ATS Consultants posted on March 02, 2012 11:47
We're less than two weeks away from NFL free agency and teams are still deciding whether to release key players or put franchise tags on their stars. As of Thursday, March 1, here are the top wide receivers that are available. Obviously some are restricted and will be franchised.
Top Wide Receivers
1. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers. Will the Chargers give him a long-term deal? Probably not and it would coast about $14M to franchise him. He's not worth that. He is very talented but has several red flags.
2. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs will probably put the tag on him. He turns 28 in September. He's a big possession receiver who can run.
3. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints. His size and route-running is vital to the Saints’ offense on third down and in the red zone. The Saints’ situation is complicated because they also are trying to negotiate contracts with quarterback Drew Brees and guard Carl Nicks. Colston will likely be gone if they sign Brees.
4. Wes Welker, New England Patriots. New England is wary about spending too much on anyone, including the most prolific slot wide receiver in the NFL. Team officials probably are hesitant to reward Welker with a long-term deal because he’ll turn 31 in May. But the franchise tag is a slam dunk.
5. Stevie Johnson, Buffalo Bills. Johnson is willing to come back at a lower average price than a $9.4 million franchise tag—if it means getting a contract for several years. He turns 26 in July.
Others:
Laurent Robinson
Reggie Wayne
Mario Manningham,
Pierre Garcon
Robert Meachem
Jerome Simpson
Plaxico Burress,
Early Doucet
Andre Caldwell
Roy Williams
Jerricho Cotchery
Eddie Royal
Deion Branch