2012 NFL Holdouts: Breaking Down the Worth of the Remaining Players

Although there is still ample time to get a deal done before mid-July, holding out doesn't help a team in today's NFL. Chris Johnson was a prime example last season, and we're seeing that from other top-notch players like Drew Brees and Ray Rice this year.

Here's a look at what each of the remaining holdouts are worth.

Matt Forte

According to Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune, Forte's agent Adisi Bakari wanted $8.5 million per year.

That's not bad considering his consistent production each year in the league. Forte is a complete back and only 26 years old, so a good four-to-five years is left in him. That per-year average is a good number and a four-year deal suits him well, as it would take Forte through age 29.

Dwayne Bowe

With Vincent Jackson in Tampa Bay, Dwayne Bowe immediately became the best receiver in the AFC West. And although it's a run-oriented division, the Chiefs desperately need Bowe to contend for the playoffs.

His franchise tender is $9.5 million, which isn't bad considering he didn't get consistent until 2011. As for a longer deal, Bowe is worth that number each year for five years. Turning 28 this fall, Bowe can still make plays into his early 30s.

Drew Brees

In an article by Mike Triplett of the Times-Picayune, Drew Brees wants $20 million-plus, but the Saints can remain below $17 million because of the exclusive franchise tag. So it's no surprise as to why this remains a standoff.

Taking into account that New Orleans would finish with a losing record if Brees remains out, the Saints have to find common ground. A five-year, $100 million-dollar contract is worth the fit, as this would take Brees through age 37 and it hits $20 million per-year.

Ray Rice

Despite only being 25 years old, Ray Rice was still given the franchise tag at $7.7 million and remains the sole focal point of the Baltimore offense.

With that, the man deserves a five-year, $50 million-dollar deal. Rice is coming off his best season, has played at a consistently high level and is in the prime of his career. If the Ravens don't lock him up for the long-run now, they'll regret it later on.

Cliff Avril

One of the few standouts on a dismal Detroit defense, Cliff Avril was tagged for $10.6 million, but has played increasingly better with each season.

The Lions can't afford to not have him in the long-run, otherwise postseason odds will be ruined by the lack of a defense. That number is fair for a per-year average, but Avril deserves at least a five-year deal because his outside presence and improved consistency is worth the longevity.

Matt Prater

The good news for Matt Prater is that he'll be making more in 2012 than 2011 because of the franchise tag. That said, Prater has never had a contract longer than two years and after his consistency from last season, a long-term deal is deserving.

Not to mention, but Prater was also connecting from long-range in clutch situations. Now, he is turning 28 before the 2012 season begins, but a five-year, $15 million-dollar contract is fair for a guy who's been kicking the Broncos to victories the past few seasons.

Josh Scobee

Josh Scobee has been with the Jaguars since 2004 and will be turning 30 before this season begins. Interestingly enough, after getting franchised for 2012, Scobee would be making more on that base salary than ever before.

Plus, he's coming off arguably his best season, so a long deal is worth the risk for Jacksonville. Considering his age, $12 million over four years works and then he's set through at least age 33.

Dashon Goldson

A key member of the 49ers' defense, Dashon Goldson, according to Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle, didn't sign a long-term deal last season. Now with the tag, Goldson is slated to make $6.2 million but does deserve around $33 million over five years.

He's coming off a Pro Bowl season, has significantly overachieved for being a fourth-round selection and is one of the more underrated safeties in the game. 

Michael Griffin

Just like Goldson in San Francisco, franchised safeties are getting $6.2 million in 2012, and for Michael Griffin it's way more than he's ever made in a season.

Despite having a little bit of inconsistency throughout his career, Griffin is the Titans' best defensive back with Cortland Finnegan gone. As for the deal, Griffin is only 27 years old, so roughly $30 million over five years will suffice.

John Rozum on Twitter.