NFL Free Agency: 6 Vets Who Will Need to Take a Paycut or Face Being Dealt

Ah, yes. 

The money. 

While many of us don't pay attention to how much our favorite player gets paid (yours truly included), the teams certainly do. 

And boy, the owners certainly will all the more so after this labor dispute. 

So, if, and I do mean if, we have a season this year, there's going to be at least a few veterans sent on their way because teams just can't afford them...and their hefty paychecks. 

Shawne Merriman, Buffalo Bills

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 07: Shawne Merriman of the Buffalo Bills stands on the field prior to play against the Chicago Bears at Rogers Centre on November 7, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Merriman was claimed this week after being waived by the San Diego Charger

This may happen regardless, because Merriman doesn't appear like he's going to be what he once was. 

But Merriman made over $3 million last year. 

That's a lot for a guy who didn't play. 

I think Buffalo deserves a break...and paying a guy like Merriman won't help them at all. 

Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Runningback Marion Barber #24 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes the football during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated

Barber was a pivotal part of the Dallas Cowboy offense for years, even though he usually split carries with Julius Jones or Felix Jones. 

Barber was money, pun intended for this slideshow, when it came to getting in the end zone though. 

But he made over $3 million last year. 

Okay, but he's not the main running back anymore. 

I think everyone knows he's playing second fiddle to Felix Jones, and at times, Tashard Choice. 

Maybe I'm wrong, and I don't think the 'Boys will let him go, but something's got to give with that salary. 

Bryant McFadden, Pittsburgh Steelers

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 25: Bryant McFadden #25 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to intercept a pass on the sideline against the New York Giants on October 25, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty I

Let me say this from firsthand experience as the Cardinals featured columnist: McFadden isn't a great corner. 

And he's certainly not the best on his team. 

Yet he's making the most money. 

Hmmm...

Matt Leinart, Houston Texans

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 14: Matt Leinart #9 of the Houston Texans looks on before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 14, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Yeah, do I really need to go into this?

Leinart failed to beat out Derek Anderson last season. 

And he's due quite a bit of money as a third stringer this year. 

Laugher. 

Nate Washington, Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 19: Nate Washington #85 of the Tennessee Titans makes a catch under pressure from Glover Quin #29 of the Houston Texans at LP Field on December 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans, 31-17. (Photo by G

Washington was supposed to be the help Tennessee needed at receiver. 

Not really. 

Yet, he's the highest paid. 

I'm sensing a trend here...

Brian Williams, Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 07: Brian Williams #29 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Georgia Dome on November 7, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Williams had zero, count 'em, zero interceptions last year. 

And yet, he's supposed to get paid over $5 million this year. 

Outrageous.