The formerly flooded crop of free-agent wide receivers has dwindled considerably in the first few weeks of the new league year.
If any teams are still looking to bolster their receiving crew, there remains a skimpy list of of free agents still available heading into the draft.
Here are five of the best.
5. Wes Welker, Denver Broncos
Welker, who seems to be the only one under the impression he should not retire, is still available on the free-agent market. Far past his best days, Welker put up some pretty snazzy numbers with the New England Patriots before moving on to Denver in 2013. In two seasons with the Broncos, this veteran has tallied just 1,242 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Recent reports indicate that the Green Bay Packers might have an interest in Welker. However, nothing much has resulted since. If the slot receiver can prove he still has some juice left and finds a new home, it will likely be for a one-year deal before he heads to his retirement home.
4. Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders
Moore became a free agent after spending four seasons with the Oakland Raiders. His career highlights include just 2,169 total receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. However, this is Oakland we are talking about, which isn’t exactly the land of opportunity for young receivers to shine.
Still youthful with low mileage and with plenty of potential to offer, Moore is drawing a small amount of interest on the open market. If given the opportunity, Moore might actually be able to surprise a few people in 2015. He has reportedly drawn interest from the Cincinnati Bengals.
3. Greg Jennings, Minnesota Vikings
Still hopeful of remaining viable in the NFL, Jennings has drawn interest from a couple of teams over the last month. Released by Minnesota after the acquisition of Mike Wallace, Jennings never quite hit the mark in the Twin Cities. Inconsistent quarterback play and declining talent from the receiver were two primary reasons for this.
Four years removed from putting up stellar numbers for the Green Bay Packers (5,539 yards from 2007-2011), Jennings probably isn’t much more than a No. 3 target on a good offense. The Miami Dolphins remain a potential landing spot.
2. Hakeem Nicks, Indianapolis Colts
A first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2009, Nicks finds himself looking for another job after spending just one season in Indy. Prior to Nicks’ uneventful 2014 campaign (38 receptions), he did put up some solid numbers for the aforementioned Giants. Back in 2011, the North Carolina product tallied 1,192 yards in helping Tom Coughlin and company to a Lombardi.
Since then, things have tumbled downhill quickly. If there are any teams needing an upgrade at wide receiver, Nicks still possesses adequate potential when he is healthy and given the opportunity to play. He recently worked out for the San Francisco 49ers.
1. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
A first-round pick in 2009, Crabtree is apparently waiting for the proper fit. He was considered one of the top free-agent receivers entering March, but there just hasn’t been a market for his services.
In 2014, his first full season with quarterback Colin Kaepernick under center, Crabtree really never lived up to his billing as a No. 1 receiver. He tallied just 698 yards and four touchdowns while averaging just over 10 yards per reception.
Photo: USA Today Images