1. Javon Walker » The former Pro Bowler was released by Denver after the 2008 season. Naturally, the Raiders thought he had something left and gave him a six-year, $55-million contract. In 10 games, he had 15 catches and one touchdown. Shocking that Al Davis would make such a mistake.
2. Adam Archuleta » Guess who made this whopper of a mistake? The highest-paid contract given to a safety and he was benched by midseason and gone afterwards. Archuleta was a poor fit for what the Redskins wanted; why he was signed remains a mystery. Seven years, $35 million. Oops.
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3. Deion Sanders » Listen, Nobody else wanted the Neon one, yet the Redskins gave him an $8 million bonus. He lasted one season, made little impact (but great sound bytes) and quit when Marty Schottenheimer took over.
4. Scott Mitchell » Usually, the Detroit Lions screw up the draft. Not this time. After a few good games with Miami, the Lions gave him $11 million over three years. One former Detroit coach called him the toughest player he’s ever had to coach because of his attitude.
5. Daryl Gardner » One of the numerous Mike Shanahan defensive personnel mistakes in Denver (Dale Carter was another; he’d be No. 6). Anyway, Gardner received a seven-year, $34.8 million deal and a $5 million bonus (after a good season with Washington). His back acted up, he was suspended twice, played in just five games and was cut after one season.
