2012 NFL Free Agents: Returning Players Who'll Shine This Season

We tend to forget that critical free-agent moves don't necessarily have to be acquisitions—retaining impact guys is just as important. 

Teams that re-signed their own vital players made "big splashes" in free agency, too. 

These five individuals, who haven't changed cities or uniforms, will shine next season.  

Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts 

Last season, the reliable wideout caught 75 passes for 960 yards with four touchdowns, and based on what he's done over the last eight seasons in Indy, it was labeled a major disappointment. 

Wayne will once again get some stability at the quarterback position with Andrew Luck and will serve as the ideal go-to target for the collegiate icon. 

Luck will likely go through his fair share of struggles, but he's much better than Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky.

A fantastic re-signing by the Colts. 

Wayne and Luck will feed off each other extremely well in 2012. 

Thanks for the tip, Adam Schefter.

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers 

Smith will have a similar affect in Carolina as Wayne will in Indy. Smith was a dynamic option for Cam Newton in the quarterback's rookie season, reeling in 79 passes for 1,394 yards and seven trips to the end zone. 

A heady veteran who hasn't lost his competitive edge.

Smith will continue to benefit Newton's maturation process. 

According to ProFootballWeekly, Smith inked a three-year extension with the team. 

Lardarius Webb, CB, Baltimore Ravens 

Webb didn't necessarily receive the credit he deserved in 2011, but he was among the game's elite cornerbacks. 

He had 67 tackles, five interceptions and whopping 20 passes defended last season. 

Don't forget the three picks he had in the postseason. 

Webb's an integral piece in underrated of one of the better secondaries in the AFC. He's a guy that's slowly become a lockdown cornerback. 

Aaron Wilson reported Webb's five-year, $50 million contract extension. 

Carlos Rogers, CB, San Francisco 49ers

Rogers had just as big of an impact on the 49ers as Webb did for the Ravens last year. He tallied a career-high six interceptions and epitomized San Francisco's opportunistic defense. 

To keep their top defensive unit intact, re-signing Rogers was a must, and the 49ers made sure he'd be in their plans for the foreseeable future when they inked him to a four-year extension with a maximum of $31.3  million (via Jason La Canfora).

Jared Gaither, LT, San Diego Chargers

The Chargers picked up Gaither after he was released by the Kansas City Chiefs midway through the 2011 season, and were ecstatic with what they got out of the young and supremely-talented offensive tackle. 

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported the four-year extension worth a maximum of $24.6 million on March 18. 

In an offense predicated on frequently pushing the ball downfield, San Diego needs a blind-side protecting stalwart to keep Philip Rivers upright. 

If he can stay healthy, Gaither's the guy. 

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