NFL Free Agents 2012: Risky Defensive Players No Team Will Gamble on

At this juncture in the NFL's free agency, it's going to be difficult finding those players who deserve another shot, especially on defense.

No franchise can afford to invest in a defensive free agent only to have them disappoint. In a league driven by the offense, the defense has less room for error. That said, here are the riskiest defensive players on the market.

Albert Haynesworth, DT

A former two-time All-Pro selection during his years with the Tennessee Titans, Albert Haynesworth's career quickly fell from grace in 2009.

After significantly underachieving while a part of the Washington Redskins, Haynesworth spent the 2011 season in New England and Tampa Bay. The good news is that Haynesworth had a step up with the Buccaneers by recording 20 tackles and blocking one kick in just seven games.

The downside, unfortunately, is that Haynesworth will always have attitude concerns and he'll be 31 years old before 2012 kicks off. The man has impressive raw and natural talent, but there's just too much excess baggage that comes with him.

Jarvis Moss, DE

A former first-round draft choice by the Denver Broncos, Jarvis Moss has simply underachieved in pro football.

Going No. 17 overall back in 2007, Moss's rookie season was cut short due to injury. However, in his best season thus far he has only 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks through 12 games in 2008. During the 2010 season, Moss went from Denver to Oakland and the change of scenery hasn't helped.

In 2011, Moss recorded 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks for the Raiders in 13 games. Granted, this is improvement by comparison to his previous years, but not indicative of a former first-round selection.

Now, Moss still possesses the size and athleticism to develop—it's just a question of whether he gets another chance.

If so, it will likely be in a limited backup/reserve role.

Keith Brooking, LB

By the middle of next season, Keith Brooking will be turning 37 years old. The difference between him and other veteran linebackers his age (like London Fletcher), Brooking's production and contributions have decreased the past two years.

2009 was his first season with Dallas, and Brooking accounted for 106 tackles and three sacks. 2010 was slightly less productive with 97 tackles, one sacks and one interception but 2011 was a nosedive.

There, Brooking only amassed 50 tackles and it's obvious his playing time has diminished. With other linebackers in DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Sean Lee, Dallas no longer needs Brooking. Not to mention, but the Cowboys must add some younger depth to the linebackers during the draft.

Bob Sanders, Safety

Bob Sanders is only 31 years old, but it would be surprising to see him get another opportunity. Throughout his entire NFL career, Sanders has never played a full regular season and only twice has he played in more than 10 games.

In five different seasons alone, Sanders has played in just six games or less: Durability has always been a main concern with Sanders because of his physical play, but when healthy he's as effective as anyone.

Now, Sanders has played in nine career playoff games, so the January experience is there (won a Super Bowl with the Colts). A lot simply depends on whether he's able to contribute having only played in 10 games the last three seasons.

John Rozum on Twitter.