Free Agent WRs (1 Viewer)

[ChuckLiddell]

Three big time free agent WRs are likely to hit the open market this offseason (barring franchise tags). They are all very good WRs, but of the 3, which would you prefer for your real team, and why?Jennings - The most decorated of the trio, but will turn 30 next season, and is coming off 2 straight injury-riddled seasons. When healthy, he does everything very well. Average size (5'11, 200). Probably will sign for the most affordable contract.Bowe - Well rounded, but may lack that 3rd gear that the other two have demonstrated in making the big play, and stretching defenses. Has only had one monster season, but has played with pretty horrid QBs. Great size for a WR (6'2, 220). Turns 29 next season. Has been very healthy for his entire career.Wallace - Easily the biggest deep threat of the 3, and also the youngest (27 next season). Hands are not as reliable as the other 2, and is pretty average at everything other than going deep - where he is an absolute monster. Average size (6'0, 200). Will probably be the most expensive of the 3. Has been very healthy.Personally, I think any of of these guys would make a great addition for a team in need of a WR. Playing NFL GM - If you needed a WR and could only sign one, how would you rank them? Any clear favorites?

 

[Awful Waffle]

I'd take Bowe since he compliments the speed of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. But if Chip Kelly wants ALL THE SPEED, then Mike Wallace is the guy.

 

[doowain]

I'd expect Bowe to get the biggest contract.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I think you have to add Victor Cruz to the list as an RFA. Some teams might be inclined to fork over a #1 draft pick for his rights.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

biggest upgrade in QB is likely to be Bowe.

 

[Meecrob]

Would love to see any of the 3 as a Texan. If I had to pick it would be Jennings as he will probably come cheapest and has the most "all around" game of the 3.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

I'd expect Bowe to get the biggest contract.

Probably true.Just saw a stat where Jennings lead the entire league in 40+ yard plays from 2007-2011. Health has become an issue though.

 

[menobrown]

Why only mention these 3 and not guys like Harvin and Welker?Out of the 3 you mentioned I'd bet the farm that Wallace is the highest paid and most sought after. I think WR's that can take the top off of defenses are just more in demand. I think Jennings is easily the least paid but luckily for him he's that Old Spice gig to make some additional money.Not to contradict myself but I think Harvin ends up being the highest paid FA WR.He's not a take the top off guy like Wallace but he does stretch the field in a different way and he's just an explosive player who would add a ton to any offense. And of course he's a good deal younger than the rest of this group.Scary thought. I read a Vikings beat writer last week mention that Bill Belichick is in love with Harvin. On one hand that does not mean to much since most head coaches would probably be in love with Harvin but with Welker hitting FA again can you just imagine that Patriots offense with Harvin in the slot?

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Why only mention these 3 and not guys like Harvin and Welker?Out of the 3 you mentioned I'd bet the farm that Wallace is the highest paid and most sought after. I think WR's that can take the top off of defenses are just more in demand. I think Jennings is easily the least paid but luckily for him he's that Old Spice gig to make some additional money.Not to contradict myself but I think Harvin ends up being the highest paid FA WR.He's not a take the top off guy like Wallace but he does stretch the field in a different way and he's just an explosive player who would add a ton to any offense. And of course he's a good deal younger than the rest of this group.Scary thought. I read a Vikings beat writer last week mention that Bill Belichick is in love with Harvin. On one hand that does not mean to much since most head coaches would probably be in love with Harvin but with Welker hitting FA again can you just imagine that Patriots offense with Harvin in the slot?

I'd take Harvin over almost any WR not named Calvin, AJ, Julio, or Demaryius, but I dont think he will be an unrestricted FA. You are gonna have to part with a high draft pick to get him. Not sure what the deal is with Welker. If he is unrestricted, then I guess you can add him to this list, but for me he would be a distant 4th choice due to age (32 next season).I think the 3 I listed are the 3 that will most likely be unrestricted, although it remains a possibility that any could be hit with the franchise tag.I agree with that Wallace will fetch the highest payday. He is the youngest of the 3, and 4.33 speed can have such a huge impact on an offense if properly used. I know he drops a few passes, but he has decent hands, and decent hands plus a healthy track record combined with crazy speed and youth should equal a monster contract - along the lines of Vincent Jackson's contract.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Percy Harvin's contract details...

8/2/2009: Signed a five-year, $12.05 million contract. The deal contains $8.425 million guaranteed, including a $2,158,500 roster bonus in the third season. Another $2.2 million is available through incentives. Harvin is eligible for annual workout bonuses of $27,500 throughout the contract's life. 2013: $1.55 million, 2014: Free Agent

 

[lbouchard]

Of the three, I'd take Bowe and not think twice

 

[Psychopav]

Another way to look at it: which one is the best "sell high" candidate for a dynasty team?

 

[menobrown]

Why only mention these 3 and not guys like Harvin and Welker?Out of the 3 you mentioned I'd bet the farm that Wallace is the highest paid and most sought after. I think WR's that can take the top off of defenses are just more in demand. I think Jennings is easily the least paid but luckily for him he's that Old Spice gig to make some additional money.Not to contradict myself but I think Harvin ends up being the highest paid FA WR.He's not a take the top off guy like Wallace but he does stretch the field in a different way and he's just an explosive player who would add a ton to any offense. And of course he's a good deal younger than the rest of this group.Scary thought. I read a Vikings beat writer last week mention that Bill Belichick is in love with Harvin. On one hand that does not mean to much since most head coaches would probably be in love with Harvin but with Welker hitting FA again can you just imagine that Patriots offense with Harvin in the slot?

I'd take Harvin over almost any WR not named Calvin, AJ, Julio, or Demaryius, but I dont think he will be an unrestricted FA. You are gonna have to part with a high draft pick to get him. Not sure what the deal is with Welker. If he is unrestricted, then I guess you can add him to this list, but for me he would be a distant 4th choice due to age (32 next season).I think the 3 I listed are the 3 that will most likely be unrestricted, although it remains a possibility that any could be hit with the franchise tag.I agree with that Wallace will fetch the highest payday. He is the youngest of the 3, and 4.33 speed can have such a huge impact on an offense if properly used. I know he drops a few passes, but he has decent hands, and decent hands plus a healthy track record combined with crazy speed and youth should equal a monster contract - along the lines of Vincent Jackson's contract.

My bad, are right on Harvin, he's not a FA. This blurb from Roto below confused me as it states he's probably played his last game as a Viking. But I just read the attached article and it's the beat writer opining that if they can't reach a long term deal with him they might trade him, but he's not free to leave.According to 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, the Vikings' intention was never for Percy Harvin to play out the fifth and final year of his rookie contract without an extension.The Vikings habitually address expiring contracts a year early for top players. Judd Zulgad of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities believes Harvin has played his last game in Minnesota after adopting Randy Moss' world view over the past couple of years. Zulgad fully expects the Patriots to go after Harvin if he hits the trade market. Bill Belichick "loves Percy," adds Zulgad. Jan 11 - 11:00 AM

 

[Nucker101]

Depends on your team needs IMO, Wallace is personally my favourite WR(not saying he's the best) of the three and he's the most valuable to a team that needs a deep threat at WR to spread the field and could work well with a QB that has a big arm in an aggressive offense.

 

[meyerj31]

I think you have to add Victor Cruz to the list as an RFA. Some teams might be inclined to fork over a #1 draft pick for his rights.

No NFL team is giving a #1 draft pick AND a monster contract to a wide receiver. There is no receiver worth that in the league, except MAYBE for Calvin. That kind of move destroys salary caps and tanks young blood into the team. Doesn't make any sense at all with the way the cap works. They can use that #1 pick on one of the best young talents in college and pay them a rookie scale for the next 5 years. You're getting 5-10 times the bang for your buck using that pick on another position. Today's cap game is all about value, and what you are describing is a horrible value relative to what they could do instead.I don't think people really understand the way the NFL works with these kind of comments.

 

[jonboltz]

Another way to look at it: which one is the best "sell high" candidate for a dynasty team?

I think Jennings and Wallace are Holds; while Bowe is a buy.

 

[doowain]

Percy Harvin's contract details...

8/2/2009: Signed a five-year, $12.05 million contract. The deal contains $8.425 million guaranteed, including a $2,158,500 roster bonus in the third season. Another $2.2 million is available through incentives. Harvin is eligible for annual workout bonuses of $27,500 throughout the contract's life. 2013: $1.55 million, 2014: Free Agent

So you're saying he's severely underpaid. No wonder he wants that new contract.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I think you have to add Victor Cruz to the list as an RFA. Some teams might be inclined to fork over a #1 draft pick for his rights.

No NFL team is giving a #1 draft pick AND a monster contract to a wide receiver. There is no receiver worth that in the league, except MAYBE for Calvin. That kind of move destroys salary caps and tanks young blood into the team. Doesn't make any sense at all with the way the cap works. They can use that #1 pick on one of the best young talents in college and pay them a rookie scale for the next 5 years.I don't think people really understand the way the NFL works with these kind of comments.

Slow down, hoss. It depends on what you mean by "monster". All it has to be is bigger than what the Giants are willing to offer and one that the player will accept. And from what I could find, if Cruz receives a "first round" restricted free-agent tender in 2013, he'll earn around $3.419 million over the next two seasons. That's nowhere near "monster".The "monster" part is on the Giants side. If the Giants place the franchise tag on Cruz in 2013, he'll make around $10.232 million over that span. For a team like, say, Seattle or Houston that could really use a player like Cruz RIGHT NOW, that's a better investment to make than rolling the dice on a college kid that may or may not produce.

 

[jonboltz]

I think you have to add Victor Cruz to the list as an RFA. Some teams might be inclined to fork over a #1 draft pick for his rights.

No NFL team is giving a #1 draft pick AND a monster contract to a wide receiver. There is no receiver worth that in the league, except MAYBE for Calvin. That kind of move destroys salary caps and tanks young blood into the team. Doesn't make any sense at all with the way the cap works. They can use that #1 pick on one of the best young talents in college and pay them a rookie scale for the next 5 years.I don't think people really understand the way the NFL works with these kind of comments.

Slow down, hoss. It depends on what you mean by "monster". All it has to be is bigger than what the Giants are willing to offer and one that the player will accept. And from what I could find, if Cruz receives a "first round" restricted free-agent tender in 2013, he'll earn around $3.419 million over the next two seasons. That's nowhere near "monster".The "monster" part is on the Giants side. If the Giants place the franchise tag on Cruz in 2013, he'll make around $10.232 million over that span. For a team like, say, Seattle or Houston that could really use a player like Cruz RIGHT NOW, that's a better investment to make than rolling the dice on a college kid that may or may not produce.

The Giants would have right of first refusal on Cruz, so you'd likely have to sign him to a fairly large contact for them to pass on matching it.

 

[Steed]

I think you have to add Victor Cruz to the list as an RFA. Some teams might be inclined to fork over a #1 draft pick for his rights.

No NFL team is giving a #1 draft pick AND a monster contract to a wide receiver. There is no receiver worth that in the league, except MAYBE for Calvin. That kind of move destroys salary caps and tanks young blood into the team. Doesn't make any sense at all with the way the cap works. They can use that #1 pick on one of the best young talents in college and pay them a rookie scale for the next 5 years. You're getting 5-10 times the bang for your buck using that pick on another position. Today's cap game is all about value, and what you are describing is a horrible value relative to what they could do instead.I don't think people really understand the way the NFL works with these kind of comments.

Exactly the reason why Wallace wasn't moved last year, despite many on these boards thinking it was a good move for another team to sign him to an offer sheet.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Giants would have right of first refusal on Cruz, so you'd likely have to sign him to a fairly large contact for them to pass on matching it.

Yeah, I got my points mixed up there. Bottom line is that I'm saying it's not a slam dunk trueism that no team is going to give up a pick and monster money to a guy that could be a tremendous difference maker to them.Anyway, I think the point is moot since I think Cruz will remain a Giant.

 

[Lord Fantasy]

If I were playing GM I'd take whichever one can be had for the least amount of money and save my dollars for either franchise QB or defensive players who can handle the franchise QBs of my competition (and especially players like RGIII, Wilson and Kaep). In fact, given the recent failures of holdouts like MJD and Wallace (not to mention the overpaying for Meachem) I wonder if any WR is going to get a big contract this off season.Then again I'm not a crazy billionaire who likes shiny new toys . . .

 

[Andy Dufresne]

There are some WR needy teams with ridiculous amounts of cap space.

 

[doowain]

There are some WR needy teams with ridiculous amounts of cap space.

Yup. Bengals have a ton of cap space and a big need at WR.

 

[Awful Waffle]

I think Jennings to the Dolphins is a done deal. They need a #1 WR and he's obviously familiar with Joe Philbin.Mike Wallace to the Colts as their deep threat seems like a good idea. Good complement for Reggie Wayne and he has ties with Bruce Arians, his former OC. But even if Arians leaves, it makes sense.Bowe could go a number of places, though. Probably the highest bidder.

 

[Kleck]

I think Wallace will get the biggest contract. I'd rank him behind Bowe and Jennings as far as an all-around WR, but he the youngest and is the most dangerous. Also a huge bonus for what he does to help the running game by drawing DBs deep and often getting them to play back on him.

 

[cstu]

I think you have to add Victor Cruz to the list as an RFA. Some teams might be inclined to fork over a #1 draft pick for his rights.

No NFL team is giving a #1 draft pick AND a monster contract to a wide receiver. There is no receiver worth that in the league, except MAYBE for Calvin. That kind of move destroys salary caps and tanks young blood into the team. Doesn't make any sense at all with the way the cap works. They can use that #1 pick on one of the best young talents in college and pay them a rookie scale for the next 5 years. You're getting 5-10 times the bang for your buck using that pick on another position. Today's cap game is all about value, and what you are describing is a horrible value relative to what they could do instead.I don't think people really understand the way the NFL works with these kind of comments.

The 49ers took A.J. Jenkins in the 1st and paid Manningham a nice chunk of charge - don't you think they would have been better off with Cruz instead?

 

[Warrior]

Bowe should and will get the biggest deal. Wallace was exposed this year and Jennings has health concerns.Bowe..Jennings...Wallace

 

[jonboltz]

I think you have to add Victor Cruz to the list as an RFA. Some teams might be inclined to fork over a #1 draft pick for his rights.

No NFL team is giving a #1 draft pick AND a monster contract to a wide receiver. There is no receiver worth that in the league, except MAYBE for Calvin. That kind of move destroys salary caps and tanks young blood into the team. Doesn't make any sense at all with the way the cap works. They can use that #1 pick on one of the best young talents in college and pay them a rookie scale for the next 5 years. You're getting 5-10 times the bang for your buck using that pick on another position. Today's cap game is all about value, and what you are describing is a horrible value relative to what they could do instead.I don't think people really understand the way the NFL works with these kind of comments.

The 49ers took A.J. Jenkins in the 1st and paid Manningham a nice chunk of charge - don't you think they would have been better off with Cruz instead?

I'd cost a whole lot more than the $3.2M guaranteed that they paid Manningham to cause the Giants to decline to match.

 

[NeonDeion21]

Depends on what my team needs. If I have a #1 WR on my team, Wallace is a lock for me. Deep threat who forces safeties off the LOS. Very hard to double the other WR when he is on the field.If I need a #1 WR I go with Bowe because he has the size and physicality that I want as my teams #1 wide out.

 

[Rick James]

Mike Wallace would make the Atlanta offense deadly, but that's a pipe dream...

 

[KellysHeroes]

I'd expect Bowe to get the biggest contract.

KC isn't going to let him leave.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'd expect Bowe to get the biggest contract.

KC isn't going to let him leave.

They're not?

 

[scrumptrulescent]

I think Jennings to the Dolphins is a done deal. They need a #1 WR and he's obviously familiar with Joe Philbin.Mike Wallace to the Colts as their deep threat seems like a good idea. Good complement for Reggie Wayne and he has ties with Bruce Arians, his former OC. But even if Arians leaves, it makes sense.Bowe could go a number of places, though. Probably the highest bidder.

I don't think Jennings to Miami would be a good fit. Some team that already has another solid/great WR should swoop in and grab Jennings. Houston, Minnesota, Arizona, or maybe Detroit come to mind. Jennings is really good at everything but not great at anything. Favre and Rodgers helped make him look great. Wallace to Miami makes more sense to me.I think Bowe stays in KC.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I think Jennings to the Dolphins is a done deal. They need a #1 WR and he's obviously familiar with Joe Philbin.Mike Wallace to the Colts as their deep threat seems like a good idea. Good complement for Reggie Wayne and he has ties with Bruce Arians, his former OC. But even if Arians leaves, it makes sense.Bowe could go a number of places, though. Probably the highest bidder.

I don't think Jennings to Miami would be a good fit. Some team that already has another solid/great WR should swoop in and grab Jennings. Houston, Minnesota, Arizona, or maybe Detroit come to mind. Jennings is really good at everything but not great at anything. Favre and Rodgers helped make him look great. Wallace to Miami makes more sense to me.I think Bowe stays in KC.

Jennings would be great in Detroit but I don't see the cap space this year.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

I think Jennings to the Dolphins is a done deal. They need a #1 WR and he's obviously familiar with Joe Philbin.Mike Wallace to the Colts as their deep threat seems like a good idea. Good complement for Reggie Wayne and he has ties with Bruce Arians, his former OC. But even if Arians leaves, it makes sense.Bowe could go a number of places, though. Probably the highest bidder.

I don't think Jennings to Miami would be a good fit. Some team that already has another solid/great WR should swoop in and grab Jennings. Houston, Minnesota, Arizona, or maybe Detroit come to mind. Jennings is really good at everything but not great at anything. Favre and Rodgers helped make him look great. Wallace to Miami makes more sense to me.I think Bowe stays in KC.

Jennings would be great in Detroit but I don't see the cap space this year.

They can make it happen, it's just a matter of how bad they want to win. Lions fans and ownership are not happy at all with the major step back this year. The pressure is on to win right now.

 

[donkshow]

Bowe is the best WR. I'd want him.

 

[LOCO]

Wallace to the Texans. Make it happen.

 

[Two Deep]

I think you have to add Victor Cruz to the list as an RFA. Some teams might be inclined to fork over a #1 draft pick for his rights.

No NFL team is giving a #1 draft pick AND a monster contract to a wide receiver. There is no receiver worth that in the league, except MAYBE for Calvin. That kind of move destroys salary caps and tanks young blood into the team. Doesn't make any sense at all with the way the cap works. They can use that #1 pick on one of the best young talents in college and pay them a rookie scale for the next 5 years.I don't think people really understand the way the NFL works with these kind of comments.

Slow down, hoss. It depends on what you mean by "monster". All it has to be is bigger than what the Giants are willing to offer and one that the player will accept. And from what I could find, if Cruz receives a "first round" restricted free-agent tender in 2013, he'll earn around $3.419 million over the next two seasons. That's nowhere near "monster".The "monster" part is on the Giants side. If the Giants place the franchise tag on Cruz in 2013, he'll make around $10.232 million over that span. For a team like, say, Seattle or Houston that could really use a player like Cruz RIGHT NOW, that's a better investment to make than rolling the dice on a college kid that may or may not produce.

Victor Cruz is a product of Eli Manning, just like Steve Smith before him. You put Cruz on Seattle and you have Golden Tate. IMO

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Victor Cruz is a product of Eli Manning, just like Steve Smith before him. You put Cruz on Seattle and you have Golden Tate. IMO

What about Eli Manning makes this so?And I think it could be argued that Wilson might be a better QB than Manning. At least as good.

 

[Two Deep]

Victor Cruz is a product of Eli Manning, just like Steve Smith before him. You put Cruz on Seattle and you have Golden Tate. IMO

What about Eli Manning makes this so?And I think it could be argued that Wilson might be a better QB than Manning. At least as good.

Well when I say Eli, I mean Eli and the system. He/They throw a #### load. Look at the stats below; the years played, and the comparison to the players he came in the league with.NFL Active Pass Attempts Leaders

Rank Player (age), + - HOFer, Bold - Active Att Years Teams

1. Peyton Manning (35) 7,793 1998-2012 2TM

2. Drew Brees (32) 6,149 2001-2012 2TM

3. Tom Brady (34) 5,958 2000-2012 nwe

4. Matt Hasselbeck (36) 5,018 1999-2012 3TM

5. Eli Manning (30) 4,457 2004-2012 nyg

6. Carson Palmer (32) 4,110 2004-2012 2TM

7. Ben Roethlisberger (29) 3,762 2004-2012 pit

8. Philip Rivers (30) 3,564 2004-2012 sdg

9. Tony Romo (31) 3,240 2004-2012

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Well when I say Eli, I mean Eli and the system. He/They throw a #### load. Look at the stats below; the years played, and the comparison to the players he came in the league with.

Okay. Who's to say that they throw a lot because they have good guys to throw TO? And if said guys went to another team that that team would be enabled to throw more as well?

 

[Jason Wood]

I concur with others that Bowe is the gem of that trio. Would love to see him on a team with a great QB and a pass happy attack.

 

[Two Deep]

Well when I say Eli, I mean Eli and the system. He/They throw a #### load. Look at the stats below; the years played, and the comparison to the players he came in the league with.

Okay. Who's to say that they throw a lot because they have good guys to throw TO? And if said guys went to another team that that team would be enabled to throw more as well?

Very seldom in my opinion does the receiver make the quarterback.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Well when I say Eli, I mean Eli and the system. He/They throw a #### load. Look at the stats below; the years played, and the comparison to the players he came in the league with.

Okay. Who's to say that they throw a lot because they have good guys to throw TO? And if said guys went to another team that that team would be enabled to throw more as well?

Very seldom in my opinion does the receiver make the quarterback.

In general, I agree. A WR can't make a bad QB good. But they can make an okay one better.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Well when I say Eli, I mean Eli and the system. He/They throw a #### load. Look at the stats below; the years played, and the comparison to the players he came in the league with.

Okay. Who's to say that they throw a lot because they have good guys to throw TO? And if said guys went to another team that that team would be enabled to throw more as well?

Very seldom in my opinion does the receiver make the quarterback.

In general, I agree. A WR can't make a bad QB good. But they can make an okay one better.

Randy Moss did it for Culpepper, George, Johnson, and Cunningham.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

WallaceBoweJennings

 

[Abraham]

Another way to look at it: which one is the best "sell high" candidate for a dynasty team?

I think Jennings and Wallace are Holds; while Bowe is a buy.

Agree . Dwayne Bowe has been servicable with crap at QB. The other two have had some of the best passers in the league tossing them the ball. Wallace and Jennings aren't likely to ever produce better in new situations than where they have been. Bowe's best production may still be in front of him.

 

[tietzjd]

BOWE to MINN --- Please?