It's still very early and we don't know who will get re-signed and who won't, but here's a list of some intriguing wide receivers that will become free agents next offseason (from Schefter): Dez Bryant Michael Crabtree Jordy Nelson Randall Cobb Roddy White Wes Welker Demaryius Thomas Reggie Wayne Jeremy Maclin Hakeem Nicks Torrey Smith Now of course we just did spend some decent money to bring in Decker, but I think this is worthy of note. Each one of these guys would be the best or second best receiver on our team (unless a rookie lights it up but that's doubtful). The problem is most of these guys would bring in huge paychecks. But that also means some other interesting free agents might get let go due to cap concerns. It's definitely too early to start planning next year's free agency, but I like that Idzik didn't blow all of our cap space knowing 2015 could have some great free agents available.
I think it's safe to say that we can forget about Nicks and Smith. Idzik showed zero interest in either and had the chance to try to sign both and didn't. Maclin will probably stay with the Eagles. I'd be surprised if the Broncos let Thomas walk and the same goes with the Packers and Nelson, and the Cowgirls and Bryant. That leaves Crabtree, Cobb, White, Welker and Wayne. Wayne is too old, and I'd be surprised if the Jets had any real interest in him since Idzik is seeking to build the team through the draft. White will probably want too much money, and very likely will stay with Atlanta. Crabtree can't stay healthy and on the field. That basically leaves Cobb and Welker. Welker is getting up in age as well, and is a slot receiver and the Jets have Kerley and Saunders. I'd be surprised if Idzik showed any interest in Welker. Isn't Cobb a slot receiver as well? He's probably faster than Kerley, but I'm not sure if he's been any better for the Packers than Kerley has for the Jets. So I really can't see the Jets signing a FA WR. I could be wrong of course, and maybe Idzik will decide he wants a topflight WR. IMO, there's only really two of those on that list, Bryant and Thomas. Bryant has character concerns that I think would remove him from consideration, so that leaves Thomas. I think Thomas might be the only player on that list that Idzik would be willing to get into a bit of a bidding war for his services.
I doubt Idzik throws money at a marquee FA WR. I assume he'll sign a mid-lower tier WR (If we even need one) and then draft one later on.
Dez Bryant will stay with the boys Crabtree I would take Jordy isn't going anywhere Welker may be too expensive for DEN after they resign DT watch him go back to the pats Cobb could be too pricey for GB Roddy old he probably will leave ATL DT decker would help recruit him here but no chance they let him test the market Could've went after Nicks/Maclin this year Wayne would be interesting if Indy lets him go doubt they will Smith isn't leaving Bal
It depends on how our receivers perform this year. We know Decker, Kerley, and Nelson are quality receivers. But If Hill or one of the rookies step up we may not need to add a receiver in FA.
Jets will only go through FA if the depth in the draft is terrible. Idzik won't spend more than he has too.
Dez isn't giving anyone a hometown discount. He's only making $1.78m in 2014. This is his first mega contract in the NFL(and maybe only) and he's going to want to max out. He's made for the spotlight in NY.
Why do you say this? Idzik has yet to be faced with the decision of paying an elite player at a team when the team needs an elite player. Letting Revis go for the kind of money he wanted (and got) made complete sense given the direction the franchise was going in. Same can be said for this offseason when he didn't attempt to bring Revis back for $12 mil. But in year 3 of a rebuild after already doing some work on your pass-catching corps, why would any GM hold out on giving an elite player the money they deserve? Just saying, you have no basis for saying this other than Idzik not signing Revis, twice, when neither time it fit the direction the team was going in.
I don't think there's any chance Idzik takes a look at Dez. He doesn't fit Idzik's prerequisite of not being a headcase......
