The NFL free agent class this season is deep at receiver and names like Dez Bryant, Jeremy Maclin, Randall Cobb, Michael Crabtree, Torrey Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Cecil Shorts and Demaryius Thomas are targets for teams and the Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys could be potential targets.
Bryant is likely staying with the Cowboys no matter what happens, as the team can use the franchise tag on him without agreeing to a long term deal. Thomas is in the same boat with the Broncos, as the team will not be looking for him to get away in free agency, even if they can't agree on a long term contract. Thomas and Bryant are the top targets at receiver this offseason and while the Browns, Raiders and Jets have tons of cap space to dish out, they may not get the chance on those two.
According to ESPN Dallas, the Cowboys are leaning towards using the franchise tag on Bryant, something the receiver is not all that happy about. While using the tag will give the team time to work out a deal, it also could cause Bryant to skip out on offseason workouts. The Cowboys priority is to keep Bryant and they also have to worry about signing back DeMarco Murray. The team may let Murray go in free agency, but right now it looks like both Murray and Bryant will be back. The franchise tag at wide receiver is expected to be about $13 million for this season. Bryant comes in after making 88 catches for 1320 yards and 16 touchdowns last season and if it doesn't come now, a huge deal is waiting in his future.
The Browns would love the chance to at Bryant or Thomas, but they likely will never get it. The team may look at Smith as a solid option, while Maclin and Cobb are the top two targets past the stars. Maclin is coming off of a career year, but he had a knee injury in 2013, while Cobb is also coming into the market after a career season. According to Pro Football Talk, Cobb is looking for at least $9 million per season and if he gets priced out of Green Bay after they gave Jordy Nelson an extension, he should have plenty of suitors.
Crabtree is coming off of a disappointing season and he is not expected to return to the 49ers. Crabtree could be a cheaper option than Cobb or Maclin and he has a high upside after making just 68 catches for 698 yards last season. Crabtree dropped off from his best season in 2012 when he had 85 catches for 1105 yards and now he could be an option for teams like the Seahawks or Colts.
Cobb comes in after making a career best 91 catches for 1287 yards and he has the potential to be a huge free agent target for teams. Cobb has explosive ability and has scored 15 touchdowns in his last 22 games and he potentially could leave Green Bay. Cobb's preference is to stay, but he likely will not take a hometown discount after being injured in 2013 and at just 24 years old he is likely to have numerous offers.
