NFL Offseason: Free Agent Wide Receivers

We're now in the middle of February which generally marks the dark times of the NFL Offseason as Free Agency and Trading do not begin for another month. Then there's the NFL draft that, despite the fact that Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay would have you believe is right around the corner, doesn't occur for 10 more weeks. This is the time where ESPN is forced to pump us with filler as they try to find how many different iterations of things like "team needs" and "cap space" that can pack into their broadcasts and website. This hasn't even begun to hit on this the Peyton Manning saga where we have a daily update of NOTHING on whether or not he will stay with the Colts. This is the spiritual successor to the tradition started by Brett Favre several years ago after his retirement from the Packers, then subsequent retirement from the Jets an then subsequent speculation on will he retire again. In short this time of year sucks.

As Free Agency is the closest impending event, it's the best subject for a blog post, or whatever. The most intriguing part of this year's class is the amount of talent that may be available at WR. Receivers are going to be in demand in March considering how last season showed how fully immersed the NFL was in the new "age of the pass" and many teams will be looking to improve their receiving corps. They'll have that opportunity with guys like Vincent Jackson, Marques Colston, Dwayne Bowe and to a lesser extent Mario Manningham, Stevie Johnson and Brandon Lloyd. There is also a distinct possibility that speedsters DeSean Jackson (most likely through trade) and Mike Wallace (restricted free agent) might also be available.

To me the two Jacksons are the most interesting candidates. At 6'5" 230lbs Vincent Jackson has at times looked like the most dominant physical receiver in the league. However he has battled with team management and coaches as well as his own injuries over the past few years and his potential has never fully been realized, despite posting over 1,000 yards in 3 of the last 4 years. His size and strength combined with his verticality make him a prime talent for teams looking for a big time target downfield. The Philadelphia Eagles might be a serious suitor, especially depending on what they do with DeSean Jackson. D-Jax has been one of the most dynamic downfield threats since he came into the NFL, dazzling as both a deep threat and punt returner. He broke the single-season record for TDs over 50 yards in 2009 and became the first player ever to start the Pro Bowl at 2 different positions. Jackson took a step back in the Eagles 2011 debacle. He was unhappy with his contract ($560,000) and held out at the beginning at training camp before rejoining the team. Jackson's contract concerns bled through into the season however as Jackson's toughness and heart were questioned. The Eagles won't let Jackson simply walk and are expected to slap the franchise tag on him that will pay him about $9.5 Million in 2011. From there they can either trade him or try and sign him long term, I don't see him playing for a 1-year, non-guaranteed deal despite the large payout. If the Eagles can't reach a deal with Jackson expect a number of teams to come calling with trade proposals.

As for the rest of the receivers on this list I think Dwayne Bowe may be the biggest steal for a team. Bowe has been incredibly productive for the Chiefs since he came into the league, an extraordinary feat considering the best QB that threw to him was Matt Cassel. Cassel is straight-up a terrible downfield passer and would be even worse if didn't have Bowe as a target. Anyone who has played in a fantasy league with me over the past 4 years know I swear by Dwayne Bowe and if he can manage a way to land himself on a team with a strong-armed QB he could be vaulted into the highest echelon of NFL recivers.