The NFL free agency period is stretching into May and with a number of solid players still available, some teams are looking for value and cheap contracts and one of those could be for wideout Brandon Lloyd.
According to SI.com, Lloyd is one of the top receivers left in free agency and after a solid season with the Patriots, he could end up with a few different teams, including the Browns, Raiders or the Ravens. Lloyd has not been one of the hot names in free agency, but that could work out for him, as the Raiders and Ravens have tight salary situations, but likely could fit him in since he is older and could come on the cheap.
The Pats didn't need him anymore after drafting Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce and the team was ready to move on despite him ranking second with 74 catches last year. Bill Belichick may have been frustrated that he caught just 74 of the 130 balls thrown his way last season, but it was likely due to age issues and his $12 million contract. Lloyd has done a good job in his career of moving the chains during his career and that could be a boost for Brandon Weeden or Matt Flynn.
Lloyd made 50 catches for first downs last season and with the Raiders having injury issues with players like Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore, he could fill a potential need. The Raiders also need to replace production from leading receiver Brandon Myers last year and he could do that as well. The best season for Lloyd came with the Broncos and he had over 75 catches, 72 of which went for first downs while also gaining 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Lloyd may be able to replicate some of those numbers on the Ravens or Browns, especially if it is Joe Flacco slinging him the ball and they may need more depth after trading away Anquan Boldin. The Ravens have restocked after the Super Bowl and Lloyd could help add to that. Lloyd was drafted in 2003 by the 49ers and a possible return to the Bay Area could be good for him as the free agency period moves along.
