[Editor's note: This is our eighth and final position
snapshot previewing the 2010 NFL free agency period. Check out the quarterbacks, running backs,
tight
ends, offensive
linemen, defensive
linemen, linebackers
and defensive
backs.]
Top unrestricted free agent wide receivers:
1. Antonio Bryant: Sure, he’s a head case. But he’s a head case in his prime that can stretch the field! Towels not included.
2. Kevin Walter: A solid second receiver or a great number three. Walter has good size, he’ll block, and he’s still young. Bonus points for no headaches.
3. Terrell Owens: The opposite of Kevin Walter: all headaches and in decline. But T.O. can still help a team as a number two if he finds the right fit.
4. Derrick Mason: The Ravens want Mason back, although it’s worth remembering the Patriots tried to sign him the last time he was available.
5. Nate Burleson: Wildly up-and-down career went back up during a contract year. Where the cash at?
6. Chris Chambers: He re-charged his career in Kansas City. Chambers has inconsistent hands, but could make a passable stop-gap number two receiver.
7. Torry Holt: A less acceptable one-year solution. Will he be cool with being a third receiver?
Restricted free agents that are unlikely to change teams:
Vincent Jackson, Miles Austin, Braylon Edwards, Malcom Floyd, Steve Breaston, Jason Avant, Mark Clayton, Lance Moore, Demetrius Williams, Domenik Hixon,
Interesting names that could get cut:
1. Laveranues Coles: Buzz at the scouting combine was that Coles had an uphill battle to make the Bengals.
2. Roy Williams, Cowboys: Actually, Dallas owner Jerry Jones says Williams is safe. But he shouldn’t be.
3. Deion Branch, Seahawks: We think Seattle is just posturing about keeping Branch. And no one is going to trade for him.
Trade Possibilities:
1. Brandon Marshall, Broncos: It will cost a first-round pick, which is a reasonable price for an elite receiver. The bigger question is how Marshall will react to big-time money. His play is certainly worth it.
2. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: Boldin is Marshall four years later, and without the baggage. It only looks like a matter of time before Boldin is moved. We’re not sure he will get the contract he wants because of the punishment he’s taken over the years.
Teams in the market for WRs:
Miami, Buffalo, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Denver, Redskins, Lions, Panthers
How are the Bears not at the top of the list for teams in the market for a receiver. They have none.
@ the Troof -
because they have nothing to offer. Their 1st round pick is already gone, and they can’t sacrifice anymore…especially for a heads case like Marshall or the injury-prone Boldin
This is the first year in got knows how many that the Eagles aren’t on the ‘Teams in the market for WRs:” list.
@bleedgreen:
I agree sir. I would also like to note that despite our depth at WR, some idiot(s) will bash Andy for not trading for Boldin. Who, as GiantsDefenseRules says: is injury prone. And I will agree with you as well sir.
Titans are on this list-
I feel that any team willing to use their first rounder for a WR should strongly consider using it to aquire Marshall cause he is better than anyone else in this years draft(could be wrong of course). Ravens want a Wr than go get him. Texans and Lions should consider Boldin, just imagine a combination of A.Johnson/Boldin or Calvin Johnson/Boldin. In my opinion Texans Should trade for him considering they had their best season last year and getting Boldin could get them in the playoffs.
Bears should definitely be on the list of teams looking for a WR. It’s true they don’t have the draft picks to work a RFA or trade deal, but it is by all means within the realm of possibility that one of the UFA’s listed in this article is wearing a Bears uniform come next fall.
@ Shawn:
The Texans would have a scary 1-2 punch at WR if they got Boldin, but they would be better off re-signing Walter without giving up a draft pick and saving money on the contract. They are a premier RB and a DB or two away from being a real contender.
If a team in the top ten of the draft is considering Dez Bryant, assuming he is still rated that high after his pro day of course, they should trade for Marshall instead. It will be a similar contract for the same draft pick and you know you are getting a great player. (Just make sure the teams facility isn’t close to a McDonald’s)
haha I still think the Eagles should trade for Boldin, that is if we keep McNabb around. Just look at the Dallas game where our young receivers just could not get open for the life of them. I know a year will do a lot for the young guys, but DeSean shut it down in the 3rd quarter, Maclin ran one good route the whole night (the Vick touchdown pass), and Celek wasn’t mentioned once the whole game. Avant has great hands, but with the Eagles axing Curtis and Reggie Brown we need someone for when the two skinny bastards (DeSean and Maclin) go down for a couple games, plus they don’t run inside routes.
I agree that the Bears should on the list. If they get a decent set of WRs, it should:
Open the holes more for Forte.
Give Cutler more time because the defense is forced to be honest on more offensive threats.
Take a good TE tandem and make them even better.
If they are smart (no guarantee there), they could also put Hester’s focus on returns, putting him back as the primary kickoff returner, and being again one of the elite — if not the best — return men in the league.