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10 Riskiest Big-Name Free Agents That NFL Teams Should Avoid in 2015

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By @Seth_Lassen

Riskiest 2015 NFL Free Agents

Jeremy Maclin
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We're now less than a week away from the start of NFL free agency and a whole lot of money is about to be thrown at the high-profile free agents. Just like every year, some teams will be regretting their free agency decisions before too long.

Let's take a look at the 10 riskiest NFL free agents that teams should avoid signing.

10. Byron Maxwell

Byron Maxwell
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10. Byron Maxwell

Byron Maxwell
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He’s widely considered the best cornerback available in free agency and because of that, Maxwell is about to become a very wealthy man. Maxwell thrived as part of Seattle’s stacked secondary and I’m not convinced he can do it on his own on a lesser-talented team. Reports have leaked that he’s looking for a contract paying $10 million annually.

9. Mike Iupati

Mike Iupati
Kyle Terada USA TODAY Sports

9. Mike Iupati

Mike Iupati
Kyle Terada USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, Iupati was the same dominant run blocker that we’ve become accustomed to, but he uncharacteristically struggled in pass protection. He was routinely beaten by defenders throughout the season and allowed sack after sack on Colin Kaepernick . Teams need to take a hard look at Iupati and wonder if he’s fully recovered from the gruesome leg fracture he suffered in the 2013 NFC Championship game.

8. Torrey Smith

Torrey Smith
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8. Torrey Smith

Torrey Smith
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I think Smith is a good player, but I think he’s set to be grossly overpaid. At least one team is going to fall in love with his straight-ahead speed and pay him similar to a No. 1 receiver’s salary. Anyone remember what’s happened to Mike Wallace since he signed a big contract?

7. Nick Fairley

Nick Fairley
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7. Nick Fairley

Nick Fairley
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The No. 13 pick in the 2011 draft hasn’t lived up to his potential. Fairley changed his diet during the 2014 offseason and was in the best shape of his life before he missed half of the Lions’ season with a knee injury. Considering his wildy inconsistent play, and some conditioning and injury concerns, NFL teams would be wise to steer clear of offering Fairley a fat contract.

6. Jordan Cameron

Jordan Cameron Cleveland Browns
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6. Jordan Cameron

Jordan Cameron Cleveland Browns
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When healthy, Cameron very well may be an elite tight end, but he’s only played at that level for a single season. After suffering three concussions in less than two years, Cameron is one hit away from being out of the NFL.

5. Orlando Franklin

Denver Broncos Orlando Franklin
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5. Orlando Franklin

Denver Broncos Orlando Franklin
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Interior linemen are overpaid more than any other position in free agency. Franklin played well for the Denver Broncos, but I strongly believe playing for a quarterback like Peyton Manning had a big part in that. Teams in need of a guard would be smarter to add a player through the draft or sign a free agent that won’t require the same contract Franklin will.

4. Buster Skrine

buster skrine browns
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

4. Buster Skrine

buster skrine browns
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

As one of the best defensive backs on the open market, Skrine’s about to cash in big time in free agency. Skrine's a solid player, but he's just 5-foot-9, and had the luxury of playing on the opposite side of Joe Haden in Cleveland. Pro Football Focus ranked Skrine as the No. 82 best corner out of 108 players in 2014.

3. Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree San Francisco 49ers
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

3. Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree San Francisco 49ers
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

After an incredible stretch to close out the 2012 season, Crabtree was looking like a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Since tearing his Achilles in May of 2013, the former No. 10-overall pick has been a shadow of his former self. In the 24 games since his injury, Crabtree has produced just two games with at least 90 receiving yards.

2. Pernell McPhee

Pernell McPhee
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2. Pernell McPhee

Pernell McPhee
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There’s a long history of players having great seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, signing lucrative contracts in free agency, and then not resembling the same dominant player they were in Baltimore. McPhee is without a doubt a high-end talent, but at his best with the Ravens, he was a part-time player. I question if other teams will be able to figure out how to use him the same way the Ravens did.

1. Jeremy Maclin

jeremy maclin philadelphia eagles
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1. Jeremy Maclin

jeremy maclin philadelphia eagles
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As the Eagles No. 1 threat in the passing game, Maclin put up career-highs in nearly ever receiving category in 2014. Chip Kelly’s offensive system absolutely inflated Maclin’s numbers and he’s likely to be paid like a true No. 1 receiver as a result. Maclin is simply not reliable enough and too injury prone to warrant a contract with a lot of guaranteed money.

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