Fantasy Football 2012: How Contract Disputes Will Affect Key Fantasy Players

In 2011, DeSean Jackson was unhappy that he didn't sign a contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles before the season began. Displeased with the team and afraid an injury would limit his worth on the market, Jackson sulked, played soft and handled himself poorly throughout the year.

It led to his worst season in three years and certainly left his fantasy owners disappointed. But at least he wasn't taken in the first round by owners like Chris Johnson, who came back from his lengthy holdout out of shape and never rounded into form, ruining more than a few fantasy teams.

In other sports, players in contract years generally post huge seasons, hoping to inflate their value. But in the NFL—where the physicality of the game shortens careers and teams have the luxury of applying the franchise tag—it's always less certain how a player might respond with a contract coming to an end or amidst a contract dispute.

And that directly translates in fantasy football, where owners can be burned by a player giving less than his full effort. Keeping that in mind, let's take a look at a few players with contract questions and determine how it will affect their play in 2012.

Does Happy Equal Productive?

Drew Brees, Ray Rice, Matt Forte and DeSean Jackson each got what they wanted before this season—long-term extensions. But will there be less motivation to produce now that those players have contractual security?

I doubt it. While there have been players who bust their butts in contract years then simply rest on their laurels after signing a fat contract, I don't think these players will decide to take it easy.

Brees is the leader of the Saints. Rice and Forte were very professional in their handling of contract disputes. And not only has Jackson seemed happier this summer, it would be shocking if he didn't improve on his 2011 numbers, given how disappointing they were.

So no, I don't think complacency will set in for any of these players. Expect each to give you very nice fantasy returns.

Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

To me, "60 Minutes" has "DeSean Jackson" written all over him. 

There's little question in my mind Wallace times his holdout to avoid playing in any preseason games and risking injury, but ending it right before the big ol' regular-season paychecks kick in.

And if he and the Pittsburgh Steelers don't work out a long-term deal before the season starts—the Steelers don't negotiate deals in-season—I fear it could be a distraction for Wallace.

With an ADP of 27.6 in ESPN snake drafts, I'm not biting on Wallace. Not this year. Not with Antonio Brown coming off a season that saw him hurt Wallace's fantasy value in the second half of the year. Wallace is simply too risky for my tastes.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

I'm torn on Maurice Jones-Drew. I really am.

On one hand, his lengthy and public holdout makes me fear he'll miss actual playing time, or that when he does return to the Jaguars, he won't be the same, productive player.

At this point, there isn't a chance in hell I would select him in the first round.

On the other hand, if Jones-Drew slides all the way down to, say, the third round, can you really pass him up? What if he reports in time to play the first game of the season and is his old self? MJD has been nothing but the consumate professional since he was drafted, so I can't imagine him showing up to the team out of shape.

Will I be taking MJD in the first or second rounds? Nope; he's too risky. But if he drops to the third? I'm not sure if I can resist taking the gamble.

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

Mike Wallace and Maurice Jones-Drew have little to prove as football players or citizens. They simply disagree with their teams over the assessment of their value.

But Dwayne Bowe needs to prove not only to the Kansas City Chiefs, but to the NFL, that he is worth signing to a lucrative long-term contract after the Chiefs slapped the $9.5 million franchise tag on him for this season.

Bowe was spectacular in 2010, catching 72 passes for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns. But in his other four seasons combined, he's had 21 touchdown receptions. And while Bowe's talent is unquestionable, his attitude and effort have been questioned in the past.

Bowe needs to prove he deserves to be paid like an elite receiver in this league in 2012. I'm guessing that will translate into very nice numbers for Bowe.

Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Don't worry about Wes Welker—he'll produce.

You would think the 31-year-old receiver is a bit perturbed at the New England Patriots for failing to sign him to a long-term extension after how productive he's been for the team.

On the other hand, you would think he would be pleased with a $9.5 million franchise tag, seeing as he probably won't get that yearly number in a contract at his age. 

Welker doesn't have a ton of leverage in contract disputes at this point anyway, as he's on the wrong side of 30, so he would be crazy to be unproductive or unhappy this season. All that would do would be to prove New England right for not locking him up with a long-term deal.

He has all the incentive in the world to be a stud in 2012. And as always, he will be.

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