Best - FB Vonta Leach (2011) was All-Pro in both seasons with Ravens and considered best fullback in the league.

Worst - CB Domonique Foxworth (2009) signed four-year deal, fought injuries and finished with four INTs in 18 games before retiring.

(Associated Press)

Best - TE Scott Chandler (2010) came to Bills off waivers, developed instant rapport with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and has scored six touchdowns in each of past two seasons.

Worst - QB Vince Young (2012) signed one-year, incentive-laden contract with potential to make $3 million, but never made it through preseason before being cut.

(Associated Press)

Best - RB Cedric Benson (2008), one of few Bengals risks on player with checkered background to pay off. Benson was their leading rusher in his four seasons.

Worst - WR Antonio Bryant (2010) was recovering from left knee damage when he got four-year, $28 million deal, never made it onto the field before being cut.

(Associated Press)

Best - TE Benjamin Watson (2010) has 154 catches for 1,674 yards and eight touchdowns in three seasons and provided leadership for one of NFL's youngest teams.

Worst - QB Jake Delhomme (2010) got hurt in Cleveland's opener and played in just five games, slowing development of a young QB.

(Associated Press)

Best - QB Peyton Manning (2012) signed five-year, $96 million deal, then nearly won fifth MVP award as team went 13-3.

Worst - DL Jarvis Green (2010) got $12 million for four years, didn't make it through training camp.

(Associated Press)

Best - CB Johnathan Joseph, S Danieal Manning (2011). Both helped pass defense go from league's worst to third.

Worst - CB Jacques Reeves (2008) had one productive season after signing four-year, $20 million contract, was cut in 2010.

(Associated Press)

Best - DE Cory Redding (2012) brought wealth of information from Baltimore to help new coach Chuck Pagano implement 3-4 scheme and was great locker room addition for young team.

Worst - Peyton Manning (2011). Huh? Colts lost gamble that Manning would recover from multiple offseason neck surgeries to lead them back to playoffs. Instead, Manning never played another down for Colts, still pocketing more than $26 million.

(Associated Press)

Best - LB Paul Posluszny (2011) is one of franchise's few free agents to pan out. Still, some believe Jaguars overpaid (six-year deal worth $45 million, $15 million guaranteed), but he led team in tackles both years.

Worst- WR Jerry Porter (2008) signed six-year, $30 million contract, $10 million guaranteed, started season on physically unable to perform list and ended it on IR. Caught 11 passes for 181 yards and touchdown, caused chemistry issues.

(Associated Press)

Best - OG Ryan Lilja (2010) started 15 games in each of three seasons after helping Peyton Manning win a Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Never made Pro Bowl but emerged as dependable lineman.

Worst - WR Steve Breaston (2011) got $22.5 million, five-year deal, but was inactive for all but 10 games last season.

(Associated Press)

Best - DT Randy Starks (2008) got $21 million, five-year deal, has 22 sacks in five seasons and made Pro Bowl in 2012.

Worst - WR Ernest Wilford (2008) signed $13 million, four-year deal and caught three passes that year, then was cut.

(Associated Press)

Best - DE Rob Ninkovich (2009) led Patriots with eight sacks last season and has 19 1/2 in four seasons. Made switch from OLB to DE for 2012 look easy

Worst - RB Fred Taylor (2009) had more than 1,100 yards rushing in seven of 11 seasons with Jacksonville. In two injury-plagued seasons with Patriots, rushed for just 424 yards in 13 games.

(Associated Press)

Best - CB Antonio Cromartie (2011) was forgotten figure as team pursued Nnamdi Asomugha, who signed with Philadelphia. Jets turned back to Cromartie, he re-signed and made 2012 Pro Bowl.

Worst - WR Derrick Mason (2011) replaced dependable Jerricho Cotchery and lasted only five games, with 13 catches.

(Associated Press)

Best - Slim pickings. LB Philip Wheeler (2012) signed $700,000, one-year deal, then led team with 110 tackles.

Worst - Enigmatic WR Javon Walker (2008) got six-year, $55 million contract, then had 15 catches for 196 yards and one TD while being paid $14 million.

(Associated Press)

Best - K Shaun Suisham (2010) was midseason signing after Steelers lost faith in veteran Jeff Reed. Suisham put together career year in 2012, making 28 of 31 field goals, three to win games.

Worst - WR Plaxico Burress (2012) was a flier following rash of injuries to receiving corps. Burress struggled to get on field and suited up for just three games, making three catches for 42 yards.

(Associated Press)

Best - WR Danario Alexander (2012) signed off the street in late October, caught 37 passes for 658 yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games.

Worst - LT Jared Gaither (2012) played well in final five games of 2011, then signed four-year, $24.5 million contract. Came up with mysterious back injury in training camp, played in only four games before going on injured reserve.

(Associated Press)

Best - QB Matt Hasselbeck (2011) led Titans to 9-7 record - just missing playoffs - then last year mentored Jake Locker.

Worst - DT Jovan Haye (2009) signed four-year contract, got a half-sack in two seasons and was cut.

(Associated Press)