2012 NFL Free Agents: Which WRs Will San Francisco 49ers Target in Free Agency?

NFL teams in need of a receiver were likely holding their breath as the franchise tag deadline came and passed Monday. Luckily for those teams, only three tags were put on receivers: Wes Welker (Patriots), Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs) and DeSean Jackson (Eagles). 

With only two receivers under contract for 2012, the San Francisco 49ers are definitely one team that may be targeting a player at that position in free agency. 

While the pool of receivers has dried up slightly, there's still some "intriguing names" that will get to free agency, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. 

Barrows lists six receivers that the 49ers could target once free agency opens on March 13. 

Here's a quick run down of those receivers:

Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

What Barrows said:

"

The 49ers, who courted Plaxico Burress and Braylon Edwards last year in free agency, like big-bodied wide receivers, and they also could use a downfield threat to complement Crabtree.

"

Breakdown: 

Jackson is going to be the most sought-after receiver on the market. The likely bidding war that will ensue might take the 49ers out of the running early.

Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

What Barrows said:

"

Wallace has two coveted assets – youth and speed. He's one of the fastest players in the NFL and someone who will make defensive coordinators think twice about stacking the line of scrimmage to stop the run.

"

Breakdown: 

Wallace being a restricted free agent makes him a long-shot. The 49ers would have to send Pittsburgh a first-round pick and pay Wallace big bucks.

Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints

What Barrows said:

"

He's very much a 49ers-type player in that he's reliable and hard-working, and he doesn't mind doing the blocking and other dirty work required at his position. The former seventh-round draft pick has become one of Drew Brees' favorite targets.

"

Breakdown: 

Colston might be the top option available for the 49ers. He doesn't have game-breaking speed and there's some injury worries, but he's one of the more accomplished receivers on the market. Plus, he shouldn't command the crazy salary that Jackson or Wallace would. 

Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts

What Barrows said:

"

He's young and quick, and he was surprisingly productive in the Colts' Peyton Manning-less offense in 2011. He will be a hot commodity.

"

Breakdown:

Garcon has the vertical speed that the 49ers are likely to pursue this offseason. But he's looking for big money on the open market—money that might overvalue his worth.

Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints

What Barrows said:

"

The former first-round pick has size and speed but is inconsistent. He was not nearly as productive as Colston in an offense that appeared custom-made for someone with his talents.

"

Breakdown:

Barrows nails exactly why the 49ers might be hesitant to give Meachem starting-receiver money. If he can't put up big numbers in New Orleans, can he be expected to in San Francisco?

Laurent Robinson, Dallas Cowboys

What Barrows said:

"

He's young, he's fast, and he led the Cowboys last season with 11 touchdowns. The question is if the journeyman is a one-hit wonder.

"

Breakdown:

There's a lot of risk in signing Robinson and expecting him to be a No. 1 or 2 receiver. He'll get more money than he deserves on the open market because of his breakout season in 2011.