Wes Welker and 5 NFL Players Most Likely to Hold out in 2012

Just like the NFL draft, free agency, cuts, trades and retirements, players holding out is basically a foregone conclusion.

Now, which players actually do hold out is another story.

And after the 2011 season, there's certainly going to be some tension in the air before 2012 kicks off. That being said, here are the five players most likely to hold out next fall.

Note: Click the link to view all contract information from Spotrac.com.

LeSean McCoy: RB, Eagles

Easily, the Philadelphia Eagles' best offensive performer in 2011, and arguably the best on the team, running back LeSean McCoy gained 1,624 total yards and scored 20 total touchdowns.

He finished as the league's No. 4 leading rusher and averaged 4.8 yards per carry. The Eagles may have finished just 8-8, but McCoy was the reason they ranked No. 5 in rush offense.

Heading into the 2012 NFL season, McCoy will be in his contract year despite turning just 24 years old before the season kicks off. On the Eagles alone, McCoy ranks as the No. 21 highest-paid player, while other offensive players, such as receiver Jason Avant and backup quarterback Vince Young, make more.

For next season, McCoy is expected to make $565,000 not including the signing bonus, so after his 2011 numbers, it would be surprising if he didn't hold out.

In 2010, McCoy also accounted for over 1,600 total yards, demonstrating his consistency.

LeSean McCoy Contract Info

Victor Cruz: WR, Giants

If you haven't heard by now, New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz wants to get paid—and the 2010 undrafted free agent certainly has a solid case.

Before the 2011 season began, Cruz was a virtually unknown player outside of the Giants organization. Now, the football world is quite aware of the breakout receiver.

He set a franchise record with 1,536 receiving yards on 82 receptions and scored nine touchdowns. As for the playoffs, Cruz added 269 yards on 21 receptions, including a touchdown in Super Bowl XLVI.

Cruz finished as the No. 3 leading receiver in the regular season and No. 4 among postseason targets. Slated to make $490,000 in 2012, it would be shocking if the Giants didn't give him a raise.

However, if that happens to be the case, Cruz holding out would seem inevitable. Considering that he's a free agent after the 2012 season, Big Blue needs to offer something long term right now.

Victor Cruz Contract Info

Brandon Browner: CB, Seahawks

One of the more unknown players who most certainly deserves a pay raise, Seattle cornerback Brandon Browner earned a 2011 Pro Bowl selection for an excellent performance during his first full NFL season.

Going undrafted in 2005, Browner's rookie season never really happened because of an injury. He played five seasons in the CFL where he was a three-time All-Star and two-time CFL All-Pro. Signing with the Seahawks before 2011 began, Browner started every game for Pete Carroll.

On the year, Browner defended a league-high 23 passes, had six interceptions returning two for touchdowns, and finished No. 2 with 220 interception-return yards. In addition, Browner added 54 tackles as Seattle finished with the NFL's No. 9-ranked defense.

Technically, this was Browner's rookie season in the NFL, and after making $375,000 with no signing bonus, the Seahawks can't afford to lose him via free agency. Therefore, he should expect a long-term offer, and if not, a hold out is more than likely.

For a guy who went undrafted seven years ago to explode out of nowhere this past season, Seattle must hang on to Browner.

Brandon Browner Contract Info

Matt Forte: RB, Bears

Since his rookie season in 2008, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte has been the Windy City's entire offense.

He is arguably the most complete back in the game as an every-down back, and despite defenses game-planning specifically to stop Forte, it clearly hasn't worked.

Through four NFL seasons, Forte has averaged 1,554 total yards per year and scored 29 total touchdowns. Thing is, his 2011 season was cut short by a few games or these numbers would be even higher.

As for his contract, Forte made $555,000 this past season not including the signing bonus, and he hopes to stay in The Windy City.

Well, it would definitely be a travesty if he doesn't stay, because Forte's production means everything to Chicago's offense. And not being rewarded for his outsized role in Chicago's success would be disappointing.

So, keep an eye on this situation because Forte is only 26 years old. Meaning, there's a lot of football left in him.

Matt Forte Contract Info

Wes Welker: WR, Patriots

Right now the most concerning free-agent situation in the NFL is that of Wes Welker and the New England Patriots.

And it's not the best of scenarios, so it looks as if the Pats are going to place the franchise tag on Tom Brady's favorite receiver. According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe believes this will happen:

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Bedard joined my radio show, Armando and Perkins, this morning and made it clear he knows New England's plans for Welker.

"He's going to be tagged, that I know for pretty much certain," said Bedard, who clarified that it's the franchise tag the Pats would use. "If they don't, he's going to sign with the Jets and they're going to have to try and cover him twice a year, or the Dolphins ... They want him back. I don't see why things would change now, but the way it stood before the Super Bowl, they're going to tag him."

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Since joining the Pats in 2007, Welker has caught 554 passes for 6,105 yards and scored 31 touchdowns. He's been an All-Pro selection four of the five seasons but still isn't paid like an upper-echelon receiver.

All this being said, we have to expect a holdout from Welker before 2012. The man has simply produced so much for New England, and a new contract seems inevitable. If not, turmoil will ensue.

Wes Welker Contract Info

John Rozum on Twitter.