2012 NFL Free Agents: Reggie Wayne and Over-the-Hill Players Not Worth the Risk

The 2012 NFL free-agency period will see several teams overpay for big-name players that aren't worth it, as well as those aging athletes that just don't have much left in the tank. 

It's unfortunate, but also a part of the game. Some of these players can still contribute, but they're nowhere near as good as they once were. Others are just better off retiring but can't seem to figure out that their time has passed. 

With that said, here are a few veterans that aren't worthy of being picked up this season. Of course, some team will, but they'll definitely end up regretting it. 

Reggie Wayne, WR 

With Peyton Manning likely out and Andrew Luck expected to take over, Wayne's days in Indianapolis might be numbered as well. 

After all, Wayne was very vocal in his displeasure with the idea of Kerry Collins starting over Curtis Painter at the beginning of last season. He certainly won't take it lightly if the Colts cut Manning like expected. 

At the age of 33, Wayne has been in the NFL for 11 years. This past season was a down year for him because of the QB struggles in Indianapolis, but since he was the veteran leader of the wideouts on the team, it's a bad sign he wasn't able to step up and put the team on his back. 

Wayne isn't worth the risk of signing, although some team will take the gamble only to end up getting burned when he flops again for another year. 

Donovan McNabb, QB 

At this point, McNabb is a backup QB at best, but don't be surprised if a desperate team picks him up with aspirations of him starting. 

McNabb told NFL.com that "I see three teams in the NFL, right now, that I feel like I can add a little bit of flavor to it from what they have." 

He didn't mention those teams, but there's no way he'd be a solid option for anyone in the NFL. McNabb is washed up and his best bet is just to retire. 

Next year will be his 14th season in the NFL, but after failing in Washington and Minnesota, McNabb, who is 35 years old, should not be picked up by any team. 

Ryan Grant, RB 

Grant started off really strong with the Packers, having back-to-back 1,200-plus-rushing yard seasons a few years ago. 

However, after suffering a season-ending injury in 2010, Grant is no longer a viable starting running back.

He couldn't get the job done for Green Bay this past season, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least bit if the Packers decided to let him walk. After splitting carries this past season, it's clear Grant is no longer a feature back.

The 29-year-old is a backup at best, and even then you won't get a ton of production from him, which is why teams should steer clear of Grant.