There is a long list of wide receiver free agents this offseason. There aren’t any real big name superstars on the list but there are certainly some game changers if they are in the right system and can be utilized the correct way. There is a chance that some of these players do not change teams and get re-signed to a new contract which would be good for that team.
This is a passing league and wide receivers are more important than ever. You have to have good hands, quick release, a big frame to go up and get the ball, and more. With the addition of one or two solid receivers on your team, the offense could prosper exponentially. So let’s look at the top wide receivers available this year:
10. Devin Hester, Bears
As a return specialist, Hester may not have the speed and agility that he once had in his younger days. He was never much of a receiver and will be picked up by a team that needs a return man.
Last season, Hester was able to reach over 1,400 return yards on 52 attempts on kickoffs, although he was never able to take one to the house. His only touchdown came on a punt return which came Week 7 against the Redskins.
9. Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers
This young talent has plenty of upside. In Pittsburgh, we all know that is a run first team so Sanders didn’t get to achieve numbers that he would like. But he was still able to bring in six touchdowns and 740 receiving yards. The Steelers would be fools to let him walk because Sanders is still improving and will get better.
8. Riley Cooper, Eagles
Even though there were a lot of preseason issues with Cooper, this was a breakout season for him. It couldn’t have come at a better time since it was his contract year.
When Nick Foles came in as the starter for the Philadelphia Eagles, there seemed to be an immediate connection between him and Cooper.
It is always good to have solid chemistry between receivers and quarterbacks so it would not be good for the Eagles to lose this connection. Especially since it seems that Jeremy Maclin is on the move.
7. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
It is an interesting case with Maclin and the Eagles. He missed the entire season with them due to an injury and his contract has expired. He has been a solid producer for the Eagles and they do need receivers. But according to reports, Maclin seems that he is over Philadelphia and wants to test the market. If he can stay healthy, Maclin will be a good asset in the receiving core.
6. Julian Edelman, Patriots
Edelman was a big part of the Patriots offense when Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola were out with injuries. He was Tom Brady’s go to receiver in the slot and we all know how important slot receivers can be in the NFL. Edelman will get a solid deal but he needs to be utilized the right way for a team to get the most production out of him. An NFL team in need of a slot receiver will get a great deal of production out of Edelman.
5. Golden Tate, Seahawks
Tate has been an under-the-radar type receiver for the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks. The past two seasons he was able to record a total of 12 touchdowns and this past season he was able to catch 41 first down passes which is quite a lot.
He is a very clutch receiver and it would be a shame for the Seahawks to lose a young talent and someone who has great chemistry with his quarterback Russell Wilson.
4. James Jones, Packers
Jones had a season with periodical injuries and didn’t get to perform to his standard with quarterback Aaron Rodgers missing with the second half of the season. He has proven he has the ability to make big plays and will be a solid number two receiver to whoever decides to sign him.
3. Anquan Boldin, 49ers
A lot of people would be worried about Boldin’s age, which is at 33, but he would be an excellent veteran pickup for a team that is looking to get over the hump in the playoffs. Last season Boldin had over 1,000 yards receiving for the sixth time in his career and the first time since 2009 when he was with the Arizona Cardinals. Put him on a pass happy team and Boldin will put up numbers like he was in his mid 20’s.
2. Hakeem Nicks, Giants
Nicks just couldn’t get it going this season. a lot of that had to do with his quarterback Eli Manning throwing tons of interceptions instead of touchdowns to his receivers.
In a good offense, Nicks will definitely return to his form of over 1,000 receiving yards and double digit touchdowns like he did in 2010 for the Giants. Nicks has the ability to be a number one receiver.
1. Eric Decker, Broncos
Decker was very up and down when it came to scoring this season but his number of receptions and yards per game were pretty consistent. He will be one of the more sought out receivers in free agency but I personally think that his ability is overrated due to who was throwing to him in Denver. Peyton Manning can make any receiver look good and I believe that is the case with Decker. A team is going to pay him big money but I do not think the full ability will be there. His best option is to stay in Denver.