Vexed Veterans

As the game continues to trend even more in the direction of pass over run, teams seem compelled to stock up on wide receiver talent in hopes of winning the league-wide, aerial, arms race. With Martavis Bryant of the Steelers now suspended for the entirety of next season, it appears that the Jets have emerged as the team with the best overall talent at the position, as they feature two elite wide outs in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, while they are expecting second year burner Devin Smith to emerge as more of an involved player in the offense of 2016.

Considering this ever-emerging thirst for outside talent, it is a wonder why so many proven veteran receivers are being left to rot out on the free agent market. Just in this offseason alone, with the few “high-potential” receivers already off the market, two fringe hall of famers remain available to go along with several other proven veteran flankers. Below is the list of these aforementioned receivers, and why teams are staying away from those with extra mileage.

Potential Gold Jackets

1. Anquan Boldin

Boldin is one of the most reliable receivers of his generation, has no character concerns – only positives ­– and will likely come to a team on the cheap if someone goes fishing for him the offseason. I see Boldin as a lock to get picked by someone, most likely a team in contention, as his leadership and experience as a Super Bowl champion will help any young team looking to make a run in the playoffs.

Still to this day he remains a crisp route runner with some of the surest hands in the game, however his ability to separate is fleeting him by the day. He may be on his last legs in 2016, but expect Boldin to contribute somewhere one last time before calling it quits.

2. Andre Johnson

Johnson appeared lost in the Indianapolis offense last season, and considering that he had already begun declining in his last couple of seasons in Houston, many fear that Johnson might be done. I believe that Johnson still has one more good run left in him, given he ends up in the right situation and isn’t relied upon as one of the top two receivers in the offense. Expect someone to give him another look in 2016, as his veteran presence will be great in any locker room.

3. Roddy White

While White has had a solid run over his 11-year career, it appears that there may not be any tread left on his tires, as he registered his lowest totals in catches, targets, yards, and touchdowns since the 2007 season in 2016. He did at one point have a chance at the hall of fame, but his early decline in production basically ended that discussion before it could really get started.

Contrarily to Boldin, the tape says that White no longer can consistently produce at an NFL level, likely spelling the end for his accomplished playing career. Best of luck to him on his future endeavors, as I would be surprised if any team took a chance on him headed into training camps this summer.  

Affordable Veterans

4. James Jones

Jones has been a reasonably productive player over his 10 years in the league, and 2015 may have been his most productive one yet. Teams right now are likely keeping their distance from Jones because he’s 32 years old, but considering his ability to get open in the end zone, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up as a No. 2 or 3 receiver on a contending team this season. He’s likely the next domino to fall in the wide receiver free agency pool, so stay tuned here.

5. Percy Harvin

When healthy and in the proper mindset, Harvin has the ability to be one of the best playmakers in the entire NFL. He’s a nice gadget for any offensive coordinator to have, as his jack-of-all-trades skillset allows him to fill any skill position void on the field. He also is a noted special teams contributor, making Harvin a no-brainer free agent signing right? Well it’s more complicated than that, as Harvin will command a bigger contract than most other free agent wide receivers available, and to go along with the large contract, he is almost never healthy enough to perform on the field. He’s got a history of concussions and may just not be worth the headache for potential NFL suitors. His free agent stock should be an interesting one to follow going forward.

6. Mike Wallace

Wallace’s calling card has always been his speed, and at 29 years of age, he still possesses that elite trait. He has no business being unemployed for this long, but an erroneous contract came between him and his former team in the Vikings. They are still in the running for resigning Wallace, but he also is scheduled for a visit in Baltimore, so Minnesota may be without their No. 1 wideout headed into April’s draft.

Wherever Wallace does end up, teams need to know that they aren’t necessarily getting a complete product, as Wallace always has and seemingly always will lack the finer points and polish needed to be a complete receiver. He will remain a true deep threat going forward, so maybe leaving the weaker armed Teddy Bridgewater will be the best for his career.

7. Marques Colston

Like Roddy White, Colston is another very accomplished receiver who looks like he may just be out of gas. He hasn’t performed at an elite level since 2012, so expecting him to join another squad in 2016 and post reasonable numbers is irresponsible. Seeing career lows across the board in 2015 is an indication that Colston is done.