With the NFL Combine proceedings underway, the discussion about what will happen when free agency opens on March 10th is ramping up. While this class of free agents is as loaded as any in recent memory, there are certain positions that stand out and wide receiver is one of them.
There is no doubt that the NFL has become a passing league, and as such play-making pass catchers are a hotly valued commodity. As it stands currently, some truly elite wideouts are without contracts for next season and preparing to hit the open market in a few short weeks. With that in mind let’s take a look at the top free agent wide receivers of 2015.
NFL Free Agency: Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
Without question, Dez Bryant is one of the game’s elite pass catchers. An athletic marvel with a propensity for scoring touchdowns (16 last year and 41 over the last three years, both league bests), Bryant is the complete package of what an NFL wideout should be. While the Cowboys are hopeful to agree to a long-term deal with the 2010 first round pick, recent reports indicate that Bryant will receive the franchise tag before the March 2nd deadline in the event that no deal can be worked out.
While the tag’s value for a wide receiver is expected to be approximately $12.8 million this year, the club simply has to hold onto their All-Pro player. Make no mistake about it, Bryant will be a Dallas Cowboy in 2015 and beyond as the 26-year-old superstar adds to his impressive totals.
Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
In Demaryius Thomas, we have another 2010 first rounder without a contract as free agency approaches. As remarkable a talent as Bryant is, Thomas is just as spectacular. He is coming off three brilliant seasons in which he never recorded fewer than 92 catches, 1,430 receiving yards, and ten touchdowns. That’s obscene.
Playing with Peyton Manning is always a stat booster, but that’s really a moot point here. Thomas would dominate with any quarterback. At age 27, Thomas is due a big-money deal, but with that said, he finds himself in a very similar situation to Bryant as reports indicate he is likely to receive the franchise tag in the next two weeks. Also similar to Bryant, this is merely a stop-gap situation. A long-term deal is on the way.
Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Here is where things start to get interesting. In 2014, the pieces all came together for Randall Cobb. In his fourth NFL season, he stayed healthy all year while carving out a consistent role in the Packers offense, and the results were sensational. Cobb caught 91 passes for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns in his contract year, and now is in line to be compensated for his production.
What makes the 24-year-old Cobb’s situation different than that of the aforementioned wideouts is that Cobb isn’t the number one receiver on his own team. Rumors indicate that Cobb is seeking approximately $9 million annually, which is certainly reasonable for a player with his resume and youth, but the Packers are already paying Jordy Nelson in the neighborhood of $10 million a year and might not want to devote that kind of capital to another pass-catcher. It will be an interesting situation to watch unfold over the coming weeks.
Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
Like Cobb, it all came together beautifully for 2009 first rounder Jeremy Maclin in his contract season. After years of injuries and other issues, Maclin stayed healthy in 2014 and realized the immense potential he had flashed in previous years, finishing with 85 catches for 1,318 yards and ten touchdowns in Chip Kelly’s wide open offense.
Maclin is a perfect fit for Kelly’s scheme and his 2014 production proved it. Maclin has already stated that he wants to be back in Philadelphia next year, but as of yet no deal is in place. At 26 years of age, Maclin has every right to command big money on the open market, and as such the Eagles may have to resort to the franchise tag as well.
Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Torrey Smith will likely be a priority for the Ravens entering free agency as they look to transition from Gary Kubiak’s offense to that of new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman. Trestman’s pass-centric scheme will require a player with Smith’s speed and playmaking ability to stretch defenses in 2015. With that said, it’s unclear if the Ravens are willing to pay Smith the money he might receive on the open market.
Smith saw his reception and yardage totals suffer a bit in 2014, but also scored a career-best 11 touchdowns. It’s possible that the Ravens might let the 26-year-old Smith test the open market and face the consequences of what might happen. The franchise tag doesn’t appear likely here so if no deal is worked out prior to free agency, that is exactly what will happen.
Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Michael Crabtree enters free agency in an interesting situation. Ever since rupturing his Achilles in 2013, Crabtree hasn’t been able to return to form in the 49ers run-based attack. He will certainly be at 100% in 2015, but the question is where will he be playing? Crabtree has shown that he can produce at an elite level, but injuries have plagued him recently and it’s unclear what kind of a market he will face when free agency opens.
A 27-year-old wideout with an 1,100 yard season under his belt should be worth plenty on the open market if no deal can be worked out with the hometown ‘Niners. Either way, Crabtree will certainly be hoping to get back on track next season regardless of what uniform he’s wearing.
Clearly, there are some impact players in this free agent group. Youth, talent, and production are available in spades. While many of these players will be returning to their current clubs, there will be plenty of value to be found at the position on the open market. It all unfolds starting on March 10.
Thanks for reading, everyone.
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