Everyone is discussing Vincent Jackson, Miles Austin, trades for Boldin, or Marshall. These scenarios would require a large contract AND sizable compensation. Let's go the most realistic route for a second, one where we simply offer a contract to a player who is more than likely going to be an unrestricted FA.
The guy is a VERY good WR, franchised after his 2008 campaign, only to be held back to due to the teams troubles at QB in 2009. It looks like Tampa won't be willing to franchise him again, meaning any team can offer this guy a contract.
Why not get Tom Brady then best trio of WR's he has has ever had in Randy, Antonio, and Wes (when healthy); all the while keeping our assets in the draft. Build the defense young, but not impede the offense with rookie talent that will only waste Tom's now closing career.
There are some good WR's out there (without getting into the UFA, RFA, uncapped vs capped since no one knows yet, but as of now these are all UFA's)
Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (29 yrs old)
Bryant may have cashed in a big check last year but he hasn’t been able to give a repeat performance – not that it’s all Bryant’s fault with a lack of consistency from the quarterback and an arrhythmic offense in general. The Buccaneers have enough money to re-sign him and should be able to get a fair market price for him this season if he is open to a return to a team that is at the bottom of the league. With Josh Freeman in the lineup, Bryant’s numbers have improved and he could make a case for strong number two receiver contract.
His avg yd/catch is the same as Moss'.
Vincent Jackson, SD (27 yrs old)
This is a pipedream. He will be SD's #1 priority to resign. $$$ as well.
Malcom Floyd, San Chargers (28)
Over the recent weeks, Malcom Floyd has been given more responsibilities, starting 6 of the last 7 games, in the Chargers offense and this lengthy, 6’5”, 225-pound receiver has delivered for the Chargers. Similar to Vincent Jackson, Floyd does a great job getting vertical down the sidelines to make grabs in single coverage. He uses his height and balance to come down with the ball more often than not. Floyd will be a full-time starting number two receiver next year either in San Diego or elsewhere.
His avg/catch is better than Randy's (17 vs 15) and SD may not be able to resign both Floyd and Jackson.
Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills (36)
Owens is as good as gone after this year. He’s kept quiet despite having a type of year (individually and collectively) that he’s been accustomed to. If TO can stay under the radar the rest of the year, he could open up more landing spots for this offseason, with a more competitive team. With Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, Owen’s numbers have gone up and he’s shown that he can still be productive. Owens keeps himself in great shape and should still be able to produce given a healthy quarterback option, but it’s all the baggage that comes with this star WR that make teams shy away. So far, he’s done all of the right things this year off the field. He hasn’t ruled out a return to Buffalo and would also be open to returning to San Francisco where his career began. Age may make him a one yr option.
Brandon Marshall, Broncos (26)
He will be looking for too much money and his attitude is an issue but he is certainly talented.
Kevin Walter, Houston Texans (29)
Walter hasn’t been nearly as effective as last year, coming off an injury early in the year. For the Texans offense that hasn’t been short of scoring this year, it could be a good thing for the team. Keeping Walter under the radar could help them hang on to him at season’s end for a less competitive price. His size and style of play suggests that he should be a solid complementary receiver for a long time in the league. His avg/catch is similar to WW's so he may not help Moss much in stretching the field.
I think Bryant or Floyd would be an excellent sign by the Pats
