2008 NFL Free Agency Preview: Wide Receivers
Wide receivers are the divas of the NFL; the graceful playmakers who fantasy owners and NFL fans covet. While many coaches would argue that WR isn’t one of the positions you build a championship team around, few would argue that having elite receivers can help turn an average offense into an explosive one.
This year’s free agent crop of wide receivers is clearly above average, with quite a few potential starters available for the right price.
The Top Wide Receivers on the Market
- Randy Moss (6′4″, 210 pounds, 30 years old) – If it seems incomprehensible that the league’s premier receiver, coming off a record-setting 23 TD season could be a free agent; remember that Moss isn’t typical in any way. Moss gave up a $10mm salary in order to play for the Patriots and resurrect his career and reputation. He played for a $3mm deal (plus $2mm in earned incentives); but wasn’t franchised by the Patriots. Before fans out there get too excited, remember that he likely already signed a long-term deal with the Patriots that will be announced on February 29th.
- Bernard Berrian (6′1″, 185 pounds, 27 years old) — The offensively starved Bears could be without their top two pass catchers next season; particularly after opting not to tag Berrian. Although Berrian has yet to notch a 1,000-yard season, he started 29 games over the last two seasons, scored 11 TDs and 122 receptions. Berrian has the ability to stretch the defense, and would provide some team a possible WR1 or an elite WR2.
- Bryant Johnson (6′3″, 213 pounds, 26 years old) – What’s all the fuss over a receiver who never caught more than 49 passes or 740 yards? Well, Johnson isn’t your typical part timer. He was a 1st round pick with excellent size; and he’s spent most of his career playing behind Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. When he’s been given a chance to start, Johnson has performed at a high level and could easily be a 1,000-yard receiver as a focal point in the right system. On top of that, he’s only 26 years old despite being in the league for five seasons already.
- D.J. Hackett (6′2″, 208 pounds, 26 years old) — Hackett hasn’t done enough to warrant a big free agent contract from anyone other than the Seahawks, his incumbent team. When healthy, Hackett has looked the part of a #1 option in the West Coast offense. Unfortunately, he hasn’t stayed healthy. The most likely scenario is for Hackett to re-sign with Seattle; but other teams will test the waters.
- Donte Stallworth (6′0″, 200 pounds, 27 years old) — Hard to believe Donte Stallworth is only 27 years old, but such is the case for the speedy receiver that’s about to land on his fourth team in seven seasons. After four decent but inconsistent seasons in New Orleans, Stallworth was traded to the Eagles in 2006 and signed by New England in 2007. Unfortunately for Stallworth, the Patriots declined their option on Stallworth (further proof that they’ve already secretly re-signed Randy Moss). Expect Stallworth to want the security of a multi-year deal; and given his age and speed attributes, he’ll get it.
- Andre’ Davis (6′1″, 195 pounds, 28 years old) — Davis has bounced around the league (Cleveland to New England to Buffalo to Houston) and never started more than 8 games. However, he played surprisingly well during Andre Johnson’s stint on the injured list and has earned a chance to latch on as a contributor somewhere.
- Ernest Wilford (6′4″, 218 pounds, 29 years old) – Wilford’s numbers don’t jump out at you (45 receptions, 518 yards, 3 TDs) but he was the Jaguars most consistent receiver and his numbers were stymied by an extremely conservative game plan. It’s unclear whether Wilford would flourish in a more pass-happy attack or be exposed by it; yet with his size and experience, don’t be surprised if some team invests in him with an eye toward finding out.
- Jerry Porter (6′2″, 220 pounds, 29 years old) – Porter seemed destined to be the latest Raider stuck in Al Davis’ dog house after being a complete non-factor in 2006. But under new coach Lane Kiffin, he worked his way back to prominence and started all 16 games, netting 705 yards and 6 TDs. Porter has an opt-out clause in his contract, and will try to earn a multi-year deal with a contender.
- Justin Gage (6′4″, 212 pounds, 26 years old) — The Titans were desperate for one of their young WR cadre to break out of the pack and establish himself as a potential long-term starter. Few would’ve guessed that receiver would be Justin Gage. After four uneventful years in Chicago, Gage worked his way up the depth chart in Tennesse and finished the year with 55 catches, 750 yards and 2 TDs. The Titans have already begun negotiations on a new contract; so don’t expect Gage to go elsewhere.
- Muhsin Muhammad (6′2″, 215 pounds, 34 years old) — Muhammad has 12 seasons under his belt and will assuredly find interest from a number of teams looking for a veteran presence to put them over the top. His three seasons in Chicago fell short of expectations, but he’s a sure handed, smart, reliable player that will garner significant interest.
- Marty Booker (6′0″, 210 pounds, 31 years old) — Booker was part of the mass exodus under new Dolphins Team President Bill Parcells; but he can still contribute. While not a WR1 (was he ever really?), Booker has caught 50 or more passes six of the last seven seasons; despite a revolving stable of quarterbacks and offensive schemes.
- David Patten (5′10″, 190 pounds, 33 years old) – Patten is a tried and true journeyman. Five teams in eleven years, with varying degrees of success. Working in Patten’s favor is his resurgent 2007 season (54 receptions, 792 yards and 3 TDs in only five starts) although teams will find it hard to look past his terrible showing in Washington or his suboptimal age and height.
The (Near) Complete List
| Player | Name | Status | 2007 Team | 2008 Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant | Johnson | UFA | ARZ | |
| Devard | Darling | UFA | BAL | |
| Sam | Aiken | UFA | BUF | |
| Keary | Colbert | UFA | CAR | |
| Drew | Carter | UFA | CAR | |
| Bernard | Berrian | UFA | CHI | |
| Antonio | Chatman | UFA | CIN | |
| Marcus | Robinson | UFA | DET | |
| Troy | Walters | UFA | DET | |
| Andre | Davis | UFA | HOU | |
| Aaron | Moorehead | UFA | IND | |
| Ernest | Wilford | UFA | JAX | |
| Eddie | Drummond | UFA | KC | |
| Samie | Parker | UFA | KC | |
| Robert | Ferguson | UFA | MIN | |
| Donte | Stallworth | UFA | NE | |
| Jabar | Gaffney | UFA | NE | |
| Randy | Moss | UFA | NE | |
| Troy | Brown | UFA | NE | |
| David | Patten | UFA | NO | |
| Devery | Henderson | UFA | NO | |
| Terrance | Copper | UFA | NO | NO |
| Tim | Carter | UFA | CLE | |
| Doug | Gabriel | UFA | OAK | |
| Jerry | Porter | UFA | OAK | |
| Tim | Dwight | UFA | OAK | |
| D.J. | Hackett | UFA | SEA | |
| Bryan | Gilmore | UFA | SF | |
| Michael | Lewis | UFA | SF | |
| Eric | Moulds | UFA | TEN | |
| Justin | Gage | UFA | TEN | |
| Keenan | McCardell | UFA | WAS | |
| Reche | Caldwell | UFA | WAS | |
| Ahmad | Merritt | RFA | ARZ | |
| Jerheme | Urban | RFA | ARZ | |
| Rashied | Davis | RFA | CHI | |
| Tab | Perry | RFA | CIN | |
| Jerome | Mathis | RFA | HOU | |
| Chris | Davis | RFA | MIA | |
| Chris | McFoy | RFA | OAK | |
| Nate | Washington | RFA | PIT | |
| Malcom | Floyd | RFA | SD | |
| B.J. | Johnson | RFA | TB | |
| Chad | Lucas | RFA | TB | |
| Mark | Jones | RFA | TB | |
| Paris | Warren | RFA | TB | |
| Jamin | Elliott | Released | ATL | |
| Peerless | Price | Released | BUF | |
| Muhsin | Muhammad | Released | CHI | |
| Carlton | Brewster | Released | DEN | |
| Marty | Booker | Released | MIA |
Which wide receivers do you see making a big impact in free agency? Are there any not listed in the top 12 that you see getting significant playing time potentially? We would love to hear your thoughts, and invite you to discuss the matter in our Shark Pool forum.
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[…] Agency Preview, footballguys.com listed Bernard Berrian (pictured) right behind Randy Moss in their Top Wide Receivers On The Market list, noting that although Berrian has yet to notch a 1,000-yard season, he did start 29 games over the […]
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