Eight 2012 NFL Free Agents Playing on Borrowed Time

The free-agent period for the 2012 NFL season is in full swing, with continuing movement all over the league as players decide whether they will stay where they are or take their services elsewhere.

Caught up in the frenzy are some free agents who really should think twice before signing on for another year because of age or health concerns.

Some of these players have already been signed to teams for next season, while others remain unsigned free agents. Regardless, these are players who have decided—perhaps unwisely—to forego retirement for at least one more year.

Which big names in the NFL are playing on borrowed time and occupying a roster slot that could be redistributed to a player who, while lacking in seniority and fame, may be more deserving?

Keep clicking to find out.

Donovan McNabb

Let’s face it: Donovan McNabb is not the QB he used to be. At 35 years of age, he has demonstrated less consistency for each of the past three years. Moreover, he has done so on three different teams—the Eagles, the Redskins and the Vikings.  

Perhaps, if he was younger, he would continue to find second chances on other teams in the league, but as it stands, he has proved that he is no longer worthy of starting.

In fact, after his performance in Minnesota last season, he might not even be worth backing up another quarterback.

Peyton Hillis

Peyton Hillis, now signed by the Kansas City Chiefs, must be looking forward to a fresh start.

The most recent victim to the rumored Madden curse, Hillis spent most of his 2011 season battling injuries and off-the-field drama. By the season’s end, rumor had it that he was looking to retire and maybe start a new career had become all too common.

It is possible that Hillis will manage to turn his career around with the change of scenery. That being said, he has to know that he’s fortunate to have this chance at renewal and be willing to play second fiddle to Jamaal Charles.

Plaxico Burress

An aging veteran who spent the 2011 season trying to renew a career that came to a screaming halt when he served a prison sentence for shooting himself in the leg, Plaxico Burress finds himself at a crossroads in his career.

His one-year contract with the New York Jets is expired, and instead of shopping around the league to find a good fit for his talents, he has made no secret of his overwhelming desire to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Burress was fortunate to find a second chance at all in the NFL, and despite a decent year in 2011, he is in no position to call the shots for where he plays.

Jeremy Shockey

Jeremy Shockey has been on a slow decline over the past six seasons, reeling in fewer passes each of the past several consecutive seasons.

Always the consummate trash talker, Shockey has historically been a distraction to any team he plays on due to off-the-field drama.

The drama machine continues even during his free agency, as he has recently hit the media spotlight yet again. This time, he has called out Warren Sapp and the NFL to demand an apology for accusations that he was the one to blow the whistle on the New Orleans Saints.

Between Shockey’s declining play and his attitude, he might have a rough time finding a taker for his services as a free agent next season. Despite his desire to return for a second chance with the New York Giants, his poor reputation among players may be the final nail that puts him out of a job.

Terrell Thomas

The New York Giants have taken a big risk with the potential for big rewards by signing Terrell Thomas to a four year, $28.4 million contract.

Despite his outstanding presence and talent on the field, Thomas’s career hangs in the balance. Thomas, who missed all of the 2011 season with a torn ACL, believes that he still has plenty to offer to his team.

His spirit may be willing, but his body is clearly weak. He has now had major surgery on both of his knees, an issue that could come back to haunt him at any time. It doesn’t seem to be a question of if Thomas will be badly injured again, but when.

He and the Giants should both tread carefully in the upcoming season.

Reggie Wayne

In 2011, wide receiver Reggie Wayne demonstrated that he isn’t the same player fans and coaches have become accustomed to without Peyton Manning under center.

He led the league in dropped passes and was unable to reach the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time since 2003.

Although the Indianapolis Colts elected to renew his contract for another three years to help usher in the presumed new regime of Andrew Luck, it's clear that Wayne has entered the twilight of his career.

If he's unable to improve his production in 2012, he might find himself out of a job.

Ronde Barber

Ronde Barber, the longtime anchor of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, will be coming back for another year.

Perhaps, he should have considered retirement instead.

As part of his new contract, Barber has had to accept more of a reduced role on the team. Struggling teams need to have good leadership, which Barber excels at providing defensively.

That being said, his age (35, almost 36) will work against him.

Peyton Manning

The general consensus with Peyton Manning seems to be that he will play football at something close to full strength and that every indication is that he’ll be ready to go for the start of the 2012 season.

Although Manning’s health seems to have stabilized for now, neck injuries are nothing to be disregarded at the best of times. Potentially, chronic neck injuries are even worse.

When the 36-year-old Manning once again takes the field in 2012, he will be targeted by every defender within hitting range. If the Broncos' offensive line can’t contain the opposing defenses, Manning could return to being a very expensive sideline fixture with just one bad hit.