2012 NFL Free Agents: Matt Flynn and Players Teams Should Avoid

The NFL free agent frenzy started with a bang, but there are still a number of big names waiting to find a new home. However, not all of them are going to be worth their price tag, and teams should pass on making those individuals an offer. 

Not every player signed is going to work out, but it looks even worse when you have to pay up the wazoo to get them.

Of the players that have yet to sign a new contract, here are three that NFL teams need to pass on instead of wasting their money. 

Matt Flynn, Quarterback

Until Peyton Manning was released by the Indianapolis Colts, Flynn was the biggest quarterback on the open market. That should tell you more about the class of free agent quarterbacks than it does Flynn's ability. 

Flynn has had two great games as a starting quarterback in the NFL, but that is all it is. Two great games. Teams can't put all their eggs in one basket based on eight quarters of football, four of which were in a meaningless Week 17 game against Detroit. 

Still, that isn't stopping teams like Miami from reportedly making a pitch to bring Flynn to South Beach. Good luck to whoever hands him the keys to the car. 

LaRon Landry, Safety

If we were just ranking players based on ability, Landry wouldn't sniff this list. He is a physical monster that can change the game when on the field. 

But therein lies the problem, because Landry hasn't been able to stay healthy since the 2009 season. He has played in 17 total games over the last two years.

Landry's injury history should scare teams off. He is still young enough (27) that someone is going to give him a decent offer, but you have to prepare a solid backup plan for when he inevitably gets hurt.

He will give you everything he has when he does play—you just don't know how often that will be.

Mike Tolbert, Running Back

In a weak running back market, Tolbert is one of the more attractive options available. He had a good year with San Diego, with eight touchdowns and 490 yards in 15 games. 

Tolbert has two big weaknesses that should scare teams. First, he does not possess good speed. He is built more like a fullback, who relies on power even though he isn't going to run over big defenders.

His other problem has been fumbles. He drops the ball more than you would like to see from a potential starting running back.

He won't command big money, but any team expecting him to be a No. 1 back will be disappointed.

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