With NFL free agency set to kick into full gear this week, a number of players are being grossly overrated by the masses and league front offices alike. Here’s a look at five names befitting of that label.
5. Mario Williams - DE - Buffalo Bills
Getty ImagesThere's no denying Mario Williams has been sensational for most of his career, but he's clearly on the decline. Williams had just five sacks in 2015, which was alarmingly down from 14.5 the year prior in Buffalo. The Miami Dolphins are reportedly willing to do anything and everything they can in order to obtain his services, but they will be making a gargantuan mistake. At 31 years old, Williams is just a shell of his former self.
4. Brock Osweiler - QB - Denver Broncos
Getty ImagesSure, the seven career starts Brock Osweiler has made aren't enough of a sample size to project what kind of full-time starting quarterback he will be. However, he was average at best for the Denver Broncos in 2015 (61.8 completion percentage, 1,967 yards, 10 TDs and six INTs in seven starts) despite having two dynamic weapons in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. There's simply no way he deserves the $15 million per year Denver offered.
3. Ryan Fitzpatrick - QB - New York Jets
Getty ImagesRyan Fitzpatrick had a career year for the New York Jets in 2015, tallying 3,905 yards and 31 TDs. However, it was the first winning season of his career as a starter, and he's never put forth two big campaigns in a row. At 33 years old, there's no reason to believe he will be a model of consistency going forward.
2. Nick Fairley - DT - Los Angeles Rams
Getty ImagesNick Fairley has never lived up to the hype he carried as a standout at Auburn and didn't have a particularly impressive contract season in St. Louis in 2015. A team that's desperate for an interior pass rusher will give him a chance, but he will likely disappoint.
1. Bruce Irvin - LB - Seattle Seahawks
Getty ImagesBruce Irvin is a swell player, but he's not the type of difference-making linebacker who will turn a team's defensive woes around by himself. He's benefited from playing with elite talent around him in Seattle and could struggle in a similar manner to cornerback Byron Maxwell if he leaves the Seahawks.
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