Ray Lewis and 25 NFL Stars Who Could Call It Quits After 2011

Compiling a list like this inevitably leads to mention of the NFL players that should have made the list but didn't.  Apologies for any oversights.  I'm sure someone will wonder why Ed Reed isn't on the list, but I fully expect him to play for a few more years.

Then there are guys like Chester Pitts and Chad Pennington who might have a season left, but a return in '11 is questionable.  Their status as stars is most definitely debatable.

One thing is sure...the players on this list have given a lot to their fans over the years, and their departure will leave a hole in their respective teams.  

Jeff Saturday, C: Indianapolis Colts

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts directs the offense as center Jeff Saturday #63 prepares to snap the ball against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado.

Saturday has been together with Peyton Manning for a dozen seasons, and both of them are near the end of their careers.  Manning likely has two or three years left, but the clock is ticking down on Saturday.

He'll be 36 at the start of the 2011 season, which is getting close the end of the line for NFL linemen. He's been the cornerstone of durability, but at some point all good things must come to an end.

2010 RBs, New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Fred Taylor #21 of the New England Patriots celebrates his run with teammate Sammy Morris #34 in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL season opener on September 12, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro,

Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk were part of the committee of RBs for the Patriots in 2010.  None of them are likely to return to the Patriots for the 2011 season, but at least one of them should land somewhere for one more season.  

There are several NFL teams that could use some depth at the position.

Brian Dawkins, S: Denver Broncos

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Troy Smith #1 of San Francisco 49ers is faced by Brian Dawkins #20 of Denver Broncos as he scores their first touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stad

Dawkins is still going...trying to add to his eight Pro Bowls, 37 INTs and 22 sacks.  He is only three sacks away from the 25/25 Club.  That may not be a real thing, but the 20/20 Club is and he's already made it into that one.

Dawkins will turn 38 during the ’11 season, and with two years remaining on his contract after the ’11 season, the odds of him still playing at age 40 seem thin.  Then again...the Broncos just offered a 14-year contract (or so it seems) to Champ Bailey, so they seem perfectly fine having age in their secondary.

The 35-Year-Old QB Brigade

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Marc Bulger, FA Baltimore Ravens

A popular rumor has Bulger going to teams like the Arizona Cardinals.  He is a likely fit there, as it would bide time for the Cardinals as they groom John Skelton.  At 34 he is running out of time, but he has shown a willingness to be a backup, which could extend his time in the NFL.

Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins

Losing a starting job in the NFL to Rex Grossman doesn't bode well for a QB.  McNabb seemed to have rebounded from his injury issues, only to suffer in production.  Some of that could have been the result of the Redskins organization as a whole, but 15 INTs on 12 TDs isn't going to win a lot of fans.

His time in Washington is most certainly over, but there are several teams out there with sharp needs at the QB position.  If nothing else, a team like the Vikings could consider him as a one-year starter to bridge the gap to Christian Ponder.  A stronger showing in '11 could give him a chance to return as a 36-year-old in 2012.

Matt Hasselbeck, FA, Seattle Seahawks

I fully expect to see Hasselbeck in the NFL for two or possibly three more years, and he wants a multiple-year contract for his services.  But his declining production makes his ability to act as a starting QB beyond ’11 questionable. 

The question for Hasselbeck is if he is willing to act as a backup QB as his career winds down.  He will likely be given the chance, but he could opt for retirement instead.

Kerry Collins, Tennessee Titans

OK...Collins is the oldest of the group at 38.  He isn't likely going to be back with the Titans, but he may get a role as a reserve QB in 2011.

Terrell Owens, WR: FA, Cincinnati Bengals

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches a pass under pressure from Darrell Revis #24 of the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the

Owens' skills are diminishing, but if his mind is right the body still has some catches left.  His speed seems to still be adequate.  With Owens it is just a matter of if his mental approach to the game allowing him to be a star one last time in the NFL.  I have a feeling he'd like to give it one last run and go out a winner.  

Perhaps the Green Bay Packers have a need for another aging WR...yes, that was a joke.  Please don't write.

Matt Light, OT: FA, New England Patriots

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears rushes against Matt Light #72 of the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

Light has had an amazing career, but at 33 he has seen his production wane.  The Patriots have drafted the OT they expect to have starting in 2012, so they may offer him a one-year extension.  

If not, a team like the Arizona Cardinals are desperate enough to give him a one-year deal to help them bridge the gap to acquiring some youth and talent.

Lawyer Milloy, SS: FA, Seattle Seahawks

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 03: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams is hit by Lawyer Milloy #36 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first half on October 3, 2010 at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

At age 37, the NFL may have already seen the last of Milloy.  He has been solid since working into the starting SS spot for the Seahawks, but he is running out of hits.  Milloy was a solid safety for Seattle in 2010, and before comments are made about the image of a wide open Greg Olson scoring a TD in their playoff game, that coverage was blown by the rookie Earl Thomas.

Milloy has also been a good influence on the younger players in the Seahawk secondary.  They've added even more youth for 2011, so he might be needed that much more.  However, they might be challenged to find a place for him.  

There are plenty of teams around the league that could use some help at SS.  Given this 2011 draft was thin at the position, he could find a one-year deal to help that team with their transition plan.

James Hall, DE: St. Louis Rams

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass under pressure from James Hall #96 of the St. Louis Rams during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona.

Hall is 34 and headed into his 12th year in the league.  He had one of his best statistical seasons in the NFL last year, notching 54 tackles and 10.5 sacks.  He also punched out an impressive six fumbles. 

The Rams have already drafted his replacement, and it is likely that Hall will see a significant reduction in his snaps this season.  The reduced time may extend his career, but it could also significantly hinder his production. 

He has two years left on his contract, and he may get to finish them out.  However, the Rams will be hard-pressed to decide he’s worth the $2.75 million for 2013 unless he shows solid production again in 2012.

Flozell Adams, OT: Pittsburgh Steelers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers rushes in past Flozell Adams #71 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensi

Adams is going to be 36 at the start of the season, and 13 difficult seasons are taking a toll.  It has been so tough that he considered retirement after the Steelers' Super Bowl loss.  However, he has since decided to return for the 2011 season.

According to his agent, Jordan Woy, “Flo is planning on playing. We will need to talk to Pitt (once lockout ends) and determine his role and if it will be with the Steelers.’’

He's had an amazing career, but 2011 will almost certainly be the end of the line for him.

Albert Haynesworth, DT: Washington Redskins

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

Wow...where to start.  Haynesworth has amazing talent and is still young enough to be a stud DT.  Then there are the attitude and application issues that have caused him to fizzle out in Washington.

Some team might give him a last chance in 2011, but if his production and attitude aren't back to NFL-caliber, he'll be done.

Brian Westbrook, RB: FA, San Francisco 49ers

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 02: Brian Westbrook #20 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Ima

To be fair, Westbrook may very well be done.  He drew interest from several teams last season, and eventually opted to play for the 49ers.  This was a safe bet, as Frank Gore is yet to make it through all 16 games of an NFL season.

Westbrook showed glimpses of his old self filling in for Gore and is likely going to get a few suitors for his services.  At the very least, he will be able to provide depth and a change-of-pace back.

Willie Parker, RB: FA

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Runningback Willie Parker #29 of the Washington Redskins rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of the preseason NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glenda

I understand this post could be two years too late, as Parker didn't actually play in the NFL in 2010.  He is currently on the roster of the Virginia Destroyers, an expansion team of the UFL.  

He has expressed an interest in returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011.  They could use some depth behind Rashard Mendenhall, but the Steelers may be looking at youth for the position.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB: New York Jets

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Pho

Many analysts thought Tomlinson's days were done prior to last season, but the former Charger showed what an RB can do with some decent blocking.  He had almost 1,400 yards from scrimmage in 2010 and looks like he has one more season left in his legs.

Randy Moss, WR: FA, Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans has a touchdown pass called back for offensive pass interference against the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins won 19-16 in overt

Like Haynesworth, Moss' talents are being undermined by his attitude issues.  Also like Haynesworth, some NFL team will give him one more last chance in 2011.

At age 34, though, this will likely be the last run for Moss.

Tony Gonzalez, TE: Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Tony Gonzalez #88 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Gonzalez turned 35 a few months ago, and his skills and attention seemed to be diminished during the 2010 season.  His 656 yards were his fewest since his second year in the league.  

The Falcons will need to address this position soon and can be expected to look for an option in free agency.

Pat Williams, DT: Minnesota Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 27: Glen Coffee #29 of the San Francisco 49ers is stopped by Ben Leber #51 of the Minnesota Vikings along with teammate Pat Williams #94 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 27, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikin

Williams has been a rock in the center of the Vikings defensive line since signing with them in 2005.  It appears as though he will play in '11, but he'll turn 39 during the season.  It is hard to fathom him being the next 40-year-old playing for the Vikings.

Donald Driver, WR, and Charles Woodson, CB: Green Bay Packers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Antwaan Randle El #82 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tackled by Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ro

Both of these players are considering retirement this offseason, but it is likely that at least one of them will be back in 2011.  Driver has said he wants to play until he is 40; we'll see how close he can get to that figure.

Darren Sharper, S: New Orleans Saints

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Golden Tate #81 of the Seattle Seahawks runs down field against Darren Sharper #42 of the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonatha

Sharper will turn 36 in 2011, and his age started to show in his playoff game in Seattle.  He is looking for options for 2011 and will likely find a home for a final season.  

Whether that will be in New Orleans for one last playoff run is yet to be seen.

Ray Lewis, MLB: Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE - NOVEMBER 18: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens yells toward teammates during the first half of the game against the Cleveland Browns on November 18, 2007 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Happy belated birthday, Mr. Lewis.  Yes, he turned 36 years old on May 15 and is still a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.  But how much longer can he continue to produce at an NFL level and still be able to walk when he’s in his 50s?

The Ravens shared these concerns, and his 2009 contract was considered both a three-year and a seven-year deal.  The deal was structured to give the Ravens “outs” without a large hit on their salary cap. 

It is hard to deny his continued production, though.  Aside from his persona setting the tone for the defense, he went above 100 solo tackles in 2010 for the first time since 2003, and added 2 sacks, 2 INTs and 2 forced fumbles. 

There is no reason to expect him to have a drop in ’11, but in 2012…let’s just say not many MLBs make it to age 37 in the NFL.