The wide receiver market in free agency is very rich and could get richer. Several big names are preparing to test their worth in the league in just over a week as several other players could be joining in the coming days. The clock is ticking for teams to make their final releases before being forced to pay roster bonuses and two of the biggest question marks left are Andre Johnson and Percy Harvin.
The New York Jets have yet to make a call on Percy as the teams prepare to lineup a recruit him. The wide receiver can be a threat on the field when healthy, but has dealt with several speed bumps that have diminished his value with teams. The Jets need to decide whether it is worth investing in Harvin and his hefty contract or release him for someone else.
According to the New York Daily News, the Jets have approached Harvin about taking a pay cut in order to stay with the team and the receiver has refused to do so. While the Jets like the potential of production Harvin brings to the field, they have too many holes to fill in order to retain him.
Johnson is also preparing to be available in the coming week. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Johnson has requested a trade from the Texans after being told his role will be smaller in 2015. The team is prepared to release the wide receiver rather than have his $16 million cap hit on the books which will make him available to any other franchise. Johnson certainly has age working against him this offseason, but most teams will still be willing to sign him as a starter.
The team getting linked most to wide receiver deals is the Oakland Raiders. The team has some of the most salary cap space to work with in 2015 and needs to spend it this offseason. They also have a huge need for a wide receiver or two. Entering 2015, the Raiders have James Jones, but Andre Holmes, Rod Streater and Denarius Moore could all exit. The Raiders have been linked to Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin and Julius Thomas for potential deals. They could try and take on Mike Wallace's heavy contract in a trade. They could also grab some of the top rookies as well. The Raiders have options with money to spend which opens them up to a number of moves.
