The chicken before the egg argument of 2011 seemed for me to be whether Tim Tebow was really that inaccurate or the wide receivers only caught the pass when their hands miraculously retained the ball through the sheer will of fans.
I am not a Tebow apologist by any means, but drops became ridiculous sometimes to the point where passing became the Russian roulette of the offensive play calling--passing! Not a hail mary, not across the middle, simply a pass call. Of the many major moves that the new coaching regime was dead on about I feel the biggest blunder they made was trading Brandon Lloyd--who happens to be a free agent this offseason.
Under contract in 2012 for the Denver Broncos are Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and D'Andre Goodwin, that's it... There are three players who have been signed to future contracts, they are Tyler Grisham, Greg Orton and Tim Toone only Grisham has played in a regular season game. Both Eddie Royal and Matthew Willis are unrestricted free agents.
Onto free agency, the wide receiver class this offseason is the strongest of any position featuring many, many great names.
Let's talk about Dwayne Bowe from the Kansas City Chiefs, he's on and sometimes very on and I do not see the Chiefs holding onto him. They'll want to, but Bowe whose best days are still ahead of him, could want cash in big time somewhere soon. I do not think that place will be Denver, but there is a slim possibility.
Another huge name is Stevie Johnson from the Buffalo Bills, he has said that he wants to stay in Buffalo and I don't see why he wouldn't, but he was benched for most of Week 17 after being penalized for using a prop in a touchdown celebration.
He could be allowed to test the market, he doesn't seem like the type of player the Broncos would target on paper (too big of a name/salary), but when John Elway was playing quarterback for Denver they would often target the cream of the crop as far as wide receivers were concerned (anyone remember Tim Brown nearly becoming a Bronco or Anthony Miller in a Broncos uniform?). I wouldn't rule out Johnson here.
Another big name with slight character issues is DeSean Jackson a huge upside, an attitude and can contribute as more than just a receiver. Denver had a shot at him twice in the draft and went with Royal instead, it looked like a brilliant Mike Shanahan draft pick in their rookie seasons, but Jackson has been superior since.
Next up is the great Reggie Wayne, whom has said that he would likely not be back with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. He's a proven veteran, still a top ten receiver in the league and could provide exactly what a young quarterback (and receiving regime) needs here. He would be my 'all in' choice in free agent receivers. Another Colts receiver that is expected to be available is Pierre Garcon, he was the best receiver in Indianapolis with Peyton Manning injured the entire season. Garcon stepped up and kept the Colts from being just the second 0-16 team in history.
Sticking with pure receivers Robert Meachem from the New Orleans Saints has been a very good receiver that has fallen victim to having too good of a supporting cast surrounding him there in New Orleans. He could be a number one somewhere else. Mario Manningham from the New York Giants is another receiver who is borderline that could be made available due to the amount of talent the Giants have on their current roster.
Two special teams contributors that could be available and would likely be on the Broncos' radar are: Ted Ginn, Jr. from the San Francisco 49ers and the Giants Devin Thomas (whom you will remember from Sunday). Thomas is especially intriguing, fans will remember the way that Matt Willis was used on special teams and Thomas is no different. Keep an eye on him.
Vincent Jackson is the last one that I want to mention here, he has been the San Diego Chargers franchise player for two seasons in a row and they've said that they won't franchise him a third time. He's absolutely worth meeting with, but after being franchised two seasons in a row I don't know who is going to be able to afford him.
Some other receivers that we should discuss: Plaxico Burress (though age is a consideration), Andre Caldwell (pending marijuana investigation), Early Doucet, Harry Douglass, and Preston Parker.
Missed something? Here are my other free agency previews: quarterbacks and running backs.
1 recs | 49 comments
I like Stevie Johnson. Good WR, Excellent celebrator.
but I won’t dish out big money for him.
Between Bay Bay, Decker, and Royal we have all the talent we need. We just have to tap into it.
Wouldn’t mind TO. He’s broke and won’t be a problem, he knows his career is done. All he wants is a ring.
Zac Man - January 24, 2012
Who is bay bay? Sounds like a hood nickname.
DLMyers - January 24, 2012
he goes by optimus prime
Mike Agnew - January 24, 2012 via mobile
His Dad called him that
when he was born. You probably knew that. Sorry if you did.
Digger24 - January 24, 2012
And you sound like a crotchety old white guy
Calikula - January 25, 2012
Royal is a free agent Zac Man
IanHenson - January 24, 2012
Royal value
Royal should definitely be signed. He has TD potential on puny returns so he is an ST player and a good number 4 receiver. We need some depth as evidenced by this year.
bronco.fan - January 24, 2012 via mobile
punt returns
bronco.fan - January 24, 2012 via mobile
but there is a good chance he returns
Zac Man - January 24, 2012
Meachem is my #1 choice and then Garcon. Garcon drops a few more passes than I like but he is very fast.
BroncoMath101 - January 24, 2012
Behold! Al Davis lives on ...
Zac Man - January 24, 2012
lol well he also produces so I guess I haven't gone full Al yet.
BroncoMath101 - January 24, 2012
An offseason of workouts and our QB and WRs will be fine.
P.S. You forgot to say Willis is a Restricted FA.
Digger24 - January 24, 2012
I have Willis as unrestricted
there are errors and disinformation in these things sometimes though.
IanHenson - January 24, 2012
Maybe he is.
Nope.
Matt Willis (DEN) – Restricted
link
Digger24 - January 24, 2012
Would someone correct me??????
Isn’t Malcom Floyd from SD a FA this year too? He would be awesome here.
Scottey15 - January 24, 2012
Rotoworld
8/5/2011: Signed a two-year, $5 million contract. The deal included a first-year roster bonus of $1.19 million. Another $2 million is available through incentives. 2012: $2 million, 2013: Free Agent
Digger24 - January 24, 2012
thanks
and, CRAP!
Scottey15 - January 24, 2012
This position is a real need for us
I can’t imagine why Royal will want to stay here and I don’t think Willis offers anything as a WR. But the top WR’s cost lots of money and for our team, they aren’t worth it.
So IMO we’ve got two young WR’s. A veteran would be very helpful – esp a speedy deep threat. I guess I like Robert Meachem or Laurent Robinson
yibberat - January 24, 2012
In an interview after NE game Royal expressed that he would like to remain with the Broncos. BTW, is it April yet? Can’t wait!
Bdonk - January 24, 2012 via mobile
I WANT HIM!
I seriously havent given up on Eddie yet, i think that he has just become a product of the system’s we’ve run since Shanny left. Obviously the guy has something to offer if i can more excited about forcing a punt then getting an interception or fumble recovery. Plus if they get rid of him how am i gonna return 2+ kickoffs/punts for td’s a game in madden?
Nelliott34 - January 24, 2012
More runs out of the backfield
and on options for him would be nice.
Digger24 - January 24, 2012
The question is does Eddie want more
I think he will get very good offers from a team that will use him well as a WR. He hasn’t had that from us in a long time and I doubt he’ll fall for us blowing smoke about something different.
yibberat - January 24, 2012
Very important the Broncos sign a big-time player, or at least a veteran player
DT and Decker could use having a guy who has been there, done that, and can show them technique in gaining separation in tight spaces. For that reason I like Reggie Wayne. If not him, Meachem and Manningham have proven to be effective down-the-field option, tailor-made for Tebow.
I can’t see Royal and Willis returning, maybe one, not both. Royal is the old man of the group too, this corps is too young.
boanst - January 24, 2012
I like Wayne too for the same reason
My concern is that he would want a monster contract and could be about to decline. Or he could not want to go to a team that is still most likely 2 years from true super bowl contention. We COULD make it if everything fell right, but it is more of a long shot than he may want.
Arimaris - January 25, 2012
Vincent Jackson
For the right price. Maybe a home state discount? Tebow throws a good deep ball, Jackson is a deep ball guy.
FtCoNative - January 24, 2012
this would be ideal
Mike Agnew - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Yes
because his forte is to go deep and that’s our only pass play.
Digger24 - January 24, 2012
this would be ideal
Mike Agnew - January 24, 2012 via mobile
There is more needs than WR.
Thomas and Decker showed flashes during the season. We are not going to be a pass heavy offense. It wouldn’t be a good decision to spend huge money at this position. Doucet is a young wide receiver that can block. He has gotten better every year. Hopefully he can get over his injury problems.
PhxBroncoFan - January 24, 2012
You still need more than two WR's
yibberat - January 24, 2012
Reggie Wayne
Could be a good mentor for our young guys. A strong veteran presence could work wonders for that group. I’m thinking Indy re-signs Garcon and lets Wayne walk.
Rotoworld has Willis as a restricted FA so he’ll likely still be around.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4573/matt-willis
CH74 - January 24, 2012
Its going to be tuff for Denver to sign any WRs
Remember most WRs are Divas/Diva like. They are not going to come to Denver to block. That means no V. Jackson, De. Jackson, Wayne, Johnson, or
Wallace. Makes more sense to me to draft WRs in 2nd, 3rd,4th or 5th round.
To me Royal is gone… Love him as a return guy and was always excited when we got him the ball we just didn’t do it enough. Why wouldn’t he go to Chicago to play with #6 or to a team were he could play in a west coast offense?
Marvel Man - January 24, 2012
Because
I heard #6 is a quitter. Oh wait Eddie kind of is too. JK on both accounts. Kind of.
Digger24 - January 24, 2012
Eddie Royal asked for a trade then acted like it was a false rumor
I see this as you do. Say good-bye to him now. He has played his last game as a Bronco. Denver will need to draft WRs, since practically no FA receiver will want to play in this offense.
Horsepower - January 24, 2012
I forgot about that trade thing.
Lots of players say they want to come back. This drives up your value as a player when you are going to be a free agent. More teams = More Money.
Marvel Man - January 24, 2012
of course they will want to play in this offense. throw the right amount of money to them and they will. don’t care what any player says. its about the MONEY
broncosfan1129 - January 25, 2012
what we need more than anything
Is a big target with soft hands that can adjust to the ball. That’s going to be a lot more valuable to Tebow than some speed burner or impeccable route runner, who are more valuable to timing-based, accurate quarterbacks.
As far as drops… I looked at that and posted about it a couple weeks ago. Short story is that Denver’s receivers were third-worst in drop-rate, but that only comes out to dropping an extra 1-2 passes out of 100 attempts. On the other hand, that doesn’t count “good catches”, where a receiver does something cool to catch the ball that wouldn’t have been a drop otherwise. I honestly don’t remember any of those since Lloyd left, and think we were way below average there.
I think the biggest receiver disappointment, honestly, is how much Eric Decker regressed as the season went on. That looked like a serious loss of focus to me. Both he and Matt Willis dropped too many passes late in the season.
Anyway… I don’t know much about a lot of the names on the list, but Vincent Jackson sure sounds nice.
tunesmith - January 24, 2012
Interesting Drop rate Statistics
I didn’t know about what everyone else thinks but I am not impressed with Willis. To many drops and not very good football IQ. I really disliked the Willis kick return experiment.
Marvel Man - January 24, 2012
I could see an older WR, who is on their last contract, coming to Denver, but not much else. Until Tebow proves himself, I think we’ll get our WRs from the draft. I could see us fill holes via free agency and draft a couple WRs, maybe high.
MileHighFlyr - January 24, 2012
I'd go heavy after Reggie Wayne.
Tebow and our offense deserve it! He will be here while our young WRs corp develop (resing Royal and Willis imo) and we can put our picks at DT, CB, RB, etc.
Fabio Broncos - January 24, 2012
Laurent Robinson
Runs nice routes, is currently playing behind 3 excellent receivers and (2 wr 1 te) and producing consistently. He may just go where the highest dollar is after his breakout year this year.I don’t see us overpaying anywhere especially not at WR with great depth in the draft.
HippoJohn - January 24, 2012
Robinson
he was always my fantasy sleeper. but always got hurt. Lol.
broncosfan1129 - January 25, 2012
Not sure Denver is a WR destination spot.
Has nothing to do with Tebow and everything to do with Fox. We’re not going to throw it enough to warrant paying top WR money to guys we don’t develop, i.e. teach to block and enjoy that role in a run offense.
Doubt we sign any big names. Bet we do sign a big guy who can block. Maybe late rounds or UDFA. Everyone else, probably won’t even get a call from the 303.
Randall15 - January 24, 2012
thumbs up on the research
Your article provided me with all the info I needed without having waste a lot of time back and forth on different websites..man this years free agency at WR is ridiculous this year! Good news for the broncos..I still think the best weapon to add to the broncos offense is the homerun threat receiver who you don’t have to worry about not having the speed to get under the ball..Desean Jackson is a monster and the fact that there is so much turmoil going on in philly and they didn’t have the brains to pay him like they did vick,young, and that highly revered cb they signed just makes it all the more interesting for denver. If royal goes he gives us. Replacement as a game breaking return man if not an upgrade. Stevie Johnson I think can be an elite reciever in the game as well if he matures, either one of those guys would be a major upgrade to the offense, but even a solid vet like reggie wayne, or hell if b lloyd is free again why not bring him back maybe his attitude has changed toward tebow. But denvers staff has got to grab one of those guys in free agency..I don’t think dever is having cap problems so we should be able to spend some $ this year
JDUVAL911 - January 25, 2012 via mobile
Good post. Thanks for the WR update. But don't blame the coaching staff for trading Lloyd
he forced his way out. He is a stat whore who would rather catch a lot of balls on a losing team then catch fewer balls on a winning team. Don’t bring him back.
I agree that a vet WR needs to be on board to school and mentor the talented young Bronco WRs. The colts are falling apart and Wayne will likely be on another team next year, so why not the Broncos? Reggie Wayne would be a good fit to help not only the WRs progress but also help Tim Tebow progress. Every young QB needs that on the field guidance from a guy that has ‘been there’ before and learned from not ony ‘one the best’ QBs of all time but also one of the most productive WR of all time in Marvin Harrison.
KoloradoKaos - January 25, 2012
Biggest loser of 2011?
Brandon Lloyd. He missed out on one hell of a lot of fun.
Digger24 - January 25, 2012
Mike Wallace
will the steelers be able to sign him? they are like $25 mil OVER the cap for 2012
broncosfan1129 - January 25, 2012
If you were a star reciever, would you come to Denver?
I disagree with letting Lloyd go but geez, do you blame him?
Denver has become a veritable wasteland for WRs and TEs due to our QB situation.
Scrappy Bill - January 29, 2012
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