For several players, the free-agency market for receivers has been better than expected. For others, it’s been worse.
Randall Cobb got $10 million per year to stay with the Packers, and Jeremy Maclin will be paid $11 million per year to go to the Chiefs. Torrey Smith parlayed a so-so contract year into $8 million annually from the 49ers.
Other receivers with recognizable names are still waiting. Some have essentially disappeared from view. Per a league source, there’s currently little or no market for 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree and Colts receiver Hakeem Nicks. Likewise, Colts receiver Reggie Wayne has been MIA throughout the first seven days of free agency.
Ditto for Wes Welker. One of the top slot receivers of the past generation has generated no buzz since hitting the market, two years after he famously left the Patriots for the Broncos.
The lack of interest flows in part from the trend toward young receivers making an immediate impact. With cheaper options available, veteran receivers eventually may have to settle for a one-year minimum deal. At that rate, it simply may not be worth it to keep playing.