NFL free agency will be unleashed very soon and the wide receiver position is one of the deepest of any this year.
At quarterback and running back, both positions are top heavy, but at the wideout spot, the list is very deep. Names like Victor Cruz, Dwayne Bowe, Wes Welker and Mike Wallace could be changing teams, while others like Danny Amendola, Greg Jennings and Brian Hartline could be the missing piece for a winning team or a high-powered offense.
Calvin Johnson just signed a mega contract and even though none of these guys will be looking at money like that, they all have a chance to make a nice pay day with whoever they sign with. The league has been moving towards offense over the past decade and since the passing game is only going to get more proficient and explosive, these guys will be at the forefront of the free agent period
Here is a look at some of the top guys at the position and where they will land. Sports World Report also compiled a list of the top free agents and the top running backs.
Victor Cruz, New York Giants
Cruz is a restricted free agent so it is likely that he won't be going anywhere, but after the cuts to Ahmad Bradshaw and Chris Canty, there is a chance he might be worried. On the flipside, those cuts could mean they are freeing up money to re-sign him after posting back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. Cruz is a star in the league but he might have to deal with playing on a one year deal for now until the team signs Hakeem Nicks long term. During 2012 he had 86 receptions in 2012, for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns and proved to be one of the most explosive players in the league. Eli Manning has shown he is his favorite target and since he has a first round tender attached to him for any team that signs him, he will likely be staying in New York for a long time.
Wes Welker, New England Patriots
Welker has been Tom Brady's favorite target for years, but the team likely won't pay him as much as he wants. This season was one of his best after making 118 receptions for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns. But his crucial drops in last year's Super Bowl and this year's championship game night make him expendable. Last season they put the franchise tag on him and there's a chance his time in New England is done. Possible options include the Jets, Chargers and Seahawks.
Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
Bowe has quietly been one of the best receivers in the league at catching the deep ball, gaining 1,000 yards in three of his six seasons. In 2010 he broke out big, making 72 catches for 1,162 yards and 15 touchdowns. He will command money and he will leave Kansas City for the Jets, Chargers, Vikings or Dolphins.
Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers
Wallace held out before the season and he suffered a bit, making 64 passes for 836 yards and eight touchdowns. He is one of the fastest players in the league and even though he had the lowest production since his rookie year, he will command a high price in free agency. Could go to the Chiefs, Saints, Bears or Vikings.
Danny Amendola, St. Louis Rams
Amendola was injured most of the season but was able to make 63 receptions (on 101 targets), for 666 yards and three touchdowns and could be a nice piece to many offenses around the league. He would head west for the Chargers or possible with the 49ers in San Francisco. He had a huge game in Week 2 against the Redskins, catching 15 passes for 160 yards. Teams will look to that game as a sign of what he can do.
Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers
The veteran player was hurt for most of the season and was limited to 36 receptions on 62 targets, for 366 yards and four touchdowns. He will be 30 years old and on the down swing of his career. He could provide an excellent third option for teams if he doesn't ask for too much money, but with Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb emerging, there is no room in Green Bay. Options could be with Bears, Vikings, Jets, Giants and Dolphins.
