2012 NFL Free Agents: Players What Will Quit Once They Get Paid

The greatest fear that NFL teams have is that they pay top dollar for a premier free agent and the player shuts down because they have the money in the bank. 

It sounds harsh to say, but we have seen it happen to a lot of players in every sport. That is why character and makeup are such vital parts of the free-agent process. You will see teams passing on an elite player that doesn't meet all the necessary requirements. 

This year's crop of free agents features a slew of players who appear ready to phone it in after signing a big contract. Here are the most likely candidates. 

DeSean Jackson, WR

Jackson's worst nightmare could be happening, as there are reports that the Philadelphia Eagles will use the franchise tag on him.  

There is no denying Jackson's immense talent on the field. He is slight in build, but is as fast as anyone in the league. His unique big-play capabilities put him in the upper echelon of receivers in the NFL. 

However, we have all seen his personal baggage get in the way of his career. He has complained about his contract for the last two years and now has to convince teams that he is ready to dedicate himself entirely to them after all his troubles in Philadelphia. 

Someone is going to pay him because he looks great on film. But of all the players available this year, there is no one that comes with the attitude and character issues he does. 

Vincent Jackson, WR

Singling out wide receivers is any easy thing to do, since over the years the position has turned into the flashy diva of the NFL. 

Vincent Jackson doesn't have as much baggage as DeSean Jackson, but he has already held out for almost an entire season because he wanted to get paid. It didn't greatly effect his performance on the field, though he does have moments where he doesn't seem interested in what's going on. 

He could be a more appealing option than DeSean for teams that need help at receiver, but it would be wise to make him a low-ball offer first to see just how high he wants to go. 

Carlos Rogers, CB

Rogers was arguably the best bargain of the offseason last year, when he signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He turned in the best season of his career, making the Pro Bowl and being second team All-Pro player. 

There are two ways to take that. One, he got put into a system that allowed him to best utilize his talents and could be entering a late peak as he enters his early-30s. Two, he knew that he was playing for the last big contract of his career and amped up his performance. 

While you don't want to believe the second one, it would not be the first time an athlete has done that. Some team is going to give him a big three- or four-year deal to anchor their secondary. He could revert back to the player he was in Washington. 

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