Top 15 worst free agent signings in NFL history

4. Javon Walker, WR, Oakland Raiders

The deal: 6 years, $55 million

Javon Walker was a first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played for the Packers for four seasons before being traded to the Denver Broncos during the 2006 NFL Draft for a high second-round pick. Walker was traded after playing just one game in the 2005 season and entering the final year of his rookie deal.

After being traded to the Denver Broncos, Walker became a household name again during the 2006 season. He was one of the favorite targets of Jake Plummer and had over 1,200 yards from scrimmage with nine total touchdowns (8 receiving, 1 rushing).

Then, tragedy struck.

Just hours into the new year in 2007, Walker’s teammate with the Denver Broncos — Darrent Williams — was killed in a fatal shooting. Walker was not only in the vehicle, but Williams died in his arms, according to Walker’s account. That event undoubtedly took its toll on Walker mentally, physically, and emotionally. It probably goes without saying that playing in Denver after that was hard for him. He ended up only playing eight games in the 2007 season and his productivity dropped off considerably.

The Broncos tried to trade walker in the 2008 offseason, but not successfully. He ended up getting released and signing with the Raiders on a pretty massive six-year deal worth $55 million, $21 million over the first two years.

Walker would go on to play just 11 total games for the Raiders, catching just one touchdown pass.