By now, most NFL teams have taken care of their offseason needs, may it be through free agent signings or through last month’s draft.
But, if you’re still one of several teams who could use another wide receiver, there are some notable names still on the market. There’s good reason why a few of these guys mentioned below are going to find homes later than others, but all of them should find a new team at some point over the coming months.
It’s safe to say that Plax is the most talented receiver on this list, but at the same time, he has the most red flags of the guys on this list. We all know quite well about that whole thing with him shooting himself, but he didn’t make the New York Giants too happy many a time.
Burress will find a home, there’s no doubt about that. He’s too good of a receiver to go without a team for much longer. But when he does sign with someone, he’s going to have a pretty short leash, and if he even makes the slightest misstep, he’ll be done.
Burress is facing extensive prison time in his illegal firearm possession case, and even if he doesn’t end up getting time in the slammer, he could face a suspension by the league. So, the outcome of that situation could help determine
Outcome: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets have both reportedly shown an interest in Plax, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him wind up staying in the Big Apple.
Harrison must’ve thought that he was going to find a team quicker than he has when he asked for his release, but Indianapolis has already moved on though, drafting BYU receiver Austin Collie in the fourth round.
He was beset by injuries in the 2007 season, and he didn’t exactly bounce back with a big season in 2008, so it doesn’t look like we can expect him to be the Marvin Harrison that he was just a few years ago, and maybe even half of that. But even though he may not have the speed anymore, he’s still got his hands, and he’s a veteran receiver with experience and success in the postseason.
Outcome: There have been reports that Harrison could be set to retire, and if his knee is indeed too much of a problem for him to be effective, then it’s the right move. But, if his knee isn’t that problematic, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be playing for someone next season.
Jones showed last season that he has a great deal of upside, as he posted career highs in catches (65) and yards (761). He hasn’t seen much of the end zone in his four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he’s a guy who certainly makes the most of his catches - 47 of his catches last season were for first downs, and 118 of his 166 career catches have been for first downs.
However, whatever team signs him next is going to have to tell him to stay away from his old stomping grounds in Arkansas, or if he does, he’ll need a team-hired chaperone. There have also been some serious questions about his work ethic and commitment, so he’s going to have to prove to a new team that he’s worth their gamble and that he’s going to be dedicated from the time he signs on the dotted line.
He could be a low-risk, high-reward guy if he does stay out of trouble. He’s still young, and he’s definitely got promise.
Outcome: Jones has been linked with the Dallas Cowboys, who could do to bolster their receiving corps. Jerry Jones is certainly not afraid to take chances on guys, and it doesn’t hurt that Matt Jones is a fellow Arkansas man. The Cowboys did get burned for taking chances on Terrell Owens and Adam Jones, but as evidenced by their release of both, if they do give Jones an opportunity, he won’t have any room to slip up.
Looking for a veteran receiver? If Harrison has already been signed up or decides to call it quits, then Toomer’s your man. His best years, 1999-2003, when he had five straight 1,000 yard seasons, are behind him, but he’s still produced solid numbers every season since.
Toomer is also pretty durable, so you can count on him for the long haul. In 11 of his 13 seasons with the New York Giants, he’s played at least 15 games, playing the full 16 in 10 of those seasons.
Frankly, the Giants could’ve used him to help mentor their slew of young receivers, and it’s a slight surprise that he hasn’t found a new team yet.
Outcome: The Chicago Bears have had some contact with Toomer, but nothing has come of it yet. It would be fantastic for the Bears to add a veteran presence to a receiving corps that doesn’t have much of that. He’s not going to be a superstar, but he’d provide a reliable target for Jay Cutler, and signing him would be a move that Chicago wouldn’t regret.
Williams must not be reacting too well to being without a team, because he’s been arrested twice in the offseason, both times in Houston, and both times for drug-related issues.
He’s got some serious explaining to do to any teams who look to sign him anytime in the near future, but if he can stay out of Houston/out of trouble, then he can be of some use to someone. Like former Jackson teammate Jones, he hasn’t come close to living up to where he was drafted. But, he showed some potential in a productive 2007 season, when he caught 38 passes for 629 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Considering his offseason transgressions, there’s a good chance that he could be suspended for a portion of next season if he does sign with a new team. Hopefully a suspension will teach him that he can’t afford to make any mistakes in the future, but then again, there are some guys who are just too boneheaded to learn no matter what.
Outcome: Williams was able to escape jail time for his drug issues, but he could see much of the summer pass before he lands somewhere.
