The 2016 NFL free agent class has a deep list of wide receivers hitting the market, including Anquan Boldin, Alshon Jeffery, James Jones, Jermaine Kearse, Rishard Matthews, Rueben Randle, Mohamed Sanu, Andre Holmes, Hakeem Nicks, Rod Streater, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jordan Norwood.
Jeffery is the top name heading towards free agency, but all indications have the Chicago Bears pushing to retain the wide receiver. Boldin has proven to be a productive player despite his age and he could be a main target on the market for teams, while Kearse also could net a nice contract after being a reliable receiver for the Seahawks over the past couple years. James Jones is hopeful to return to the Packers after having a strong season, while Randle could be a target for teams if the Giants let him go.
Players like Percy Harvin and Travis Benjamin are also hitting the market, but those two have good chances to end up back with their current teams. Harvin and his future with the Bills has been up in the air due to injuries from this past season, but general manager Doug Whaley said that he would "love" to bring back Harvin on a new deal, according to WGR 550 Buffalo. Harvin played in just five games for the Bills, but he still showed the explosive ability at times that made him a star player with the Vikings years ago.
Benjamin had a breakout season with the Cleveland Browns and according to Benjamin, his representatives have been talking to the Browns and a deal is "75 to 80 percent" done to keep him in Cleveland. Benjamin would be a likely target for teams on the market after putting up 68 catches for 966 yards and five touchdowns to set career highs across the board. Jeffery is likely to stay in Chicago, as the team potentially could use the franchise tag on him if a new contract can't be agreed on. Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune writes that he would be "very surprised" if the Bears let Jeffery go.
Matthews had a very solid season for the Dolphins after nearly getting cut in the offseason, putting up 43 catches in 11 games before getting injured. Matthews stepped up with DeVante Parker injured and he outplayed Greg Jennings, who could be released this offseason. Matthews is a likely target to return to Miami, but he could get more money from another team potentially.
Jones reportedly told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he hopes to come back to the Packers next season, saying he wants to "finish his career here." Jones signed in the preseason and ended up having a very productive season, putting up 50 catches for 890 yards and eight touchdowns for the Packers. Jermaine Kearse should get some attention on the market after setting career highs with 49 catches for 685 yards and five TDs this season. According to ESPN.com, Kearse is not planning to take a hometown discount to stay with the Seahawks.
