NFL Free Agents 2011: 14 Players That Probably Won't Meet the Hype

The NFL lockout ended, and with it came a frantic scramble in free agency just a few weeks before the start of preseason action.

The free agent frenzy has come partly due to the limited time that teams have had to make moves.

Despite teams having only a little over a week to make moves, it appears that the majority of the big name talent across the league have found their new homes.

With the end of the lockout comes a lot of anxious fans. With that, comes high expectations.

Here are 14 free agents who are receiving too high of expectations for the 2012 NFL season.

14. LB Paul Posluszny, Jacksonville

Maybe this one is just personal, but since Posluszny has entered the league he hasn't lived up to expectations.

In 2007, Posluszny was the second pick in the second round for the Buffalo Bills. After just four years with the team, the Bills decided to let Posluszny walk.

Posluszny hasn't been a bad player, but he has only achieved mediocrity.

The Jaguars must believe they found something, signing Posluszny to a six-year deal.

Such a long contract extends the idea that the Jaguars see Posluszny as a franchise type linebacker. There is little to show that he can live up to those expectations.

13. S Quintin Mikell, St. Louis

If there is one thing the Eagles do well, it's knowing when to let go of a player.

They let go of Brian Dawkins, Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb all within the last few seasons. All of the Philadelphia stars haven't been the same since.

Quintin Mikell was nothing more than an average player for the Eagles.

If the Eagles were willing to release him with expectations to start a second-round rookie draft pick, then obviously they knew Mikell was nearing the end of his career.

12. LB Barrett Ruud, Tennessee

Over the last few seasons Barrett Ruud has really made a name for himself with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Unfortunately for Ruud, he is heading to Tennessee to take over the middle linebacker position from Stephen Tulloch.

Tulloch, was arguably the best player on the Titans defense last season. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill.

The Titans were only confident enough to offer Ruud a one-year contract.

11. DT Barry Cofield, Washington

Barry Cofield is a great defensive tackle in the prime of his career.

The problem, is that Cofield is a defensive tackle. The Washington Redskins brought Cofield in with the expectation for him to play nose tackle in the 3-4 defense.

At 306 pounds, Cofield has the build and skill set of a player that fits better in a 4-3 scheme.

I'm not saying that he won't succeed in the defense, but the adjustment may come with some set backs.

10. HB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina

DeAngelo Williams is a talented player with tons of potential.

He is also already 28-years-old and has a history of a bunch of injury problems.

A running back with his history typically wouldn't get a huge deal in free agency. However, the Panthers gave him a five-year, 43 million dollar deal.

That's a lot of money for an injury prone, aging running back. Especially when the team has Jonathon Stewart in the backfield as well.

If the team is going to shell out that much money, he better perform on the field.

9. DE Charles Johnson, Carolina

Charles Johnson started to really take off last season on a Carolina team that was otherwise pathetic.

He piled up 11.5 sacks last year, which ultimately ended with the Panthers resigning him as soon as the lockout was lifted.

The deal was for six years and 72 million dollars. That's huge money for a guy that was just starting to show signs of being a great player.

This could end up being a great deal and Johnson could be one of the best defensive ends in the NFL.

At the same time, a contract this large for one season of top end production is a bit risky.

8. LB Stewart Bradley, St. Louis

Stewart Bradley is the second of two prior Philadelphia players heading to St. Louis. He is the second who I wouldn't expect much from.

Bradley has had fairly high expectations since arriving in Philadelphia five years ago.

Unfortunately, over those five seasons, Bradley has only managed to stay healthy for one full season.

When healthy, Bradley can be a decent middle linebacker in the league. The problem is he just can't stay healthy.

7. HB Darren Sproles, New Orleans

Darren Sproles is entering his seventh season in the NFL.

Over his first six year, he has managed just 1,154 rushing yards and 1,400 receiving yards.

Sproles primary threat will come as a return specialist. His role on the team will likely be similar to what Reggie Bush did for the Saints.

As long as nobody is expecting anything mind blowing, Sproles will be a solid acquisition for New Orleans.

6. WR Sidney Rice, Seattle

Sidney Rice made a big name for himself in 2009 with Brett Favre throwing the ball to him. That year he totaled 1,312 yards receiving.

Over the span of Rice's other three seasons, he has a total of only 817 yards receiving.

Throw in the fact that Rice has had problems staying healthy and will have Tarvaris Jackson throwing him the ball, and there should be legitimate concerns that Rice could fall off the map.

5. QB Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee

Just about everyone knew that Jake Locker would not be ready to start week one for the Tennessee Titans.

There were a bunch of options for the Titans. Many thought they would get a player like Donovan McNabb or even Kyle Orton to step in until Locker would be prepared to start.

Instead, they signed Matt Hasselbeck.

Hasselbeck, now 35-years-old, is not the quarterback he used to be. Last season he threw 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

I understand that they want a veteran in front of Locker, but Hasselbeck will likely only make it through three or four games before fans start calling for Locker to start.

4. DE Jason Babin, Philadelphia

With all the moves Philadelphia made this offseason, at least one guy had to make this list.

Babin was actually on the Eagles roster in 2009. He compiled 2.5 sacks and 11 total tackles. His career looked to be all but over until last year, when he had a Pro Bowl season with 12.5 sacks.

Jim Washburn brought his coaching talents to Philadelphia and apparently he wanted to bring Babin with.

Babin received a five-year deal worth 28 million dollars.

That's quite a contract for a 31-year-old player with only one year of production. Philadelphia fans better hope Washburn was right with this one.

3. WR Plaxico Burress, New York Jets

It's amazing that one of the bigger named free agents was a 33-year-old who has spent the last 20 months in prison.

Granted, Plaxico Burress was a phenomenal player before being sentenced.

Everybody wants to hop on board the Burress bandwagon after seeing the recent success of Michael Vick after his release from prison.

However, what people seem to fail to remember is that Vick was out of shape and played very limited time after joining the Eagles.

Burress will likely be looked upon as a starter come opening day. Those are some lofty expectations.

2. QB Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle

Pete Carroll has officially stated that there is no quarterback competition in Seattle. Tarvaris Jackson will be the starter.

I'm actually a big Jackson fan. I felt he never really had a fair opportunity during his time in Minnesota.

However, that time in Minnesota may come back to haunt him. He has a history of losing. If Jackson doesn't immediately succeed in Seattle then fans will likely start calling for Whitehurst.

Carroll has some obvious trust in Whitehurst, and Jackson may end up on the bench sooner than he probably should.

1. HB Reggie Bush, Miami

With the name Reggie Bush comes ridiculous expectations. Up until this point in his career, Bush hasn't met those expectations.

To be fair, it was nearly an impossible task since he was appointed by many to be the next Barry Sanders.

Despite his limited success, everyone naturally still expects great things from Bush.

However, it likely won't happen. Chances are Bush will have similar success in Miami to what he had in New Orleans.