles' DeSean Jackson, it was a major disappointment. The Eagles were expected to have a record-setting offense with quarterback Michael Vick at the helm, but things obviously didn't go as planned. The result was Jackson's worst statistical output since his rookie year.

More troubling than Jackson's numbers, though, were his antics. He was caught on multiple occasions by cameras loafing around on the field and going at half speed. Also, he dropped a ton of passes and even missed a team meeting, which resulted in him being suspended for a game. Jackson's talent is undeniable, but he is such a headache that he will likely only receive a fraction of what he really should on the open market.