5 Best Free-Agent WRs in the NFL

A veteran wide receiver can make all the difference for teams that lack leadership at the position, and this year, there are a number of legitimate playmakers who are going to be free agents.

However, two of the top options aren't likely to hit the open market.

The New England Patriots' Wes Welker and San Diego Chargers' Vincent Jackson will both see long-term deals offered them by their respective teams this offseason.

Welker was never going to go anywhere; even though tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez have taken a more featured role in the Patriots passing game, Welker is Brady's go-to guy.

Welker had the second-most regular season yards of any receiver this year, with over 1,500, as well as nine scores. He will be locked into a long-term contract once the Super Bowl is over.

Jackson's status seemed more tenuous. He's been trouble in the past, with multiple arrests detracting from his considerable talents. But he stepped up this year, with 1,106 yards and three scores.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is open to negotiating with Jackson; if successful, he will be in San Diego for quite a while. If they don't make a deal, he'll be a game-changing addition to his new offense.

It's improbable that the Philadelphia Eagles will offer DeSean Jackson a contract extension after his down year in 2011 that saw him with just 961 receiving yards and four scores.

He's been accused of quitting on his teammates a number of times this year and clearly wants the Eagles to be a pass-heavy team that features him on every offensive play.

He'd be better suited on a team that needs a primary target, though his attitude problems might keep his price tag low.

Reggie Wayne's future in the NFL is tied to what happens to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. If Manning has a new home in 2012, look for Wayne to follow.

He's aging and won't command a big paycheck, but his familiarity with Manning is priceless for any team that will need to work Manning into their offense.

Finally, New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham has become superfluous to his longtime team and will likely hit the free-agent market when the league year begins. Manningham has a great deal of upside despite his disappointing 2011 season and should command a bidding war if the Giants choose not to re-sign him.

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