How Disgruntled Stars Will Impact NFL's Playoff Landscape

At any given point, not everyone in the NFL can say they are happy with their contract. In fact, most NFL players probably think they are unpaid or under-appreciated monetarily. 

But there is also the group that is publicly unhappy or trapped by the constraints of the franchise tag.

There are a number of those players—and on potential playoff teams, no less—as we head into training camps, which begin next week.

In the following slides, we break down how those contract situations may affect their respective teams. 

New England Patriots

It would be hard to imagine Wes Welker's current contract—a one-year deal on the franchise tender—affecting much of the Patriots' 2012 season. 

Welker, one of the hardest-working players at his position, won't suddenly become a lazy, prima donna receiver because the Patriots kept a long-term deal (which he rightfully deserved) out of his grasp. 

And for the record, let me say it again: Wes Welker is not a "system" player. Anyone who thinks that is naive or is not watching. 

Every NFL team employs a "slot" receiver of some sort, and Welker is heads and shoulders above the next best guy playing the role. To say he's a product of the Patriots' system is a big knock against a player who has worked his tail off to become the best slot receiver of this generation. 

Detroit Lions

How defensive end Cliff Avril responds to the franchise tag this season will be an interesting subplot to watch during the Detroit Lions' 2012 season. 

While the 26-year-old pass-rusher registered 11.5 sacks in 2011, Avril and the Lions couldn't figure out a long-term deal before free agency began. The two still couldn't get a deal done once the franchise tag was applied, and now Avril will become a free agent after the 2012 season. 

Pass-rushers as young and talented as Avril very rarely get to free agency unrestricted, and the Lions may be hard-pressed to match any deal he gets on the open market next summer. 

Still, with Avril locked up this season—and given the kind of contractual motivation to have another big year he has now—the Lions should get everything they expect from their best defensive end. Whether that lasts beyond this season is yet to be seen. 

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were unable to come to terms on a long-term deal with Dwayne Bowe, but that was to be expected. Kansas City used a first-rounder on Jonathan Baldwin two Aprils ago and can now afford to let the sure-to-be expensive Bowe walk next summer if worst comes to worst.

But what does that mean for Bowe this year? The money is there for this year (over $10 million on the franchise tender), but he should be as motivated as ever to secure a big contract on the open market next offseason. If there's any position that tends to produce in a contract year, it's receiver. 

The Chiefs, who made big upgrades this summer, should be in contention in 2012 for a AFC West crown. A big year from Bowe (think 2010: 1,162 yards, 15 touchdowns), could certainly push the Chiefs over the top in the AFC West—even above the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. 

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens may be one team that has some worry over contracts leading into the 2012 season. 

While Ed Reed's playing status has seemingly been up in the air for most of this offseason, part of the problem has been linked to Reed's contract. He is schedule to make a little over $7 million in 2012, then become a free agent in 2013. 

Talk of a holdout for Reed has been floated, even if that scenario seems unlikely. 

There's also the contract situation of quarterback Joe Flacco, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. With Ray Rice locked up, the Ravens can now use the franchise tag on Flacco next summer if they so please. No quarterback wants that situation, but it may be a very real scenario for Flacco if he doesn't have a good season.