Heading into the draft this week we are left with a pool of free agent Wide Receivers. These receivers will likely plug roster gaps for teams still in need after the draft. Each of these aging wide receivers will come at a significant discount due to the lack of production each of these former super stars have had as of late. None of these receivers will likely be a top option for any team they join but each has the potential to carve out a significant role in the offense.
Dez Bryant:
- San Francisco 49ers –Considering San Francisco currently has Pierre Garcon in the slot, Marquise Goodwin as a big play/ deep threat, this team could really use a possession/ red zone receiver. The amount of cap space The 49ers have makes this move a very low risk acquisition.
- Indianapolis Colts: T.Y Hilton is known to have very low touchdown totals and the previous red zone option (Donte Moncrief) has moved on to Jacksonville. Andrew Luck should have a ton of rust to shake off so supplying him with another weapon will be in the best interest of The Colts.
- New York Giants: Don’t underestimate Dez’ ability to bring his emotions onto the field. A payback scenario is very likely. His goal was to remain in the NFC East to have two revenge games this season. New York is the most likely NFC East landing spot.
Brandon Marshall:
- New England Patriots: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. That has been a tactic that The Patriots
have used for the receiver position historically and Brandon Marshall could be their next target. Marshall wants to get a ring and was willing to take a pay cut to stay in New York. It would not be surprising to see him take less money to play for the league’s most successful team. - New York Jets: This would be a combination of not having to uproot and move across the country as well as New York’s severe lack of receiving talent. The last successful season Marshall had was for The Jets and reuniting with veteran QB Josh McCown could be the icing on the cake.
Jeremy Maclin:
- Dallas Cowboys: Maclin still has the talent to be a consistent performer in the league. He is surprisingly on the young side compared to the other players on this list. His crisp routes and strength from the slot make him a perfect match with the skill set of third year QB Dak Prescott.
- Buffalo Bills: After the news broke that Tyrod Taylor was traded to The Browns, we knew that The Bills are going to draft a quarterback. The last thing that you want to do is give your young quarterback no help at the receiver position. We saw what happened last year with Mitch Trubisky.
- Tennessee Titans: Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews and Jeremy Maclin actually sounds like a respectable receiving duo. The Titans have loads of cap space and Maclin won’t be asking for top 15 money. Maclin’s strength from the slot could fill the roster gap that Eric Decker was supposed to fill.
Eric Decker:
- New York Jets: Eric Decker was a star in New York, giving them some of his best years. I may be in the minority but I still believe Decker has some gas left in the tank. McCown was having one of his best seasons last year with less receiving weapons then he arguably has ever had. This brings a ton of upside if Decker does make the return trip to New York.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans and Desean Jackson are a great receiving duo. Neither player is primarily strong from the slot. Decker could be the safety valve that allows Jameis Winston to take that next step in his career. He would likely be a role player with very modest production but the value he would provide would be worth every penny.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: We saw the Jaguars happily release their two best wide receivers in Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. Previously they were thought to be the next Kenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith, now each can be seen in different uniforms. What’s left is a mixed bag of high upside young receivers. The addition of Decker could provide the veteran leadership that could mold these young receiver’s into consistent play makers.
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