The NFL free agency class for 2016 has some solid names at wide receiver, with players like Alshon Jeffery, Travis Benjamin, Rishard Matthews, Jermaine Kearse, James Jones, Anquan Boldin, Marvin Jones, Rueben Randle and Percy Harvin hitting the market.
Alshon Jeffery is the top player in the class, but he is expected to remain with the Chicago Bears into next season. Jeffery likely will be targeted by a number of teams on the market, but most around the NFL expect him to return to the Bears. Jeffery was nagged by injuries last season and that could have an effect on his market and his negotiations with the Bears, but ESPN Bears reporter Jeff Dickerson writes that Jeffery is "likely" to return to Chicago.
While there aren't any "elite" WR options hitting the market this offseason, there are a number of solid players that could cash in after having strong seasons. Travis Benjamin and Jermaine Kearse each put up career high numbers, while Rishard Matthews had a very solid season for the Miami Dolphins. According to ESPN Cleveland, Benjamin has started talking with the Browns about a new contract and is likely to return, but so far a deal has not yet been reached.
Benjamin could be a popular target on the market, as he showed last season that he has explosive ability as a wide receiver and as a return man. Benjamin finished last season with a career-best 68 catches for 966 yards and five touchdowns and that could result in a nice payday for him. Kearse is coming off of his best year for the Seahawks, but the emergence of rookie Tyler Lockett may keep Kearse from returning to the team next season.
Kearse said to ESPN that he is not looking to take a hometown discount to remain in Seattle and that could be another factor in him leaving for next season. Kearse put up career numbers with 49 catches for 685 yards and five touchdowns and he could slot in for a number of teams as a number two receiver. Kearse showed off his skills in the playoffs with 11 catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns for the Seahawks and that final performance in Seattle could also get him some attention on the market.
Matthews only played in 11 games last season after dealing with a rib injury, but before that he was the most consistent receiver for the Dolphins behind Jarvis Landry. Matthews finished the season with 43 catches for 662 yards and he was a better option for the team over Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker. Jennings may be released this offseason, but with Parker still around and Stills also sticking in Miami, Matthews may not get re-signed by the team.
James Jones, Percy Harvin, Marvin Jones and Rueben Randle also could be targets for teams on the market this offseason. Jones is hoping to return to the Packers, but the emergence of Jeff Janis may keep the team from signing him back in free agency.
