6 NFL Free Agents Who Went for Less Than We Thought They Would

NFL free agency is now winding down and nearly every big name has come off of the board, but not everyone is satisfied with the contract they received this offseason.

Many proven veterans who were looking for big money and long-term deals were left with relatively little money and short deals as teams waited them out.

Players such as Nnamdi Asomugha, Charles Johnson and Kevin Kolb had no such problems signing big deals this offseason as they got exactly what they were hoping for.

Here is a look at six players who did not get what they were hoping for this offseason.

Aubrayo Franklin

Franklin was arguably the best defensive tackle on the free-agent market and yet, there was very little competition for his services.

Many analysts thought the Chiefs would ultimately be the team to land the big nose tackle, but it turned out to be the Saints that acquired Franklin's services to play in their 4-3 defense.

Franklin received only a one-year deal from the Saints.

Stephen Tulloch

Despite being second in the league in tackles last season, Tulloch received just a one-year deal worth $3.25 million this season, with only $1.8 million of that guaranteed.

Tulloch decided to leave Tennessee for an opportunity with the Lions, and while he will have a better chance at winning this season, he can't be happy about the lack of interest in his services.

Look for Tulloch to have another big season this year and potentially get a longer and bigger contract next season.

Steve Smith

Smith is the latest impact player to join the Eagles, and as many others have done, he too signed a one-year deal.

Members of the Giants such as head coach Tom Coughlin were not happy about Smith's departure, but you have to question why the team didn't make a bigger push to re-sign the slot receiver if that was the case.

Smith will now join DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin at receiver for the Eagles as the team continues to pile up talent heading into the 2011 season.

Le'Ron McClain

Like many big names on the free-agent market this season, McClain was expecting to get himself a multi-year deal this offseason. And like many other players have learned, that wasn't going to happen.

McClain settled for a one-year offer to be the Chiefs' starting fullback this season as he joins the best rushing attack in football.

The move was a bit of a surprise because McClain has made it clear all along that he wants to get more carries, but he signed with a Kansas City team that is already loaded in the backfield.

McClain should see five to 10 carries a game at most, but on a one-year deal, the Chiefs shouldn't have to worry very much about their new fullback becoming a problem.

Donte Whitner

Whitner recently signed a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers after saying that he was going to be a Bengal. And while he did better than some of these other players when it comes to his contract, the $11 million contract that he received still couldn't have been what he was hoping for.

Whitner's contract has just $4 million guaranteed following a 2010 season that saw the former Bills safety rack up an impressive 140 tackles and one interception.

However, you will find no MLB-sized paydays for most guys coming off of a career year in the NFL this offseason, and Whitner found that out first-hand.

Braylon Edwards

Edwards was thought to be a hot commodity around the league with his 6'3" frame and skill set, but the 'Niners will able to add another valuable veteran for just $3.5 million over the course of one season.

While Edwards has had a history of dropped passes, he did improve in that area last season and he was a solid member of the Jets' receiving corps last season as he caught 53 passes for 904 yards and seven touchdowns.

Look for Edwards to be yet another player looking to upgrade their contract following a big 2011 season.