2012 NFL Free Agents: DeSean Jackson and Stars Sure to Be Overpaid

The great thing about NFL free agency is that none of the contracts are guaranteed, so teams can afford to make mistakes without fear of significant financial restraints.

That is good news, because there are quite a few players on the market this year who figure to get paid far more money than they are worth. It is a harsh reality for an athlete to face, but not everyone has what it takes to be paid like a marquee star. 

So who are going to be the most overpaid stars in this year's free agent class?

DeSean Jackson, WR

At his peak, Jackson is one of the best receivers in the NFL. He has electric speed and big-play ability that very few players can match. If we are just looking at raw potential, there might not be a player more deserving of a huge five- or six-year contract than he. 

Unfortunately, when you take on Jackson, you have to take on the antics and baggage that come with him. He is going to do what he wants, when he wants and how he wants to do it. 

His big thing the last two years has been signing a new contract, so who is to say that when he gets it, he doesn't just throw in the towel?

There are plenty of capable receivers out there—either in the draft or free agency—that won't cost as much as Jackson, nor do they cause the headaches he will. 

Matt Flynn, QB

Flynn figures to be the highest-paid quarterback on the free agent market this offseason. That is both a reflection of the other signal callers in this year's class and the one game Flynn had against the Detroit Lions at the end of the regular season. 

You can't fault teams for falling in love with Flynn. It's not every day that you find a quarterback who can come off the bench to throw for 480 yards and six touchdowns. But it is important to remember that was one game against a mediocre defense. 

There is no doubt that Flynn has earned the right to be a starting quarterback somewhere. He is clearly better than at least five teams' current starters and would be a valuable asset. It's just mind-boggling to think about the money he will get based on one game. 

Vincent Jackson, WR

The seven-year veteran is not expected to be back in San Diego because the Chargers can't afford to pay him the kind of money he is looking for. 

With him likely looking for a new home, there is some speculation that the St. Louis Rams could make a strong play for his services. 

Jackson has been one of the more productive wide receivers in the NFL three of the last four years—he missed most of the 2010 season because of a holdout—and feels as if he should be paid as one of the elite players in the league. 

Although his numbers are better than a lot of players', he has always been inconsistent. He will have one game where he looks unstoppable, then the next week he gets lost. Teams aren't going to break the bank to sign a player whose sole purpose for being in the league is to get paid. 

The fact that the Chargers, who know Jackson better than anyone, are ready to move on should tell you all you need to know about him. 

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