[Editor’s note: This is our eighth and final position snapshot previewing the 2010 NFL free agency period. Check out the quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs.]
Top unrestricted free agent wide receivers:
1. Antonio Bryant: Sure, he’s a head case. But he’s a head case in his prime that can stretch the field! Towels not included.
2. Kevin Walter: A solid second receiver or a great number three. Walter has good size, he’ll block, and he’s still young. Bonus points for no headaches.
3. Terrell Owens: The opposite of Kevin Walter: all headaches and in decline. But T.O. can still help a team as a number two if he finds the right fit.
4. Derrick Mason: The Ravens want Mason back, although it’s worth remembering the Patriots tried to sign him the last time he was available.
5. Nate Burleson: Wildly up-and-down career went back up during a contract year. Where the cash at?
6. Chris Chambers: He re-charged his career in Kansas City. Chambers has inconsistent hands, but could make a passable stop-gap number two receiver.
7. Torry Holt: A less acceptable one-year solution. Will he be cool with being a third receiver?
Restricted free agents that are unlikely to change teams:
Vincent Jackson, Miles Austin, Braylon Edwards, Malcom Floyd, Steve Breaston, Jason Avant, Mark Clayton, Lance Moore, Demetrius Williams, Domenik Hixon,
Interesting names that could get cut:
1. Laveranues Coles: Buzz at the scouting combine was that Coles had an uphill battle to make the Bengals.
2. Roy Williams, Cowboys: Actually, Dallas owner Jerry Jones says Williams is safe. But he shouldn’t be.
3. Deion Branch, Seahawks: We think Seattle is just posturing about keeping Branch. And no one is going to trade for him.
Trade Possibilities:
1. Brandon Marshall, Broncos: It will cost a first-round pick, which is a reasonable price for an elite receiver. The bigger question is how Marshall will react to big-time money. His play is certainly worth it.
2. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: Boldin is Marshall four years later, and without the baggage. It only looks like a matter of time before Boldin is moved. We’re not sure he will get the contract he wants because of the punishment he’s taken over the years.
Teams in the market for WRs:
Miami, Buffalo, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Denver, Redskins, Lions, Panthers
