8 2011 Free Agents Who Didn't Live Up to the Hype

The 2011 NFL offseason was one unlike any other, considering the impact the lockout had on the free agency period. When the owners and players officially came to an agreement, teams scrambled to sign the top available players to help their teams.

The following eight players are a list of guys who were seen as valuable additions to their team, but they ultimately ended up disappointing tremendously.

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Probably no single player was as coveted during the free agency process as Nnamdi Asomugha. A shutdown cornerback if there ever was one, Asomugha was expected to be the player that would put the Philadelphia Eagles over the top.

Considering the Eagles already had All-Pro Asante Samuel and had traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the secondary was supposed to be the clear strength of the team.

No one would have expected that Asomugha would be a complete and utter flop. The five-year, $60 million contract he signed is looking like a major waste of money. Asomugha has allowed four touchdown passes this year after allowing one total touchdown in the previous three seasons.

Charlie Johnson, LT, Minnesota Vikings

When the Minnesota Vikings let go of All-Pro left tackle Bryant McKinnie, they signed Charlie Johnson away from the Indianapolis Colts. Johnson had spent the previous five seasons as Peyton Manning’s blindside protector, even helping the Colts to the Super Bowl twice.

Johnson has been downright awful for the Vikings, though. He has given up seven sacks and an astounding 30 quarterback pressures. He has essentially been manhandled for much of the season.

Vince Young, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles seemingly got a steal when they signed Vince Young to a one-year deal to be the team’s backup quarterback and essentially the right-handed Michael Vick.

From his Dream Team comments to his preseason injuries to his nine interceptions in extremely limited play, Young has been an absolute nightmare for the Eagles.

Braylon Edwards, WR, San Francisco 49ers

You could make a legitimate case that the San Francisco 49ers should leave Braylon Edwards off their postseason roster.

The receiver who caught 16 touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns just four years ago is no more. In his place is a guy who has 15 catches and no touchdowns. Edwards has just been an epic disaster for the Niners.

Sidney Rice, WR, Seattle Seahawks

All Sidney Rice has ever really done at this point in his career is put up one great season with Brett Favre as his quarterback. With the Seattle Seahawks, Rice signed a five-year deal worth over $40 million.

He has caught just 32 passes for 484 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games. It’s certainly not as if the other wide receivers are so great, especially with Doug Baldwin, Ben Obomanu and Golden Tate. Rice just hasn’t been able to make an impact.

Tiki Barber, RB, Free Agent

What a joke. Tiki Barber made a huge show of announcing that he is coming out of retirement, even though it had been five years since the now-36 year old had played a single snap.

I think Barber expected teams to be foaming at the mouth for him. Instead, no one signed him and he continues to try to work on a comeback somewhere.

Stewart Bradley, LB, Arizona Cardinals

Stewart Bradley didn’t quite amount to the type of player the Philadelphia Eagles hoped he would be, especially not after a terrific 2008 season. He was still expected to make an impact on the Arizona Cardinals though.

Bradley hasn’t even been a starter in Arizona. He started two games, but has spent the other 13 games as a reserve if needed off the bench.

Zach Miller, TE, Seattle Seahawks

The Oakland Raiders let the Pro Bowl tight end walk, even though he put up a strong 2010 season that included 60 catches for 685 yards and five touchdowns.

He has been a major flop in Seattle. Miller was supposed to be Tarvaris Jackson’s security blanket, especially with John Carlson on Injured Reserve. Instead, Miller has just 25 catches and no touchdowns.