2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Risky Deals Signed So Far

There have been some great offseason moves so far in the 2012 NFL free-agency period.

Then there have been some that leave you scratching your head. Call them curious at best, all for different reasons.

While landing the "perfect" puzzle piece has not been the easiest for some teams, others have done what they always do—plug holes with solid players through free agency and the draft. In this case, teams who scout well find the best players.

But there have been some signings, especially in this free-agent class, that have me asking questions—specifically regarding the moves made and the shoes these incoming free agents have to fill.

DeSean Jackson, Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles

Isn't this the same player that was inactive for one of the Eagles' games this season and feuded with management over a contract extension?

Oh, how money makes everyone happy. Jackson's deal is worth $48.5 million, according to NFL.com.

Jackson is one of the more dynamic players in the league and can beat a team receiving, running or returning the football. He fell out of favor with the Eagles during the season because his contract became an issue and a distraction to the organization.

Should Jackson not be as productive as he has been in the past, will the fact he signed for more money become a distraction?

Jared Gaither, Tackle, San Diego Chargers

This is a curious one to me.

Gaither was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs and was released by the team after a critical penalty during a game. He was signed by San Diego in the middle of the season and played well at times, but looked out of place at others.

With other offensive linemen available in free agency, the Chargers re-signed the 25-year-old.

With Kris Dielman having to retire because of injury, the signing of Gaither may have been necessary. Hopefully, the team will address this need in the draft as well.

Chad Henne, Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars

He comes into a situation that is a little shaky in Jacksonville.

The proclaimed starter, Blaine Gabbert, had an awful rookie season, finishing last among starters in the league.

The team has stated it is not interested in trying to acquire Tim Tebow, but if the Denver Broncos sign Peyton Manning, you figure the Jaguars have to take a look.

Then there is the situation that if Gabbert gets hurt or performs poorly, that Henne, not the former first-round pick in last year's draft, could be leading the Jaguars.

But the big focus is still probably on Tebow and what happens in Denver. If Manning signs, I still think Tebow could come to Jacksonville. That leaves Henne the odd man out.

Robert Meachem, Receiver, San Diego Chargers

I am not saying this is a bad pickup. In fact, it is a pretty good one. But based on the situation in San Diego, this could be very good or very bad.

Meachem has been used to the confines of playing with Drew Brees and three talented receivers. It was safe and Brees distributed the ball all over the field, making all his receivers very happy.

Now, he goes the warm West Coast to a team that loves to throw the football. The only problem is that Meachem is now expected to be a No. 1 receiver, whereas in New Orleans, he was a No. 2 or 3. With that comes more pressure and more responsibility.

Can the former Saints star handle the newness of his position?

Ben Grubbs, Guard, New Orleans

I love this pick, but at the same time, it is hard for me to see Grubbs stepping into the Saints' offensive line and automatically replacing a star like Carl Nicks.

Nicks signed with Tampa Bay, thus leaving a huge opening in the Saints' interior line.

Grubbs is a good, solid player. But there is something to be said for continuity and New Orleans was a model for that since Drew Brees came to the state of Louisiana. If Grubbs can be a Pro Bowl-type player in the NFC, this is a great move.

If he is average and needs time to gel with the offense, it could backfire.