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Looking ahead -- Free agent wide receivers

After a successful career with the Vikings, Cris Carter is expected to leave Minnesota. Andy Lyons/Allsport

By Bob Harris, Special to CNNSI.com

It’s time for the third installment of our ongoing series of columns Fantasy owners with an early look at possible scenarios surrounding this year's crop of unrestricted free agents.

After spending the last two weeks reviewing quarterbacks and running backs, the focus this week shifts to wide receiver.

One more time before we get started: The following players will become unrestricted free agents unless they sign new deals with their current teams by Feb. 28. This year's free agent signing period begins March 1.

With that out of the way, let's get it on!

Patrick Johnson, Baltimore Ravens
Johnson, who missed considerable time last season with a broken collarbone, didn’t care much for the lack of playing time he was met with upon recovery. In fact, Johnson was so displeased he began telling reporters back in December that he was ready to move on.

"It's out of my hands and out of my control if I play anymore or not," he said before the team's Week 15 win over the Bengals. "I'm going to do everything I can to help this team in anyway I can -- If that's run the scout team, that's fine. But after the season, I'll be looking at other options. … Out of here.

"I know I can play on a Pro Bowl level. I can make an impact in this league, but that may have to be somewhere else. I know a lot of teams out there are interested in me, so we'll see what happens."

Don't look for the cash-strapped Ravens to offer Johnson anything more substantial than their best wishes.

Donald Hayes, Carolina Panthers
While the Panthers are expected to make Hayes an offer, don’t be surprised if it’s not sufficient to keep the former Wisconsin star from finding out what he's worth on the open market. The 6-4, 218-pound Hayes is likely to draw considerable interest from around the league after finishing the 2001 season with more catches (52) and receiving yards (597) than fellow starter Muhsin Muhammad.

But those who follow the Panthers closely say Hayes wouldn’t have put up those numbers if it weren’t for the series of nagging injuries that kept Muhammad from playing at his usual level. In fact, some team officials believe Hayes took a step backwards last year.

So, it’s not really all that difficult to understand why team officials might be willing to let Hayes test the free agent market rather than making him a blockbuster offer.

After all, there’s no reason to believe a healthy Muhammad won’t regain his All-Pro form in 2002. And after working his way back into the rotation late last year, it’s starting to look like Patrick Jeffers might be capable of playing at the same level he demonstrated while pulling in 12 TD passes back in 1999. Isaac Byrd’s emergence as a legitimate No. 3 man doesn’t weigh in Hayes’ favor, either.

Jammi German, Cleveland Browns
German, who played for head coach Butch Davis at Miami, finished the 2001 season on injured reserve after pulling in seven catches for 65 yards in six games this season. The bottom line here says a long history of injury problems -- along with solid efforts by youngsters Quincy Morgan and Andre King -- probably render German a non-factor in the Browns' future plans.

Germane Crowell and Bert Emanuel, Detroit Lions
After recovering from surgery on the knee he injured early last season, Crowell underwent arthroscopic surgery on the other knee -- which had bothered him since last summer -- early this month.

The good news? Team officials expect Crowell to take part in this year’s first mini-camp (scheduled for the last week of April) and there’s no reason to believe he won’t be ready to work at full speed long before the 2002 season gets underway.

The bad news? That probably depends greatly on which side of the table you’re sitting on.

The fact he’s coming off a major knee injury that cost him 11 games last season will make it all but impossible for Crowell to demand the kind of short-term, high-end contract he’d like. And conversely, the Lions are likely to use the former Virginia star’s injury history to justify offering him a long-term contract loaded with incentives based on production and playing time rather than the big-ticket deal he wants.

The bottom line? Even though they really don’t have many options on the outside -- a healthy Crowell still appears to be their best (if not only) bet at fielding a legitimate deep threat -- Crowell’s undeniable lack of durability gives the Lions the upper hand at this point.

Emanuel could return, but he’s hardly a priority. Team officials would much rather rely on young prospects Larry Foster and Scotty Anderson rather than a veteran journeyman like Emanuel.

Bill Schroeder and Corey Bradford, Green Bay Packers
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported last week that re-signing Bradford has become a priority and negotiations between the two sides are ongoing. The same can’t be said of Schroeder, however. In fact, the Packers have yet to make any effort to contact his agent in order to begin discussions.

Despite their desire to re-sign him, the Packers aren’t looking to give Bradford a major bump. Team officials believe a contract commensurate with other No. 3 receivers – especially those with similar experience and past levels of production.

The list of 2001 unrestricted wideouts fitting that description included ex-Jet Dedric Ward, who signed a two-year deal with Miami worth $1 million annually -- a deal that included a $550,000 signing bonus; former Chief Kevin Lockett, who signed a similar deal with Washington; and former Viking Matthew Hatchette, who is earning $800,000 per year as a Jet.

But neither side is ready to chisel anything into stone at this point. Asked last week how negotiations with the former Jackson State star were proceeding, Packer head coach and GM Mike Sherman replied: "I think we're getting closer but, no, I wouldn't say we're close yet."

As for Schroeder, unless he’s willing to work cheap, it looks like his days with the Pack are numbered.

As Journal-Sentinel beat staffer Bob McGinn pointed out last Friday, the former Wisconsin-La Crosse star would like to be paid the going rate for a good No. 2 receiver -- a price the Packers might be willing to pay if they thought for one second Schroeder could play at that level. The sad fact is, however, he can’t and they won’t.

On the off chance he allows both Schroeder and Bradford move on, it probably means Sherman is convinced that second-year man-to-be Robert Ferguson is ready to put a lousy rookie season in his rear-view mirror by stepping up and becoming the kind of player team officials expected when they burned a second-round pick in the 2001 draft to secure his services. ...

Of course, the Pack will also take a close look at this year’s crop of free agent talent. The list of players mentioned as possible candidates includes Detroit’s Crowell, Carolina’s Hayes, New Orleans’ Willie Jackson and Washington’s Michael Westbrook. Other possibilities -- depending on whether they’re released by their current clubs as expected -- include Kansas City’s Derrick Alexander and Jacksonville’s Keenan McCardell.

And don’t forget Terry Glenn. Don’t laugh. The former Ohio State star is going to play somewhere in 2002 and it ain’t gonna be New England.

Jerome Pathon and Tony Simmons, Indianapolis Colts
According to Indianapolis Star-News beat writer Mike Chappell, the Colts are likely to re-sign Pathon as long as the surgically repaired right foot that cost him 12 games last year doesn’t get in the way.

This after a series of nagging injuries kept first-round draft pick Reggie Wayne from emerging as a legitimate No. 2 man as a rookie.

While casual observers point to the loss of Edgerrin James as one of the reasons the Colts struggled to a 6-10 record last year, Chappell believes the loss of Pathon -- who got off to a strong start by pulling in 22 catches for 318 yards and two touchdowns in the first three games -- might have been the more serious blow to Indy’s offense. The fact that neither Wayne nor Terrence Wilkins was able to keep opposing defenses from focusing their attention on Marvin Harrison kept the Colts from passing the ball as effectively as expected.

Ironically enough, Pathon’s injury is likely in the Colts favor by keeping the former Washington star from drawing significant offers from potential suitors.

Simmons’ return isn’t considered a priority this offseason.

Sean Dawkins, Jacksonville Jaguars
Dawkins, who finished the 2001 season with the fewest catches of his career, has probably worn out his welcome in J-ville.

Jeff Ogden, Miami Dolphins
His failure to provide the offense with consistent field position as a return man probably means Ogden will spend the offseason looking for a new home.

Cris Carter, Jake Reed and Nate Jacquet, Minnesota Vikings
Carter is certain to move on this offseason while Minnesota’s overwhelming need for younger talent probably means Reed will have to find a new home, too.

According to those who follow the team closely, Carter had an hour-long conversation with new head coach Mike Tice early this month. The former Ohio State star said they had a "good conversation," but added that his position hasn't changed.

"If I'm going play a few more years, it's a matter of giving myself the best chances of winning," Carter said of his desire to play in a Super Bowl. "It's not based on relationships. If I thought [the Vikings] were even close, I would consider it. But I don't think they're going to have that chance. I know they're rebuilding."

The list of teams said to be in the running for Carter’s services includes New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Miami, Denver, Tampa Bay and St. Louis.

Reed won’t have nearly as many options as his more celebrated teammate after being limited him to just 27 catches for 309 yards as Minnesota’s No. 3 man last year. Jacquet’s failure to emerge as a top return man probably means he’ll be plying his trade elsewhere in 2002.

Willie Jackson, New Orleans Saints
Team officials are reportedly eager to re-sign Jackson in the wake of a solid 2001 season in which he posted career bests by pulling in 81 catches for 1,046 yards. Jackson's performance helped the Saints fill the void created by the disastrous season of last year's top free agent acquisition, Albert Connell.

However, the Saints, who still reportedly still view the former fourth-round draft pick as a No. 3 man rather than a starter, aren't expected to offer Jackson starting money. That won't sit well with the former Cowboy, Jaguar and Bengal, who believes he's more than proven his worth by emerging as a key offensive contributor in back-to-back seasons.

My guess says Jackson won't have much trouble finding interested suitors -- Green Bay among them -- should he decide to test the open market next month. And for what it's worth, Jackson played his college ball at the under Steve Spurrier at Florida.

According to those who follow the team closely, the Saints will try to add a pair wideouts via free agency whether Jackson remains with the team or not. More specifically, team officials are hoping to snare an experienced veteran and a speedy deep threat to complement Joe Horn.

The list of possible candidates currently includes Minnesota’s Carter and Reed, St. Louis’ Az-Zahir Hakim, Carolina’s Hayes and Green Bay’s Schroeder and Bradford.

Joe Jurevicius, New York Giants
Jurevicius' future with the Giants is uncertain at best. The problem? Team officials like him, but the former Penn State star wants a guaranteed starting spot -- and that’s something the Giants can't guarantee.

Bobby Shaw, Pittsburgh Steelers
Even if they don’t lose Troy Edwards to the Houston Texans in Monday's expansion draft, the Steelers are expected to make every effort to re-sign Shaw, a finesse player who was more than willing to throw himself into blocking assignments with more vigor than expected.

The bottom line here says Shaw is ideally suited for the role of slot receiver. Throw in the fact that team officials believe he’s much more coachable than Edwards and it looks like the former Seahawk will continue to line up as Pittsburgh’s No. 3 man for the foreseeable future.

Az-Zahir Hakim and Ricky Proehl, St. Louis Rams
The Rams would like Hakim back, but they aren't going to pay him starter's money to be a No. 3 receiver behind Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.

There are a handful of teams who are expected to pursue Hakim as a potential starter, including the Chiefs -- who some say began pursuing him long before the 2001 season was over -- and possibly the Giants, who could use an infusion of speed as well as somebody capable of replacing Tiki Barber on punt returns.

While some observers wonder if the 5-9, 182-pound Hakim is capable of holding up to the physical abuse he’s certain to face as a starter, his speed and ability run precise routes all but guarantee significant interest.

It all boils down to something Patriots cornerback Terrell Buckley told reporters after this year’s Super Bowl: “That Hakim is a bitch to cover."

As for Proehl, my guess says the Rams will go out of their way to keep the veteran possession man. Don’t forget that Proehl, with 40 catches for 563 yards and five touchdowns, was the only St. Louis wideout to post better numbers this season than last year.

Tim Dwight and Glyn Milburn, San Diego Chargers
The acquisition of Dwight was a key component of the trade sending San Diego's No. 1 pick in last year's draft to Atlanta and the Chargers are eager to get everything they can out of that deal. That being the case, management recently opened talks with Dwight's agent and team officials are more than willing to give the diminutive speedster a shot at a starting job this summer.

Make no mistake about it: Dwight is not only fast, but he's capable of making the tough catch, too.

However, there's still some question as to whether he's capable of holding up to a starting assignment from a physical standpoint. After all, a collapsed lung sidelined the 5-9, 180-pounder for six games last year and he hasn’t made in an appearance in all 16 games during any of his four years as a pro.

All of which means GM John Butler will probably keep an eye out for a free agent backup capable of complementing Curtis Conway if need be.

Re-signing Milburn isn’t a priority at this point.

Bobby Engram, Seattle Seahawks
Engram's chances of re-signing with Seattle will improve greatly if the Houston Texans select return man Charlie Rogers in Monday's expansion draft. Engram averaged 16 yards per punt return over last season with Rogers sidelined for three games by an injured foot.

Reidel Anthony, Jacquez Green and Karl Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The latest word in Tampa says Anthony and Green are as good as gone after failing to deliver with any consistency in 2001. While it’s still not clear where the duo might wind up, I’ll once again point out that both men worked under Spurrier during their respective collegiate careers at Florida.

Of course, if the Bucs let both men take a walk this offseason, who lines up as the starter opposite Keyshawn Johnson in 2002?

While the obvious answer would be landing a top free agent -- Minnesota’s Carter comes immediately to mind -- those who follow the team closely believe the Bucs might be ready to let current reserves Frank Murphy and Milton Wynn fight for the No. 2 spot in training camp this summer.

Murphy, a former running back, has the size and strength necessary to emerge as a topnotch downfield blocker and the speed necessary to keep opposing defenses honest. But he needs to work on his pass-catching skills and footwork before anybody mistakes him for a truly polished prospect.

Nonetheless, given Johnson’s postseason request to move to the weak side where he can run deeper routes and possibly make bigger plays, those who follow the team closely say Murphy just might be capable of stepping in as the starter on the strong side.

A versatile role player who worked primarily out of the slot in 2001, Williams was clutch in third-down situations, turning 15 of his 24 total catches into first downs. It remains to be seen, however, if his efforts in the regular offense were enough to overcome the shortcomings Williams demonstrated as a return man after a season in which he seemed to have a hard time fielding fair catches and holding onto to the pigskin during runbacks.

Michael Westbrook, Eric Metcalf, Washington Redskins
While the arrival of a pass-happy head coach like Spurrier have almost certainly prompted Westbrook to re-think his desire to play elsewhere next year, the former first-round draft pick’s chances of returning to Washington in 2002 aren’t good.

The problem? According to reports out of team headquarters, owner Dan Snyder doesn't like him.

Case closed.

Long time observers expect the 'Skins to make a strong push for Hakim, who would work as the No. 2 man opposite second-year starter Rod Gardner. However, if they’re unable to sign Hakim -- or another equally suitable candidate -- early in the free agent signing period, look for team officials to use their first-round pick in April's draft to acquire a top prospect.

According to local reports, Metcalf -- who appears to be near the end of his career after signing with Washington as a stop-gap punt return man last year -- has shot at returning in 2002 as long as he doesn’t get too greedy.

There you have it boys and girls. ... Remember: This is an early look at just some of the possible scenarios surrounding the players in question and it's safe to assume things will change as the offseason progresses. Keep an eye on this column in the coming weeks to keep up with those changes.

Check back next week for an early look at this year's crop of free agent tight ends.

Bob Harris is Editor and Webmaster of the TFL Report and Senior Editor for Fantasy Sports Publications

 

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