The NFL draft is over and with training camps coming, free agents like James Jones, Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker and Steven Jackson are still on the market and teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears could be potential landing spots for some of those players in the coming weeks.
The end of the draft usually sees a high number of undrafted players sign free agent deals and once training camp rosters get set, teams can continue to make moves. Jones was released by the Raiders after the draft and it came after the team took Amari Cooper with the number four overall pick. Jones had a solid run with the Raiders and he put up decent numbers while helping Derek Carr get established in his rookie season.
Jones could be a potential target for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks and Vikings, as all of those clubs have some depth issues at wide receiver. Wayne was not signed back by the Colts and he has been on the market all offseason with little interest. Wayne is way past his prime and while he is a solid player and one of the most productive receivers of all time, he likely would only be fit for a reserve role with teams.
Welker comes in after dealing with some injuries and concussions last year, but he said that he is cleared to play. According to CBS Sports, Welker was cleared by doctors about his concussions and that could set him up for some meetings moving forward. Welker met with the Dolphins earlier in the offseason, but after the team took DeVante Parker and Tony Lippett, they likely are not looking at adding receivers.
The Green Bay Packers were reportedly interested in Welker as well, but they likely will not add a veteran like him after the draft. The team took Ty Montgomery and they already have Jeff Janis and James Abbrederis as young players behind Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams. Welker put up some of the lowest numbers of his career with the Broncos last season, but he said that he was interested in playing and he could be a fit for a team like the Dolphins or Browns as a depth option.
The Browns have Josh Gordon facing a suspension and they could look at adding a vet or two for training camp. The team did not go after a top receiver in the draft and while they signed Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline as free agents, the team likely needs more depth for Josh McCown. The team could look at Welker or Jones as options and Jones could be a nice fit after putting up solid numbers with the Raiders.
Jones was only set to make just over $3 million for the Raiders and he now could look at taking less if it means getting in with another tea. The Raiders signed Michael Crabtree this offseason and they also added Cooper in the draft. The Dolphins signed Greg Jennings before adding Parker and with Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Rishard Matthews on the team, they could stand pat when it comes to receivers.
