Free agent Houshmandzadeh a top catch at WR
Rotoworld highlights free agent TEs and WRs to watch and avoid
Stephen Dunn / Getty ImagesCincinnati Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh had 92 receptions for 904 yards and four touchdowns during the 2008 NFL season.
OPINION
By Evan Silva
NBCSports.com contributor
updated 10:53 a.m. ET Feb. 24, 2009
Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling, and I will produce a number of free agency primers by position over the next week. I've lumped tight ends and wide receivers together. Players that have been released can sign elsewhere immediately. Impending free agents must wait until February 27.
Unrestricted Free Agent Wideouts
Franchised: Antonio Bryant
Top Catch: T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Unlike Bryant, Houshmandzadeh has strong character, can play all three receiver positions, and is a useful downfield blocker. His yards-per-catch average has declined two years running, but that can be attributed to quarterback play. Ryan Fitzgerald's noodle arm kept Houshmandzadeh running circle routes last season and Carson Palmer was recovering from a torn ACL in 2007. Housh might not be a true "No. 1 receiver" and turns 32 next season, but he produces in the red zone (32 TDs in the last four seasons), is a leader, and likely has two productive seasons left.
Prediction: Eagles - Four years, $10M guaranteed
Highest Long-Term Upside: Nate Washington
Pittsburgh's third receiver since 2006, this 25-year-old offers vertical skills, adequate size (6'1/190), and talent on the rise. Though consistency is an issue, Washington excelled in spot starts when Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward were out of the lineup over the past three seasons. Washington has rare big-play ability and could blossom under constructive coaching.
Prediction: Titans - Three years, $5M guaranteed
Bang for the Buck: Ronald Curry
Curry, released by the Raiders on Friday, was dogged by injuries early in his career and turns 30 in May. Drops got him benched for rookie Chaz Schilens last year, but the former North Carolina point guard has good football awareness and understands how to get open. Curry totaled 117 catches for 1,444 yards (12.3 YPC) and five TDs in 2006-2007. He blocks in the running game and could flourish as a No. 3 option in the right system.
Prediction: Patriots - Two years, $3M guaranteed
| Pancake BlocksGet the latest football news and insight from Gregg Rosenthal. |
|
Bust Alert: Devery Henderson
Like Washington, Henderson is a deep threat with shaky hands. He comes from a receiver-friendly Saints offense and Sean Payton constantly sought to replace him. Henderson has no experience facing double teams, has fumbled opportunities to be a full-time player, and shouldn't be counted on to start by his next team.
Prediction: Buccaneers - Two years, $2M guaranteed
Best of the Rest
1. Brandon Jones - Has flashed since promising rookie year with Steve McNair, but Jones' inability to beat out Justin McCareins sends up a red flag. (UPDATE: Signed with 49ers)
2. Bryant Johnson - Disappoints whenever he gets a chance to play full time. Johnson can help as a situational downfield threat, but doesn't break tackles or get open consistently.
3. Reggie Williams - No. 9 overall pick in 2004 possesses shaky hands, 4.8 speed, and questionable in-game effort. Williams is unattractive as a fourth receiver with no special teams value.
4. Shaun McDonald - Has never produced outside Mike Martz's offense.
5. Jerry Porter - Last year's biggest FA bust can no longer separate and disrupts the locker room.
Others: Roydell Williams, Bobby Engram, Amani Toomer, Drew Carter, Ashley Lelie, Koren Robinson, Mike Furrey, Marty Booker, Dante Hall, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Lloyd, Kelley Washington, Darrell Jackson, Keary Colbert, Terrance Copper, Robert Ferguson
Restricted Free Agent Wideouts
1. Miles Austin - Highly unlikely to leave Dallas. 6'4 with big hands and sub-4.5 speed, Austin has a strong chance to be the Cowboys' starting flanker if Terrell Owens is released.
2. Lance Moore - Former undrafted FA is adept at finding soft spots in a zone. Moore is a product of the Saints' system, but could garner some interest after being tendered at the second-round level. New Orleans can match any offer.
Click for related content
3. Demetrius Williams - Former fourth-rounder worth a look if Baltimore gives him a low tender. Injuries ruined his last two seasons, but Williams' vertical speed is hard to find.
4. Hank Baskett - Willing special teamer lacks speed to be an asset in a non-West Coast offense.
5. Malcom Floyd - Effective in red zone (6'5/225) and can be above-average third option, but Floyd will get second-round tender.
Others: Ben Obomanu, Glenn Holt, Ruvell Martin, David Anderson, Jeff Webb
More on: NFL free agents | Receivers
![]()
advertisement
More news PFT Live: Redskins coach Mike Shanahan tells Mike Florio why the team moved up in the draft to get Robert Griffin III.
PFT Live: Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan talks about the future of former Redskins QB Donovan McNabb.
