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Feb 5, 2015

NFL Top Free Agents and Signings: WRs

Randall Cobb

Top of the Class

Dez Bryant
Dez Bryant

The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Bryant March 2

2014 Stats

  • Catches
    88
  • Yards
    1,320
  • TDs
    16
  • Avg.
    15.0
Bryant is one of the league's top receiving options and proved it again in 2014 with a league-leading 16 touchdowns. The 2010 first-round pick has posted three straight 1,200 yard seasons and fully expected to return to Dallas - via a long-term deal or franchise tag.
Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Thomas

The Broncos placed the franchise tag on Thomas March 2

2014 Stats

  • Catches
    111
  • Yards
    1,619
  • TDs
    11
  • Avg.
    14.6
Thomas has flourished in the three seasons since Peyton Manning joined the Denver Broncos in 2012. Held to no less than 1,430 yards and 10 touchdowns in the past three seaons, Thomas will be one of the most sought after free agents should he hit the open market. 
Randall Cobb
Randall Cobb

Re-signed with the Packers (four years, $40 million)

2014 Stats

  • Catches
    91
  • Yards
    1,287
  • TDs
    12
  • Avg.
    14.1
One year removed from a broken leg that forced him to miss 10 games, Cobb put together a career year in 2014. The most versatile member of Green Bay Packers offence, and possibly the free agent class, Cobb lined up all over for the Packers this season including in the backfield. Excelling in both the slot and on the outside, Cobb's wide skill set will make him an extremely attractive free agent.
Jeremy Maclin
Jeremy Maclin

Signed with the Chiefs (five years, $55 million)

2014 Stats

  • Catches
    85
  • Yards
    1,318
  • TDs
    10
  • Avg.
    15.5
Coming off ACL surgery in 2013, Maclin was thrust into the role of sole No. 1 receiver in the Eagles offence after DeSean Jackson was released in the offseason and excelled. The 2009 first-round pick put up career-highs and in receptions and yards despite mid-season quarterback change. Like Cobb, Maclin offers the versality to also line up as a slot receiver.

Next Best

Torrey Smith
Torrey Smith

Signed with the 49ers (five years, $40 million)

2014 Stats

  • Catches
    49
  • Yards
    767
  • TDs
    11
  • Avg.
    15.7
Smith saw his production slide in 2014 as the Baltimore Ravens added more balance to their passing attack with veteran Steve Smith. The Ravens have reportedly already made an offer to the 26-year-old and hope to re-sign the deep threat before free agency opens. A return to the Ravens seems the most likely scenario for Smith.
Michael Crabtree
Michael Crabtree

Age: 27

2014 Stats

  • Catches
    68
  • Yards
    698
  • TDs
    4
  • Avg.
    10.3

Crabtree is coming off two consecutive disappointing years after tearing his Achilles prior to the 2013 season. Crabtree has seemingly yet to regain his form from his 1,100-yard 2012 season. Coming off another disappointing season this year, the 10th-overall pick of the 2009 draft will likely be asked to prove himself on a short term contract this offseason. Crabtree has just 982 yards over 21 games in his past two seasons.

Kenny Britt
Kenny Britt

Re-signed with the Rams (two years, $14 million)

2014 Stats

  • Catches
    48
  • Yards
    748
  • TDs
    3
  • Avg.
    15.6

Despite working in a largely unproductive Rams offence, Britt put together one of the better seasons of his career in 2014. Coming off a controversy-filled 2013 season with the Titans in which he caught just 11 passes, Britt managed a career-high 48 receptions this year. Still just 26, Britt may have to settle for another short term contracts to prove he's capable of consistent play and ditch his first-round bust label.

Jermaine Kearse
Jermaine Kearse

Age: 25

2014 Stats

  • Catches
    38
  • Yards
    537
  • TDs
    1
  • Avg.
    14.1
In the Seattle Seahawks' run-first offence, Kearse put together a solid year in 2014 with a 14.1 yards per catch average. The 25-year-old won't set after as No. 1 receiver for any team, but could looked at as an affordable compliment in many offences.

 

Notable Others

 
Player Age '14 Team Rec. Yards TD
Eddie Royal* 29 Chargers 62 778 7
Reggie Wayne 36 Colts 64 779 2
Cecil Shorts III 27 Jaguars 53 557 1
Wes Welker  34 Broncos 49 464  2
 

*Signed with the Bears