While NFL quarterbacks have commanded most of the contract attention this offseason, there are a plethora of wide receivers up for extensions.
The New York Giants Victor Cruz was the first domino to fall when he became the league’s highest paid slot receiver after signing a six-year, $45 million deal ($14 million guaranteed). Some would qualify that as a bargain considering Cruz totaled a prolific 2,628 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Yet, regardless of one’s opinion on his financial gains, he still got paid.
If a former undrafted free agent—one that will turn 27 in November, no less—received such a lengthy deal, who’s next on the list of most deserving wide receivers? There surely exist younger and equally productive players at the position, no?
Let’s now highlight the top five wideouts that are up for contract extensions.
5. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Oh, how injuries derail contract years.
Crabtree finally capitalized on his extensive talents in 2012 when he set career highs with 85 catches for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. He and Colin Kaepernick established a quarterback-wide receiver connection that few other tandems matched.
He was as proficient as anyone in the game at moving the chains and led the NFL with an average of 6.4 YAC per reception among receivers with at least 65 catches.
But, alas, Crabtree tore his right Achilles tendon during 49ers Organized Team Activities. He suffered one of the most devastating injuries just when he was primed for a top-three season.
Crabtree has earned an extension based on steadily improved performance, a breakout season last year and the scant two years remaining on his rookie deal. Kaepernick would certainly agree.
The problematic dynamic in this case is Crabtree’s history of holding out. Many feel that he’ll demand substantial dollars that will exceed the value that the ever fiscally responsible 49ers management places on him.
But with a 2013 campaign in question, No. 15 might have to earn his keep in 2014 anyways. We’ll check back one year from now on what will materialize as quite the newsworthy contract negotiation.
4. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
If past off-the-field issues occurred more in the present time, this selection would garner considerable outrage.
Thankfully for one Dez Bryant, this is not the case.
Bryant has steadily improved his gridiron production since entering the league in 2010. His receptions, receiving yards, yards per catch and touchdowns have all increased in successive years.
Last season was the relative pinnacle of his heretofore brief career. Bryant registered 92 catches for 1,382 yards (15.0 yard per catch) and 12 touchdowns. He consistently showcased his All-World talent and easily became the Cowboys No. 1 WR.
Not only that, he was second in TD catches among all NFL wideouts.
The 6’2’’, 225-pound former Oklahoma St. standout has two years and a little more than $6 million left on his rookie deal. Knowing Miles Austin’s propensity for injury-plagued seasons and the lack of WR depth otherwise, the Cowboys would be wise in extending Bryant.
We just recommend he maintain his good behavior and reduce his number of drops.
3. Julio Jones/Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
The third entry in this discussion easily garners the most intrigue.
Jones and White form the most dominant wide receiver duo in the NFL. They have combined for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns since 2011. Both have massively strong frames and consistently exploit defensive backs in coverage.
That said, there also exists a distinctive element in each of these wideouts.
White is the consummate possessions receiver. He’s averaged 102 catches the past three seasons, including an NFL-high 115 in 2010. His 1,351 yards in 2012 was just below his career-high that occurred in the middle of six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Jones, for his part, represents the playmaking, downfield threat for the Atlanta Falcons. His 6’3’’ frame and astonishing 4.34-speed make him the dynamic target every big-armed quarterback desires. He and Matt Ryan hooked up for 10 touchdowns last year and nearly 500 yards after the catch.
The pertinent question, then, is why pair these two in a discussion of contract extensions?
Answer: both become unrestricted free agents in 2015, and both will soon be paid.
White will come off a six-year, $42 million deal and will be four years past the wrong side of 30 in mid season 2015. Still, he’s every bit deserving of another contract with his established career production. Jones’ rookie $16 million deal expires as well, and he, along with Ryan, represent the future of the Atlanta franchise.
Watch for the former member of the Crimson Tide to ink his extension first, with White following suit shortly thereafter.
2. Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants
It was once said that slot receivers aren’t worth top-flight money. So what about guys on the outside?
Nicks, the X receiver counterpart to Victor Cruz, is a big-bodied four-year veteran who dominated the competition from 2010 -2011. He racked up 2,244 yards and 18 touchdowns using his strong frame, leaping ability and freakishly large hands.
Entering this season, he ranks in the upper echelons of wide receivers with just 18 drops since 2009. Averaging 4.5 per year is really impressive—especially when considering the 436 times he’s been targeted over his career.
Nick regrettably finds himself in the final year of his five-year, $12 million deal. He’ll be playing this season under a contract that will pay him a mere $3.7 million. That’s rather insulting for a receiver of his stature.
The issue with Nicks, unfortunately, is his lack of durability. He’s never played a full 16-game season, including three no-shows last year. That’s precisely why he didn’t earn the top spot on this list.
Either way, the Giants need to pay up—Nicks is just too good and is simply a rare commodity. Eli Manning needs No. 88 streaking down the sideline and catching loft balls in the end zone.
1. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
The tallest man among this top five rightfully earns the No. 1 spot.
The fourth overall pick from the 2011 NFL draft has done nothing but cruise past would-be cover defenders since Day 1. Green has eclipsed the 1,000-yard threshold each season and took on the double-digit touchdown mark last year with 11.
The reputable stat masters at Pro Football Focus nominated Green as the No. 8 WR among the 105 polled. That lofty ranking included—in addition to his receiving accomplishments—a top-six rating in overall blocking performance, indicating the complete nature of Green’s skill set. It is one that also consists of precise route running, ideal length and elite ball skills.
As with Jones in Atlanta, Green’s career trajectory points very much upwards. We project a 2013 stat line featuring 1,400 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, easily making him one of the NFL’s most productive wideouts.
Playing for a criminal $5.3 million this season and $6.2 million in 2014 just isn’t commensurate with Green’s status—he has simply outplayed his rookie deal. The fact that inferior receivers Santonio Holmes and Pierre Garcon will earn more than Green further illustrates this contractual travesty.
Bengals management will soon realize the need to compensate its 6’4’’ standing, big-play No. 1 wide receiver with an appropriate contract extension.
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