NFL Preseason: 10 Veterans Who Are on Their Last Tour of Duty

There comes a point in time for every NFL player when it is finally time to hang up the pads and helmet and call it a career.

For some of the more fortunate players, retirement is on their own terms, and they are able to decide for themselves when it's time to hang it up.

For others, injuries and the declining level of play unfortunately push them out of the league.

Here is a list of 10 players who are on their last leg and could be nearing their retirement.

10) Derrick Mason, WR, Jets

Derrick Mason has had a fantastic 14-year career with the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens.

He most recently signed on with the New York Jets, which is likely his final hurrah for a Super Bowl ring.

Even though he signed a two-year contract with the Jets, don't be surprised to see him call it quits if the Jets fail to have the successful season that everyone is expecting.

By the way, that is an awesome skull cap that Mason is wearing.

9) Jason Taylor, LB/DE, Miami Dolphins

Despite a magnificent career, Jason Taylor has seen his level of play decline over the past few seasons.

For the last three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and New York Jets, Taylor has only recorded 15.5 sacks which is generally the total amount that he would get in one season during his prime.

Now back with the Miami Dolphins, the team that drafted him in 1997, Taylor will likely wrap up his career with the team that he played with for 12 NFL seasons.

8) Olin Kreutz, OL, New Orleans Saints

After ending a bitter divorce with the Chicago Bears, Olin Kreutz signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Chicago thought that the six-time Pro Bowl center was on his last leg and were reluctant to sign him to another contract due to his age.

After signing with the Saints for one more season, expect this to be the final one for Kreutz.

7) Bob Sanders, SS, San Diego Chargers

When talking about the best safeties in the NFL, Bob Sanders name comes to mind, but only when he is healthy. And unfortunately for Sanders, being healthy isn't something that he is accustomed to.

When on the field, Sanders is one of the best run-support defensive backs in the NFL and would be extremely valuable asset to any defense.

The Indianapolis Colts let him go after only playing more than six games only twice in his seven-year career and signed with the San Diego Chargers.

If Sanders can find a way to stay on the field, the Chargers found a diamond in the rough.

If he can't, don't expect him to be in the NFL for much longer.

6) Brian Dawkins, FS, Denver Broncos

Brian Dawkins has been one of the premier safeties in the NFL ever since he stepped on the field in 1996.

Although he has lost a step, Dawkins can still contribute at a high-level in the NFL and has proved that by being a starter at 37 years old.

However, the Broncos selected a Rahim Moore, a safety from UCLA, with the 45th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. This could be a sign that Dawkins career might be nearing its end.

5) Jeremy Shockey, TE, Carolina Panthers

Once being one of the premier tight ends in the NFL, Jeremy Shockey has yet to score more than three touchdowns in his last four seasons.

After signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers this off-season, the team traded for Greg Olsen who is a younger and more productive player at the tight end position.

If Shockey fails to produce in 2011, expect to see the last of the bald eagle tattoo.

4) Ronde Barber, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Yes, in case you didn't know, the ageless Ronde Barber is still playing in the NFL and quite well.

After 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Barber is still playing the physically demanding position of cornerback.

Barber continues to take it one season at a time and will continue to play as long as he loves the game and is still physically able to do so.

But at 36 years old, you can't help but wonder how much longer that will be.

3) Keith Brooking, LB, Dallas Cowboys

Keith Brooking is another savvy veteran who has been playing for what seems to be for an eternity.

In his 14-year career, Brooking has played 10 straight seasons without missing a game and recorded at least 100 tackles (with exception to 2010 where he had 97 tackles.)

This stat doesn't scream retirement, but at 35 years old, you wonder how much longer Brooking will be able to take the punishment of being an NFL linebacker.

2) John Carney, K, New Orleans Saints

I mean really, 46 years old?

Hell, if he doesn't retire next year, I hope he plays for a few more years, so we can actually witness an athlete play until he is 50 years old!

1) Ed Reed, FS, Baltimore Ravens

Besides Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed is widely considered the best safety in the NFL.

At 32 years old and arguably still somewhat in his prime, you may wonder why retirement is even in the question for the Baltimore Ravens safety.

In actuality, Ed Reed has mulled the thought of retirement before due to some particular injuries.

Back in January or 2010, Ed Reed was "unsure" whether or not he would ever play again due to a neck injury.

While those worries have subsided due to a healthy 2011 offseason, the possibility of a retirement for Reed still hangs in the balance in case of a future injury.