13 Under-the-Radar NFL Players Who Will Get Overpaid This Offseason

I know, I know—the 2011 NFL season isn't even close to being over, so 2012 free agency isn't even a major thought for all you guys out there. However, it's certainly always fun to look forward to!

Free agency in the NFL is one of the more exciting periods in all of sports as this is where teams make the majority of their moves. 

Each and every offseason there's always a select group of players that are considered under-the-radar but somehow manage to score big time.

In that spirit, here are 14 under-the-radar players that will get overpaid next offseason. 

Robert Meachem

Wide receiver Robert Meachem certainly has a lot to offer. He's a tall, physical and athletic target who can stretch the field and run across the middle. 

However, Meachem may be just a product of New Orleans' offensive system with Drew Brees at quarterback.

Meachem has played in four seasons for the Saints and has reeled in 110 balls for 19 touchdowns and 1,729. His best season came in 2009the year the Saints won the Super Bowl, when he caught 45 balls for 722 yards and nine scores.  

Visanthe Shiancoe

Visanthe Shiancoe is definitely going to be under the radar in 2011 with Donovan McNabb at quarterback—from just a two-game sample, it appears that McNabb is old and washed up and cannot throw the ball like he used to. 

The 31-year-old Shiancoe has yet to have any injury problems throughout his entire career, as he's played all 16 games in each and every season but is probably entering the twilight of his career. 

A team that is desperate for a tight end will likely offer Shiancoe a whole lot of cash as he'll end up being one of the best available in the free-agent market of 2012. 

Kyle Orton

Kyle Orton is the next Kevin Kolb—a team that desperately needs a quarterback is going to give up a whole lot to reel him in, but this time it will be cash rather than trading away draft picks and a player for his services. 

Orton is nothing but an above-average quarterback but could get paid like a superstar. 

The 28-year-old has a career 79.8 quarterback rating with 74 touchdown passes thrown along with 49 interceptions. 

Robert Mathis

Defensive end Robert Mathis could be this offseason's version of Ray Edwards—a slightly above-average pass-rusher that will cash in big time. 

Unlike Edwards, Mathis is likely entering the end of his career when Edwards is entering the prime years of his career. 

Mathis has been a strong force on the edge for the Indianapolis Colts over his nine-year career as he's tallied up a total of 75 sacks. 

Arian Foster

Arian Foster's future in the NFL could go a couple of different ways.

One is that he could end up missing the majority of this season, making the Houston Texans unwilling to resign the restricted free agent and allowing another team walk-in and overpay for his services.

Another way is that he could end up having another monster season, once he regains health, and receive a hefty contract from the Texans. 

How can I say that Foster is under-the-radar? Well for one, he's currently injured and simply hasn't been a factor for Houston this season. 

Pierre Garcon

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon's numbers will likely take a minor dip this season with Kerry Collins at quarterback rather than Peyton Manning. 

Once Garcon hits free agency, teams will likely take a look at his years with Manning rather than his lone season with the old and washed up Collins. 

Garcon is currently playing his fourth season in the league and has a solid average of 13.2 yards-per-reception. 

John Abraham

John Abraham is the heart and soul of the Atlanta Falcons defense and has been an extremely effective pass-rusher throughout his 12-year career. 

Abraham may be a solid pass-rusher, but he is 33 years old and is simply on the wrong side of 30. 

A young and inexperienced defense will likely show great interest in Abraham's service and offer him a large chunk of change. If that does happen, I'll bet my money on that the Falcons will simply not match it. 

Matt Forte

How can a 25-year-old running back be under-the-radar? Well, Matt Forte is playing for the Chicago Bears in Mike Martz's offensive system and is overshadowed by Jay Cutler's inconsistency. 

Forte is a young running back that has a lot of talent and still has room for improve. There's definitely a handful of teams that will show interest in Forte and will likely offer him an absurd contract—possibly something similar to DeAngelo Williams' $43 million deal. 

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

No matter how many times Tom Brady and the New England Patriots throw the ball, they still have a solid lead-running back in BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Green-Ellis, or commonly known as "The Law Firm," is a physical, north-and-south runner who is perfect for milking the clock in the fourth quarter.

If a team offers Green-Ellis a large contract in 2012, it's hard to believe that the Patriots will have any interest in matching. 

Rex Grossman

I'm pretty sure that everyone in the NFL world is still shocked that the Washington Redskins starting quarterback is Rex Grossman, and they're forgetting that the 31-year-old is a free agent next season.

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Redskins are standing undefeated, and Grossman has been a very effective passer that has been the ideal field manager. 

A team like Oakland or Seattle could be looking for a quarterback next season, and Grossman could be the perfect fit, but they'll like engage in a biding war with each other along with the 'Skins. 

Jermichael Finley

Jermichael Finley is probably going to be the best available tight end in the 2012 free-agent class.

The 24-year-old has played all four of his seasons with the Green Bay Packers and has emerged as one of the league's best offensive tight ends, despite missing most of 2010 with an injury.

Finley is under-the-radar simply because the Packers have so many offensive weapons. 

A team in the market for a tight end should offer Finley a whole lot of cash for his services. 

Roscoe Parrish

If you don't follow the Buffalo Bills or the AFC East, then you probably have no idea who Roscoe Parrish is. Allow me to fill you win: He's a versatile wide receiver that has the ability to be a playmaker as well as being a solid return man. 

Parrish recently turned 29 and could be in for a big payday this offseason as teams will simply look at his amazing skill set and talent and overpay for them. 

Brent Grimes

Atlanta Falcons Brent Grimes has quietly emerged as one of the more dependable cornerbacks in the NFL.

At 28 years old, Grimes still has a lot more football to play and could cash in big this offseason.

Grimes has played in a total of 48 games as he's recorded 206 career tackles and 12 interceptions.