PFF: Top Free Agent Wide Receivers In The NFL

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 17, 2012 11:30 AM EST

With Jerome Simpson's NFL future very much in doubt as he heads into free agency, while facing a felony marijuana trafficking charge (which he pled not guilty to), and Andre Caldwell (who played his best when lined up as an outside receiver, not in the slot) also entering free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals will be tasked with finding someone that can help limit the coverages against A.J. Green and give quarterback Andy Dalton a viable threat, especially in undercoverage.

Names have been thrown around, like Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson and New Orleans wide receivers Robert Meachem and Marques Colston.

Pro Football Focus ranked their best wide receivers that will be free agents next month. Some of the names are unlikely to ever see free agency, like New England wide receiver Wes Welker, Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace but you also have names like San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson and Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe.

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Colston,Wayne,or Wallace

Not really sure to do with number 2,my wish would be a under the radar guy,or a guy in the draft that can play right away

Find a player who isnt going to grab headlines or the attention of the other team’s right away,but come week 8-9 he is
a household name.

"A team is more than a group of individuals,its a group of individuals that come together to make a team"

by keithp on Feb 17, 2012 11:43 AM EST reply actions

Bowe / Wallace (possible with their cap issues) /

either would be amazing.

Patriots Welker i just do see that fish getting away unless bill goes to a 4 TE attack

by Bengalsfan024 on Feb 17, 2012 11:50 AM EST reply actions

Even if they did leave I don't think the Bengals would be willing to pay either the contract they would want.

by Toledoray7 on Feb 17, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

have to spend it somewhere and dont have to worry about dalton or greens contract for 2 more year min

by Bengalsfan024 on Feb 17, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

Wallace won't happen and if it did.....

other teams would outbid the Bengals by A LOT. Bowe would be a dream come true but I doubt KC will let go of him. Johnson is a headcase and that would be a poison to this team right now. I don’t know why but I don’t trust Manningham, but I guess he would still be a great #2 WR on paper. Welker is not even worth mentioning. That leaves Meachem and Colston. Ideally Colston is the guy we want but I would be thrilled to have Meachem become a bengal.

by Toledoray7 on Feb 17, 2012 12:16 PM EST reply actions

maybe but wallace will also cost a 1st round pick

by Bengalsfan024 on Feb 17, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah but it sure would be nice to have his speed. What a one, two combination

by hewesdilg on Feb 17, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

We need a #2 not a #1

Most of these guys on this list will demand #1 money. We have a #1 and MB isnt about to pay another one. Meachum and Manningham are #2 that would work without breaking the bank. I dont understand why nobody seems to have interest in Garcon from Indy. He is a burner that we r looking for to take the coverage away from A.J. Plus he caught 70 balls for 971 yrd and 6 tds with collins painter and orlovsski(sp.) throwing to him. He’s only 25 and can be had for decent $$.

by buckeyenut12 on Feb 17, 2012 12:31 PM EST reply actions

+1

Garcon is the best move right now.

by Cry on Feb 17, 2012 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

-1

by UIsteve on Feb 17, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

Wayne.

The risk is too high on Johnson. This team has learned its lesson with talented, showboating receivers named Johnson.

This team needs someone who will show up, shut up, and play without being distracted by trying to shout “Look at me!”

Wallace won’t hit free agency, and if he did some other team would pay double what he’s worth.

This team needs a solid, veteran threat that can draw coverage away from AJ, but also be a veteran presence. Perfect world is that the rest of the league thinks Wayne is too old to overpay and the bengals get a serious shot at him.

by Skyhook on Feb 17, 2012 12:39 PM EST reply actions

I'm in favor of Green too

But Johnson end zone antics don’t really worry me either.

But we didn’t have any issues with receivers named Johnson, Ochocinco on the other hand…

by Oregonbengalsfan on Feb 17, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

That was supposed to say I would be in favor of signing Wayne

by Oregonbengalsfan on Feb 17, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

I'd like 2 Greens also LOL

Paul Brown Stadium, where everyone's hopes go to die.

by DTFCPDX on Feb 17, 2012 1:11 PM EST up reply actions

Garcon

Garcon would be a great #2 for us. He catches everything thrown his way and he is not, by any stretch… a head case! Yep! Question is… would he want to come to Cincy? …And will MB open his wallet if he does?

by Makebelieve on Feb 17, 2012 1:00 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Not true.

Career Completion Rate is 52%. Wayne’s is 61%, I believe, and runs better routes.

by UIsteve on Feb 17, 2012 4:50 PM EST up reply actions

We should see 2 new WR this off season

If they let Simpson & Caldwell walk the that leaves no one with experience playing outside WR. With 3 slot guys I’d think they’d bring in 2 possible #2’s and leave 2 slot guys on the game day roster. If we don’t bring in 2 guys then god forbid AJ or the new guy goes down they’d have to put Shipley as #2 (don’t like the idea). Look for Simpson or Caldwell to resign.

by Bigcatdaddy on Feb 17, 2012 2:08 PM EST via Android app reply actions