NFL Free Agent Signings: Vincent Jackson and Day 1 Deals That Will End Badly

Free agency is the fastest way for NFL teams to turn their fortunes around. The problem with building a team that way is, not all deals are going to end the way you hope. 

Unlike other sports, where it takes days and weeks at a time for contracts to be worked out, NFL free agency starts with most, if not all, the premier players signing contracts right away. 

After a flurry of moves on Day 1, here are the most notable ones that have the potential to blow up right in the face of the new team. 

Vincent Jackson to Tampa Bay, Five Years, $55 Million ($26 Million Guaranteed)

Give the Buccaneers credit: They had money to spend, and are doing everything they can to get better right away. 

Jackson has been a productive player during his seven years with the San Diego Chargers. He had over 1,000 yards receiving in three of the last four seasons. 

His biggest red flag has been his desire to get paid. He sat out all but five games in 2010 because he wanted a big contract. Now that he has gotten his money, will he still be the same player?

The Buccaneers need Jackson to be that player, but who is to say that he won't rest on his laurels with a big deal in hand. 

Pierre Garcon to Washington, Five Years, $42 Million ($21.5 Million Guaranteed)

Garcon's career has taken off in ways that no one expected. He has seen his yardage totals increase in each of the last four seasons, including a career-high 947 yards last year. 

Despite that success, he has never been a No. 1 receiver. Yet the Redskins were more than happy to jump in with a big contract that pays him like an elite pass-catcher. 

They had to upgrade their receiving corps, there is no doubt about that. With Robert Griffin III likely being the team's next quarterback, he needed receivers to catch the ball. 

Taking him away from the turf in Indianapolis and the safety net of Reggie Wayne on the other side will expose him as a No. 3/slot receiver. 

Cortland Finnegan to St. Louis, Five Years, $50 Million ($26.5 Million Guaranteed)

Jeff Fisher knows Finnegan from their time together in Tennessee, and he is one of the more productive cornerbacks in the NFL, so you can see the attraction from the Rams' perspective. 

The problem is, Finnegan is a powder-keg waiting to explode at any moment. He has a short temper that can get him in trouble. It has happened in the past, like during his on-field brawl with Andre Johnson. 

Production on the field is great, but if you aren't able to keep your emotions in check, you won't be playing enough to make a substantial difference. 

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