2012 NFL Free Agents: Reggie Wayne and 4 Veterans with Plenty in the Tank

As a general rule, NFL players have short shelf lives. Relatively few enjoy long careers.

There are exceptions to the rule, though, and they're out there. A couple of them happen to be free agents at this point in time.

There are a handful of veterans on this year's free-agent market that just don't have anything left. Even big names like LaDainian Tomlinson and Donovan McNabb stand out as players who are well past their prime.

On the other hand, there are some veteran free agents who are well worth signing. There are four that I can think of that still have something left in the tank.

London Fletcher, ILB, Washington Redskins

London Fletcher has been one of the most dependable linebackers in the NFL for a long time at this point, but it actually seems like he's only getting better. He's been selected to three straight Pro Bowls.

Redskins general manager Bruce Allen told Redskins.com earlier this month that he wants to re-sign Fletcher, and Fletcher himself told Redskins.com in January that he likes it in Washington.

So my gut tells me that Fletcher and the Redskins will figure something out. He likes playing in Washington, and he's a good fit for the Redskins defense.

No matter where Fletcher ends up, I'll consider him a lock to rack up roughly 150 tackles with a handful of sacks. He just keeps on chugging every year.

Carlos Rogers, CB, San Francisco 49ers

I have to admit, I didn't think Carlos Rogers was going to be anything special in 2011. Shoot, I don't think anybody did.

Yet there he was blanketing receivers all season long and racking up a career-high six interceptions. He made his first Pro Bowl at the age of 30.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Rogers is on the lookout for a four- or five-year deal, which is asking a lot given his age. The 49ers may not be willing to give in to Rogers' demands, though they really can't afford to lose him either.

While it's easy to have concerns about Rogers' effectiveness four or five years from now, he made it clear in 2011 that he's pretty good in the right system. He'll be worth a significant investment.

Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts

The perception is that Reggie Wayne had a bad season in 2011, which in turn has given rise to the perception that the 33-year-old receiver is slowing down a little.

On the contrary, 75 receptions for 960 yards is not a bad season. In fact, when you have the likes of Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky throwing the ball to you, that's a damn good season.

Former Colts president Bill Polian said on Thursday (via FoxSports.com) that he expects Wayne to test the free agent waters. Those waters are going to be crowded with talented wide receivers, which could make Wayne a relatively cheap option when all is said and done.

Whoever ends up with him is going to get a receiver who has lost a step, but one who is also one of the smartest receivers the league has seen in the last decade. I'll wager he still has a few good years left in him.

John Abraham, DE, Atlanta Falcons

John Abraham has been one of the NFL's most consistent pass-rushers during his career. He's racked up double-digit sacks six times in 12 seasons. He narrowly missed a seventh such season in 2011, finishing with 9.5.

According to Steve Wyche of NFL.com, it sounds like Abraham is headed for free agency:

Abraham is older now, but he showed in 2011 that he's not on any kind of rapid decline. He didn't have his best season, but it was far from his worst. Abraham is still capable of playing at a high level.

If he goes to free agency, somebody is going to sign Abraham, make no mistake about that. Whoever signs him can rest easy knowing they have one of the most consistent pass-rushers in the league.